How to PAINT A COLORFUL ABSTRACT PORTRAIT with a rainbow palette.

See into my process as I paint this bold color portrait. To learn more in-depth you can join our exclusive artist membership via our online school, www.boldschool.com
How do you paint an abstract portrait? I'm painting a colorful portrait for you in under one hour. Ok, it took me a little longer than that but I'm showing it here in 'almost' real-time while talking through my process for you.
The challenge I gave myself was to a paint a rainbow.
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FOLLOW:
WEBSITE: www.boldschool.com
INSTAGRAM: / boldschoolinc
CHARLA:
WEBSITE: www.charla.ca
INSTAGRAM: / charla.maarschalk.art
..
Music: Epidemic Sound

[@nicoleweddepohl]

I❤it. Personally i preferred her when she was 41 minutes old. But watching the proces made it very meaningfull. Thank you for sharing it😊

[@sparkleme1237]

She looked so Happy, Beautiful and more like her photo( but still different)...@ 25:12. But I love your process. Thank you.

[@ZarraPrincessTV]

Thanks for sharing in detail from pre-mixing to the, I learn a lot. It's a more realistic tutorial than just looking at how painter paint like a magic since when we try it, it doesn't really work as they do. I will never waste my time watching their videos again

[@BoldSchool]

Glad it was helpful!

[@peterplantec7911]

I like your humble, honest intro. Your honesty is refreshing. I'm a psychologist and in my experience artists often are very hard on themselves. I include myself. Your talent is obvious in your work. It is often much harder to free yourself to paint loosely, without a plan than to imitate reality. Producing a valid, evocative impression of something requires a deeper sharing of self. You're not copying anything, you're sharing a little of your soul. Brava. Well done.

[@jillmorris9055]

I love how fearless you are with color ❤️

[@johannak.7380]

I can totally relate to what you called "a rabbit hole", as well as feeling a lot of pressure when using expensive materials... What you said about trying to remember what the original goal was and to not loose yourself, as well as keeping up the "speed" really helps me! Thanks for this!

[@catherinejwayman6721]

I just watched this and i totally relate to what you’re saying. I’m so glad to hear my struggle with impatience frustration is not isolated and it isn’t just me! I struggle with every piece I do! I get tired! My brain gets exhausted. I loved this I learned so much’ I want to know how to paint loosely I try to perfect every one I need to tell myself a study!

[@BoldSchool]

Exactly!! I still experience this more than a decade into my career. Keep going! We have a free class at www.boldschool.com about loosening up your brushwork. I think you might enjoy it.

[@kateneville2917]

Holy Cow! That was fantastic! You totally blew my mind towards the end. Thank you for sharing. You have inspired me.

[@deniseskilone7178]

I could watch you paint all day...Charla❤️

[@user-be1uo3fs9l]

Interesting to watch as I want to learn to paint like this. I have never been loose and always painted fine art but recently Ive fallen in love with abstract expressionism and want to learn

[@BoldSchool]

It's by far my favorite way to paint! We have a free class at www.boldschool.com all about how to loosen up your brush work.

[@RikiJewelry]

Loved watching this! And the fact that you pushed yourself in a different direction. Great work. Can’t wait to watch more.

[@BoldSchool]

Thank you so much!!

[@dawnjones82]

Un-expected AMSR scalp and spine tingles from brush sounds lol . Great job trying something new, the more you are out of your comfort zone, the more versatile you will be as an artist. We are always learning. Never be disappointed by mistakes, they are ESSENTIAL for development. Constructive criticism has always helped me too. I use an honest opinion as another tool in my box to make me better.

[@StartingMyAmazonBizz]

I’m so glad to hear you mention that “ugly stage.” It’s so true!

[@brogliman]

Thanks for the inspiration. I loved how you switched the video to real time when the time-lapse caught up with the audio. Those were good moments for visual information.

[@BoldSchool]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lesliebrown9680]

hi Charla! thank you for doing this video!! this took a lot of courage for you to expose yourself this way. it was/is (inspired to say this just half-way through) perfect timing - i just took a break from doing something different than my usual style (i “drew” a sketch of the faces with paint before getting started with more detail. i especially appreciate all the comments you’re making while painting that are just about exactly what i’ve been thinking while painting!!! 😊👏👍🎨

[@BoldSchool]

You are so welcome!

[@staceygrimes4107]

Every piece I think I have to pick my jaw up . 😍So much to absorb… love it, thank you.

[@BoldSchool]

Thanks for watching!

[@brenthompson4601]

WOW!! Just holy cow, wow! 🤯 This was so great to watch right now! I’m in bootcamp, and loving it, but hit a no mojo/absolutely have forgotten how to paint/roadblock phase! So came here to watch and see if it would open that magic portal of flow. Watching you paint, and trying to step out of your comfort zone, and having your brain be a little taxed, was actually the most inspiring thing I could have seen! Somehow, watching people paint, and struggle through the ugly stage and find their way out and into inspiration is sooo magnificent and encouraging!! I think it opens pathways in my brain as well... reminding me there are no rules, it’s ART!! I literally sucked in my breath when you globbed over her eye! 😲😂 and I couldn’t wait to see where you took it! THANK YOU Charla! Thank you for doing a real time video from start to finish, for sharing this with us! Thank you thank you thank you!! I am such a visual learner and this was UHMAZING! 🙏🏼❤️

[@BoldSchool]

This comment has made my day!!! Thanks for thinking of me and trusting that I could help you get unstuck! The struggle is real! It's only every 5th or 10th painting that I paint all the way through with ease. Just keep painting. Just keep painting. Just keep painting!!!

[@glenpos]

.Yay.... real time. Thank you Charla.

[@SIFENCER]

I been looking for your page since you put this video out. Your truly amazing with what you do. I appreciate your work! I am now subscribed. I can’t wait to watch and learn from you. Your amazing!

[@BoldSchool]

Thank you so much!

[@barbarayounger803]

What drawing program do you use on iPad? I am still getting used to the whole experience (no paint under my nails or on my clothes) and want to get better at using the iPad and Apple Pencil. Then to be able to put paint and iPad results together would be something new! Thanks for the free-flowing narrative as you paint...so unlike other online artists whose sharing can be irrelevant, mundane and subtractive from the work they are sharing. You’re right on about challenging yourself to not paint like you always have, whether it’s color, brushes, style, blending etc. So glad I was led to find you on Facebook! Will see you in BCB...

[@rogerdimapilis6177]

You're amazing artist, I like your art style.

[@BoldSchool]

Thank you so much 😀

[@melissala2220]

I love your work! I learn so much from you.

[@janetmacari5001]

Oops ok charla where do I start I have never done a portrait in my life and I’d lov to...please help!!! Your work is amazing and colourful and that’s what I love about it 👏🏻💚🌈

[@BoldSchool]

We have a free course at www.boldschool.com It just gives you a litte introduction into a demonstration in real time. Then you can start with Bold Color Bootcamp where I go into have to draw a face as a beginner and then on to color.

[@annettegilding6654]

Marvellous xx

[@BoldSchool]

Thank you.

[@meeranatarajan4487]

LOVED IT

[@bipashaanam4514]

Would love to see more of these❤

[@lubazagurak275]

Love love love your work! Will take your colour bootcamp in the fall :-)

[@BoldSchool]

Sounds great!

[@cre8509]

"I will show you my not-best self." That's awesome. Much respect. Do you normally paint from something you've worked out on your iPad, as opposed to solely from a photograph? What color is that between the purple and the white? Is it black or burnt siena? I can't tell, did your monochromatic layer cover up your penciled outlines? Do you (can you) use such a loose approach with portraits you want to be recognizable as a specific person? Oh my goodness, when you started rolling your yellow paint-heavy brush around the top and over the eye, my mouth literally hung open, and I said, WHAT is she doing?! It actually looks fabulous, except for the missing eye. Did you go back and add the eye in? If not, can you comment as to why you decided to eliminate it altogether? Your continued commentary, both on your thought processes and teaching, while painting is SO important! I would not have understood half as much without it. So thank you for that! Last, but not least, when not sleeping in your hand, does your bird go back into its cage, or does it get to walk around wherever? :)

[@cre8509]

@@BoldSchool Ah, embroidery! I knew there must be a reason. Thanks for being bold (not only in color) but in sharing your journey with us!

[@synetteallen5733]

Amazing

[@synetteallen5733]

Thank you for such great inspiration. God-bless you

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Well done! Thanks, that was a marathon.

[@BoldSchool]

Glad you enjoyed it! It's the longest video on our channel and I think it's still at the top for watches and I agree that it is a marathon! lol

[@ashleydoss1427]

I love mixing colors too ☺️🙌🏻🎨

[@hesterclaassen7723]

There should a bird in your hand. Love the colors. Love your work.

[@ZOONG12345]

Awesome work, great experimenting

[@BoldSchool]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@saurabhdsawant]

Thank you for explaining. Please make video for basics on color and value.

[@BoldSchool]

Noted

[@grahamwaz4689]

I love your work, unique, you gave me a lot of inspiration to try something different..keep on doin what you doin, best wishes!

[@BoldSchool]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MasBlackSenidanLukis]

Mantab ❤❤❤

[@elainerobles-mcgraw2151]

What program do you use for sketching on your iPad? You are so incredibly amazing!

[@moonraker7381]

I love you work! Great job on making the video too

[@BoldSchool]

Thank you so much!

[@moonraker7381]

@@BoldSchool you’re welcome. I’m looking forward to seeing more

[@gabrieljimenezlopez4307]

Beautiful work, Thanks for sharing! What is the application you use on your tablet to fill the faces of the people in the photos with colors?

[@rapmamori4136]

WOW😲😱🤩😍

[@soulkalastudio]

Is this acrylic or oil? Thanks for being real and showing a real time Video, it helps aspiring artists to learn and get a reality check with progressing in their art. This is a beautiful piece.

[@BoldSchool]

Thank you! Cheers! I'm using acrylics.

[@bipashaanam4514]

Beautiful😍

[@petagaymacmillan9449]

Why not define left eye. 😳 loose layered thick paint. Wow. Loving this technique.

[@BoldSchool]

It's just the way I felt it needed to go. I'm always trying to move towards abstraction in my work.

[@stanleycarigtv4490]

present idol...take care

[@BoldSchool]

You too

[@kritikavarma3306]

Ma'am what colors do you use? Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I love your work. 🙏

[@BoldSchool]

So many colors I couldn't list them all. The brand I use is Golden paints.

[@parisasun2541]

You are using acrylic. Would it not dry while you dra ?

[@barbarayounger803]

I’ve heard one artist say I start like a brick layer, finish like a jeweler...maybe Scott Naismith?

[@eripolis]

Great job thank you, could you please tell me what these paints are?

[@BoldSchool]

Yes, I use Golden Heavy Body acrylics.

[@sharonmartin8503]

Absolutely love your work and your thoughts along the way! Could you please tell me what you’re using for your pallet? I can see layers, a wet layer of something and a disposable top where you mix your colours? Thank you for your time! Sharon

[@robynlaw2766]

It looks lik ea sta wet palette which you can buy on Amazon

[@BoldSchool]

Yes that's right.

[@soldierinrain]

can you tell us what colors you used initially out of the tube before mixing ?

[@nicolecioffi3406]

May I ask what program you use on your iPad to create the image you used for reference?

[@XxkristybellxX]

It looks like procreate

[@sketch1966]

HI. I have recently been working with bold colours too, so loved watching this video. thanks. My one question is about your original image that you were working from. What program or app did you use to generate the really colourful version of the photograph, that you were using for reference? Oh... I also should mention that the instagram link in your description is not working ;)

[@BoldSchool]

I use Procreate on iPad pro with the apple pencil.

[@marylouniebrugge9174]

What program are you using for your pic on your i-pad. Website?

[@BoldSchool]

It is Procreate.

[@milaromans1901]

Love your style! Wondering if your BOLD COLOR BOOTCAMP offers some feedback on students' artwork?

[@BoldSchool]

Yes it does. We have a private group where Bold School mentors hang out as well as Bold School alumni. There is mentor and peer feedback!

[@inthemomentart3228]

Question...How do you figure out what bright colors to use in what portions of your reference? Do you do a filter in photoshop?

[@BoldSchool]

That's a really big question. I actually have an online art school that has multiple classes and hours of teaching about that very topic. It would be hard to answer here!

[@my3boybarians]

This is lovely. Is there a program on iPad that you recommend for the sketching and planning stage?

[@BoldSchool]

Yes I use Procreate.

[@venisecox]

Is there an app that changes your reference photo to those colors?

[@BoldSchool]

Not that I know of. I paint from a black and white reference and sometimes create a sketch first on my iPad in Procreate. By planning my palette first in a color sketch I can paint a little more freely.

[@cooperkabler]

What procreate brush do you use when you do a mock up?

[@marylouniebrugge9174]

hat kind of white paint is that in the squirt bottle?

[@BoldSchool]

It is Golden Titanium white, heavy body.

[@ambitiousmomwife7056]

How don't mixed colors on the palette dry up, while they're waiting for its queue, until you use them?

[@BoldSchool]

Hi. I use a sta-wet palette. It keeps paint wet for a few weeks at a time.

[@minalyn2]

How do you keep the paint moist ?

[@BoldSchool]

I use a Masterson Sta-wet palette. We have a podcast about it here on the channel.

[@parisasun2541]

How do you your portrait references?

[@janetmacari5001]

Ok charla

[@russellpotgieter9825]

Hi what app are you using on your iPad

[@BoldSchool]

I use Procreate

[@vickyrafael1]

How do you create such a portret/Image on your iPad? Never created anything on my iPad, just reading and looking to You tube video's as now ... yours

[@vickyrafael1]

Then you changed something on your iPad and you got the lines of your image

[@vickyrafael1]

How did that happen?

[@BoldSchool]

I use an iPad pro with an apple pencil and the app I draw in is called Procreate. It is awesome!

[@BoldSchool]

And so sorry for the very late reply!

[@alexbolanosc9524]

Hi Charla¡ Thanks for sharing your work. Which program do you used to sketch your picture? love your videos!! Thank you

[@BoldSchool]

use an iPad pro with an apple pencil and the app I draw in is called Procreate. It is awesome!

[@minalyn2]

What is the load tapping noise?

[@BoldSchool]

I'm not sure noise you mean. Sorry.

[@prajaktadandwate5938]

how did u create that colourful copy of portrait u are using as reference? is thr some APP for it?

[@BoldSchool]

Sometimes I sketch my work as a pre plan to my painting on my iPad Pro using the Procreated app.

[@leann5929]

Fantastic! Thank you! What kind of medium did you add as a few squirts as you mixed colors in the beginning???

[@nattypotter15]

Does your bird what double the cracker on nothing

[@NineEyedOracle]

Hello, If you don't mind--- what music is playing at 44:45-ish?

[@douglasogburn6018]

Shazam app says it’s “Ancient Discoveries” by Gabriel Lewis

[@munecodetorta]

what happened with her eye??

[@Terrimazzola]

How do you make your source?

[@BoldSchool]

I'm a photographer so I like to use my own images if I'm painting to sell. I also use Royalty-free websites for inspiration.

[@hesterclaassen7723]

Is a bird in your hand.

[@BoldSchool]

Yes, she is a Conure. She loves to sleep in my hand but I need my hand to work! haha.

[@alixtaggart1024]

Is that a stay wet pallet?

[@BoldSchool]

Yes it sure is!

[@meeranatarajan4487]

What happened to her other eye? Why was it not completed?

[@BoldSchool]

I was experimenting with abstracting the face. What can we give and take away and it still read well?

[@minalyn2]

Is this oil?

[@BoldSchool]

No, it's acrylics.

[@meeranatarajan4487]

Who are your favourite artists?

[@BoldSchool]

That's a big question. I have many and they change each week. Two I've loved from the start are Scott Naismith and Voka.

[@marylouniebrugge9174]

What kind of palette is that?

[@BoldSchool]

It is called a Masterson Sta-wet palette.

[@angelaberni8873]

HELP!! Someone please help me understand this. To me it looks as if she is missing one eye...or do I need to change my glasses?

[@vegout4085]

It's art.

[@BoldSchool]

Ah, I love it. She did have two eyes but then I covered one. All on my quest to add interest and story to my work.

[@wolfielost2225]

Honey…. I hate how you talk about your art. Who cares if it’s perfect, enjoy the process.

[@BoldSchool]

I do enjoy the process! Thanks for your concerns. I like to be honest about my thoughts and questions as I paint but it's ok if you turn down the sound!

[@earlsandyevens]

Why can't you allow us to see the drawing so we know what your doing!!!

[@BoldSchool]

I do teach a few online classes where I show the details of my process. You can find info at www.boldschool.com

[@jorgedevillenagonzales8231]

What happened to her eye.?

[@BoldSchool]

Good question. lol I was trying for a cheeky response but couldn't come up with you. You've stumped me.

[@kifaehshamsan5387]

غتت

[@user-ss7rf9gd2l]

This woman your drawing is very unattreactive

[@BoldSchool]

One thing I love about the visual arts is that there are many styles and genres. Something for everyone! I hope you find some work that you love.