In this lesson, instructor Amy Florence will demonstrate how to create a color study for a portrait painting using the sight-size method. You will learn to paint an under life-size portrait with a limited palette; this helps simplify the mixing process of oil paints. Amy will teach you how to start with the overall colors of lights and darks before introducing any temperature shifts on the skin tone.

This lesson belongs to the course Size-Sight Portrait Painting. In this 12-week course, you will study how to use the sight-size method in portrait painting. Amy Florence will introduce you to several materials needed for sight-size drawing and painting. She will teach you the basics of oil painting while demonstrating on a cast. Then, you will practice the sight-size technique on a portrait drawing and learn the preparatory steps for a portrait painting; they include creating value and color studies. Lastly, Amy will show you how to execute a life-size portrait painting and a large-scale portrait painting with hands. After this course, you will become more proficient with your handling of oil paints and be able to capture any portrait with confidence.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.