05/26/2021 It’s easy to get a self-portrait wrong.
Self-portraits are notoriously difficult, and many artists give up after one or
two failed attempts.
Fortunately, there are easy ways to get
better at painting a self-portrait. With basic tips and tricks, you can paint a
better self-portrait and put your best face forward.
Here are some of the tips and tricks
experts recommend for creating effective self-portraits.
Keep the Palette Simple: It’s easy to overdo the palette on your first self-portrait
attempt. Instead, simplify your palette – especially if you’re new to painting.
Too many colors can make the palette confusing. Start with an effective skin
tone, then build your self-portrait from there.
Don’t Try to Create a Perfect Image of
Yourself: If you wanted a perfect image of
yourself, you would create a selfie. Instead of creating a perfect image of
yourself, create a likeness of yourself. Emphasize your most noticeable traits.
A painting is not a photograph. That’s not the point of a self-portrait.
Use a Mirror and Photo: Most self-portrait artists use a mirror and photo to create their
portraits. By using both tools, you can create an effective image of yourself
without losing your position. A mirror helps you analyze your face from all
angles, while a photo gives you a single reference from which to work.
Follow Basic Rules of Human Face
Proportions: Human face proportions are easy to get
wrong. If you get them wrong, your self-portrait can start looking very silly.
Look up basic rules of human proportion. The space between the eyes should be
the length of one eye, for example, and the pupil of your eye should align with
the edge of your mouth.
Trace or Draw an Outline: We’re not judging. Consider tracing or drawing an outline of your
subject (yourself) before you begin. Otherwise, it can be easy to lose your
place – especially if you’re moving around in the mirror.
Paint and Sip Live is a New York City-based online painting class company. The company hosts multiple weekly painting classes over the internet. Sign up online today to get painting supplies shipped directly to any address. Or, for painters who already have supplies at home, get started immediately …
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