Jane Mudd on Painting Portraits from Life & from Photos
by Jane Mudd
“Mallory with iPad”, by Jane Mudd
“Graham”, by Jane Mudd
Painting Portraits from Life
Learning how to simplify is always the most important and challenging part of starting portraits. That means composing the portrait with general forms instead of particular features. Working in oils with its lasting fluid nature aids in the making of needed changes as you paint. Mixing the hues and values before starting allows you to work quickly and spontaneously. Working directly from life is the best practice for learning how to bring that 'life' into a portrait. Talking with the sitter while working only lends to the possibility of capturing a special gesture, fleeting expression, subtle light or hue or an edge. A consistent, fluid kind of movement throughout the final composition is the reward for trusting this scary process of painting from life.
Painting Portraits from Photos
Having some experience working from life will help the artist capture that sought out life essence feel when working from a photo. Just remember working from life is messy, where working from a photo tends to be 'clean'. It's the imperfections that make us human -as well as artists! Get to know your oil paints and brushes and what they are capable of and your portrait from a photo will look not like a photo but a painting! Capturing 'your' dialogue with the subject and the medium and all the aesthetic emotions therein is your reward.
Learn With Jane Mudd
Jane Mudd will be teaching “Portraits with Expression”, a 2-day workshop at Heartland Art Club, October 13 & 14 2023, 9 AM to 4 PM. Register today!
