How to make a living from portrait painting. Some advice for beginners from Ben Lustenhouwer.

[@pranaymishra7009]

This interview tells practical side of being a portrait artist like nothing i have seen online, pure gold that can come only from a lifetime of experience!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Pranay

[@mariosant7680]

It is always inspiring how you encourage other prospective painters with your honesty and truthfulness.

[@lustenhouwer]

I am glad to hear!

[@jeffhreid]

Very good points about the price list, the preliminary email view, the photo reference. All good advice

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you:

[@MsJwolfe1]

I intuitively knew, all your advice because you paint from the heart, and from the heart, you gave your advice.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Janice

[@clydekoon5431]

it's a great pleasure to follow you , thanks so much Ben. I'm 78 I have painted 66 years. I love it today as much as I did 66 years ago.. Have made my living doing just what you sad to do.. It works.. Yes.. Paint every day ...

[@lustenhouwer]

Painting every day is the purpose. The trip is more satisfying than the arrival.

[@Ron-wf1tt]

You surprise me each time, again and again, your true wisdom and experience are fascinating. tnx

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure

[@RobinWellner]

I so appreciate your generous spirit sharing all you can to help us!!!!!!THANK YOU! And I LOVE your work!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Hi Robin. Thank you. Love your work also.

[@Bubleone1]

How happy I am with you and your great advice, you are such a joy to listen to, I love your mind frame and humbleness., it's a great pleasure to follow you , thanks so much Ben.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Karen

[@JoellaNotte]

Thank you for passing on your knowledge! Love the idea if visiting with the client first and then going back the next day for the photo❤

[@lustenhouwer]

You are so welcome!

[@jinimurray4090]

When you visit with perspective client, initially, I imagine getting to know personality Character, mood values captured, does this help to facial expressions? Do some want certain backgrounds, (distraction?) Like, hiseback riding, barn background, paddock .. etc(?)

[@Neibeto]

Delighted with your sensitivity and generosity in transmitting your masterful experience to us. Thank you very much for the valuable lessons, master.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome.

[@bser5895]

that was a profound interview. The questions were good and the answers were deep and showed the passion the artist has for his craft. ❤️👨🏾‍🦲

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your reaction

[@ChristopherJones-cjphoto]

Indeed, your videos are priceless!

[@romanograsnick]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom here with us! I will become a better artist with every portrait I do thanks to your uplifting spirit.

[@lustenhouwer]

So good to hear Romano

[@gloriavillarreal206]

I love the way you think

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@luvsaintzz]

Thank you Ben, i learned a lot from you, especially the way you see colors in relation with the composition.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@leeladharbhatt2784]

Very useful advice and information.Thank you Ben.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@bradharper5397]

Thank you for the advice. It helped me become aware of how easy it would be to create a situation that would be uncomfortable for the painter and the client.

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@abdainawi]

Your every word seems to be packed with lot of knowledge & experience. Always enjoy listening you

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad to hear that

[@abdainawi]

@@lustenhouwer been watching u since long time. Even bought your tutorial for little girl. I arranged my pallette like yours. Only thing long way to go to even get close to u in painting.. Big fan of your style. U r truly a blessed artist & nice human being.

[@lustenhouwer]

@@abdainawi How to become a good portrait painter? By really wanting too!!!

[@DavidWoodArtist]

Good solid advice... I've done numerous portrait commissions before, not my favourite way of earning money, but the worst impossible job is drawing portraits at a wedding, where alchohol is involved with the sitters.....never to that again.

[@iceartist22]

Thank you Ben, I really enjoy your videos but this is so great, to learn about working with commissions and hearing your advice.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you, you are welcome.

[@Raeburnsart]

I love listening and watching you Mr Lustenhouwer. You are a marvel. I enjoy your opinions and your beautiful artworks. And thank you for all these video uploads. Keeping me inspired.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you kindly

[@alanrothsman1751]

The young lad, looks so happy so vibrant so full of life, those yellow golden colours in his hair.

[@arielceleda4897]

I've seen the same. He got that sparkling that childhood have in the eyes. Salutes!

[@fernandovincenzini1664]

Great advice from a modern master about his craft and business. Valuable, and at the same time refreshingly honest. Kudos Mr Lustenhouer!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Fernando

[@artistglyn]

Great advice Ben. I shall remember it.

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad it was helpful

[@kkiinngg.ddrree]

Thank you so much! These are great and helpful. I always enjoy your videos.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Andriy

[@davidmaltsev3424]

absolutely good person with a good advices. Thank you for each video

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you David

[@ArtistDavidU7ub3]

Ben, I very much appreciate your teaching videos. This interview is wonderful and so instructive. Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome David

[@ginacusack5685]

Love 💕 this interview

[@victoria-mennaperez2230]

You keep teaching me. Thank you. I am moving forward with improving portrait painting. If I qualify, I'll be taking all your advice. Thank you.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you so much-

[@sasa_candyy]

Great interview! Thanks again for your valuable advices! You are really inspiring! Although you’re very experienced and skillful, you are still so humble! Really admire you as a great artist!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you. You cannot be humble enough.

[@tcchris2]

That was a very honest talk, thank you.

[@lustenhouwer]

I am glad you liked it.

[@jeffhreid]

Excellent interview. Very informative and interesting. Thank you Ben.

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you.

[@maryraymond3560]

Excellent

[@mireillebeyrouthi7385]

Thank you for sharing, you are wonderful ❤️❤️

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Mireille

[@mehmetsbirlik4112]

Talent is equal with quality. Thank you.

[@dipalinadkarni9195]

So important points and information👍👌👌👌

[@lustenhouwer]

That´s what I thought.

[@ahom_ahom_ahom]

Thanks for that Ben. Much appreciated. I just now got to the point that I can make great portraits. I'm going to do this.

[@lustenhouwer]

just go for it!

[@ahom_ahom_ahom]

@@lustenhouwer Thanks Ben!

[@giovannisiano574]

Very wise suggestions!

[@nicksondulnuan8151]

So exellent. A real advice from a real exprienced artist.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@billpholde4816]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure

[@soumyajitchoudhury9641]

Very good advices sir. Thanks a lot

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@borealiswan2363]

All of it excellent advice and very wise ! I would add, have a conversation with your sitter as you do some preliminary sketches, you learn to know them as you observe their facial expressions, especially the lower portion of the face. After a while you become able to read their character by the way they react to various emotions, how they hold their head, shoulders, the way their eyes move. Thanks for sharing this interview

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you. My pleasure

[@arazharoutun1904]

Big master,your videos are always helpful .thank you

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad to hear that

[@glaizapayunan8368]

You are a gem in youtube universe. I've been binge watching your videos and I have learned so much. You are very generous with your techniques Sir and your mastery of the medium is amazing. I have a very high respect on you. Keep safe always.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@Tekulaw]

What a master 🙏🙏🙏 Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@ronniesarts3728]

Very honest personality

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@arielceleda4897]

Thanks for sharing your experience and advices Ben. Helps and inspires a lot. Being self critic (not in excess) is something that helps not only in paint, also in life. Salutes, hope you are doing fine!

[@lustenhouwer]

Well said!

[@gopinathannottath]

It's really an amazing interview, to share the real experiences with the viewers. You have a lots of experience in this field. And the humble way of putting it, awesome. Thanks for sharing

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad you liked it.

[@corrywillems1623]

Wat een mooie uitleg . En zo waar . U praat zo rustig dat ik me heel goed kan voorstellen dat de “ sitters” volledig gerust plaats nemen . Ik ben onlangs begonnen , en heb 2 portretjes gedaan . Met veel fouten maar met erg veel plezier. Mensen als u inspireren me om door te gaan . Dank u wel

[@lustenhouwer]

Dank u. Leuk om te horen!

[@eddiehornedoful]

Great interview. I really enjoy picking the minds of seasoned professionals as yourself.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you. it´s a pleasure

[@StefanNuetzel]

Some wonderful and great advice you have in store for us. Thanks.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Stefan.

[@matriz_83]

Thank you Ben, this one is really inspiring and triggering as well!

[@lustenhouwer]

my pleasure

[@alfredol.8041]

Muchas gracias por las sugerencias.

[@lustenhouwer]

De nada.

[@vijaykumarthorat4450]

Very useful information and advice you have given.. many thanks 🙏👍🎨🌹

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@SecretosdelArteTV]

Muy buenos consejos y mejor filosofía de vida. Saludos

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias Jose

[@bkartgallery7]

Great idea.

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you

[@ismailmecheire1745]

Great artist

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@Nkartsports2024]

You shared very benificial experience with us Thank you dear

[@lustenhouwer]

So nice of you

[@RiccardoDeSantisArt]

Yesterday, i became a 24 year old guy, happy birthday to me. And yesterday, i discovered your channel. Today, i am so happy that i believe that the fate gave me one of the best gift of my life: your youtube channel. I've already left a comment on the other video, and sorry for that, i do not want to bother you, but damn if you're good. Such an inspiration in your words. I would like to meet you, soon. I hope it will be a chance. I would have so much questions for you, and only God could know how much i would like to become your student. For now, greetings from Italy, Ben.

[@lustenhouwer]

Happy birthday to you Riccardo!

[@RiccardoDeSantisArt]

@@lustenhouwer Always too kind. Thank you very much, hope you're having a wonderful life.

[@MS.Paints]

Just suddenly found this video Sir! Such an humble person you are😍🙏💚

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@southam07]

Some really great advice.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@paolodimartino435]

Ispirazione per chi ama l'arte, spero che di giovani siano tantissimi, buon lavoro Prof.

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias.

[@tathaart8775]

Sir, I love to see your tutorial everyday. It's so inspiring . Love and gratitude from India.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@amarynth100]

very useful ,thank you

[@lustenhouwer]

It´s my pleasure

[@TheArtofTimGore]

Sir. Your art, advice and mastery is beyond inspiring and appreciated. I paint three dimensional/ sculptural portraits made of silicones and various substrates for Film, commissions and specialty clients. I just want to tell you humbly Thank you thank you for your invaluable time and tutelage. Be Well. Tim Gore

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Tim!

[@TheTrexer007]

¡Muchas gracias! Ya he tomado buena nota. ¡Saludos!

[@lustenhouwer]

De nada. Un placer.

[@sima8543]

Your speech is very wonderful Mr. Ben and important and really inspiring. Thank you for putting the Arabic subtitles in the video. I wish to put this subtitles also for all the videos and thank you very much, with my greetings to you.💖👏

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you. I try to put more subtitles but sometimes KZbin is somewhat complicated.

[@RobertF-]

Great advice

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@rosaluzherrero3226]

Dejar Ben, thank you very much for your advice. I love how you explain yourself and what you bring us with all the simplicity in the world. I would like to know your opinion in the event that a client asks us to rectify a specific detail of the painting. As you say, it is a painted portrait and not a photo, but there are clients who do not see it that way. In these cases, what should we do to solve the problem? We must agree to rectify it or we stay on our site ?

[@lustenhouwer]

Dear Rosa. It is a more complex topic than you would think. In the first place always listen to the clients complaints. Maybe he is right. It is your task to really take a close look if he so. But if he isn't then there is a problem. I tried to avoid too much influence from the beginning by explaining that a portrait is not a democratic process. You are the one in charge. But to be honest in all the years of commissions I only had one client who was hard to convince. We came to point of take it or leave it. I refused to do the last details he suggested by making a joke. I said: "take my brushes and my paint, do it your self". That was tricky but it turned out well. He offered me another commission. ( that I refused to do)

[@rosaluzherrero3226]

@@lustenhouwer Thank you very much Ben. With your quick and wise answer I admire you even more.

[@ArekuProject]

Such an inspiration for novices in art!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@christineward4048]

Very good advice to me as l has gone back painting now lm retired finally l used to paint paintings 40 years ago and stopped due to other interests Quite hard to mix colors and paint...at present Thank you for wonderful videos l will get there!!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Christine, good luck.

[@eknvasanth7245]

Awesome, awesome video. I have been going behind videos after videos for quite some time. I haven't seen such a good, informative and to some extent instructive video at all. Thankyou for uploaded this video. Let me introduce my self. My name is Vasanth. I am from India. I am also an artist. But for quite some time, I was away from this field totally. Now I am almost in my retirement part of my life. So now I wanted to start my oil painting again. Especially portraits. I have done couple of pencil portraits since the outbreak of COVID. Now I wanted to switch on to doing that in oil. Your previous video and this video has been a great inspiration for me mainly at this point of time, as I have made up my mind to start painting with oil, all from the beginning. I thank you once again for sharing your valuable experience here. If you give me a chance, I am very eager to show you some of pencil portraits which I drew very recently. Thankyou very much. I wish you all the best for all your future ventures. May God bless you.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your nice comment. You can send me some on this mail: [e-mail]

[@SuperBerecik]

Great interview !!! Thanks a lot.

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jackieprathankiat477]

thank you for sharing this.

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure!

[@yaspinta]

Que buenos consejos.

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias.

[@georgiamay4045]

great input ! probably saved me years of useless/misdirected effort.. thank you.

[@lustenhouwer]

Good te hear!

[@samirahajizadeh9170]

Thanks for your beautiful words

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Samira

[@pratigya_berwal]

This is such a good interview. Loved it ❤️

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Pratigya.

[@oleglitvak6177]

Dear Ben, may I ask your advices on the two questions: 1. Do you prefer to paint on white or toned (umber tonal wash) surfaces? 2. Do you prefer to paint on a canvas or smooth panels? Thanks s lot!

[@lustenhouwer]

I usually prefer a toned canvas. Sometimes just only Raw Umber, sometimes an other color. depending on what I will paint. I´d rather paint on a support with some sort of texture. I don´t like so much the very smooth one.

[@oleglitvak6177]

@@lustenhouwer Thank you for your advices!

[@lumaiaarteeaudiovisuais1254]

Um grande exemplo de pessoa e profissional.

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias!

[@mr.e1944]

Good advice. I wish I knew this 40 years ago. I might have become a portrait painter.

[@lustenhouwer]

Never is too late

[@mr.e1944]

@@lustenhouwer you are right. I still might get a chance to try.

[@niladribhattacharjee3489]

It was really helpful Thank you .......

[@lustenhouwer]

Most welcome!

[@antoniocorredordiaz]

Ademas de buen pintor y dibujante eres un buen psicólogo. Maravilloso; pareces español.

[@lustenhouwer]

Soy español de segunda cepa.

[@Ninzumecha]

Would you consider offering pricing advice Ben? Either personally or as a video? I’m just starting out and I find that people don’t expect to pay much, I feel like I’m pushing it at £50 for A4 pencil portrait and £100 for an A3 acrylic painting on canvas. The time and effort I’m putting in is worth more I feel. I don’t want to undercut myself, but I feel guilty asking for more as I’m unsure of my works worth. I’ve looked at the pricing of others and there are sizeable variations from what I’ve seen. I’m no expert and am getting used to painting (dealing with tone, colour, looseness), but I have good standards and produce good images I believe. If you would, my artwork can be found by searching Alan Bragg Illustration. I understand you may be busy, but if you could offer advice it would be appreciated. Thanks

[@lustenhouwer]

Pricing is related to your quality and the market as always. If you have too many commissions your price might be too low. If you don´t have so many, 1. Your quality is not good enough, 2. Nobody knows you, 3. Your price is too high. Try to figure out what is the reason. mM prices ranged from head and shoulders € 2,900 to full figure € 10,000. But that does not say anything. My market was international. If your reach is much smaller, this also applies to your price.

[@Ninzumecha]

@@lustenhouwer Ok, thank you Ben. Yeah I'm just starting out, with people I know and the people they know, so it's probably a combination of all three reasons. Thank you very much for the advice and for the videos you make. I look forward to watching more :)

[@sander1133]

I always thought it could be calculated based on the hours you spend on it including materials etc. But then, what would the hourly rate be?

[@lustenhouwer]

@@sander1133 I never calculated hours. I made my pricing in relation to my colleagues.

[@Ninzumecha]

@@sander1133 At least minimum wage eh?

[@yurihsp]

Amazing!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@anilkatta2283]

Some customers do approach with group photograph or very defused one of his four father or so to make oil portrait of one from the group photo...here his parents are not alive & fine photograph is not available..not only this they ask for certain changes based on their last/lost memories..This situation puts an artist in trouble.. because at final stage they say something that is not visible too... Please suggest your views..Yes.. I liked your video 🎨

[@lustenhouwer]

As I said in my video when the subject passed away there is no choice. But I can tell you putting in that person in a group picture it is really, really difficult. So once again don´t accept that commission. A customer might think the artist can do miracles but there is an end to that ability. Protect yourself and convince the client it is impossible.

[@rinkithakuri1374]

Thank you so much sir 🥰🥰

[@lustenhouwer]

Always welcome

[@ترنيمة-ش6م]

From iraq🇮🇶 ..thank you ..شكراً

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome.

[@christianedeschenes7159]

Merci 🤩

[@lustenhouwer]

thanks

[@inbrokenimages]

Good advice.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@rogermccollough8787]

good solid advice wow

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@keykey1401]

Did you take classes in the netherlands? Where can i find a good master for take classes? Thank you so much for sharing these amazing videos 🙏🏻 i paint also years but i want to learn more academic bur there is no classes in rotterdam or netherland

[@lustenhouwer]

I took classes in Holland, but that was in the sixties. My teacher was Beatus Nijs who had a sort of private school. We left Holland in the eighties and I don´t know where to get good classes nowadays. Maybe in Belgium

[@paneenoipochana2631]

Sir, what to do with every lines and loose skin under chin and on the neck? (I loved all of them and I kept them all because to me they are beautiful) The subject was indeed very beautiful even with ages lines. When I handed the true to likeness sketch to her, she uttered: “That’s awful, that’s not me!” and ran off. Do we depict all or what to do? Thank you so much for all of your advices.

[@lustenhouwer]

Often you don't do a favor depicting every single detail. I always say if you see 10 make one, if you see 100 make ten. And there is more: less details makes the likeness easier.

[@paneenoipochana2631]

@@lustenhouwer Thank you so much, Sir. Your videos are very valuable and very kind.

[@davidgoldsmid2365]

what colours should i use to do the bags under my eyes? It looks blue but i am concerned the cool colours will affect the area as it is in shade.

[@lustenhouwer]

It depends. Anyway make it less dark as they appear.

[@capricornocinque5761]

Buongiorno, ho ascoltato molto attentamente il video e l' ho trovo molto interessante! Vorrei chiedergli se nel momento in cui il cliente ha da ridire sul naso o orecchie, è perché forse nota delle differenze tra ciò che egli vede nello specchio e quello che lei (Ben) invece vede nella fotografia? Perché mi riesce difficile pensare che un cliente possa mettere in dubbio il ritratto realistico fatto da un professionista. Poi mi domando ancora se lei, i ritratti li interpreta anche.

[@lustenhouwer]

If it's okay with you, I'll answer you in English. Do I understand your question correctly when you say that a customer would like corrections to an ordered portrait? This happens once in a while and I am always willing to take a good look at whether a customer might be right. And I'll correct if so. But if I come to the conclusion that the customer is wrong, I say so. It will eventually resolve itself.

[@capricornocinque5761]

Grazie!

[@jillysart7026]

great advice thanks Ben, but what about when people want a relative that has passed away and only have photos? I am a beginner in portraits so I will take any requests I can get to pay the rent and build up a portfolio. I find your KZbins so helpful, especially because I was putting too much detail in and my edges were too harsh and my eyes were too outlined. I find it hard to let go of detail at times.

[@lustenhouwer]

It is always a challenge to do a portrait commission of someone who passed away. But it can be difficult. My advise for beginner is don't accept impossible commissions. If the photograph is bad don't do it.

[@Tizaheijting]

You're my painting prophet! :D

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Patricia.

[@theMuritz]

You are a nice person … that’s what makes you a nice person …

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@liviakicova7237]

So nicely said.

[@lustenhouwer]

thanks

[@liviakicova7237]

Please, could you make some videos also on landscape portraits? :)

[@fatemehs3831]

😍😍😍

[@nikookin2034]

спасибо)

[@lustenhouwer]

my pleasure