3 Techniques for Incredibly Realistic Portraits

For Alex's Alla Prima Portrait Painting course visit:
/ simplifydrawingandpain...
In this Portrait Painting tutorial Alex Tzavaras shows you how to paint realistic portraits using an Alla Prima oil painting technique. Alex demonstrates 3 portrait painting techniques that will instantly make your portrait paintings more lifelike.
Alex Tzavaras is a contemporary realist artist offering portrait painting and alla prima oil painting tutorials. Alex teaches the traditional painting techniques artists used to draw and paint from life up until the start of the 20th century.
Connect with Alex:
/ alex_tzavaras
alextzavaras.com

[@ADI-bh3oi]

i almost freaked out when the reference photo blinked LMAO

[@oyasumiio]

to summarize: 1. dont copy all the details, replicate texture 2. variate the colors within values 3. keep hard edges and accents to a minimum

[@I-luv-sharks]

Man you're a legend

[@Grimdarkened]

not to disrespect a creator, but its really helps to just list everything first then talk about it. Saved me some time :p

[@Standbackforscience]

This is a lot better than many of the other painting tutorials I've seen because it clearly explains the thinking behind decisions, instead of just showing what to do.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much! Glad you think so.

[@seandewell9319]

Seriously, this answered so many important questions for me. I left this video with a real excitement in what I learned. Usually a video leaves me asking how or why, which can be quite demoralising.

[@jorgeo4483]

And therein lies the importance of language mastery in any teacher, this is the reason why few mathematics teachers are successful with their students. This boy not only paints perfectly, a very Spanish style by the way, it reminds me of Sorolla, but he gets to the point and with tremendous success when it comes to technique and that is why he is different from an amateur.

[@user-ex3py1ki8n]

Oh yeah, it was my pain after paying for a course 😢 This is so much better!

[@jjmcguckin2658]

This actually made a massive difference in how I paint people, easily the best demo on portrait painting I've ever seen.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much!

[@safegourd]

I thought the video of the model was a photograph so I jumped when he blinked LOL. Thank you so much for this video! I have been looking for something exactly like this - an oil painting demo that explains the “why” behind each choice. Excited to get back to my paints and apply the concepts you discussed.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much! Good luck with your painting.

[@eoinobrien895]

That might just be the most useful ten minutes I've ever spent. So much really practical, and often counter-intuitive, advice. Thank you so much.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Wow! That's an amazing compliment. Thank You.

[@eoinobrien895]

I'm just a beginner, and I've basically appointed you as my guru, I hope that's okay! I love your style, the liveliness in it, just how I'd love to be able to paint (though of course I'm sure that will change). Thank you.@@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting

[@svenfigenschou7345]

agree

[@Gyllrexxar]

The first art video i watched without getting distracted

[@ryhlight]

I love how you actually explain why you do the things you do instead of just showing us what to do. It actually feels like im learning smthing and not just watching or copying someone drawing 👏👏

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful.

[@maclanesmith8704]

I have watched countless videos like this and have never heard about several thing you mentioned. You didn't waste a second, never have I learned so many things about painting in only 10 minutes.

[@philiphoweartistwriter272]

Very nice work, sensitive and realistic without pushing the form too much toward details. You are one of the few artists online who actually understand that you can add more color into skintones as long as the value of those strokes is in harmony with the surrounding area.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Philip!

[@drawspaceX]

I doubt hes the only one as there is such an insane amount of highly skilled artists all over the place, he does do an amazing job at explaining everything though

[@hornjan8258]

When I saw the thumbnail, I thought: Oh, someone's painting Dostoyevsky.

[@Rammingkillerwhale]

I am a self taught artist, I know most of these things! I figured them on my own before because they just FELT right, I knew I didn’t like edges for a reason! Artists do really figure it out themselves.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Yes they do, but IMO you'll learn much faster by studying artists of the past who have already figured this stuff out.

[@pianoatthirty]

"When we look at someone's eyes, we never focus on both eyes at the same time". Holy crap I never realized that! Thank you!

[@DirtyColorArt]

This is how a proper painting tutorial should be like! Great work, Alex! I really enjoyed this one and hope you will be back with many more amazing videos as soon as possible. Have a great day!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much! Glad you liked it.

[@kevinclarkson7036]

I have never seen such a stunning set of techniques condensed into a crisp video I will revisit this many times. Thank you.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much Kevin! Please do.

[@kristijanradovac43]

Im so high that I thought the guy in the corner was blinking…

[@jadecale8845]

I’m vry high too

[@eldreyte]

He was tho. It's not a photo

[@MasterBetty69]

@@jadecale8845me too

[@rachelharas]

😂😂😂 same

[@meet-me-at-blue-diner]

Bc it is😭

[@miryamgarrote8330]

I have watched this a second time and took notes. For me, you are the best portraiture teacher on KZbin, I like your technique and your results the most. I have started painting the Juan de Pareja master copy. It's hard not to fall in love with his, and your painting.

[@IvanaINart]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. From the thousand of people who give instructions here. You are the man with best knowledge I saw on the internet. Thank you from all of us, who dont have enough money to pay a masterclases.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much! That is exactly why I started this channel.

[@thomasina1041]

Brilliant Alex as are all your videos. I particularly like the handling of the hair, both the beard and hairline. The interaction between soft and hard edges so well explained and shown by example. Superb session. Yes, I think it quite possibly was your best yet!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much! Glad you think so.

[@georgiapetropoulou6153]

Brilliant and excellent explanation as always.Thank you Alex!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Georgia!

[@chiricuttcomepapt5100]

It was a great pleasure to watch your process and to listen to the clear explanations. Thank you! I am sure many viewers also appreciate you showing the model throughout. I loved your Diego Velázquez comparison of his two pieces, going from rigid to magical.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you ert much!

[@afreeman5609]

I've been a professional illustrator who also did a great deal of gallery work around the world. My works been on dozens and dozens of book and magazine covers. I will tell you that this demonstration is the best I've seen on youtube. Very well done.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much!

[@johnwest4097]

Beautiful work, Alex! Magnificent!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much John!

[@bbgirlb]

Oh man you are heaven sent for giving all of this information for free. Thank you!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

My pleasure! Glad it was helpful.

[@clockworkninja884]

This is exactly the kind of tutorial series I've been looking for.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Great! I'm glad my videos are helpful.

[@susanwong6471]

Best advise ever, short and straight to the point! This is by far, the best oil painting Utube! Thank you so much!!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Susan!

[@plazmica0323]

instead of someone talking to camera and me skipping half the video i rewatch it several times because its good to see and learn something new

[@reedfish99]

Jesus that was probably the best video on painting I’ve ever watched, I’m not exaggerating here! Thank you! I shall definitely be watching more of your amazing videos :)

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@williambo5989]

great tutorial as usual. I will remember those key points. avoid hard edges but don't overdo the soft edges maybe 80 18 2

[@motlba]

As always, wonderful demonstration. Thank you.

[@altide8784]

Why not just take a screenshot of this man, now he actually have to sit there and not blink

[@monicamarquette7804]

I'm waking up with a cup with a coffee on Thanksgiving day and throughly enjoying watching you paint. Your instructions are extremely helpful and you inspire me to take the plunge to paint portraits. I'm thankful for your videos.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much Monica!

[@porchsitter]

I just learned more from these than a thousand dollar workshop

[@joannschoenleber813]

Wow!! Maestro you’re amazing!! Incredible tutorial as always!! Thanks Alex!!

[@user-mk3lk1zn5i]

You werent joking when you said one of the best. More packed into this than most.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much! Glad you think so!

[@patrickwalsh2361]

The best portrait demonstration I’ve ever seen! Just excellent!! Thanks

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much Patrick, glad you liked it!

[@touisbetterthanpi]

Soooooo helpful. And thank you SO MUCH for showing your pallet over time

[@mellong64]

No bs, just raw info. Priceless. Going to be studying and applying these tips for a long long time.

[@qall84]

Such a humble yet masterful lesson. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ahlamhoms796]

Thank you for this wonderful and useful effort. I find in watching you the answers I need to practice drawing more professionally❤❤ it's ahlam from Syria ❤

[@joelcervantes6919]

Amazing work! Thank you for sharing your time & talent!

[@SezCreate]

Amazing tips I had never heard before!!!!! These can be applied to so much

[@annekulikova]

Thank you for your stunning videos! I'm really glad I discovered your channel, you're one of the most great teachers I know!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much Anne! I'm glad you've found my channel.

[@nickcocks]

That felt like a semester of information that I need just as long to take it - well done!

[@janedoe5229]

Thank you for explaining as you go. I watch many demo videos and I have to guess what they are doing and why. Your explaining helps tremendously.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Jane!

[@Joekatbetances]

Thank you very much , again your demonstration has been outstanding and very instructive.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you! Glad you think so.

[@finch45lear]

Diego and John S.S. Are my favorite portrait artists. (I love Holbein too). Watching you paint is like watching those two masters apply paint in person. It’s quite amazing and therapeutic. Your videos are so positive and uplifting in general . Thank you so very much.

[@agnusdei8442]

Thank you so much for your well-done presentation, great work.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you! Glad you liked it.

[@rudykammermeier8227]

Excellent demonstration! Very informative. You nailed his likeness.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much Rudy!

[@Osbernes]

thank you so much for this video, i dont work with oil paints or even focus on big realism, but i feel like the tips in this video are universal and can be applied in many ways. very insightful!

[@saharhomaeifar8857]

very helpful... thank you so much😍

[@japantiess9629]

just splendid! that tip about the eyes was such a wonderful insight ive never thought of before. thank you for this ! definitely an eye catching portrait, the model did great too!

[@AVOWIRENEWS]

Wow, a video on "3 Techniques for Incredibly Realistic Portraits" sounds fascinating! Portraiture has such a rich history in the art world, and it's always amazing to see how artists continue to innovate and refine their techniques. Realistic portraits have this unique way of capturing not just the physical likeness but also the essence of a person. It's a skill that requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just someone who appreciates good art, there's always something new to learn in this field. The journey of mastering portrait art is truly an inspiring one!

[@andrianisoekarnoart]

you are such a great teacher alex 😊 really love how you explain everything in a simple way and easy to understand, the painting is great, I love your channel, I learned a lot! thank you 😊

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much!

[@joalphillips]

Absolutely one of your best. Enjoyed your narration as well. Not to add to a masterpiece, but personally I'd enjoy a few clips of live narration as you're painting then randomly revert back to the overdubbing narration.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Joal. Your suggestion would certainly be good for audience retention. First I need to buy another camera, or hire a videographer?

[@andyquinn1125]

Superb lesson Alex. Thanks very much.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Andy!

[@soumyajitchoudhury9641]

U are one of the best art instructor in youtube. love how the way u explain. thank u so much from India

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much!

[@eyeshowyou]

SARGENTS way! Great technique. Love how you teach us

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much!

[@AndreiMarkovDrawing]

"Details are the spice, but too much spice ruins the soup" - Wise words on finding the right balance between intricate detailing and simplicity.

[@sketchartist1964]

An excellent demo. This is real alla prima painting!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you!

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Wow, great painting. Love your style and appreciate the tips you've given..... cheers.

[@KashiGirl911]

that might be the most valuable art lessons I've watched. well done.. and thank you1

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you ver much! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@dancharlesc]

this is very informative, thank you for being clear and direct. helped out a lot in digesting new or refreshing information.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

You're very welcome. Glad it was helpful.

[@Osowebproductions]

The best explanation I have ever seen! THANK YOU

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sketchista]

This is fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing, it was extremely helpful!!!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you for watching! Glad it was helpful.

[@MasterTattooing]

Very nice sir! The skill of using different techniques to get the right amount of detail.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you!

[@SECRETGRAVlTY]

Thank you so much! This video was so helpful, I can’t thank you or emphasize it enough!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you too! Glad you think so.

[@monicaalmeida6261]

Absolutly wonderful! Pricelessly useful!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much Monica!

[@samking4179]

this is soooooooo good! ---- amazing tutorial! nice and fast without any extraneous bs. thanks!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Sam! Glad you liked it.

[@baptistepayendessinphoto]

Thank you for sharing these great advices.

[@MrLutens]

stunning work!!!

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

Thanks again. Lovely demo.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Glad it was helpful.

[@peg4692]

The videos you put up are inspiring, but this one is the most inspiring one. Such great teaching ability is so much appreciated. Thank you.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank yoy very much! Glad you think so.

[@sky2333]

You're a true master at work!

[@peterparkinson7952]

Just brilliant advice, thank you! ❤

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Glad it was helpful Peter!

[@luisfernandez-izquierdo502]

excellent demo, thank you!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Luis!

[@sajidis5816]

Great Lesson. Thank you so much!

[@candyissweet5368]

thank u for this video its incredible! especially ur amazing commentary its really helpful and i learned a lot watching it!!!! thank u ! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much! Glad it was helpful.

[@brucekalter4206]

Very informational and well presented. Thank you!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Bruce! Glad you liked it.

[@PappuDas-fq1ll]

I Watching To This Channel Since 2019 .Many Things i Learned From this Brilliant Channel .

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you very much for your continued support!

[@js-di6ql]

i wish i could like this 1000 times! excellent tips! cheers!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you!

[@Niinsa62]

This was very helpful, really! Explaining why to do things this way or that way. And a beautiful portrait!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you!

[@maximosmanolis1219]

Perfect model and perfect painting! 🤘🏻

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Manolis!

[@vernonsteinkamp1088]

This is very informative. Im in the process of painting a face. I have always painted the background color first. I place a sheet of glass over the photo im working from. This way, i can put my paint mixtures right over the photo to make sure my colors are close. I did notice you made the hair lighter than the photo. Overall, this is some great advice. Thank you.

[@massidew5654]

Thank you.by far the best lesson ever

[@TaiwanPhotonicsSociety]

Thank you! This was very useful!

[@MaryamPourabdolali-fn2qg]

Excellent, thank you for sharing 👌🙏

[@jonroads8281]

Amazing piece and great, great video, so much useful information!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Jon!

[@markh7523]

YES Alex it IS a very valuable video, I got a lot of new info from it , thanks

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you Mark! Glad it was helpful

[@DayByeDayChristine]

So much useful information in this short video!!!!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you!

[@YounusMogul]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you!

[@samiam7]

Pure magic. Great tips here

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you!

[@MichelleyB-zk3eh]

Inspiring! Subscribed

[@user-sk3zb2id1v]

How amazing, thanks very very much, this is an eye opener

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you! Glad you think so.

[@GreenlifeFin]

Omg. This was so good!! Now I understand much more and will apply. Thank you!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hanhvuong8898]

What a beautiful protrait.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thanks!

[@armarat7419]

This is a great one for sure! Well done, sir!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thanks!

[@katemccarthy2463]

Amazing thank you

[@stookybill9508]

Brilliant dude, great lesson, great work.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thanks!

[@davidn2663]

incredible work!!!!

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you David!

[@KvltKommando]

Very, very good tutorial. I like that you don't make us guess why you did one thing or another.

[@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting]

Thank you!

[@darthrincus]

I was so mesmerised by the painting I didn't realise the top right wasn't even a photo!