How to Paint Acrylic Portraits for Beginners

Are you a beginner in the art of painting portraits? Do you feel intimidated by the thought of creating lifelike images on a canvas? Fear not, because with the right techniques and guidance, you too can master the art of acrylic portrait painting.

Acrylics are a popular medium for portrait painting due to their versatility and quick drying time. However, getting started can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never painted before. From choosing the right supplies to mastering basic techniques, there are several pain points that can make the process challenging.

But don’t worry – I’m here to guide you through it all. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of how to paint acrylic portraits for beginners. With my expert tips and advice, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning portraits that capture the essence of your subject. So let’s get started!

Understanding Acrylic Paint: Why It’s Ideal for Portrait Painting

Acrylic paint is a popular medium for portrait painting, and it has many advantages over other types of paint. One of the primary benefits of acrylics is their fast-drying time. Unlike oil paints, which can take days or even weeks to dry completely, acrylics dry quickly, allowing artists to work more efficiently and complete their paintings faster.

Another advantage of acrylic paint is its versatility. Acrylics can be used on a wide range of surfaces, including canvas, paper, wood, and even metal. They can also be applied in a variety of ways, from thin washes to thick impasto layers.

Acrylics are also known for their vibrant colors and excellent lightfastness. This means that the colors will not fade or change over time when exposed to light. Additionally, acrylics are water-soluble when wet but become water-resistant once they dry.

The Benefits of Using Acrylic Paint for Portraiture

There are several reasons why acrylic paint is an ideal medium for portrait painting:

• Fast drying time: As mentioned earlier, acrylics dry quickly compared to other paints. This allows artists to make corrections or adjustments to their paintings without having to wait long periods between layers.
• Vibrant colors: Acrylic paints have intense pigmentation that produces rich and radiant colors.
• Water resistance: Once the paint dries, it becomes waterproof and resistant to damage from moisture.
• Durability: The synthetic nature of acrylic binder makes it more resistant to cracking than oil paints.

Essential Supplies You Need to Get Started with Acrylic Portrait Painting

If you’re new to portrait painting with acrylics, it’s essential to have the right supplies. Here are some of the basic tools and materials you’ll need to get started:

Paints

Acrylic paints come in a variety of colors and brands. It’s best to choose high-quality paints that offer good color pigmentation and lightfastness. The most common colors used in portrait painting include primary colors such as red, blue, and yellow, along with burnt umber, titanium white, cadmium red, cadmium yellow, and ultramarine blue.

Brushes

The type of brushes you use will depend on your personal preference and painting technique. However, it’s essential to have a range of brush sizes for different areas of the painting. You can use synthetic or natural hair brushes depending on your budget.

Canvas or Surface

You can paint on canvas or other surfaces like paper or wood panel. Canvas is a popular choice because it has a smooth texture that allows for blending without leaving brush strokes.

Palette Knife

A palette knife is useful for mixing paint on the palette or applying paint to the canvas. A small plastic one would be a great start for beginners.

Other Supplies

• Palette (to mix colors)
• Easel (optional but can make painting more comfortable)
• Cup or jar with water (to clean brushes between colors)
• Paper towels (for blotting excess paint off brushes)
• Spray bottle (misting canvas to keep it from drying out too quickly)

Taking care of these essentials will ensure that you’re well-equipped to begin your acrylic portrait painting journey.

Preparing Your Canvas or Surface for Acrylic Portrait Painting: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start painting, it’s essential to prepare your canvas or surface. This process involves priming the surface, which helps the paint adhere better and prevents discoloration over time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your canvas for acrylic portrait painting:

Step 1: Choose Your Surface

Choose a surface that suits your needs or preference. Examples include stretched canvas, wood panel, and paper.

Step 2: Clean the Surface

Clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Step 3: Apply Gesso Primer to the Surface

Gesso is an acrylic-based primer that creates a smooth surface for painting. Apply it with a brush, roller or palette knife to create an even layer of gesso on the surface.

Things To Note:

• You can apply multiple layers of gesso if needed.
• Sand in between coats for a smoother finish.
• If you’re using pre-primed canvas, you don’t need to apply gesso.

Creating Realistic Skin Tones and Facial Features in Your Acrylic Portraits: Techniques to Try

One of the most challenging aspects of portrait painting is creating realistic skin tones and facial features. Here are some techniques to help you achieve this:

Color Mixing

To create skin tones, mix primary colors (red, yellow, blue) with burnt umber and white until you get the desired shade. For darker skin tones, add more burnt umber and red; for lighter skin tones add more yellow and white.

Grisaille Technique

The grisaille technique involves using a monochromatic underpainting before adding color layers on top. This technique helps establish the values and shading of the portrait before adding color.

Layering

Start with a thin layer of paint and gradually build up layers to create depth and dimension. This technique allows for more control over the final result.

Other Techniques To Consider:

• Blending: Use a dry brush or soft cloth to blend colors together.
• Dry Brushing: Use a small amount of paint on your brush to create texture.
• Glazing: Apply thin layers of transparent paint over each other to produce more depth and luminosity.

Adding Depth and Dimension to Your Acrylic Portraits: Shading and Highlighting Techniques to Master

Shading and highlighting are essential techniques in creating realistic portraits. Here are some tricks you can use:

Shading Techniques

Apply darker shades of paint in areas where there is shadow or contrast. This helps create depth, form, and dimension in the painting. You can use different brushstrokes like cross-hatching, stippling, or blending for shading.

Highlighting Techniques

Add lighter shades of paint in areas that receive more light or have highlights. This helps create a sense of luminosity in your painting.

Tips For Shading And Highlighting:

• Use reference photos to help identify areas that need shading or highlighting.
• Try using complementary colors (opposite on the color wheel) to shade areas instead of just using black or white.
• Avoid overusing white paint when highlighting as it can make the painting appear flat rather than three-dimensional.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Painting Acrylic Portraits: Tips for Beginners

Here are some common mistakes beginners make when painting acrylic portraits and how to avoid them:

Using Too Much Water

Adding too much water to your paint can cause the colors to become washed out and lose their vibrancy. To avoid this, use a spray bottle to mist the canvas instead of adding water directly to the paint.

Not Letting Layers Dry Properly

If you apply wet paint over a layer that hasn’t dried completely, it can cause the colors to mix and become muddy. Allow each layer of paint to dry before adding another.

Overworking The Painting

It’s easy to keep working on a painting until you’ve overworked it. This can result in losing the freshness and vibrancy of the initial layers. Know when to stop and let the painting rest for a while before making further adjustments.

Tips To Avoid Mistakes:

• Use high-quality paints that have good pigmentation.
• Avoid using too much paint on your brush at once.
• Clean your brushes thoroughly between colors.
• Step back from your painting frequently to assess progress.

Incorporating Textures and Details into Your Acrylic Portrait Paintings: Ideas and Inspiration

Adding textures or details can take your portrait painting from good to great. Here are some ideas for incorporating texture into your acrylic paintings:

Mixing Different Mediums

Mixing different mediums with acrylic paints can add texture or create unique effects. For example, mixing sand or modeling paste with acrylics creates a grainy texture that’s perfect for backgrounds.

Impasto Technique

The impasto technique involves applying thick layers of paint using palette knives or brushes. This creates visible brushstrokes and adds depth and texture.

Other Texture Techniques:

• Sgraffito: Scratching off the top layer of paint to reveal the layer underneath.
• Craquelure: Creating cracks in the paint surface for an aged look.
• Gel Mediums: Using gel mediums to alter the texture and viscosity of acrylics.

Continuing Your Learning Journey in Acrylic Portrait Painting: Resources and Classes to Explore

There are many resources available for those who want to learn more about acrylic portrait painting. Here are some ideas:

Online Tutorials and Courses

Many artists offer online tutorials or courses that cover different aspects of acrylic portrait painting. You can find them on platforms like YouTube, Skillshare, Udemy, etc.

Books and Magazines

There are also many books and magazines available that cover acrylic portrait painting, including techniques, tips, and inspiration.

Workshops and Classes

Attending workshops or taking classes with a professional artist is an excellent way to learn new techniques and receive feedback on your work.

Tips For Continuing Your Learning:

• Joining a local art group or community can help you connect with other artists and share knowledge.
• Experiment with different techniques and materials to find what works best for you.
• Avoid comparing yourself to other artists’ work, focus on your growth as an artist.

In conclusion, painting acrylic portraits is an exciting and rewarding hobby for beginners. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can create beautiful pieces of art that capture the essence of their subjects. By following the tips outlined in this guide, beginners can master the basics of acrylic painting and create stunning portraits that reflect their unique style and creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Paint Acrylic Portraits for Beginners

How should beginners paint portraits?
To create a portrait, it is recommended to start with an outline, beginning with the eyes and working outward. Some portrait painters opt to draw the image first, then seal the drawing with a translucent layer of acrylic paint mixed with clear medium, and allow it to dry. Alternatively, a projector can be used to trace the image if freehand drawing is not preferred. This technique was shared on November 16, 2020.

Is it better to paint portraits with acrylic or oil?
If you are creating a complex painting with numerous layers, shadows, and intricate details, using acrylic paint may result in it drying too quickly. In such cases, oils would be the best choice of paint. Additionally, incorporating acrylic mediums can improve the blending and mixing of colors, allowing your acrylic paints to move more like oils.

How do you paint skin tones in acrylic portraits?
Combine the primary colors in equal proportions. Nearly every skin tone contains varying amounts of yellow, blue, and red. After practicing, you may choose to adjust the ratios of colors used. However, initially use a palette knife to mix equal parts of each color.

Do you paint background first in portrait?
Typically, when working with art materials such as acrylics, oils, and watercolors, the background is painted before the foreground. Begin by defining the overall colors, shapes, and tones, which will inform the final colors and values of the painting as a whole. The background for a portrait is determined by the subject and is completed at the end of the process.

Do you paint light or dark colors first?
When painting, start with the darkest colors and work your way towards the lighter shades. Avoid jumping around as this can make it difficult to see the object’s progress as it develops in color.

What color underpainting is best for portraits?
To begin the process of underpainting, the first task is to select a color. As previously indicated, underpainting is best achieved through the use of monochromatic shades. Most artists opt for darker hues, such as burnt sienna, raw umber, or ultramarine blue, in order to achieve the most impactful result.