Drawing A Portrait

 This entry was originally posted on  Saturday, July 7, 2012

Jaime

14x20"

 

If you are unable to paint from life, paint from a photograph.

Be sure to choose a photograph that has good contrast and shows the face well.

Some studio photographs that you find in magazines or the ones you have done of your children at school will often use lighting and computer software that flattens out features.

These photos are more difficult to paint from.

Good natural lighting and a person's unique features actually makes it easier to use as a map of sorts to help in painting a portrait.
If you do chose a photo from a magazine or from the web, remember to respect the copyright of the artist.
It is okay to practice your painting skills from their work.
It is not okay to sell it for profit.