The Best Advice I Can Give You for Portrait Oil Painting

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Hi, I am the son of two artists and began painting in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia before I could walk. I was a rare combination of artist and athlete so I moved to Los Angeles in 2008 to play football for USC. I left the team my sophomore year to focus on painting and filmmaking, applying the same focus and discipline from my football career to my art. I primarily work in oils, and spend most free days painting "en plein air" in my new home of Sarasota Florida.
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[@stephsmanicshenanigans8017]

I finally branched out and painted on canvas, I have three paintings going now that I’m doing in layers instead of alla prima ?, one is Mona Lisa and she is actually Mona Lisa! I’m so proud of myself! It’s only shoulders up, but the first one I did about 6 months ago when I first started painting is nothing compared to the one now. Don’t give up people! I’ve only been painting 6 months and I’m shocked how far I’ve come! Thanks so much to you and your videos, so helpful!!

[@DCweldingAndArt]

That's awesome! I started like a year ago and I'm almost embarrassed by my Alla primas I did(Bob Ross style) almost lol they were essential for Mt learning process tho. I've eupgraded my setup IMMENSELY since then(acm/hardboard lead primed linen panels, Rublev/Blue Ridge paints, 3 easels, plein air setup, etc..) and my paintings actually sell now. Thanks to guys like Chris, Andrew tischler, draw mix paint. Chelsea Lang, etc) I come soo far. I've become soo addicted that life is getting in the way of my painting now lol that darn sleep schedule, it keeps distracting me ;)

[@joshludwick8645]

@@DCweldingAndArt draw mix paint is a great channel.

[@friedricengravy6646]

Right on!

[@ziegfridpadilla8811]

you gave me hope i just started weeks ago. keep the grind going

[@stephsmanicshenanigans8017]

@@ziegfridpadilla8811 I still love it! Sold my first commission about a week ago and just finished a second! Getting better each day

[@marriedaprince1]

This was really helpful...I would love more videos that talk about blocking out like this. Thanks ☺️

[@seen-ex7qy]

Excellent content ! Best painting chanel on the entire youtube !!

[@keepersofthegrid]

This is yet another reason why yours is my favorite channel, thank you! 🎨💖

[@AlinaHuynhArt]

thanks for the tips :) portraits are hard because the artist needs to capture the soul of the subject :)

[@DannySabraArt]

I’ve found that even when I have a tight drawing for a portrait I often will basically cover it all up anyway when I apply paint. So sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to get into a highly detailed drawing because as you said you’ll either be coloring in a coloring book or totally destroy that drawing anyway and have wasted a lot of time.

[@ZOONG12345]

Hi Coach, was wondering about your paint mixing process, could you cover what colors you used please and thank you

[@amandapeete7907]

You posted this at the perfect time for a commission Im working on. Thank you!!!

[@ryanstigman5370]

I typically work in acrylics and haven't used oils since college (35 yrs ago). Recently your channel has inspired me to pick them up again and switch from acrylics to oils. I am so incredibly glad I did. I had forgotten how much more vivid the colors are and I had no problem making the transition to working the medium. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight.

[@friedricengravy6646]

I dont mean to get into ur business, but wanna mention….I am educated regarding oil paint & the philosophies of painting in general. Due to space restrictions & other personal issues, I too use acrylic. U can use the exact same technique found in this video. Some people call it massing in place of linear drawing but regardless what u call it, the part about ‘sculpting with paint’ is always involved. Using value to break up large shapes & to imitate form protruding or receding with warm & cool colors. U can even turn form by breaking the edge with ur finger if u choose to (soften the edge). U just gotta address the decision to do so or not as u go. Later if u change ur mind on a hard edge that has dried, just scumble over it to soften or break it. The first lesson most beginners need in oil is to stop blending or feathering every thing, to actually mix mid-tones. Due to this reality, the fast dry time of acrylic is not a hinderance, in fact, sometimes i would say its a perk. Instead of scraping an image or area back, just sand it….especially for effect. Give it a try before u switch. I think u will really enjoy urself. Im not knocking oil paint, I dig every medium because there is always someone somewhere creating something spectacular with each…….but for myself now, I cant imagine switching to oil. Which ever u choose, happy painting! Thanks ✌🏻 Ps: richness of color could b an issue with a brand of acrylics or painting in thin layers.

[@claires9100]

Love the lighter background. No particular reason. Just wanted to leave a comment! Thanks for the helpful video!

[@friedricengravy6646]

I paint as well, portraits & what not, always learning……always, it never stops. So I come across ur vids, I love all painting content (documentaries, art history, educational, plein air, gallery tours, etc) & enjoy ur uploads as I expected I would. But, what motivated me to comment was the quality of information u r providing people hoping to learn at any level. Compared to many I have seen & based on usefulness…..the most bang for the persons time invested watching……u r absolutely one of the best on KZbin. Thank u for ur sincerity, ur desire to share the experience of painting. U have a real knack for getting to the meat & potatoes. As well, u r a very talented artist. I enjoy seeing ur work. Stay well, the best to u & urs. ✌🏻🎨

[@p.k.carlson6646]

Thanks, Chris!

[@saejingoore242]

Great work as always ! I was stuck on a portrait I started yesterday and this video made me realize just the thing that was missing, thank you sm ! Loving this new format !

[@SlowPersuit]

Liking the new format! Posh start up, studio & hair! ;-)

[@lolly5453]

So helpful, Thanks! Just recently got back into painting after a lonnnnggg break! And was feeling a little lost. Have hoped to improve my portrait painting for a while so will definitely be putting your advice into practice, infact i can’t wait! 👏🏼

[@renatab8293]

Chris, this was a really good video. It was useful as an instructional video addressing issues that are not talked about much, and it was also well-paced and well-edited, with affable and personable presentation. Easy to watch.

[@hildahudson2344]

Excellent content! Some really great advice and insight to the process! Thanks

[@batzeth]

im happy you are doing well, im so greatful with you for the painting process im having. i know everyone loves you but, i fuking love you

[@charlesclopton3873]

I learned a lot from this session. Great teacher.

[@rickywilliams1627]

The video was awesome. Thanks coach!!!!!!!

[@RatusMax]

Great explanation! Great information!

[@dashinvaine]

Very nicely done. Love your channel, it has a lot of good tips. Only nit pick here, If I may venture, is that I would make the area above the upper lip pinker where it is level with the nostrils, to the side of them, under the cheek crease. Moustache hair wouldn't grow that high up, as can be seen in the colour ref.

[@rainkhayria]

mate, i love you for making this video!

[@trevormink7605]

Great video! Very helpful. Thank you

[@santone1849]

Great tutorial

[@becreative3735]

Its beautiful tutorial I like gradation dark and light

[@rebeccajosteelman563]

Carving the features is paramount.

[@marcyperrier7030]

Oh thank you again for guiding us through this portrait. I noticed the cool tone of the upper muzzle....area .just below the nose.. .a bit green...? I'm doing a portrait commission at present with a beard and you helped me so much.

[@aniaa2797]

Great! please make more videos about portraits ❤️

[@paintcoach]

You got it!

[@csabo1725]

@@paintcoach I think I saw you do a Greek S`statue once and it was impressive and unique. I would like to see you do a sports or rodeo scene. Just a thought.

[@linegarneau7444]

Very usefully, thank you

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

Still appreciating your helping me “get there”. . Good video, there’s so much to learn. I am a watercolor artist and also wanting to do oils, so need all the help I can get. They’re very opposite mediums. Thanks again Chris. 🌴Tallahassee 🌴

[@bartsenders]

thank you for your interesting videos

[@coryyy7057]

Very good information wow!

[@bbbirrell7703]

Awesome. 🙏🏽

[@sreenvsreenv2047]

Good job

[@veronicapagelaflin]

❤️❤️❤️ thank you

[@Waltuh959]

Thank you, Chris! So glad I found your channel,, you're FULL of great advice. Wish your Patreon had some kind of wait list, I'd be on it! I'm an acrylic painter, to the bone. Should I be considering spending all that $ to change my medium?

[@lukemotivationalideas4415]

O U r da best I learned a lot I think u r LEORNADA VINCI 🥰🥰🤩🤩

[@fereshmahta6113]

it was helpful.

[@23stylie]

The concept of working with more saturated colors earlier and then “graying” down , thanks!

[@sonteeg]

Great painting! Are you working wet on wet, or are you letting the areas dry before you continue?

[@cre8509]

Can you tell me why you prefer this method of laying in color, as opposed to trying to put down the exact color first thing - instead of correcting the color?? Thanks!

[@hodahoteit6952]

Great video! Do you paint wet on wet? If yes how do you prevent muddy colours? Thank you for sharing your process 👍🏻🙏

[@peterwillems8721]

Congrats: véry, very good and clear explanations on where to look exactly and what to look for. I ... don't think you can improve on this here format: I think this new one is the best possible, but ... we'll see. One suggestion: color in the background ! Possibly makes your portraits still móre alive ... so I think Make from the whole thing (=positive ànd negative space) a painting. And then there's the interesting question of simultaneous contrast, how the color(s) of the background influence the colors of the portrait ... (maybe that's an idea for another paint talk ?.. I'd like this very much) Your portraits are already véry good now, they 'deserve' more often a good background ... Stimulating vid ! I will ... go get painting, thát's the very best for sure

[@hernanbb4485]

Hi, do you have any tips on painting letters on fabric in a painting? So like I’m trying to paint this underwear but I’m trying to put letters on it and it has to be readable

[@CanalDibujo]

very useful tips in the video, I learned a lot, in my case the more I draw the worse I paint, maybe is because I face into the details too early, it seems it is an acquired defect, any suggestion to fix it? Should I stop drawing for a while?

[@GalleryBry]

Perhaps I can help! Drawing is very very important. It’s helpful to draw everyday. Regarding starting with too much detail, I often tell my students to start with a really big, uncomfortable brush. This way you can’t work in detail and can focus on the big shapes. It’s a great exercise and practice. Once you start with a big brush, you can then move on to smaller shapes and brushes. I also encourage my students to set a timer, perhaps 20 to 45 mins depending on the size of your painting. The timer will force you to avoid detail and focus on big shapes to fill in the picture plane. Was that helpful at all?

[@CanalDibujo]

@Gallery Bry Thanks for your comment, yes, I'll definitely give a try. I was trying some time ago to paint landscapes to avoid the details, but when I attempt a portrait I am afraid to lose the drawing strokes and lose the face shapes. Thanks again, I'll practice your advice 👍

[@GalleryBry]

@@CanalDibujo keep at it. Sometimes it’s helpful to work outside to inside. In other words start by perfecting the proportions and angles of the head. Once that is in place, it makes it easier to place the eyes, nose, and mouth shadows. Just the shadows. No details. :) Anything else I can help with at this time? :)

[@CanalDibujo]

@@GalleryBry many thanks, I'll apply your advices, cheers !

[@GalleryBry]

@@CanalDibujo cheers!!!

[@tpitman]

Any particular reason why you do a tone and block in using a mix of burnt sienna and ultramarine, instead of something like burnt umber?

[@claygreen4723]

He talks about not using burnt umber in another video. It's too easy to use it as a default black instead of using lighter values and colors for the darks. Keeps your paintings from becoming too flat.

[@annaloph]

🎨⭐👨‍🎨🙏

[@Nik_-ox8ix]

Is there a specific way to keep brushes from splaying or brush hairs from bending? I try to work slowly but my hairs on Rosemary and co brushes, especially the long flats, always seem to clump together and I’m not sure why. Thanks for all the videos. I’ve see major improvements since watching them.

[@TheFatcat502]

Not sure if this helps , but when I have cleaned my brushes -- I put some washing up liquid on them and shape the hairs and this sems to help the brush keep it's shape when it dries.

[@kermit3194]

Second!

[@blackandwhite1756]

How can I be apart of the test group? Lol

[@PancernySzczur]

Interesting video I like it. My only concern is the colors - Lincoln looks like somone who drinks too much alcohol....

[@aaamenpreacher3]

Good painting but I think Lincoln's nose is a little short and his chin whiskers should be a little longer, which in turn would drop his shoulders some. in short his face is not quite long enough.

[@tavo6258]

Nice vid. Have you ever dropped acid while oil painting? Mad trip tbh.

[@jockospillink7318]

T- post your trippy work on your channel? Personally, I can’t paint while hallucinating. I draw loosely , and then paint the next day.

[@Butterbottom1]

Piano music is nice, but a bit too loud.It distracts from your lesson.

[@KpxUrz5745]

Lincoln was a man of the most profound gravity, whose creased face and probing stare reflect a life of intense dedication to ideals as well as the careworn sufferings of leadership when a great nation was torn asunder, to say nothing of his personal family life of sufferings and loss. So I would not take lightly the task of attempting a Lincoln portrait. It cannot be mere illustration, but needs to attempt to measure up in some small way to an expression of the man himself. I have drawn and painted portraits of Lincoln, and each time I feel the weight of these responsibilities. Therefore, my best advice would be to take with a grain of salt any advice given in this video, lest you end up with a poor illustration at best.

[@joshludwick8645]

Ok, I'll take this videos advice with a grain of salt, just as will take yours.

[@KpxUrz5745]

@@joshludwick8645 Feel free to use as little discernment as you please.

[@america4859]

Is there any site where I could see your artwork? I'd like to see your interpretation!

[@KpxUrz5745]

@@america4859 No, I do not have a website, but do have works in quite a few notable collections and museums. But I will share one small recollection that comes to mind. Way back when I was attending art school (Pratt Institute for undergrad), a rather well-known printmaking professor offered me a sum of money to make a portrait line drawing of Abraham Lincoln which he intended to produce as a hand-printed limited edition lithograph. He made this request presumably because his skill set was more attuned to hand-printing editions than it was to actually being a skilled artist or draftsman. While this offer was most unusual for a student to receive from a noted professor, still I declined his offer. Thanks for your interest.

[@oosmosmoo]

Should his face be a little longer? He looks a bit squished.