Tutorials

How do you keep your acrylic paint from drying so quickly? Here is a common question I get, so I[...]

I’ll show you my acrylic blending techniques! Acrylic paint can be so frustrating to work with! It is notoriously difficult[...]

I’ll show you a 30 minute portrait of a woman with red hair and a dark skin tone! In this[...]

I’ll show you how I do a "serious" self-portrait, alla prima. I like the contrast and strong lighting on my[...]

I’ll show you how  I paint an  acrylic portrait in half an hour. I am working on a portrait of[...]

How do you paint smoothly with your brush?  Do you struggle to apply your layers of paint? Are you frustrated[...]

How to paint a realistic skin tone using the glazing technique. In this video, I show you how to paint[...]

Painting dog fur and muzzles Watch the video to learn more about how to paint nuances on dog fur and[...]

Which is more vibrant—glazing or opaque?  Find out as I do a color wheel using those two different techniques. https://youtu.be/bis9h3z_vFk?si=-QJ6BR6SOwhkbwLo[...]

How do you preserve the details of your sketch?  Here is an 11" x 14" acrylic portrait I finished, using[...]

Did you know that there are common ideas of people about portrait painting? There are three common ideas people have[...]

How do you paint landscapes? Watch this free video tutorial to learn more. https://youtu.be/M41tre-FS6k?si=h5ObfX2e1qFwo7g-   LEARN MORE  Sketching Your Painting[...]

How do you finish you acrylic painting?  After the ancient Israelites left their bondage in Egypt, the Amalekites came out[...]

How do you paint mountains?  How do you paint mountains so that they appear naturally in the distance and have[...]

How do you paint a dog?  https://youtu.be/tfDbQ1oeY4E?si=R7jPPV9mOHEx4wEE LEARN MORE  Sketching Your Painting Accurately Beginning a Pet Portrait in Acrylic The[...]

I'm SO excited for the new painting class that I will be opening up tomorrow! So what's the difference between[...]

How do you paint trees and landscapes? In this video demonstration for my student Diane's portrait (with a big landscape[...]

Painting a landscape using the Alla Prima technique!   This is a special edition of the 30-minute acrylic portrait, where[...]

Which technique did you use to create your acrylic portrait?  Working on that painting of Moses, Aaron and Hur again[...]

Painting a acrylic portrait in half an hour. It's time for another 30-minute acrylic portrait, where we paint a portrait[...]

Artists can save up to 50% or more on acrylic paint. Save up to 50% or more on acrylic paint[...]

How do you paint white dresses?  In this video, I'd like to share with you some advanced techniques for making[...]

How do you build depth in your acrylic landscape? Every portrait painter will encounter landscape backgrounds sooner or later as[...]

Do you want to learn how to draw a pencil portrait?  Many artists struggle with pencil portraits and making them[...]

Learn how to paint realistically cool and skin tones. In this video, I show you how to paint skin tone[...]

Get ready to perfect your lip painting in acrylic portraits.  I'm snagging a bonus video from the 2020 Fall Acrylic[...]

Learn the 30-minute acrylic painting technique that brings this portrait to life with a few genuine strokes.  Back to another[...]

Create stunning portraits with the acrylic glazing technique. If you've been following my teaching for a while, you know I[...]

Achieve your  ideal skin tone when creating portraits on a hardboard.  We're going back in time to the portrait of[...]

Discover the secrets to stunning red hair portraits! Unlock the secrets of painting breathtaking nuances on red hair with this[...]

Do you want to paint wrinkles realistically? I'll show you how to create realistic mid-tones when you're trying to paint[...]

How do you sketch freehand? To learn more watch my free tutorial about how I sketch a portrait of a[...]

How do add shadow in your painting! In this video, I show you how to paint shadows around the feet[...]

Do you find it challenging to paint Ripples in Water? Sometimes when you do a portrait, you are called upon[...]

How do you paint trees? To learn more watch my free tutorial about how to paint trees in the distance[...]

It's hard enough to paint an acrylic portrait, but when the faces are tiny? That just doubles the challenge.  In[...]

Painting hands is challenging in a portrait. In my video, I want to show you how to paint hands clasped[...]

How do you paint grey hair? Watch my free tutorial below to learn more how I paint grey hair in[...]

It's something all artists dread: getting a hole torn in your canvas. Sooner or later, it's probably going to happen[...]

Did you know there's a color that's darker than black? Yes, you can use my "secret" color to increase the[...]

Painting Wrinkles in Jeans with Acrylics!   To learn more watch my free tutorial about how to paint wrinkles on[...]

Clothing can be challenging to paint. In this video tutorial, I'll show you advanced techniques for making your clothing, especially[...]

I'll show you how to add special nuances, that is, titanium white highlights for your grisaille acrylic portrait. A grisaille[...]

I’ll show you how to color, glaze using acrylic to build up shading and color.  In classical painting, a grisaille[...]

Most store-bought canvases are not primed very well and can benefit from another layer or two of gesso.  I'll show[...]

I’ll share with you my introduction to the shading and skin tones super bundle. If you struggle with shading and[...]

Finishing a portrait is challenging yet incredibly satisfying. In this video, I'll show you how I finished this 24" x[...]

Contrast is so important in a painting. In this video, I will show you how you can add contrast, that[...]

What can you do for a portrait painting in 30 minutes? In this video, I'd like to show you a[...]

Back to doing another 30-minute acrylic portrait, where I paint an Alla Prima portrait in about half an hour. This[...]

With the right techniques, you can create realistic clothing wrinkles. In this free video tutorial, I’ll show you how to[...]

I’ll show you my amazing way  to ship a painting that will definitely save time and money.  Ditch the cardboard[...]

Having trouble shading and toning small faces? It can be challenging to balance depth and realism without overwhelming delicate features.[...]

 Let me show you how I do it in this real-time video tutorial. You can do this in your acrylic[...]

Hands are challenging to paint in any medium. In acrylic, because it is difficult to blend, that can be even[...]

How do you get rid of the pencil lines from the sketch? We'll cover that too.  In this video, I'll[...]

I finished up the dark brown glazes over my portrait of Paul the Apostle praying using raw umber dark, trying[...]

I'd like to share with you the next step on the Caravaggio-style painting I did of Paul the Apostle praying...adding[...]

Add a lighter values on top of the dark instead of carving around them. Did I ruin it? Painting a[...]

 I will show you the secrets of making dark hair look realistic, especially when it's curled or wavy. Mixing the[...]

What do you do when you have to trace a portrait for a painting? Do you want to dive into[...]

How do you paint people are standing in front of trees and other foliage? As portrait painters, we are often[...]

Did you know that tracing doesn't always result in a high-quality portrait? And it won't even guarantee an excellent sketch?[...]

How small nuances make a big difference in an acrylic portrait? When you're painting small faces in an acrylic portrait,[...]

I am working on the 30 x 40 battle scene of Moses, Aaron and Hur again and I'm adding some[...]

Raw umber dark is my favorite color. In this video, I'll show you how to make your own. It's a[...]

 It's important to know how to paint greenery in your acrylic portrait. You'll probably be asked to do it at[...]

 Skin tones can be challenging, as all portrait artists know. But I've discovered that using micro-layers of acrylic, diluted with[...]

 Did you know there's a certain color you can add to your reds to make it more vibrant as you[...]

How do you glaze your background colors in acrylic? I'll demonstrate how I painted with glazing background colors and more[...]

Painting clothing can be tricky, especially when the color is white. How do you make it look realistic? What shadows[...]

Once they apply paint, many artists struggle with losing proportions and likeness in their sketch. I want to help you[...]

How do you block in shading and skin tones in acrylic?   Watch my tutorial to learn more about how[...]

Students who are new to my glazing technique have a lot of questions. So many mediums to choose from. Which[...]

 Ever wonder how you to paint rich color tones in the fur of a pet portrait and make it look[...]

 In portraits, the clothing that the people wear is very important. How do you make it look realistic? It's all[...]

How do you paint dark clothing with glazing technique? I'm working on this 24 x 30 acrylic portrait of 30[...]

How do I apply the first skin tone layer using acrylic glazing? In this video real-time portrait painting demonstration, I[...]

I'll  show you step, by step, how I develops shading with the acrylic glazing technique. Shading-- the transition from a[...]

How do you sketch in you acrylic with a grid?   Watch my tutorial to learn more about how to[...]

If you’re a portrait artist, it won’t be long before you’ll be asked to paint a portrait someone’s beloved pet.[...]

Every house has a foundation. A painting is no different. I'll show you how I helps a student in the[...]

After creating your sketch, what's the next step? I'll shows you how begins the first layers of paint in this[...]

Do you want to paint realism better? If you want to paint realism better, there are three different light sources[...]

 I'll show you my new painting course on shading!   Watch the free video tutorial below to learn more about[...]

Do you want to learn to create realistic painting? I'll show you the mystery of realism in painting. Did you[...]

I'll show you the basic component of shading. Learn how to shade better in acrylic by understanding the foundation of[...]

Improve your acrylic portrait painting By correctly determining what kind of lighting is in your reference photo. I'll show you [...]

 I'll show you how I give critique of pet portrait sketch to my student. Do you find it difficult to[...]

I'll show you how I remarque a canvas print. If you want to make your fine art canvas print a[...]

How do you apply a burnt sienna glaze your portrait? Here you will learn how I applies a burnt sienna[...]

I'll show you how I painted "smoldering wick acrylic on a 30 x 40 acrylic on canvas. Using the Renaissance-style[...]

Find out how to sketch a portrait freehand in 45 minutes. I demonstrate by freehand drawing a pencil sketch of[...]

Do you have trouble painting realistic wrinkles in acrylic? My first live YouTube video! Watch me as I paint a[...]

How do you paint hair using the glazing technique?  In this lesson, I'll show you how I paint hair in[...]

Do you struggle to get accurate features in your portrait? In this interactive video critique, I'll show you how to[...]

How do you paint skin tones in your portrait that looks realistic? In this 11" x 14" commissioned portrait, I[...]

Varnishing is an important part of protecting your acrylic painting and making it looks its best. Let me show you[...]

 Let me show you a common mistake many artists make (I have too) when it comes to painting or drawing[...]

 You will learn the importance of contrast, and correct value. Lastly how to adjust certain areas of your painting early[...]

Are you tired of wasting acrylic paint on a palette that dries out too quickly? Frustrated with the time it[...]

Something is off with this portrait. Can you spot it? In this fifth video of the oval acrylic portraits series,[...]

How do you add shadows and give the illusion of wet, stringy hair? Many artists struggle to paint hair that[...]

How do you paint the nose in your acrylic portrait painting? Do you know how to paint a nose? That's[...]

What techniques do you use to paint hair that looks realistic? Painting realistic-looking hair in your acrylic portrait doesn't need[...]

Learn how to paint wrinkles with convincing light and shadow. This is the ninth video in our series of oval[...]

If you're looking at improving your portrait paintings, drawing freehand can really help. In this video, I'll show you a[...]

Can you paint the same painting twice? A client asked if I could paint two acrylic paintings I did previously,[...]

I'll share some initial layers using the acrylic glazing technique as I paint a Biblical portrait of Elijah and Elisha[...]

I'll show you how to paint professional-looking nuances on your acrylic portrait. Using the glazing technique, you will learn how[...]

I critique three artists' paintings from the acrylic portrait painting challenge. In this video, I show what is working well[...]

 In this video, I'll show you how I toned (or added a ground too) the entire canvas for my acrylic[...]

In this portrait of Daniel praying, I'll show you how I continued on past the initial raw umber dark glaze[...]

Do you wonder how artists achieve such realistic portraits? In this video, I'll show you how to deepen the contrast[...]

I'll show you how to add highlights using the glazing technique. In this video tutorial, I will show you how[...]

 If you paint with acrylics and are tired of struggling with blending, muddy colors, and paint drying too fast, let[...]

In this video, I'll show you how I paint details on a man's clothing—his hat and jacket, in my example[...]

 If you plan to make a great acrylic portrait, it's vital to have a good photo to work from. In[...]

What's up with the foil on your palette? Many artists have asked me, "What's up with the foil on your[...]

In this video, I take a slightly different approach and add highlights to my painting early on in the process.[...]

Do you struggle with drawing pencils? I have three tips to help you draw better pencil portraits. Let me share[...]

I'll show you the layering techniques in shading. In this video demo, I’ll show you how to use layering techniques[...]

Watch me As I give critique to my Sister-in-law. Earlier this week, my brother and sister-in-law stopped by my studio.[...]

How do you arrange the composition of a multi-person portrait?   Watch the video below to learn how to arrange[...]

Do I need to varnish my acrylic painting?" Yes, and I'll show you how to Varnish an Acrylic Painting. Let[...]

I'd like to show how I adjust the eyes in an acrylic portrait. This is a small snippet of an[...]

I'd like to demonstrate the glazing technique for you. Earlier this week, I finished a portrait at an outside dinner[...]

Learn how to paint a portrait in 30-minute acrylic portrait.  Learn how to paint an acrylic portrait faster! I'll demonstrate,[...]

 Learn how to paint an acrylic portrait faster! I'll demonstrate, in real-time, an Alla prima portrait of a pensive young[...]

For those of you that know me, I have long championed the technique of glazing paint onto a white canvas,[...]

I'll show you how to paint a 30-minute acrylic portrait of a woman with black hair. Learn how to paint[...]

Learn how to paint an acrylic portrait faster!  with my 30 minute acrylic portrait painting.    I'll demonstrate, in real-time,[...]

I'll show you the first few layers of an acrylic glazing portrait I painted. I'm back to working on the[...]

I'll show you how I add darker values to an acrylic painting. In this video of a painting of ancient[...]

Shading can be used to create a convincing photo.  I'll show you  how I  draw facial features on a pencil[...]

 Let me show you a few techniques for shading in your pencil portrait sketch. In this video, I'm drawing a[...]

Do you want to paint  portrait quickly and easily with freehand portrait sketch? In this video, I demonstrate how to[...]

I'll show  you a sketching book cover illustration.   In this video, I'll show you a portion of the process of[...]

In this video, I use acrylic glazing technique to demonstrate a book cover on watercolor paper. This technique allows you to[...]

How you start an acrylic portrait is so important. In this video, taken from an in-person workshop I taught recently.[...]

Hair is challenging to paint. How do you add  realism to the hair? In this video, I'll show you new[...]

 An acrylic portrait just doesn't feel complete until you have it varnished. But how do you do it successfully? Let[...]

I'll show you how to use cool colors for clothing shadows in your acrylic portrait using the glazing technique. This[...]

 With the acrylic glazing technique, it's easy to adjust your background and make it darker. You can also add wonderful[...]

I show you how to block in the value structure using the acrylic glazing technique. Back to this large 30"[...]

I'll show you how I painted the acrylic portrait with short silver hair. How do you paint short hair in[...]

Next to the eyes, the mouth is the most important feature to capture in a portrait. In this quick step-by-step[...]

What colors do you use for shadows in your acrylic portrait?  Cooler colors really can help to add the realism[...]

What colors do you use for shadows in your acrylic portrait? Cooler colors really can help to add the realism[...]

It's those final nuances and details that can really make a portrait look realistic. In this video, I'll show you[...]

Earrings are an often neglected detail on an acrylic portrait. In this video, I'll show you how to paint earrings,[...]

I'll show you how I paint the details of a woman's hair, in an acrylic portrait. As an example, I[...]

Ok. You just got done tracing an image for your portrait painting. Now what? Begin painting? Not so fast! :)[...]

This is a small snippet of an intensive two-day workshop, where I help a student adjust the shape of the[...]

A question I get asked a lot is: how do you varnish an acrylic painting? There's a lot of controversy[...]

Better drawing=better painting. So today, I'm going to show you some tips on how to improve your drawing. I'll be[...]

Sometimes an acrylic painting doesn't always go the way you want it to go. Then you need to make adjustments.[...]

The way we begin an acrylic painting is super important and determines, in many ways, how it will end up.[...]

Eyes are the most important feature of an acrylic portrait. When you paint the eyes correctly, everything else seems to[...]

Let's help you finish your painting! In this lesson, we will be wrapping up the Masterclass series for the challenge![...]

After building the foundation with several layers of value, form, and color, we can then start to "dial in" the[...]

Acrylic is a fantastic medium for portrait painting, but it can be so challenging to use! That is why I[...]

Acrylic portrait painting, in many ways, is like creating a sculpture. We want to truly make our faces look realistic[...]

If you remember the childhood story, "The Tortoise and the Hare," you recall that the hare started out really fast[...]

Think of the acrylic glazing technique as a Polaroid camera print. Remember those? You would load up the small film[...]

Just like a contractor would never dream of building a home without a sure foundation, we shouldn't try to paint[...]

One of the biggest struggles portrait artists have is getting an accurate likeness. In this lesson, I will show you[...]

"Can I paint a portrait?" This is the question so many of my students asked themselves prior to taking my[...]

It was last year around this time that I got news of my state doing a lockdown because of the new[...]

Let's address the elephant in the room: tracing as a portrait artist. Is it OK? Is it cheating? I'm going[...]

Painting beard hair, facial hair or stubble in your acrylic portrait doesn't necessarily need tons of detail to make it[...]

Have you ever wondered if you could paint a portrait? You can. Take the Fall Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge. Last[...]

The Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge Masterclass, Lesson #8, is out!  This is our FINAL lesson together. It's kind of sad[...]

If you'd like the chance to do acrylic portrait painting with me in person, I'll be teaching a step-by-step workshop[...]

The Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge Masterclass, Lesson #7, is out!  In our last lesson, I showed you how to visualize[...]

The Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge Masterclass, Lesson #6, is out!  In our last lesson, I showed you how to add[...]

The Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge Masterclass Lesson #5 is out!  In our last two lessons, I showed you how to[...]

For a change of pace, we did the Acrylic Portrait Challenge Masterclass Lesson #4 as a LIVE class, and I'm[...]

Masterclass Lesson #3 for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge is open! In this lesson, you will learn how to slowly[...]

Masterclass Lesson #2 for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge is open! In this lesson, you will learn how to draw[...]

I'm so excited to be teaching you the first Masterclass Lesson for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge! Again, if you[...]

Here is the reference photo we will be painting from for the challenge!! I'm excited! What a photo--from the challenging[...]

It's been an exciting week so far with so many people signing up for the Acrylic Portrait Painting Challenge!  With[...]

As I type this, we're in the middle of the COVID-19 crisis. You know that. Every challenge presents opportunities. This[...]

How do you paint an acrylic portrait that looks alive? In this video, I share how I painted an 11"[...]

How do you paint clothing in an acrylic portrait so it looks realistic? As portrait artists, we give attention to[...]

Painting mustaches, beards, hair of any kind of acrylic painting can be tricky. Capturing facial hair accurately is a very[...]

Let me show you how to instantly improve your acrylic portrait by changing one little thing. Don't paint the teeth[...]

Let me show you how the acrylic glazing technique works, in a quick five minute video. I'll do that by[...]

Hair is a challenging thing to paint in acrylic. It's hard to make it look real. I want to show[...]

Would you like to paint an acrylic portrait faster without the fuss?  Let me show you how in the latest[...]

How do you finish up and sign an acrylic portrait? Is it time to "call it quits?" on your painting?[...]

Is it possible to do portrait painting while you're away from your home, your usual studio area? This was something[...]

Have you ever been frustrated trying to paint the edges of your canvas on an acrylic portrait, because the easel[...]

One of the trickiest things about acrylic portrait painting, especially when using the glazing technique, is knowing how to achieve[...]

Recently, I was asked some questions about acrylic portrait painting. I hope the answers I shared with this artist can[...]

It's been a while since I've posted to this blog! As you may already be aware, my family purchased a[...]

It's tricky to paint reflections on eyeglasses. But it's a very important detail in an acrylic portrait where the subject[...]

Thanks for joining me on another adventure of painting a quick, loosely-realistic alla prima acrylic portrait, real-time, in a half an[...]

One question I'm asked again and again is, "How much should I charge for a portrait?" I was asked this[...]

Thank you to everyone who left encouraging comments and kind words on my first episode of the "30-Minute Acrylic Portrait."[...]

It's fun to paint a portrait using the acrylic glazing technique. Although it takes a little longer, it allows you[...]

As a child, I was amazed as I watched "The Joy of Painting" host Bob Ross paint a beautiful landscape[...]

Recently, I was browsing a couple of my favorite YouTube channels, and a fellow portrait painter that I look up to,[...]

"How is my portrait project coming along?" "Um, I haven't even started it yet." "Oh. Could you do another one[...]

Learn how to paint fantastic, cloudy-looking backgrounds for your acrylic portrait, using the glazing technique. This kind of background will[...]

Would you like to learn portrait painting from me in person? I'd like to let you know that I'll be[...]

Just prior to Christmas, I finished this portrait of a local engineer. I'd like to share the process with you[...]

It is my privilege every week to judge entries for the Realistic Acrylic Portrait School Facebook Contest.  The best 5-6[...]

As an artist, I love the details of painting a portrait. But the details of shipping a portrait, not so[...]

The glazing technique can do some amazing things for you, but it can be a challenge to learn how to[...]

I remember the first time I attempted to varnish one of my paintings. It was a large portrait on hardboard,[...]

One of the most important aspects of acrylic portrait painting is setting up your palette. It's often overlooked, but having[...]

For acrylic portrait painters, and all artists, there is a truth we can't hide from: we can only paint as[...]

“What do you MOST want to learn?” This is a question I asked the artists in my Facebook group. The[...]

Sometimes as portrait artists, we are called to capture the memory of a lost loved one. It's a very special[...]

What is the best way to get better as an acrylic portrait artist? Is it by learning a new skin[...]

If you're like me, printing off reference photos for painting a portrait is a major inconvenience. You have to run[...]

Transitioning from your sketch in an acrylic portrait can be difficult.  In this video tutorial, I want to show you[...]

What is the best way to start an acrylic portrait? Do you just begin with a white canvas, and fully[...]

You have some time to paint over the weekend. You set up your reference photo, knock out a nice looking[...]

Using a grid or tracing can be a great way for artists just starting out in portrait painting to create[...]

Everyone has at least a few wrinkles. And so as portrait artists, we need to learn how to paint them--whether we're[...]

There's nothing quite as difficult as painting wrinkles. There's so many details and shapes to get right, and how do[...]

Are you just starting out in acrylic portrait painting? If so, chances are you have wondered about at least a[...]

Do you struggle sometimes with getting your acrylic portraits to look lifelike? Many artists do. It may be possible that[...]

What would it feel like for you to truly be able to paint a portrait in acrylic you could be[...]

Lifelike Sketch + Accurate Acrylic Layers + Patience= Realistic Acrylic Portrait. The equation works every time. Even when you make[...]

Last week, I shared with you the beginning of my adventure on painting a huge 48" x 72" portrait. Thank[...]

There's something about a large painting. It just seems to have more impact. Recently, I was commissioned to do a[...]

To create a realistic portrait you need a lot of different elements all working together. The main three elements are[...]

Painting the mouth, especially the teeth, in an acrylic portrait can be tricky.  It's one of the hardest parts of[...]

  Today, I'd like to show you how I painted a montage portrait--several images put together into one design. This[...]

Today, I'm going to post a mini-tutorial on how to get a smooth look with the acrylic glazing technique. Many[...]

When I was younger I often thought, "What would it be like if I hung out with my dad when[...]

Today I want to show you, step-by-step, how I painted a 11" x 14" acrylic on canvas portrait of someone[...]

Here is the final painting of my children walking through the woods, "Come as Children," 16" x 20" acrylic on[...]

Retired at age 91. My pastor served for a very long time at my church, over 40 years, and almost[...]

"What do you want me to teach on in 2018?" At the end of last year, (which was not long[...]

I'd like to show you, step-by-step, how I painted a portrait of a beautiful baby. This was a commissioned portrait,[...]

2017 is over. 2018 is underway. We've already begun to make our resolutions. Losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising--so many fun[...]