Acrylic Portrait Painting Process

1. Preparation

• Gather Materials:

• Canvas or acrylic paper however I work on canvas and strecthed on gallery frame for the best product.
• Brushes (variety of sizes, especially round and flat) Don’t spend a lot on brushes in the beginning if you just starting.
• Palette & palette knife; I use a paper palette most of the time but I really like the Masterson Artist Palette.
• Water container, rags/paper towels
• Easel (optional but useful) Jecck this link out for a really good easel.MEEDEN Movable Large H-Frame Painting Easel

• Acrylic paints (primary colors, skin tones, white, black) Make sure to keep a clear and detailed list of the color names.

• Reference:

• Use a high-resolution photo or observe a live subject.
• Ensure the lighting in your reference clearly shows the planes of the face.

2. Sketching

• Lightly draw the portrait outline using:

• Pencil, charcoal, or a thinned acrylic paint.

• Focus on major features (eyes, nose, mouth, hairline).

• Use basic proportions and geometry to map the face accurately.

3. Underpainting (Optional)

• Block in general values using a single color (often burnt sienna or ultramarine blue).

• Helps establish contrast and form before applying full color.

• Use watered-down acrylics to keep it light and fast-drying.

4. Blocking in Colors

• Start with large shapes and general skin tones.

• Use mid-tones first, then move to shadows and highlights.

• Keep colors flat and general at this stage — don’t worry about details yet.

• Work “fat over lean” — thicker paint layers on top of thinner ones.

5. Layering & Refining

• Add more precise shading and adjust color temperature.

• Work on transitions between light and dark areas.

• Define features like eyes, lips, and hair with more detail.

• Use glazing (thin transparent layers) to adjust tones and depth.

6. Details & Texture

• Use small brushes for fine lines and highlights (eye glints, hair strands, etc.).

• Add texture where needed (e.g., rough brush strokes for expressive hair).

• Constantly step back to assess composition and likeness.

7. Finishing Touches

• Adjust contrast and edge sharpness for focus.

• Balance color harmony across the painting.

• Sign your work in an unobtrusive corner.

8. Sealing (Optional)

• Once completely dry (usually 1–2 days), you can apply:

• Acrylic varnish (glossy, matte, or satin) to protect and unify the surface.
• Use a soft brush or spray for an even coat.

Tips:

• Work fast: Acrylic dries quickly, so blending must be done efficiently.

• Use mediums: Retarders or slow-drying mediums can help with blending.

• Clean brushes frequently: Acrylic can harden on brushes fast.

• Practice: Skin tones and likeness take practice—use value studies or monochrome portraits to build skill.