How to Paint a Portrait in the Direct Method – How to Paint Loosely in Oil

Art Lesson 47, Part 5

Discover How to Paint a Portrait in the Direct Method

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How to Paint Loosely in Oil

The hands are painted in the same manner as the rest of the picture. The brushwork should reflect the freshness and looseness of the separate strokes. The color is selected in accordance with the artwork’s gamut. We are starting with the hands’ sketch. It’s better to keep the sketch as simple as possible. We’re proceeding from the dark to light places. Although the sketch of the hands is very laconic, made of only a few brushstrokes, the hands have a very characteristic appearance. The sitter’s left hand is covered by shadow and the right hand resting on cushions has more light on it. So we’re making some highlights on that hand.