Portrait Painting Techniques - Toning, Gridding and Skin Tones

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In this video, Andrew Tischler demonstrates techniques for getting started with your portrait. These techniques are beginner-friendly; toning the canvas, gridding up your reference and mixing skin tones.
Check out the materials Andrew Tischler uses:
BRUSHES:
www.rosemaryandco.com/index.p...
OIL PAINT:
blueridgeoilpaint.com
www.naturalpigments.com/ruble...
www.williamsburgoils.com
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ABOUT ME
Hey! Want to take your art to the next LEVEL? I make videos sharing vital painting techniques.
I'm Andrew and welcome to my channel! I just love to paint and I've been a professional artist for the last 14 years. I have now decided to give back and share what I have picked up in my career. I will show you techniques used by the old masters with step by step tutorials, across a wide range of subjects. We will also dive into the materials used in painting, and how to wield them with mastery! I will even feature content specifically designed to help you with your art career, with Q+A videos.
If that sounds like you, then you should SUBSCRIBE and join me on a fulfilling journey of creativity and discovery.
Andrew

[@e.r.cordoba2931]

When I see how you paint, I feel like a beginner. I am sixty-seven years old and thirty-six years painting, and I am not ashamed to learn from a young master like you. How lucky to have met you. Thanks for your teachings.

[@samiadjitli439]

Respect

[@mina1778]

this is such a sweet, wholesome compliment.

[@kieranduffy4307]

Come on! r/wholesome!!!

[@joelglaud]

So you started painting at 31..I'm 29 and am now starting

[@jyotisharma-hy2xk]

@@joelglaud i m 26 m also starting now..

[@artsalivestudio]

Andrew, I know I have said this before but your talent is amazing. And your willingness to share it with us is very humbling. Thank you.

[@AndrewTischlerArt]

Cheers George! Thanks so much mate, always a pleasure. :)

[@igorz3551]

Andrew Tischler can i have a dollar

[@TuanPhan-wm5tt]

George Dalton hello

[@BHFWaterloo]

Don’t believe for a minute that he is not profiting off of this. Yes he loves painting and sharing with others but with KZbin and sponsors it becomes very profitable.

[@TuanPhan-wm5tt]

George Dalton hello

[@gvk8776]

I know this is an older video,but I had a tip to share. When using those cheaper brushes from the hardware store the trick I learned is to wrap a bit of painters tape (sticky side up) and tap the brush on it on all sides a few times before you use it. That’ll pull most if not all the loose bristles out for you. Hope this helps and thank you for all the help these videos give.

[@sophian5437]

thank you for sharing!

[@Artstudiovaneijk]

Thank u ❤ I just got rid of cheap spalter brushes , because the loose hair I could take off with a pincet from the linen 😵‍💫

[@lisalynch629]

Thanks

[@racheltania4498]

Mixing the tone color with the thinner instead of clumsily glopping it on way too darkly and usually messily? Mind. Blown. You're so amazing.

[@MajICReiki]

I noticed no linseed oil used..right? I think the thinner helps it dry faster for the under paintings.

[@coldboyhooligan9033]

Yes finally a fully instructional video that’s not boring

[@AndrewTischlerArt]

Hey Thanks very much!

[@BlackwaterDSM]

Seriously! Sucked me in more than Bob Ross! Amazing painter and such a kind and humble guy.

[@annabizaro-doo-dah]

@@AndrewTischlerArt talk about a back-handed compliment😂...oh oh, I see! He means everyone *else's* portrait tutorial is boring so now finally one that's not. 😂I was gonna say!

[@mankirankamaal174]

After watching this video could you do a painting like Andrew

[@nicoledice6288]

C O L D B O Y HOOLIGAN right? I feel like it’s nice to get a fresh take

[@dianakidd8267]

My late mother was a fabulous portrait artist & restoration artist~ she would have agreed with me that your tutorial (I just discovered & watched you for the first time today)is absolutely stellar. Your skill as an teacher is only surpassed by your skill as an artist ~ phenomenal!

[@debbiejohnson2789]

I can tell just a few minutes into this that you are a great teacher! You explain and demonstrate things so well while speaking clearly and maintaining good eye contact. I like the skulls you keep your solvents and things in. You are very self protecting by wearing gloves as common sense would dictate. It also looks like you keep your supplies in good order, I know a university professor who got cancer by painting large structural pieces and canvases over a fairly long time by not practicing ways to protect himself. It’s so important. Thank you for this video. Your work is exquisite, and we are lucky to be able to meet you and see your great work. Thank you very much!!!

[@williambug8117]

I'm 77yrs.old . I've been painting in oils & One Shot enamels since,1958 We had no gloves & I even rub the paint in with my hands.I do enjoy your videos.Great work.👍

[@Sicilia928]

Thank you so much for this channel, Andrew. I am soon to be 67 and I have been drawing portraits since I was six. I have never had a lesson. That is something I have bragged about at times and also secretly wondered if my parents and I made a giant mistake. You addressed that very issue in one of your videos and I can not thank you enough for settling that question for me once and for all. I am slow to give praise but your work is stunning. You have joined my short list of favorite artists and you give me something to strive for in my old age. As an American now living in Florence, Italy, what better place and time to find a teacher and get back to my own art. Grazie mille maestro!

[@elsas8037]

I’m 27 just now decided to try to learn painting. I can’t afford art school. I have so much respect for an artist that isn’t able to go to art school but is able to create beautiful pieces. Im also very thankful for this master giving us his tips and knowledge for free. He is very Helpful for people like me who want to learn but for circumstances of life can’t afford to go to school for it.

[@obscurity3027]

Andrew, you are by FAR one of the best channels on KZbin.

[@theresasandoval1182]

Ok, You are Fantastic in your portrait of the dark haired beauty! Such detail... the eyes with the tears , and including the freckles , and little skin imperfections of the model, the depth of colors all through the painting, highlights of the hair, pure realistic genius ! I enjoyed your two portrait tutorials. I find myself anxiously looking forward to watching for what you show next. Have to add the portrait set to my library. Keep em comin’ , Theresa

[@sagetscippio8878]

Just finishing watching this on my TV, using my phone to drop a comment. First off, You're GREAT! AND...Thank you! I was just browsing KZbin and your channel randomly came across, I Havent been able to paint or draw, type, etc... in over 5 years, After losing nerve damage from 2x brain surgeries back in 2015. This is the 3rd video I've seen this evening of you, and you just really gave me inspiration to atleast attempt to get back into art, I havent had much of a purpose since going out on disability from the I.T. field.. as I can no longer fully use either of my hands and my epilepsy.... long story short, I LOVE your skills man! Thanks for the inspiration, my friend! I think I just may be able to atleast TRY to use my hands for something good again, and art has always challenged my fine motor skills. I'm no professional but I used to do some sketching, cartoons, and shading, I had just gotten into oil based paintings on canvas a year before my brain surgeries. This just brought me back! Again, thanks for the inspiration and I'll be a constant observer. I've always wanted to be really good with paint, you make it look so easy!!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🧘🏿‍♂️🙏🏾✌🏿👍🏿👍🏿 #BeautifulPicture #GreatArtist #MadSkills #Blessings #KeepUpTheGoodWork

[@patriciacrowther3771]

Born teacher, born artist..... what a wonderful talent you have. Bravo young man. I will be trying the grid as you showed it. Many thanks.

[@KelliFolsomOilPaintings]

Very true!

[@freyablackcrescent7481]

I think it's just so sweet how he is excited about painting, and making those videos. I want to start learning realistic stuff, and I think I'm just going to binge all his videos.

[@nickhrovatt4573]

holy... this tutorial is probably the best there is on painting portraits.

[@Qhatamijero]

Andrew Tischler is now my online art teacher this quarantine..

[@XOXO-mb2vh]

She looks alive, and I can see her emotion, even though it is just paint on a canvas. You are a true artist. Amazing.

[@allenrodgers1577]

"Eat more salsa, it'll help you with your painting" that's heavy, Doc.

[@TiffanysFineArt]

That comment made me laugh. I love how he can be serious but throw in a funny line every now and then. :D I want to be just like him one day! :D

[@hnbg6538]

If you avoid processed sauce and prepare your own with natural ingredients, you will have to buy new empty bottles.

[@shestarzbrightly3512]

Spicy fresh salsa might stimulate the creative vibe 😆

[@sagetscippio8878]

Interesting!

[@adolfodelgado9361]

Allen Rodgers and dance more salsa it keeps those musculos in shape lo lo

[@keniacorniel-dipiglia2620]

I don’t know why aren’t you in every tv channels around the world yet, but your time will come young man; you are the best of the best, And you are so humble and handsome. You were born to be an artist to touch and change people lives by helping them discover talent and passion regardless of their ages. Thank you. You should be in the wall of famous artist of time.

[@360DigitalPro]

You have a very magical brush. When I was a child, I painted with watercolors. There is, however, one step forward with oil painting. The work you did was amazing, and I really appreciate it.

[@wafaaalwafi9098]

You are a distinguished and creative artist and have a great spirit by offering you what you have learned over the years and cost you a lot of effort and money, put it free for everyone to benefit from, thank you on behalf of everyone watching your videos.

[@jf9335]

You and Micheal James Smith are my new heroes.

[@jcepri]

That painting is way beyond amazing. I took up drawing about 3 years ago on a whim. I find it to be incredibly relaxing.

[@undertherainbow777]

You should do more paintings like this that has a message, that says something. Beautiful.

[@jodiebrook9579]

Your understanding and description and knowledge of color is so fascinating to me. I love how artists see differently and all details. Really incredible.

[@Shigatoxic]

Andrew, you're an extraordinarily talented artist and an absolutely amazing teacher. I bought your Winter Landscape tutorial and I have watched it about 3 times in its entirety. That is a master study in mark making. Your portrait tutorial is no doubt as informative. I appreciate how you describe what you're doing so articulately. There is no waste in your explanation; rather, it's tight, efficient and effective. Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@parkinho635]

Algorithm guided me to your video. I enjoyed watching the video. . Thank you for allowing me to meet artists from all over the world on KZbin. . Stay healthy.

[@jeanwillis7774]

I admire you greatly,you’re a master and I knew that your photograph was based on Waterhouse’s portrait,I truly love Waterhouse and the pre-Raphaelites in general...you are a brilliant teacher and I thank you so much for this fabulous class.

[@debbiefuller2602]

I am brand new to painting. Love your tutorial! Lack of music in the background is WONDERFUL! I look forward to studying under you!

[@crazyblanket]

Andrew, I can't wait to get my personal 'art space' completed (I'm building a small art studio for myself) so I can turn these amazing tips of yours into reality when I start portrait painting again (after a 20 year lay off) Your videos and dialogue are captivating me in the meantime...what a phenomenal talent you are - thanks!

[@Cutie_23777]

It is just beautiful to see your brush strokes creating the tones.It is utterly beautiful.

[@shirleymclean8911]

Thank you so much Andrew. My unvarnished paintings were left in an area where sanding a floor was done and I had no idea how to clean them before varnishing. I remembered watching you do this some time ago. Thank you again.

[@dickbudig6693]

Gridding up what used as far back as Rembrandt, et al. Nothing to feel off about gridding up.

[@channingjones9815]

Research has found that the Egyptians used grids as well

[@tailemac]

Agree! Proportions are my weakness so gridding is very useful!

[@BlackwaterDSM]

Hal Jordan Guess we should go tell the ENTIRE ARCHITECTURAL COMMUNITY to start "drawing" their blueprints and just "hope" that their proportions are EXACT. Who gives a F#%* how you get your proportions accurate... if it works for someone, it is THEIR art. Period.

[@blackeesh463]

@Hal Jordan most great artists used grids in some stage of their work,they are looked down upon by uneducated people only.

[@Sierraone1]

Afaik Jan Vermeer for instance even used a primitive (well, i guess it was high tech back then) projector.

[@angelakarter6269]

Andrew, you are truly AMAZING!!!! Thank you always for your enthusiastic approach and passionate attitude towards life, learning and painting. Gridding, drawing freehand, eating salsa, I will take whatever path gets me to Master Tisch-like art.....finding my way thru your leadership.....many many thanks!!!!

[@AndrewTischlerArt]

Thanks so much Angela! I really appreciate that! :)

[@fumyeah5867]

I have never seen paintings as realistic as yours. Someday these will be worth millions

[@SAMZIRRA]

It’s cool how it already looks incredible in sepia with the highlights.

[@atticus_ink9487]

Your traditional painting techniques have helped me enormously with my digital painting. Thank you so much for these wonderful tutorials!

[@KelliFolsomOilPaintings]

That's awesome! I never thought about that before.

[@curiessrose]

There's something very real and engaging in the way you teach. As someone who struggles with auditory instruction, it's refreshing to find a person I can learn from both auditorially and visually. Thank you so much for your kind and thorough instruction!

[@AndrewTischlerArt]

Thanks so much! I am still striving to improve both!

[@JackSmith-ud9bg]

By the way. I have a lot of time being shut in because of the virus going around. Your videos help me to not get depressed. I try to learn as much as I can from an artist like yourself. I am 84 and still learning. Have a great day and God bless.

[@savingsusanna]

I get so mesmerised by your videos Andrew. I think the most important accolade to express in this short comment though is that you so thoroughly enable people. You do it so seemingly selflessly and enticingly. I am grateful to you and hold you in great esteem. Good on you!

[@BlackwaterDSM]

This is like watching an incredible documentary! Sucked me in more than Bob Ross! Lol. Amazing painter and such a kind and humble guy. Thanks for putting out these free tutorials for us mere mortal painters. 👍

[@soulsunshine108]

It's one of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen.

[@napeekapunpimtongnara9111]

The pictures you write are really full of life.

[@pamelasfauxpaintingatl228]

Thank you so much for your generosity of knowledge. I'm a full time artist but not a portrait artist. Your videos have helped me finish off a commission that was totally different than my usual style that required some skin tones! Thanks again!

[@aaliyahsmith5913]

I just finished my first portrait painting and I really wish I could’ve saw this months ago, would have helped me so much, my instructor was trash. Wonderful techniques, you are a beauty for this. I will forever use these techniques from now on!

[@cherigreen4471]

OMG the canvas comes alive with just the brown tones! I love how you off lay the background to create highlights! Also I never thought about laying colors in the same order every time on the palette. So many fine tips. I love Waterhouse and all the Pre-Raphaelites. Your work is stunningly beautiful!

[@grouchygeek4176]

Ive been drawing all my life(im 27) and ive painted a little bit but ive never been really into it. You've inspired me to practice it more ^_^ youre an amazing artist!

[@emeraldfox76]

I've always had trouble understanding color theory the way it was taught in schools, but the way you talk about tones? I was able to see it right along with you! It's starting to make so much more sense now! Thanks!!

[@aliciab6193]

Your explanation of how to do the underpainting and using the grid was so easy to understand. Also your explanation of toning makes me want to try it more often. I'm a big fan of Waterhouse, thank you for paying homage to him!

[@shelley2he844]

I’ve never seen this channel before and 15 mins in and I’m hooked! Thank you so much for this amazing upload, can’t wait to watch all your other videos! I’m a newbie and this info is invaluable to me ! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@musikirongartist8475]

Big salute to those artist who are so dedicated at sharing their ideas for free ..

[@stevencowdell5201]

As always a true professional that inspires me me more than any other artist. Never tire of your tutorials.

[@keniacorniel-dipiglia2620]

You need to be recognized as a genius, your painting was amazing even before you you added color in fact I think you are a John William Waterhouse of this era. Amazing

[@xXKDizzleXxTheShizzl]

I've been watching a lot of youtube painters lately and i have to say your videos are the best! So informative and engaging. Not to mention, your skills are insane!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!!

[@taylormatthews7488]

Hi! Traditional converting digital artist here! This was a very informational highly educational video! Thank you so much for creating this amazing video! This helped a lot so much! I can take and use these tips you’ve shared with us in my digital paintings. Ive been drawing and painting ever since I was a little girl, it feels great just to go back to basics. Thanks again! Have a great day!

[@jtarrats100]

Andrew, u are a hell of a Teacher

[@slewp]

some of the best painting videos on the internet thank you!

[@thefelicits]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Clear tutorial with lots of helpful advice. I am just getting started learning to paint portraits and I learnt so many interesting tips from this, and it's great being able to watch the whole process as it comes together. Thank you!

[@jaderatliff179]

Genuinely the most helpful, high quality art videos I've found!! Seeing the colour of the toned canvas is inspiring me to paint on leather!

[@pwills6113]

Wow. The way you revealed the highlight using the turps was mind blowing! I would never have thought of that. Thank you for an amazing tutorial!

[@nicoledice6288]

Love the gridding method! It’s a great way to capture allot of detail with accuracy! I always teach this to my students

[@colleenbrownart]

Another wonderful video lesson preview. I will be buying this to go along with some of your others. Thanks for sharing!!

[@heylex2289]

I’ve been drawing my whole life but have just recently gotten into painting, and I feel like I just learned 6 months of work. Thank you so much for this! It makes me want to go paint for the next week and never stop

[@MrKevonski]

You're a masterful painter Andrew.

[@shadowartist8892]

Amazing! Thank you. I can't believe this quality of teaching and talent is free on youtube. Its a gift! I love Waterhouse too. :)

[@sagetscippio8878]

Same thing I was thinking when I stumbled onto this wonderful artists channel!!👍🏿✌🏿💯

[@BarrocoTarot]

I'm 34 but when I was 18 I did choose Art History and not Beaux Arts at the University and I kind I regret it and I don't know if is too late now to recover the lost hope or if my work will be good enough. What you do is a beautiful magic! God how you mix the colours is amazing. Is a pleasure to watch you. Thank you!

[@everydayhero3610]

Dude you got at least another 50 years of life ahead of you, of course, you should go for it. If you don't do it now, then in 10 years you will regret it just like you do today, saying that you were young when you were 34.

[@deblloyd74]

My mom had to wait until retirement. She was really good at watercolour after a few lessons. If she'd started at 34 I can only imagine how her life would have panned out. Never too late xx

[@BarrocoTarot]

@@deblloyd74 Maybe I need some guidance or a master to learn from, I'm 35 now lol Time flies! Your words are really kind. Thanks a lot.

[@damienkearns3654]

I hope you're still painting. Check out books by Todd M Casey and Juliette Aristides. Helpful to artists of all levels. It's a lifetime project, hopefully the most enjoyable one.

[@abderrahimbenmoussa4359]

So just got 30 and decided to try it out : really cool and it not hard at all, it is basically using your eyes, your hands, and your time.

[@ebox3365]

WOW, you are incredibly gifted

[@Molly-hk5xc]

Where have you been all these years....you are simply the best🙏❤

[@shannonhansen1641]

Thank you I finally have found someone who explains well and simple I’ve been doing art since I was little and I’m getting into painting once again and I think oils r going to be my medium I’m looking forward to more of your videos

[@c.shakeshaft2582]

I am in awe! Thank you so much for a terrific tutorial. Your explanation of toning your canvas (linen) taught me a lot.

[@jeevansrealisticart3947]

Thank you so much Andrew for this wonderful technique of mixing turpentine with liquin.

[@cecilycrewe6702]

Love love love your videos . I don’t think I will ever get close to your artistry but I learn so much from you . Thank you for keeping art and the artistry alive . You are a true master. Very few of you .Many are artists . You are a master

[@HopeHarmony0615]

Thank you, gosh I can see and understand exactly what you are saying and I'm a beginner portrait painter. I like the flair of how you do things and how you describe it to us. Thank you, I really enjoy your videos and classes.

[@TNT-km2eg]

How clever . Cultivating your own competition

[@khursheedraja1780]

Thank you Andrew. You are a fantastic teacher! Your explanation is very thorough unlike most artists who create a time lapse video. Enjoy watching your tutorials.

[@natlisan]

Another great and informative video Andrew. I like the fact that you used the grid even though you advise against it or using it as a crutch. I must admit that I just started using a grid for portraits myself! Even though I've been drawing/painting for over twenty years at this point I use it more as a time saving tool than a crutch. I like that I can get a great likeness in a quarter of the time. What I keep in mind when griding is that I only use it in the section that I need a likeness I do not tie myself to "copying"the image to a tee because as you mentioned, if there's a flaw in the reference image and you're too tied down to the grid you're just going to transfer the flaws.

[@lisengel2498]

I really enjoyed watching the way each brushstroke somehow was a caressing and a sculpting making the face appear like by magic. Beautifull image and I truly liked the colors in the process - for me more beautifull than the reference photo - and what a brush and admiraler brushwork

[@efrilyely5858]

Dang! Ibe been searching an artist that could teach me from ground zero. And here u r! Im a fan! As an artist myself, ur the best teacher! Please do more videos

[@judymills873]

Wow! Even the tonal painting is fabulous!

[@chloeadventures5175]

I truly appreciated how easy you made blocking out the color tones of the face in this instructional video. I am attempting my first portrait now and can see how I really need to bring my shadows back into the face. Thank you.

[@vminator]

It's amazing to see how you're channel has grown. I've been watching since the start and constantly rewatching for reference. Thank you for all this. It's invaluable.

[@karen_smith]

I was amazed by the hard work you exert and the dramatic changes in the skin tone. I also love the tips about freehand and grid stuff and zooms in the subject photo. I've been practicing right now and your video is the most informative so far. I was glad that I wake up halfway through your video cause my youtube kept on playing when I was sleeping. wish I could have that angled brush.

[@andread9807]

I’m 17 and I’ve been painting for 3-2 years now and I’m still learning! Thank for this video, I will definitely subscribe.

[@brendakitirou889]

thank you so much for sharing your knowledge

[@boreale2077]

Your explanations are the best I’ve ever seen on KZbin, thank you so much (ps : Waterhouse is my favorite painter too ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️) Thank you for existing !

[@melisarockhillesq]

Thank you! So many teachers house the ball, but you are an awesome teacher. I'm so glad I found you!

[@mccondrey-sketchcut365]

I am a 32 year old barber this encourage me to do oil painting. I think I can do it. Thank you for this tutorial.. You are one of the best.

[@meady50]

how’s your painting journey come along

[@artistglyn]

I'd kill for a studio like yours. I work in small cramped conditions, but still managed to make a wall easel like yours ! As for gridding up, I used to teach it all the time. What I do now for my own work is use a projection system to get the outline. It's quicker and more accurate, and , no, I don't feel I'm cheating. I've still got to paint it ! Great video again Andrew.

[@MrPipistrella]

Hi! What projector do you use ? I have only found very expensive ones and I think it would be really helpful. Thank you 😊

[@sagetscippio8878]

Interesting! Never even knew there was such a thing! That's awesome! I may have to try that!👏🏿👍🏿✌🏿🙏🏾

[@rajarshichatterjee2119]

A big 'thank you' for the video...and hats off once again!

[@JackSmith-ud9bg]

I keep watching this video over and over. I absolutely love the instructions on your technic. Thank you

[@Bena-boo]

That painting of the lady smelling the flowers is beautiful, your use of light and your skin tones are really gorgeous. I'm sixty and been painting since school, mostly in oils and I'm wanting to try acrylic so I found your page - and really happy that I did. You are a brilliant artist! Thank you for sharing your tips and your talent.

[@Createfulart]

This was very helpful. Thank you!

[@Detalle]

Freehand is also my to-go method. I guess when you are making big paintings, to be accurate in the measurements you have to measure it. Love the video

[@SK-pf5ik]

Thank you Andrew. Your generosity is obvious. Your talent is amazing. Thank you for helping all of us. Bless you!!!

[@kathrynrobinson-burge7661]

Just wonderful to watch. I am in awe of your talent Andrew.

[@sureshift123]

Used jars are an artists best friend, lol! Doesn't really change throughout the career hahaha! Love it as always, man!

[@sureshift123]

@Camila Velacast can be dangerous! Please make sure to label them to avoid any uneccessary accidents :)

[@keniacorniel-dipiglia2620]

You have been the best painting tutorial I had ever come across on KZbin thank you so much.

[@Anthony-gq7dk]

Brilliant class Andrew , so clear and explanatory , full on information with brilliant delivery , Please keep them coming , invaluable to all the "triers ".

[@Rojo731]

It is difficult to comprehend that this isn't a photo. Just gorgeous!!@

[@annieblooms]

Brilliant! I've learned so much in this short version of your oil portrait painting.

[@sagetscippio8878]

Same thing I said !!👏🏿👏🏿👍🏿✌🏿🙏🏾