How to make an interesting background and how to loosen your brush strokes. By Ben Lustenhouwer.

In this video I show:

√ How to make an interesting background.
√ How to loosen your brush strokes
√ About design and composition
√ About color harmony
√ Which brushes and which medium
√ About tonal values

It is my intention to publish more of everything I know about portrait painting .
And I want this information to be free for everyone. Some compensation for my efforts comes from the publicity which you see appearing occasionally. I hope you don't find it too annoying.
Until now I received the most nice and grateful reactions from all over the world.
And that gives me a lot of satisfaction.

[pesikfrunzen]

The most wonderful of Mr Lustenhouwer lessons is that He makes you THINK, not only follow Him. Thank You !

[solarwinds-]

I love how you break all the rules I was taught by my art teachers in college. That is how you recognize a master, they break the rules and turn out amazing work. Very nice!

[sgl]

I love watching you paint. You are great teacher as well as a master artist!

[susanmclean]

You are a wonderful teacher thank you and I find myself smiling while learning.

[miric]

Pretty, interesting pose, great teacher. I like hearing you say out loud what your inner voice is telling you. Such a warm personality you have!

[СтаноСокол]

Watching this video I forgot that English is not my native language, understanding every word and every idea of the Master. This video would give a great help in my portrait painting. Thank you a lot dear Mister Lustenhouwer!

[renalevi]

Thank you for showing your palette so we actually can see how you mix and apply colors

[preetiartist]

Thank you so much for taking time out and showing us your painting process. It’s indeed great watching you paint and learn many many tips. 🙏🏻❤️ plus you have made it free. Thank you

[susanmclean]

So grateful for your tutorials. Thank you .

[DG-rilp]

You have inspired me to try portraits. Thank you. 💕

[kimothy_art]

"Fear is a handbrake on your development." Fantastic quote, fantastic video.

[kittyvanditshuizen]

I am absolutely riveted to my seat. What a brilliantly informative demonstration. Explaining beautifully his techniques. Fantastic. Thank you

[LeeAnnM]

I have missed your videos so much!! Welcome back; such a pleasure to watch your technique! You should never time lapse, it’s impossible to be bored watching you!

[kathleenjones]

Dear Mr. Lustenouwer, once again you have created a video that has taken my breath away. Your beautiful granddaughter, playing as your muse, reminds me so much of my, now adult daughter, when she was this age. I am amazed how you achieved so much movement in your painting. I had the feeling that you just caught her in the midst of her dance...so precious!

OBTW, at the very beginning of your video when you said, “I have a red door, but I don’t want to paint it black”, I started to laugh so hard to find out that not only are you a Master Painter, but a Rolling Stones fan as well. May God bless you for your continued generosity of the spirit. May He also bless and keep you and your family safe during these unsettling times.🙏🏼

[zbig]

A master artist and a master teacher in one warm person. Always pleasure to watch and listen to your invaluable hints. Thank you, Ben.

[solea]

The greatest help we could need regarding portraiture. Thank you Ben !

[dlw]

Thank you. You are a great teacher and you explain why you are doing something so well. Really enjoyed it.

[susanstopoulos]

A portrait I am working on just improved tenfold after watching this video. I am so thrilled! The tips about the cool and warm colors made a huge impact and I now love bristle brushes! I am so grateful for this video. Thank you! 😊

[lindapfeifer]

There is that element of loving depiction of your granddaughter that shines right thru. As her grandfather you also captured her sweet personality. Really enjoyed this tutorial and learned so much from your instruction.

[alangeorgebarstow]

Good afternoon Ben, and welcome back, Sir. I'm glad you're safe and well and enjoyed the summer. Many thanks for helping me with one of my personal difficulties: backgrounds. I am now so much happier now that you've shown me what to do. Your oil painting videos get better all the time. Ik wens je een heel gelukkig kerstfeest. 😊