How to Paint a Monochromatic Portrait in Oils
What you'll learn
- Learning how to paint a realistic portrait
- Become familiar with monochromatic colour scheme application
- Become familiar with proportions of the human head
- Applying successfully tonal changes according to the facial planes
Requirements
- No painting experience needed
Description
Painting a portrait is considered to be the most difficult task because it’s obvious when one doesn’t get it correctly. There are many components that need to be met according to create a successful portrait. Among others, the anatomy has to be accurate while the likeness of the sitter must be captured. This involves close attention to proportions and relationships. In order to analyze the variations in skin tones and details on the human face, using a monochromatic colour scheme consisting of one color, with its tints and shades, can help us see and understand the human and facial differences without being overwhelmed by other methods and theories that are needed when using multiple colours. We will begin by using a black & white photographic image of a model in frontal view as our reference. While acquiring knowledge about the proportions of the human face, you will also learn how to render features based on the source of light which can play a dramatic role in how your painting is perceived. After completing this course, you will be asked to complete two additional portrait exercises – 1.) painting a monochromatic portrait from a profile (side) view, and 2.) painting a monochromatic portrait from a 3/4 view – to reinforce your newly acquired knowledge. This course will become a springboard for further exploration in learning the art of portraiture with an expansion of the color palette used. This course is recommended for beginner and intermediate levels.
Who this course is for:
- Beginners, intermediate
Instructor
Izabella Orzelski is a Canadian artist residing in Edmonton, Alberta. She holds an MFA from the New York Academy of Art and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Alberta. Her awards and grants include a Winspear Fund Grant and a Dahesh Museum Award in New York. She is a prolific and versatile artist. Her paintings have been exhibited across Canada, and have become part of many public and private art collections. Among her most important commissioned works are the life-size portraits of Dr. Harriet Winspear, the late Honourable Lois E. Hole - former Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, and of Dr. Grant MacEwan.
Izabella’s interests span from portrait/ figure to floral compositions. She likes to experiment with various painterly techniques and art mediums such as oils, acrylics and encaustic paints, which she often uses together. Presently, Izabella is completing a series of floral paintings, for which her own garden became a source of inspiration. Her floral paintings reflect her love for colours and texture envisioned in her dreams or, as she likes to call it, her magical world. Some of Izabella’s floral paintings reflect her admiration for the chiaroscuro effect, while others her playful juxtaposition of colours.
Izabella has been an art instructor at the Faculty of Extension of the University of Alberta for the past 20 years. Additionally, she has been invited as a guest speaker to many international conferences. Izabella strongly believes that it is possible to be both: a passionate educator and an excellent artist.