Portraiture is one of the most difficult areas in art. To paint a portrait in oil on canvas, you need to understand the human anatomy, to be able to observe proportions. Work with oil paints has its own characteristics and only at first glance it seems easy. However, if there is a desire and zeal, even a beginner in painting can make a wonderful gift to a loved one - a self-painted portrait.
Tips for Beginners
To understand how to draw a portrait in oil on canvas, for beginners there are many manuals and video tutorials. For successful work, it is important to know certain rules of the technique of oil painting and features of portraiture.
When writing a sketch, only experienced artists work on the canvas right away, who, in case of an error, can easily fix things with paint. It is better for beginners to work on the shape of the drawing on a cardboard sheet, where you can, without fear of spoiling the canvas, achieve the desired image. The finished sketch is transferred to the canvas.
The soil is selected in soft colors, too dark shades should be avoided. Paint is better to use high-quality, well-known brand. Thinner should only be added when it is really needed. A new coat of paint should be applied to a sufficiently dried out, but not completely dried out bottom coat.
To draw a good portrait, you need to study the proportions of the human face and practice as much as possible. One of the main conditions for successful work is the absence of fear of spoiling the canvas, writing a bad portrait, etc. Courage in improvisation and self-confidence will help to achieve the desired result faster.
Preparation for work
Before you start work, you need to prepare all the necessary tools. To write a portrait you will need:
- a person who agrees to pose for a portrait;
- a photograph if a portrait is painted in oil on canvas from a photograph;
- canvas, which should be primed in advance with a special tool;
- charcoal or pencil for writing a sketch;
- paints selected in advance for a portrait;
- turpentine for diluting paints;
- brushes.
Before you start working, it is important to carefully analyze the colors and shades of the model’s face, to study its features. You should also think over the general background of the picture and its color scheme, determine the light and the angle. Best of all, when the image is thought out in advance, and not yet getting started, the artist already imagines the mood of the picture.
If there is no suitable candidacy for sitters, you can always write a self portrait using a mirror. To see yourself from different angles, use several mirrors.
Work stages
The first thing to start is building a composition. Building it, you can use various techniques: symmetric and asymmetric lines, contrasts of colors and shapes, repeat certain elements. Do not forget about the future. This will help make the portrait oil on canvas more vibrant and voluminous. There is a linear and aerial perspective. The first is built when working directly with the image. Air - while working with paints, chiaroscuro.
After building the composition, you can directly go to the drawing. First work out the lines of the shoulder girdle, and then proceed to determine the main lines of the head. There are standard proportions, reference points and lines for building the shape of the head.
Work with paints is the final stage when writing a portrait. Paints are applied in several layers. The first layer is called undermining. For shading usually 2-3 tones are used. With the help of color and tone, the space of the picture is broken. Next begins glazing. Forms are gradually being refined and worked out in detail.
The basic rules of how to draw a portrait in oil on canvas
Sketching is the basis of all portrait work. Typically, charcoal or a pencil is used to sketch under oil paints. When working with primed canvas, coal is used, since it is easier to wash.
It is important to correctly determine the color of the face and hair, since the whole color structure of the work will depend on this. They begin to write from the area of the face that is best clear. When doing the hiding, they first proceed to the largest plane. After elaboration of large objects proceed to the details. White is used minimally, achieving the desired color by diluting dark colors with light, but other shades.
A finished portrait in oil on canvas should convey the beauty of nature. The development of all the details is not a sign of completion. The main task is to convey the mood and character of the image, and not the complete identity of the appearance.
How to draw a portrait in oil on canvas from a photograph
To write a portrait from a photograph, it is better to use a high-quality photograph, in which all the nuances are visible. Before you begin, you need to carefully study the photo: the position of the person’s head, the proportions and features of the face.
The steps for creating a portrait from a photo are exactly the same as from nature. But there are some peculiarities when working with photography. The image in the photo is flat and does not convey the entire color scheme of the face. Due to the nature of the flash on the person’s face, a lot of glare may appear in the photo, which will greatly complicate the work on the drawing.
For portrait writing it is better to use studio photos or several copies from different angles. Exact copying of the photo should be avoided, it is better to try to feel and depict the character and nature of the person in the photo.
Master Classes
You can learn to paint a portrait in oil on canvas with the help of various master classes, which are held both live and online. You should carefully prepare for the visit to the master class, choose the artist from whom you would like to take lessons.
Master classes in painting allow you to live to see the whole process of creating a portrait, get acquainted with new techniques. It should be remembered that thoughtless repetition of the leading master class artist is unlikely to teach something new. In order for the lessons to be effective, you need not only to choose an experienced and talented artist, but also try to comprehend the techniques and techniques shown to him.