Step 28: Paint Hair Details |
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Particularize
(Steps 22 through 29)
Now the time has come to turn a painting into a portrait. Up
until now you have been striving to state the broad generalities
of the subject — the "big truths." Now you will
concentrate on small specifics — the details of the eyes
nose and mouth. We call this final step "particularizing." |
Hover to zoom final painting |
| Until now the hair has been expressed in terms
of its color, value and "architectural" mass. Now
the time has come to introduce a number of brush strokes that
flow in the direction the hair is combed. But don't over-do
this. Just enough to express the character of this particular
sitter's hair type. So many portraits are spoiled by careless
painting of the hair. The first thing to realize is that the
hair, even though it is soft to the touch, has an 'architectural'
mass, with shadows, halftone planes, and highlights. Once this
'solid' feeling has been achieved, just a very few strokes are
required — stroked in the direction the subject combs his hair — will capture the desired effect. |
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