There are several ways to learn
how to create a portrait painting. Painting a
portrait of any person is probably the easiest. However, it does take a bit
more study, time, patience, and practice to obtain a true likeness in the
image.
For beginners it is important to
start one by one, "to finish each section before moving on to the
next".
When focusing on face there could
be several techniques to keep in mind, but a few basic ones include the flesh
color / tone and the shadows and highlights (which give to the portrait its
likeliness to the actual image of the person being painted.
Basic Skin Tone Colors-
Any beginner would have to
struggle with mixing the flesh tones, as there is no particular tome of skin in
usual. Skin tones come in various different shades and textures (combinations,
and highlights).
For example, for making a light
skin tone "titanium white can be mixed with alizarin crimson with a touch
of cadmium red". If a little amount of cadmium yellow be mixed a warm
color is created that goes for slightly darker tones. Ones you have about 5 or
6 tubes of color you will be able to create all skin tones.
All you need is to experiment and
practice, until you find the right color mixtures for any particular subject.
Never purchase any pre-mixed flesh colors. When mixing your colors be cautious
not to over mix, which can reduce a color.
Adding highlights and shadows
Shadows and highlights are the
most significant part of any depiction charcoal painting. This is because;
the shades as well highlights can give the right outline to any painting. Some parts
of the skin that essential to be painted much lighter are the upper eyelid and chubbiness
of the nose and cheeks. One can create shadows by simply adding darker paint to
your skin color.
For beginners, to have an easier
painting subject, it is recommended to have high lighting effect where light
and shadow is in high contrast (onto the subject).
Important note: While painting
backgrounds, don't make them too detailed or busy, as this can draw focus away
from your portrait.