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Who today has the time -- or the patience -- for sitting for a portrait?

Yeah, right. And, honestly, does the the subject want to look bored or impatient in the painting?

So what is an artist to do, if she doesn't want to copy a photograph?

 

This is the process for a portrait painting that I use and am happy with -- and so are the subjects.

 

A) Session with the subject, duration about 2 hours.

• Take many photographs, change the persons poses and change the light conditions, so you can choose the best
• Get to know the person's features and personality by doing a number of five-minutes sketches, for your (the artist's) sake
• Make some quick colour notations. What colour is the skin in light, in shadow? What colour are the eyes, hair?

Five-minutes sketches in charcoal

 

 

B) Do preparation work

• Select the most promising photos
• Figure out the best pattern of lights and darks (value study, and/or Notan)
• Change the values of the background if needed
• Draw the minimum lines you need on your support
• Make an underpainting, if you use them

Left: Notan based on the actual scene.

Right: Designed Notan, puts emphasis on the face and head.

 

 

C) Paint

• Use all your references, but do not be a 'slave' of the photograph, you are the ruler of your kingdom
• Session with the subject, if they have the time. Focus on key elements

 

D)  Finish the painting

• If possible, have another session with the subject for the finishing touches

 

Smooth and easy, for both parties.

 

See a larger version of the portrait