How to Paint a Self Portrait Using a Mirror – Oil Painting in Loose Brushstrokes

Art Lesson 49, Part 2

Discover How to Paint a Self Portrait Using a Mirror

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Oil Painting in Loose Brushstrokes

We indicate shadows in the hair with the dark paint. Using a mixture of Titanium White, Vandyke Brown and Payne’s Gray, you can experiment with nuances of cold color on the face. Also use warmer nuances of color and mix them together to fuse the colors.

There is still a lot to be done so there is no need to paint highlights at this time. However, nothing stops you from painting highlights now just for a better appreciation of the portrait. It’s also fine if you decide to keep it for later.

While the paint is still wet, concentrate on the shape of the face by adding more nuances. Strive for picturesque impressiveness through the use of anatomically correct shape and color in the portrait.

We come back to the bow, taking a short break from the face. Make it a habit to work on all parts of the painting simultaneously, moving from one area of the artwork to another.

As the painting evolves, a thicker layer of paint builds up. At this stage it is better to use softer brushes. The rigid brushes we used before would remove paint from the surface rather than adding it.

Coming back to the hair – you will notice that a stiff brush is used once again. We are painting the initial layer of the hair by rubbing the paint into the grain of the canvas. A semi-dry brush is used.