Drawing lessons - illustrated lesson notes for teachers and students

How to paint portraits - some practical advice.

Note how, in creating substance, Leonardo does not define many edges - neither on the hands or the face.

The costume - sometimes I paint the costume before the hands, face and anything else. Then I save up my joy for

later when detailing the folds, jewellery adornments etc. That part is relaxing and doesn't require the absolute

concentration needed for flesh.

The background - here you can tell your story or make your narrative. For best practical results try and echo all

the colors you have used for the flesh tones and costume in the background - just echoes in hue not value. Use

value to make the narrative. See lesson on turning points.

A cautionary tale for the discerning student about two Dutch artists and what was fashion!

Two brilliant dutch artists born 300 years apart - one whose work was appreciated and the other shunned, one

who lived in luxury and the courts of kings while the other lived in poverty, one whose art provided happiness

http://www.geocities.com/~jlhagan/lessons/portraiture.htm (3 of 4)1/13/2004 3:54:00 AM