Lesson Guide
This lesson guide explains the method, how to use the demonstrations, and the support you receive at no extra charge.
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This is actually a complete course on how to paint portraits. The course is divided into several learning demonstrations. Each of these demonstrations covers a specific subject.

First, browse through the demonstrations by clicking on the links. Familiarize yourself with what this course covers. If you like, you may print out the demonstrations so you will have a hard copy to work from.

You can proceed at your own pace, but to derive the maximum benefit, I ask that you allow a reasonable amount of time and not rush through the material. Also, begin with demonstration 1 and work your way through each demonstration, one by one, in the order they are presented. 

The best way to cover the material is to paint a portrait as you follow along with each demonstration.

By the time you complete all the demonstrations, your ability to paint portraits should have improved noticeably.
 

The Classical Technique of Portrait Painting in Oils
The classical technique is a general term which describes the technique of painting used by such great artists as Leonardo, Raphael, Titian, and Rembrandt. It involves building the painting up in stages (as opposed to the alla prima or "all at once" approach of many twentieth century modernists).

The stages of the technique are:

  1. Selecting the Right Support and Materials
  2. Laying out the Palette
  3. Making the Sketch
  4. Painting the Monochrome Underpainting
  5. Laying in Simple Local color Areas
  6. Overpainting With More Colors
  7. Adding Transparent Glazes and Impasto
  8. Varnishing The Finished Painting
The technique makes full use of the slow drying characteristic of oil paint. The slow drying allows for corrections.

As you study the demonstrations, note how each one explains a part of the method. Memorize the sequence of steps. Each step is vital.

I wish you great success.
Bennecelli
 

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