How to start a portrait in oil. Fundamental approach to prevent mistakes. Complete tutorial.

In this video I show you how to start a portrail in oil, step by step. I share my knowledge on painting techniques for beginners or intermediate painters.
It is my intention to publish more of everything I know about portrait painting.

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Mentioned in this video:

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:57 Art supplies
02:11 Photography
03:56 Colour sketch
04:28 Drawing on the canvas
05:35 Underpainting
06:21 Premixing some colours
10:54 The painting
1:12:34 Some corrections

THE ART SUPPLIES

Talens Canvas board, Premium Quality

Raw Umber, Talens/Rembrandt 408
Ivory Black, Talens/Rembrandt 701
Chromium Oxide Green, Talens/Rembrandt 668
Viridian Green, Talens/Rembrandt 616
Ultramarine Blue, Talens/Rembrandt 505
Cerulean Blue, Talens/Rembrandt 534
Alizarin Crimson, Winsor & Newton 004
Transparent Oxide Red, Talens/Rembrandt 378
Terra Rosa, Winsor & Newton 635
Cadmium Red Deep, Talens/Rembrandt 306
Raw Sienna, Talens/Rembrandt 234
Yellow Ochre,Talens/Rembrandt 227
Cadmium Orange, Talens/Rembrandt 211
Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Talens/Rembrandt 207
Titanium White, Talens/Rembrandt 105

Medium 1. 50% Talens Painting Medium 083 + 50% Talens Stand oil 031
Medium 2. Liquid Original Winsor & Newton

To rinse brushes. Titan Disolvente Sin Olor
(This might be available in only Spain. Any odorless Spirit will do like Talens 090)

Glazing colors:
Greenish Umber, Talens/Rembrandt 410
Alizarine Crimson, Winsor & Newton 004
Transparent Oxide Red, Talens/Rembrandt 378
Transparent Oxide Yellow, Talens/Rembrandt 265

Medium: Liquin Original, Winsor & Newton

BRUSHES

Bristle:
Rosemary Long Classic Size 7
Rosemary Classic Filbert Size 4
Rosemary Classic Filbert Size 2
Rosemary Classic Filbert Size 0
Escoda Clásico Chungking White Bristle Brush - Filbert, Long Handle, Size 4

Syntetic
Rosemary Pointed Round Ser 301 Size 5
Rembrandt 282 Selected Filament Size 8

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#oilpainting #oilpaintingtutorial #howtopaint #portraitpainting #paintingforbeginners

[judithcorstjens]

Eyes are never round, do not be afraid of darks, do not do lipstick lips, do not use black or blue they do not do the job, people start blending too early, if you see 100 paint 10. So much valuable advice! Dear Ben, I am very grateful to watch you and learn your lessons.

[robbedontuesday]

It is so comforting to find actual professionals explaining how difficult achieving an outstanding result is.

[judithherring]

Mr. Lustenhouwer, it’s an honor to see you paint. Your skill, patience, and gentle tenacity in achieving what you want is a lesson for us all. Thank you for this wonderful portrait of your delightful granddaughter.

[notan...]

Wow, your brushwork speaks volumes but your explanations are the icing on the cake. Thank you kind sir.

[yyguuyg]

I love everything about this. The calm way you explain your process, your loose painterly style, the focus on simple blocking in of shapes and approximations of local color/value, and (being a guitarist myself) the short break to play some Blackbird (one of my favorites to jam out on). This is how I like/want to paint. Thank you.

[mariecenac]

I always wanted to try painting portraits, I’m scared to ruin it. Your teaching motivates me to give it a try. You’re an excellent teacher. Thank you Ben

[Olivers-Gmmer]

I haven't painted in many years, but your videos are giving me courage. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful portraits and methods! ❤️

[mariaangelamargoni]

many thanks for the wonderful lesson: your teachings are precious. I wish to thank you for your generosity in sharing your art. Happy painting and happy life Master!

[Utube]

Very nicely done. What many accomplished painters miss when they do instruction videos is that novices, like me, need to see your palette and the reference photo so we can see what you're doing and why. Good job. I learned a lot.

[gaildesart]

You are an amazing teacher… I’m painting a self portrait currently in art school and was so valuable to me.. cherish it and watch maybe three more times be fore a get back to work over my under painting… 😅

[miroslavkostov]

Andrew I just wanted to say that you're a true inspiration to everybody who loves painting. Your passion about all the tiny things around creating a beautiful piece is amazing and very inspiring at the same time. Watching you explain all those tricks and secrets that everybody hides is giving me the needed courage that i didn't have. You may not realize how much you're giving through your videos and appearance. The attitude about what you love is gigantic and resident. I love your style and paintings and really wish I could afford buying some of your pieces some day. I know that I am just another subscriber and just noone in the ocean of fans you have, and probably you won't even go through my comment, but in case you do, I want you to know that you've got a big fan out there from Bulgaria (oldest and most beautiful country in Europe) who supports you and who appreciates what you have been doing. As a starting self taught artist I find your content priceless. I would love to find out more about the lights you use in thr studio. The ones you use when paint and the other ones that create that warm atmosphere.
Andrew keep the good work up, stay safe and wish you much inspiration.
Greetings from Bulgaria!

[SisterMaji]

Thank you that was very generous instruction. I’m attempting my grandchildren as well at the moment.

[shahzadqurashi]

I will watch it many times now to imbibe all the pearls which have been delivered by your masterly work, stay blessed sir!

[josandoy]

This is probably the best teaching video ever made.
It can be used both to teach how to teach and how to make teaching videos on the highest level.
I make great art, but I do not make paintings like this. In the future, I will paint portraits, and I will copy all steps from the best teacher ever!

[juliepoulos]

This is wonderful. Thank you so much for showing how to start this painting from the planning stage. Watching you makes me want to paint. God bless you! So glad you are back!

[TBrown]

Wow, clearest instruction ever. I love the way you think out loud and do not get chatty. Thank you for this.

[stellab]

My grandfather used to do oil paintings as a hobby and I used to watch him do them. I never had the courage to do oil paintings myself as it seemed a very time-consuming and expensive hobby, but your videos are helping me gather the courage to try! Thank you, Ben. Your paintings are wonderful.

[brigittebouron]

Je n'avais encore jamais vu une personne notamment un artiste être si généreux de conseils, vous êtes vraiment formidable!

[TisDana]

Even though I paint in acrylic, the approach you teach and many of the tips are invaluable to me. Thank you, so much!

[kentjensen]

What a talented painter, great teacher, and likable man. Best oil painting tutorial I’ve ever seen.