Sight-Size Portrait Painting

In week one, Amy will walk you through the basics of cast painting. You will learn how to utilize a mirror and a plumb line to make accurate measurements and find placement for the main features of the cast.

In week two, Amy will demonstrate the first session of a sight-size portrait drawing. You will learn how to use Nitram charcoal to block in the external contours and establish the shadow and light shapes.

In week three, Amy will continue to work on the sight-size portrait drawing. You will learn how to recheck measurements, make corrections with a fresh eye, darken the shadows to create contrast, and use halftones to turn forms.

In week four, Amy will complete the sight-size portrait drawing. She will teach you several ways to refine the portrait, such as adding a variety of marks to the background, designing the shape of the collar, and adjusting the expression of the face.

In week five, Amy will teach you how to create a value study for a portrait painting using the sight-size method. While creating a life-size work of art can be overwhelming, you will learn how to focus on one aspect of the painting process; making a value plan.

In week six, Amy will demonstrate how to create a color study for a portrait painting using the sight-size method. You will learn to paint an under life-size portrait with a limited palette; this helps simplify the mixing process of oil paints.

In week seven, Amy will teach you how to create a life-size portrait painting using the sight-size method. During the first session, you will focus on getting accurate measurements, establishing the placement of the facial features, and blocking in the shadow and light masses.

In week eight, Amy will teach you how to further develop a life-size portrait painting using the sight-size method. You will focus on designing the shapes of the hair and the folds of the garment to help guide the viewer’s eyes to the focal point. 

In week nine, Amy will teach you how to complete a life-size portrait painting using the sight-size method. Here, you will focus on making corrections to the colors and adding refinements. Amy will teach you her technique for glazing.

In week ten, Amy will demonstrate the sight-size painting technique on a half-body portrait with hands. During the first session, you will learn how to build the composition and study the importance of getting the surface of the picture frame evenly covered with paints.

In week 11, Amy will continue on the half-body portrait painting with hands. Here, you will learn how to examine the placements of the facial features, use values to create a soft transition on the forms, and develop the hierarchy. 

In week 12, Amy will take the half-body portrait painting with hands to completion. You will watch her refine areas like the background, chair, blouse, and hands before she revisits the head to add final touches.