Sight-Size Portrait Painting: Initial Block-in of Shadows, Lights, and Facial Features

[New Masters Academy]

In this lesson, instructor Amy Florence will demonstrate the first session of a life-size portrait painting using the sight-size method. You will focus on getting accurate measurements and establishing the placement of the facial features. Amy will show you how to block in the shadow and light masses and soften the edges to prepare for the following session.

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.

[Sami AlSaihati]

I have a question regarding the skin color mixing. Why when it came to the face skin; English red and yellow ochre was most of the mixed colors, but when it came to the body skin color cadmium red and yellow ochre was used?

S

[Daniel Daigle]

Hi Sami, It doesn’t seem like she did it for any particular reason besides maybe she wanted the tinting strength and temperature of that color in her mixture.

[Author]

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