How to draw a portrait in oil on canvas?

Portrait painting - one of the most difficult areas in art. To paint a portrait with oil on canvas, one must understand the anatomy of a person, be able to observe proportions. Work with oil paints has its own characteristics and only at first glance it seems easy. However, in the presence of desire and zeal, even a beginner in painting can make a wonderful gift to a loved one - an independently painted portrait.

Tips for Beginners

To understand how to paint a portrait with oil on canvas, for beginners there are many manuals and video tutorials. For successful work it is important to know certain rules of oil painting technique and portrait features.

When writing a sketch at once on the canvas, only experienced artists work, which, in case of an error, can easily correct the situation with the help of paint. It is better for beginners to work on a form of drawing on a cardboard sheet, where you can achieve the desired image without fear of messing up the canvas. The finished sketch is transferred to the canvas.

The ground is chosen by soft colors, it is necessary to avoid too dark shades. Paint is better to use a quality, well-known brand. Add thinner only when necessary. A new layer of paint should be applied to a sufficiently dry, but not completely dried, lower layer.

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 - the lack of fear to spoil the canvas, write a bad portrait, etc. Courage in improvisation and self-confidence will help to achieve the desired result faster.

Preparation for work

Before you begin to work, you need to prepare all the necessary tools. To write a portrait you will need:

• A man who agrees to pose for a portrait;
• Photo, if you write a portrait of oil on canvas on the photo;
• Canvas, which should be pre-primed with a special agent;
• Coal or pencil for writing a sketch;
• Paints chosen in advance for writing a portrait;
• Turpentine for breeding paints;
• Brushes.

Before you start working, it is important to carefully analyze the colors and shades of the sitter's face, to study its features. Also, you should consider the general background of the picture and its color range, decide on the light and angle. Best of all, when the image is pre-designed, and not yet set to work, the artist already imagines the mood of the picture.

If there is no suitable nominee for sitters, you can always write a self-portrait using a mirror. To see yourself from different angles, apply several mirrors.

Stages of work

The first thing to begin with is the composition of the composition. Building it, you can use various techniques: symmetrical and asymmetric lines, contrasts of colors and shapes, repeat certain elements. Do not forget about the prospect. This will help make the portrait oil on canvas more vivid 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 constructing 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 podmalevok. For podmalevka usually used 2-3 tones. With the help of color and tone, the space of the picture is broken. Then begins the glaze. Forms are gradually refined and elaborated.

The basic rules of how to draw a portrait of oil on canvas

Writing a sketch is the basis of all the work on the portrait. Typically, sketches for oil paints use coal or a pencil. When working with a primed canvas, coal is used, since it is easier to wash.

It is important to correctly determine the complexion and hair, as this will determine the whole color scheme of the work. Writing begins with the area of the face that is best clear. Doing underpaintings, first proceed to the largest plane. After working through large objects, they begin to detail. White is used minimally, achieving the desired color by diluting the dark colors with light, but other shades.

The finished portrait with oil on canvas should convey the beauty of nature. Examining 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 exterior.

How to draw a portrait of oil on canvas with a photo

To write a portrait from a photo, it is better to use a quality photo, which shows all the nuances. Before you start, you should carefully study the photograph: the position of the human head, the proportions and features of the face.

Stages of creating a portrait of the photo are exactly the same as those from nature. But when working with a photo there are special features. The image on the photo is flat and does not convey the entire color range of the face. Because of the peculiarities of the flash on the person's face, a lot of highlights may appear on the photo, which will considerably complicate the work on the drawing.

To write a portrait, it is better to use studio photos or several copies from different angles. It is necessary to avoid the exact copying of the photo, it is better to try to feel and depict the character, the nature of the person in the photo.

Visiting of master classes

You can learn how to paint a portrait in oil on canvas with the help of various master classes that are held both live and online. To attend the master class should be carefully prepared, choose the artist from whom you would like to take lessons.

Master classes on painting allow you to see the entire process of creating a portrait live, get acquainted with new techniques. At the same time, it should be remembered that the thoughtless repetition for the master-class master is unlikely to teach the artist something new. In order for the lessons to be effective, one must not only choose an experienced and talented artist, but also try to comprehend the techniques and techniques shown to them.