So you want to do portraits. Good. There is no greater satisfaction for both artist and client than a well done portrait. The aim of a portrait painting or drawing is not only a good likeness of the sitter, but also the character of the person being painted. Showing the character is most difficult.
To aid in depicting character it is advisable to talk to the client, even get to know him or her and in doing so the artist might gain some insight into character. We are all different and it is these subtle differences that we should try to capture. These together with brush strokes, background and composition are the attributes that make a portrait come alive. In my opinion it takes larger portraits, almost life size, to make this possible.
One has to master the art of sketching from nature and drawing with great accuracy in order to paint a successful portrait. Portrait painting is the most difficult of all subjects, the most frustrating and the most rewarding. Not all portraits turn out and not all portraits are accepted by the client. The portrait painter must be able to accept rejection.
To get started with portrait painting it is best to master still life first. Still life teaches form, composition and light. Painting light is most important. Paint a dozen apples, for example, arranged in a pleasing composition and when you are finished match each apple you have painted with its equal on your painting. If they all match up you are well on your way to painting portraits.
When you start to paint portraits use only greys and no colors. This will help you get used to values, another very important requirement to painting portraits.
