Learn to draw and paint portraits

Learning How to Draw & Paint Portraits

The fundamental criteria that all good and great portrait drawings and paintings share is a compelling BIG shape. Everything else -- design, value structure, focus, contrast and color harmony -- is subordinate to the BIG shape. The BIG shape is the marquee that attracts and draws the viewer into your drawing. In portraiture it is the big shape that, to a very large extent, determines the likeness of your subject.

Not learning how to strike the big shape is tragically the failing of many beginning artists' training.

Shape is essentially reduced to Proportion (how wide by how tall) and the Angles. If you can tell time, i.e., 2:15 as opposed to 2:20, you can get the angles.

Portrait drawing exercises

Michael Britton, Minh, 2021, Oil on Panel, 11 x 14"

In portrait drawing and painting the tried and true traditional process is to work from the outside in. That means you begin with the BIG shape, the arabesque.

This is where the likeness and emotional context is first established.

This short video will get you started on the path to saving yourself five to, even, twenty years of struggle.

And the real tragedy is that the solution is very simple: It takes only a short time to learn how to accurately and consistently strike shape!

No one is born with this skill. You must acquire it. And once acquired your development as an artist will accelerate and deepen significantly as you develop a sound knowledge of color, composition, design and anatomy.

From the BIG shape one moves onto Big Form Modeling.

The pursuit of shape remains with the painter throughout their career. Beginners begin with the BIG shape; master painters pursue concordant fractal rhythms of shape and color. It never ends. That is the beauty and deep wealth of the painting life.

The common factor in every accomplished painter is that they had a good teacher who guided them with a steady hand. A good teacher, plus perserverance, dedication and, yes, luck, being in the right place at the right time, are the key ingredients to a successful painting career.

I don't factor in talent. I have seen many 'talented' artists peak at thirty and thereafter wither on the vine. I have also taught many mature students, late bloomers, who progress with great strides and create deeply engaging works.

As a teacher I see myself as the custodian of these critical skills and my duty is to impart these skills and train you to both see and paint as an artist.

Upcoming 2022 Virtual Art Classes via ZOOM

Painting Portraits in Oil | Monday Evening Sessions

John Singer Sargent, Vernon Lee, 1881

John Singer Sargent, Vernon Lee, 1881

Next session begins Monday, July 11, 2022 at 18:30 PST.

John Singer Sargent's portrait of Vernon Lee, 1881, is remarkable for its freshness and clarity of expression.

Learn how to begin a painting without a preliminary drawing and how to quickly establish the elemental facial forms and composition in the Ebauche - the first draft of a painting.

From there proceed into the Pentimento, the overpainting and learn how to render form with an economy of means and bravura brushwork.

Portrait classes are four intensive sessions of 2 1/2 hours each on Zoom and are recorded in both Zoom and 2K Video (the sweet spot for painting - ultra high-resolution without the massive download files of 4K) which is your's to keep and further your understanding of painting.

Classes are small and all levels are welcome.

For further information write me at michael-britton-workshops@artacademy.com

'I've learnt more from your online workshops than I have from my previous face to face courses combined and at a fraction of the cost. Your teaching is comprehensive, yet clear and engaging.'

P. Delaney
Sydney, Australia