How to Paint Mini Portraits
- 1). Coat the canvas board with gesso and allow to dry for 5 to 20 minutes. Apply a second layer. Sand the surface until it is smooth.
- 2). Draw a grid on the reference photo. Grid the canvas in the same proportion as the photo. Sketch the photo onto the canvas one square at a time. Erase the grid and paint a thin layer of diluted gesso over the drawing. The sketch will be visible but the drawing won't bleed into the paint. Let the paint dry.
- 3). Tone the canvas with the dominant color in the reference photo. Blend the paint with water and apply a thin layer with a medium brush. Scrub the layer with a paper towel to soften the tone. The sketch should still be visible.
- 4). Mix the colors you will need for the background on the palette. Paint into one shape at a time on the canvas. Refer to the reference photo to ensure that your colors are accurate. Repeat until the background of the canvas is complete.
- 5). Mix the colors for medium tones and skin color. Apply a thin layer of paint to the face and hands.
- 6). Mix the colors for dark tones and a separate mix for highlights. Apply the paint in thin layers to create the illusion of depth. Paint the highlights last.
- 7). Add hard lines and details to complete the painting. Notice shadows and highlights created by hair, wrinkles or folds in clothing.
- 8). Sign the painting.
Source...