A hand-painted portrait can be a great gift or a unique way to add a bit of class to home decorations. One of the easiest ways to paint a portrait is to use an actual photo of the person as a reference.
Instructions
Paint Portraits From Photos
1. Select the photo you wish to use. Make sure that it is clear enough to paint from, and keep in mind that the more fine details a photograph has, the more difficult it will be to paint.
2. Using a pencil, lightly sketch the outline of the photograph onto the canvas. If you have access to an overhead projector, you can use this to trace the photograph onto the canvas for a more accurate portrait.
3. Select the colors you wish to use, and place them on your palette. Use the actual photograph as a reference for color matching.
4. Set your canvas up on an easel if desired. Otherwise, select a flat surface to work on.
5. Select a medium-tipped brush, and begin by painting the skin of your portrait. Start with the base color. Shading will be added later.
6. Add the base color to the clothing, hair and eyes of the portrait. Be sure to clean your brush thoroughly between colors.
7. Select colors that are two or three shades darker than the base colors, and begin adding shading using the actual photo as a reference.
8. Select a fine-tipped brush and begin adding details, such as lines in the hair, the outline of eyes and clothes and highlights. It is up to you how detailed you want your portrait to be.
9. Allow the portrait to dry completely.
