Good Portrait Guide – How to Paint a Great Portrait

If you’ve ever stared at a blank canvas and wondered why your portraits look flat, you’re not alone. A good portrait isn’t magic; it’s a mix of solid basics and a few smart choices. Below you’ll find the steps that turn a simple head into a picture that feels alive.

Choosing the Right Composition and Light

The first thing to sort out is where you place the subject. Most artists use the rule of thirds: imagine two equally spaced lines across the canvas horizontally and vertically, then position the eyes near one of the intersecting points. This keeps the face from sitting dead‑center and adds natural interest.

Lighting is the next big factor. Soft, directional light from one side creates gentle shadows that define the jawline and cheekbones. If you can, set up a single lamp with a diffuser or use a window on a cloudy day. Notice how the light rolls off the nose and gives the eyes depth – that’s the look you want for a good portrait.

When you sketch, keep the outline loose. A quick 2‑minute gesture drawing helps you lock in the pose before you get stuck on details. Once you’re happy with the basic shape, start adding the major planes – forehead, nose bridge, chin – using simple shapes like cylinders and wedges. This keeps the proportions accurate and speeds up the process.

Picking Colors and Setting Your Price

Color choices can make or break a portrait. For skin tones, start with a light base – a mix of yellow ochre, a touch of burnt sienna, and a hint of white. Add cool shadows with a dab of ultramarine or a bit of violet. Remember, skin isn’t flat; the undertones shift across the face, especially around the eyes and mouth.

When you decide on a palette, test it on a scrap piece of paper first. If the colors look too harsh, dial back the saturation or add a little more warm brown. This quick test saves you from reworking large areas later.

Now, about pricing. A good portrait should reflect the time you spend, the materials used, and your skill level. A common method is to calculate your hourly rate (many artists start at £20‑£30 per hour), then multiply by the estimated hours for the project. Add a material surcharge for premium canvases or special pigments. For example, a 12‑hour portrait on a high‑quality linen might cost around £300‑£360.

Don’t forget to factor in a small profit margin – that’s where you cover marketing, website fees, and future studio upgrades. Being transparent with clients about how the price breaks down builds trust and makes the transaction smoother.

Finally, step back often. Every few minutes, look at the portrait from a short distance or flip the canvas upside down. Your brain spots problems faster when it isn’t glued to one spot. Adjust values, tweak colors, and keep the overall feel balanced.

With these steps – smart composition, clear lighting, thoughtful color mixing, and realistic pricing – you’ll see a noticeable jump in how good your portraits look. Try them on your next piece and watch the transformation. Happy painting!