When painting with acrylic paints, what should I start painting first?

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hell4life asked:


I’ve searched all over the internet for an answer to this but all I keep coming up with are techniques on how to mix colors for acrylic painting! I really want to know how I should start painting my image. It’s a portrait of one of my closest friends. Should I paint the background of the canvas board first or her face or her hair?? Please help!

GERRY
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This entry was posted on Friday, December 25th, 2009 at 5:44 pm and is filed under Painting. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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7 Responses to “When painting with acrylic paints, what should I start painting first?”

  1. FREDDY Says:
    December 28th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    CEDRIC

    No matter which medium I use, I always start with a basic sketch, then paint from background forward

  2. LUCAS Says:
    December 30th, 2009 at 2:59 am

    LEMUEL

    i would start with the shape of her face in the center then the details of her face (eyes, nose, lips, freckles?)then her hair. wait to do the background last.

  3. MORRIS Says:
    January 2nd, 2010 at 8:46 am

    VICENTE

    First of all draw rough outlines on the canvas, and if there are any details in the background, draw them too.
    You can start with roughly painting the background, but if the colours are very different form the face / portrait, you should be careful not to get into the lines of the portrait too much.
    With acryclic paint it is easier to paint over what already has been put on the canvas, so I feel the background is possibly the first thing.
    Then you can start the base colour for the face and gradually add details as you go.
    I hope this helps, but I think we all use our own methods and choose what works for us.

  4. PASQUALE Says:
    January 4th, 2010 at 9:18 pm

    BILLY

    I would paint the background first and then move on to the rest.

  5. LIONEL Says:
    January 7th, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    CLIFF

    I agree with boo boo. Sketch first, Background to start because this gives you the ability to create depth. Your portrait should be centered if she is the focal point. some start with the face others the hair, whatever makes it easier for you. Acrylics are easier to mix, combine and cover. I hope this helps.

  6. HIRAM Says:
    January 10th, 2010 at 5:26 am

    SYLVESTER

    Paint in layers. Background basic shading first. then work your way to more detail. Keep your paint wet. I use an extender gel to blend easier.

  7. WESLEY Says:
    January 13th, 2010 at 10:04 am

    CASEY

    yes I would do the background rough colour and then paint in the shape of the head. You can then begin slowly to do in the shading to get the basic shapes of the face. Only go down in stages to detail.

    Remember when doing a face that the eyes etc are probably lower down than you realise, so take measurements etc - you can use a pencil held out to get proportions.

    Good luck !