3 Useful Tips to Start Painting Portraits (Oils, Gouache, Acrylics)

Do you feel ready to start painting faces, but aren't sure where to start? Would you like to know how to transition from drawing to painting faces organically in order to make the process less frustrating and overwhelming?


In this post, I will share the three main things I applied when I decided to start painting faces. As I have previously shared, I studied graphic design and have taken no formal painting classes. I wanted to make the process more organic for myself in order to avoid overwhelm, building on my skills incrementally. 

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Grayscale portrait in oils by Erika Lancaster

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Three tips to apply when transitioning from drawing to painting portraits

These tips apply for acrylics and gouache as well!

1. Always use a good reference photo and observe it CONSTANTLY throughout your painting process
Try to find one that has a good image resolution and interesting lighting. Even if your goal is not to create a painting or a drawing that looks like a specific person, it is always going to be helpful to have an image to look at throughout the process. This will help you establish realistic values and proportions. 


2. It is ESSENTIAL for you to have a good amount of practice drawing realistic faces before attempting to paint a portrait
The only reason why I did a semi-decent job in my first portrait oil painting is because I have studied facial proportions for years and have a relatively good amount of practice drawing them. Only through time spent observing and practicing will one start developing an eye for what looks good and what is off.

I once read that, since we humans look at faces probably more than anything else on a daily basis, anyone would be able to tell if something is slightly off with a portrait when they see it, even if they can't exactly pinpoint what it is. You NEED an effective sketch to start a painting off with. Or be such a pro that you have realistic proportions/angles engrained in your head so well that you can go in with your paintbrush right away. I wish to get to this point someday!
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3. Once you feel ready to try your luck at your first portrait painting, do it in grayscale
This takes away the need to create realistic skin tones if you are not yet at this point. It is better to take the learning process step-by-step! Keep in mind that, aside from facial proportions, the other important element behind creating realistic art is the effective use of color values.

I recommend focusing on setting up a palette with a variety of gray values, from lightest or darkest, and then making sure to place the different tonal values in appropriate places. I used odorless mineral spirits and Gamsol to thin out my paints and do blending. I really recommend this grayscale exercise. 

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Initial sketch on gesso-ed mixed-media sketchbook paper.

Progress day #1

I recommend moving on to color only after you have achieved effective form with grayscale. Once you have value placement down, you can practice creating skin tones and completing a face in color!
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Portrait in oils by Erika Lancaster.

Have you ever tried painting a portrait before? What do you find most difficult? I'd LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below!

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