Painting Portrait Tips / Lots of information about how to paint a portrait
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Dare to use paint!
Many novice painters are stingy with paint. OK, paint is expensive, but I think the fear of getting stuck in a general muddle of paint is the biggest malefactor. Yet the power of oil paint is in bold, pure brushstrokes, and as little as possible mixed colours.
So my motto is: be generous with paint!
What to do with the background of a portrait? I see portraits with a detailed interpretation of what is to be seen in the room. And sometimes that gives a fantastic replenishment to the subject. However I often prefer a neutral background. In a manner that it supports the portrait, in a unobtrusive way, I want to depict the subject in an acceptable, suggested setting. Not a cut out paper doll, lost in some space. Backgrounds give me the opportunity to enhance colour harmony and value contrast. I have to admit that it works one time better than the other. But always the background for me is a big challenge. 