How to Paint a Self-Portrait: Tips and Techniques with Helen Van Wyk

[@juliamann9608]

Helen was a generous sharer of real information for other artists. Thank you for posting these excellent tutorials from a favorite teacher.❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Helen's style, in addition to imparting practical knowledge, was about genuinely connecting with her students and sharing insights that could transform their work. Thank you for your post...feedback like yours helps keep Helen's lessons alive.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@judycorrell8353]

There's nothing she can't do well.shes absolutely pure talent.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Well, there's one thing she couldn't do-make soup, even though she promised it in almost every lesson. Thanks for supporting the channel...it's appreciated.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@marioforieri8529]

What a special lady.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thank you for posting. It's nice to hear you appreciate Helen's efforts to help students improve.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@LauranneJ679]

Brilliant. I love Helen's portraits. Thank you for posting again.

[@HelenVanWyk]

You're very welcome and there is another lesson being enhanced of Helen painting a portrait of her husband Herb. Thanks for posting and supporting the channel. Enjoy the other lessons.

[@LauranneJ679]

@@HelenVanWyk Great stuff, I'm looking forward to it.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@rebeccaking3514]

I love Helen Van Wyk's painting style! She is so bold, so knowledgeable of how to make the paint do her bidding. I would like to learn all I can from her wisdom. Keep them coming!

[@HelenVanWyk]

Helen’s commanding approach to portrait painting is awe-inspiring. It’s wonderful that you’re eager to learn from her wisdom. The lessons will keep coming, specifically for enthusiastic artists like yourself. Thanks for your support, it's appreciated.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@marie-franceguigny5346]

Magnifique. Merci Hélène..i am in France. Love you

[@HelenVanWyk]

Merci pour vos gentils mots. Les leçons d'Helen inspirent des artistes du monde entier. C'est formidable de savoir que vous trouvez de la valeur dans ses enseignements. Les leçons d'Helen contiennent des sous-titres en français, et j'espère qu'ils vous seront utiles. Une transcription en français est également disponible. N'hésitez pas à nous faire savoir si vous trouvez des leçons sans sous-titres ou transcription en français. Merci pour votre message. Thank you for your kind words. Helen's lessons inspire artists all over the world. It's great to hear that you're finding value in her teachings. Helen's lessons contain CC subtitles in French, and I hope they are helpful for you. A French transcript is also available. Please let us know if you come across any lessons missing the French subtitles or transcript. Thanks for posting

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@59jaguar]

Good instructional video on portrait painting . Helen is a great teacher .

[@HelenVanWyk]

I think you were one of the viewers who asked for more portrait lessons. Helen’s portrait tutorials can be quite long. In this lesson, some portions of her self portrait were advanced off camera to shorten it. Thanks for posting and supporting the channel, it's appreciated.

[@59jaguar]

@@HelenVanWyk yes I did ask thanks for posting . Very helpful and Iam learning alot from these videos . Appreciate it!

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@craft-o-matic399]

This week I started a pencil drawing of a dear friend of mine of 30 years. I haven't even attempted any kind of serious drawing, let alone a portrait, since about 1985. I am shocked at how much you must notice about someone's face when drawing them. I'm very pleased with the likeness. Next step is the oil painting. This I not ever done in my life! Helen has been my artistic inspiration since her show "Welcome to My Studio" began on PBS. I'm 65 years old now, and just getting started! I would love to see more portrait work by Helen! Lisa

[@HelenVanWyk]

Congratulations on your drawing, and best wishes for a successful follow-up painting. Portrait work is a challenging endeavor, and it’s never too late to dive into it. There's another lesson of Helen painting a portrait of her husband, Herb, being prepared which you might find beneficial. Thanks for your support.

[@craft-o-matic399]

@@HelenVanWyk Wonderful! Thank you so much! Lisa

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@jasonjames5168]

Thank you! Thank you! for posting up Helen Van Wyk ‘Welcome To My Studios’. I’ve been looking for them for years.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Good to hear your search is over. Enjoy Helen's painting lessons and thanks for posting, it's appreciated.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@ritabykhovsky4175]

The best from the best. Enjoy every moment. Thank you for presenting it to us.

[@HelenVanWyk]

You're very welcome and your continued support is very much appreciated. Thank you

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@DQ_ArtGroupie]

Her process and her simultaneous teaching style were so much fun to watch unfold. Making herself look younger was a conscious choice she articulated right at the outset, the same way Frank Clarke did decades later on his show "Simply Painting", changing his white hair to a much darker shade. She also covered really well the pros and cons of working with a model (especially one who is a patron) vs painting yourself. Easily one of my favorite episodes!!

[@HelenVanWyk]

And I think she did what she set out to do because she definitely took off a few years from the painting! Helen’s approach, both in her art and her teaching, was always intentional and engaging. I'm glad this episode is one of your favorites-Helen's ability to connect with her audience through her commentary is special but can be overwhelming for some. Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts, it's very much appreciated and helps others to better understand Helen.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@CraigsLister]

I didn't realize she knew how to do or even teach portrait painting. Seems to me she is the real deal. Thanks for this and the others.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Helen taught basic principles and natural fundamentals to enable her students to paint any subject, portraits included. However, there was one subject she didn't paint much of-seascapes-because she found them intimidating. Thanks for posting and supporting the channel, it's appreciated.

[@UncleBubba]

Did you know her from something else?

[@HelenVanWyk]

@UncleBubba Only from her lessons. Here is where she talks about seascapes: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4apgGx6g5KBeqssi=Z5jhG5V8LUinCASy&t=584

[@iadanza]

❤ Então você tb aprendeu e pode ensinar a pintar? Por q demoraram tanto tempo pra exibirem seus talentos? Em período ela esteve conosco? Beijos do Brasil.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@philomenacesta563]

Love this show

[@HelenVanWyk]

Happy to hear it...more lessons on the way.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@karzanfaridon6100]

I follow your work really I enjoy it and there’s always something to learn about, thank you so much.

[@HelenVanWyk]

I’m glad you enjoy the lesson and find it valuable. Just a small note-Helen Van Wyk, the artist featured in this video, passed away in 1994, but her teachings continue to inspire and educate artists like yourself. I appreciate your support and hope you keep finding value in Helen's lessons. Thanks for posting; it's appreciated.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@lizzieatherfold2293]

Thank you for sharing this

[@HelenVanWyk]

You are very welcome. More to come .

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@LV426-r4q]

What a classy lady.

[@HelenVanWyk]

@@LV426-r4q yes she was. Thanks for commenting...much appreciated.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@sara2010M]

Thanks for sharing this video

[@HelenVanWyk]

You’re welcome and please enjoy Helen's other lessons. Also, there is a lesson being prepared of Helen painting a portrait of her husband Herb.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@silvahovhannesian4762]

Thank you!❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

You're welcome and hope you're learning from Helen's lessons.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@blessOTMA]

I always liked that self portrait of Helen in shadow. Shows another side to her personality.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes and she did multiple sittings of herself. There's another being prepared for listing. Thanks for the support.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@michaelmcewan432]

Fantastic work, she can paint anything

[@HelenVanWyk]

Well, almost anything...she didn't like to paint seascapes. Other than that, her ability to capture various subjects with expertise and accuracy is impressive. Thanks for posting and supporting the channel.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@craft-o-matic399]

It's good to be arty!!!❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Indeed. And she is...

[@craft-o-matic399]

@@HelenVanWyk She certainly is!

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@Mark-wx7vp]

Love this Thanks a bunch ! 😁

[@HelenVanWyk]

You're welcome. Keep watching... more on the way.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@Mark-wx7vp]

@@HelenVanWyk Everything including portraits are my focus 😁

[@Mark-wx7vp]

@@HelenVanWyk Everything she does applies to to everything 😁

[@Ramesh_009]

Nice strok, cool collar, parfect drow very nice portrait🎉❤I want to learn. ❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Thanks a lot for your kind words. I'm glad you liked the lesson and the portrait. If you're interested in learning more, feel free to check out the other lessons on the channel.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@inconmensurablearte3697]

I love u Helen! 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@HelenVanWyk]

Great to hear and give us reason to continue providing improved versions of Helen's lessons on oil painting. Thanks for posting.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@danganne9170]

I’ll try to paint my self-portrait

[@HelenVanWyk]

Great to hear this lesson encouraged you to try painting your self-portrait. I'm sure Helen would have been thrilled to hear that. Best of luck with your painting. Thanks for posting.

[@danganne9170]

@@HelenVanWyk thank you so much

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@danganne9170]

@@HelenVanWyk thank you

[@samirsabri1672]

The wonderful ones leave us early…⁉️😢🌹🌹🌹

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes, but art was her passion, and I'm sure she would be pleased that her work is not going unnoticed and continues to inspire and educate future oil painters.

[@susansouthern6704]

I've been painting for years. However, I learn more and more with every video she made . Thank you

[@samirsabri1672]

@@HelenVanWyk what you say is absoultely true. We have a hadith that says :(when the son of Adams died,his deeds come to an end except for three :- an ongoing charity,a righteous son who prays for him,or knowlefge that is beneficial.)Helen got all three🤲🤲🌹🌹🌹

[@samirsabri1672]

@@susansouthern6704 Hello Susan🌹are you one of Helen’s students ,may God have mercy on her soul❓🙏🌹🌹🌹

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@DivaJan]

If you’re struggling with painting people, try starting with a child’s teddy bear. It’s much easier to capture the likeness of a teddy bear, and all you need is a photograph or an actual teddy bear for reference. This can help build your confidence and skills before moving on to more complex subjects.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Smart idea. Betting there's lots of videos on how to paint pictures of teddy bears. Actually, I think Helen painted one once...no wait...I think it was a little while dog. Anyway, great suggestion. Thanks for sharing your idea. Very much appreciated.

[@DivaJan]

@@HelenVanWyk I think you mean a little white dog.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@jenniferwillis9122]

Oil or acrylic??

[@HelenVanWyk]

Helen uses oil paints. In some lessons, you might see her use acrylic to create an underpainting or to tone the canvas. But, when you see her with that large artist's palette, those are oil paints, although now that I think about it, her palette was lying on the table, out of sight. Thanks for posting and enjoy the other lessons.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@samirsabri1672]

Please may you but arabic translation of the explanation that Helen is providing..because l don’t know what she said ..🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹

[@HelenVanWyk]

Yes, it will be added. نعم، سيتم إضافة اللغة العربية.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Arabic is available. اللغة العربية متاحة.

[@samirsabri1672]

@@HelenVanWyk Thank you so much for your quick response and response to our request…🙏🙏🫠🫠🌹🌹🌹

[@samirsabri1672]

@@HelenVanWyk thank you so much…🙏🙏🌹🌹🌹🫠

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@RebeccaRogier]

This is an interesting lesson for portraitpainting! But this is not realy her portrait. The face is too long and not broad anough. I do not tecognize her in this portrait. But I do love her lessons, I love watching how she paints in a short time while explaining and teaching.

[@HelenVanWyk]

You really have a keen eye because you're 100% correct. Helen noticed her face was too narrow as she started the painting. Around 1:45, she begins to measure her head but decides to skip and wing it. Then later, at around 13:10, she measures again and mentions, 'I should have gotten that wider,' referring to the width of her face. But remember, at the start of the lesson, she did say she was going to make herself look younger. Thanks for your insightful observations, and enjoy the other lessons.

[@CraigsLister]

She looks different without her glasses and didn't include them in the self portrait.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@barbandsarge]

Why does my brain keep flashing to Carol Burnett???

[@HelenVanWyk]

That's an interesting association...Carol Burnett had a unique and memorable style, it's intriguing to hear that connection. Helen's approach was definitely distinctive in her own way, but it’s fascinating how different influences can come to mind. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@barbandsarge]

​@HelenVanWyk ... both women have a huge personality and what I love most is that they are both incredibly gifted but don't take themselves too seriously.❤❤❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@mariep4018]

I already know how to make soup. I make it all the time I make more soup than I paint.❤

[@HelenVanWyk]

Sounds like you've mastered the art of soup-making, unlike Helen, who admitted in one of her last lessons that she didn't know how to make soup. Hopefully, her painting lessons inspire as much as her humor. Thanks for posting, it's appreciated.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U

[@AngieBaray]

Not only talented but funny 😂

[@HelenVanWyk]

I'm going to take a guess that you mean what she says at 03:28. Thanks for posting.

[@HelenVanWyk]

Another lesson focused on portrait painting is scheduled for release at 11 AM EST today. Even if portraits aren't your focus, there are valuable techniques that apply to any subject. Helen's insights will be useful across the board. Enjoy! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnO3kqCOqs93p8U