Portrait Painting from Photography Breaking Down the Process

Oils or Acrylics (beginner to intermediate)

with Todd Baxter

My goal is to give students a workable process for painting the portrait from a
photograph. It is key to start with a good drawing or you will be frustrated to the
bitter end. I will share some simple tips to get you off to a good start with the
drawing. Next we will focus on shadow shapes and values before we finish up with
color.
Location: Southern Arts Society, Inc.
301 N. Piedmont Avenue, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
Ph 704-739-5585 Email southernartssociety@gmail.com
Date: Saturday, October 15, 9 am to 4 pm.
Cost: SASI member $50 per student
Non member $55 per student
Register & Pay: You must register
and pay in advance. SASI takes cash,
checks and most credit cards.
Schedule:
9:00 coffee and set up
9:30 demo and instruction starts
10:00 getting the drawing right
11:00 blocking in your image with paint
12:00 to 1:00 lunch break (we can order lunch from Gentle Moon Caf for
$8.50 to $10 each - bring cash to pay or bring your own lunch)
1:00 students continue painting
3:30 questions and critiques
4:00 end of workshop

SUPPLY LIST - What To Bring:

- Photo references, color and black & white (see Choosing A Photo To Paint
From)
- Pencils, ruler, t-square (if you have one)
- Oil or acrylic paint supplies, brushes, palette, paper towels, etc.
- For oil painting you must use odorless mineral spirits (thank you!)
- Easel, table top or free standing
- Recommended oil or acrylic colors: Titanium white, yellow ochre, cadmium
red light, mars black, ultramarine blue
- Canvas (I recommend an 11x14 canvas.)
You can tone it 3 or 4 days before the workshop with a mixture of yellow ochre,
black & white. Thin with mineral spirits or Gamsol so it is more like watercolor.
You should be staining the canvas not painting it. Keep it light in color. If you
get too dark, wipe off your canvas with a paper towel.

Sample of toned canvas. Dont worry about matching color.

CHOOSING A PHOTO TO PAINT FROM

Choosing A Good Photo Reference:
Its very important to bring a good photo to work from. Poor photos make the job much more difficult and
reduce your chances for a successful painting.

Poor Photo Reference

- Flat lighting, no clear light and
shadow patterns
- Out of focus

Good Photo Reference

- Distinct light and shadow patterns
- Clear focus

What Photos To Bring:

- Bring one good quality color photo (large enough to see details)
- One black & white version of your photo. Enlarge, so it measures about 8 from the crown of the
head to the chin. If you need help, you may email your jpg file to me and I will convert it to black and
white and print it for you. (ToddBaxter@comporium.net) We will be drawing on the black & white photo.