In this lesson, instructor Amy Florence will demonstrate the first session of a half-body portrait painting with hands using the sight-size method. You will learn how to build the composition. Amy will teach you the importance of getting the surface of the picture frame evenly covered with paints before moving on to develop any particular areas.

This lesson belongs to the course Size-Sight Portrait Painting. In this 12-week course, you will study how to use the sight-size method in portrait painting. Amy Florence will introduce you to several materials needed for sight-size drawing and painting. She will teach you the basics of oil painting while demonstrating on a cast. Then, you will practice the sight-size technique on a portrait drawing and learn the preparatory steps for a portrait painting; they include creating value and color studies. Lastly, Amy will show you how to execute a life-size portrait painting and a large-scale portrait painting with hands. After this course, you will become more proficient with your handling of oil paints and be able to capture any portrait with confidence.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.