FORMULA TO CONTRAST FACES
In this new post I will show you step by step the FORMULA to contrast Faces in your works.
When considering painting a portrait, it’s crucial to carefully consider the background you’re going to create. If the focus of the artwork will be specifically on the face, the background should be kept very simple so as not to distract.
In this article, I’ll explain and provide examples of how to create a suitable background that is not distracting but still interesting.
We’ll create a cool-toned background to contrast with the face.
It will be a smooth background, not heavily textured. We may adjust the values, but we won’t add texture to ensure that it doesn’t detract from the importance of the face.
I mixed cerulean blue and titanium white, and I’ll add a touch of burnt sienna to grey it down a bit and prevent it from being too saturated.
Always try to cover as many pores of the canvas or the canvas board as possible. Ensure that the oil penetrates well and leaves a smooth surface.
We’ll try to get as close as possible to the sketch (it might blend with the paint). And if corrections are necessary, we’ll make them; it’s always preferable to slightly overshoot the boundaries of our drawing. It can be fixed later on.
We can slightly increase the saturation of the color as we move downward, to prevent it from appearing too monotonous.
I’m using a worn-out flat brush. I always use the same brushes because I always work on the same supports.
You adapt to what you have.
You will have your brushes and you will adapt to the canvas size you prefer.
Adding a bit more burnt sienna to finish up.
As a final step in the background, we should create a gradient between the tones. The transition is already quite good, but it can be improved.
Simply take a clean, dry brush and blend the transitions.
If you’re unsure or not very clear on how to create a proper gradient, just CLICK HERE.
You may also be interested in: HOW TO MAKE AN EASY AND DYNAMIC SKETCH
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NEW TECHNIQUE: How to Paint Hyper-Realistic Lights and Shadows in 3 Simple Steps
If you want everyone to be amazed and ask you how you achieve such realistic lights and shadows, then you need to learn this technique.
Would you like to receive this free video? Click the button below.
In this VIDEO, you will learn:
The KEY element to correctly position lights and shadows so that each object shows depth and feels real.
How to calculate the color mixture for a natural look when applied to the canvas (even for faces and different skin tones).
The MAJOR mistake that many beginner painters make when mixing colors, making them appear inexperienced.
The third color in the shadow mixture that almost no one uses and how to calculate it (it is essential for cast shadows).
And much more.
