Take time to know your sitter

Over the years that I have been painting portraits, I have realised that the better I get to know the person I am painting, the more interesting the finished work.

It really is true that a face reflects the person behind it. So when undertaking a commission, I always take the time to chat and ask the sitter about their life and interests. Of course while they are talking I carefully watch their facial movements, their expressions and in particular how they make eye contact with me.

 Hopefully they also get to know and trust me and to relax. Only when I am beginning to know the sitter will I start to think about and discuss the composition with them.

 The creation of a portrait is a shared journey for both artist and sitter and in my experience, the better they know each other the more successful the end result.

Date Published:

November 03, 2016

Category:

Portrait Painting Tips

Share this:

Related articles

Seven easy ways for beginners to improve their portrait paintings

It’s very tempting to set up your easel and canvas and get straight into your painting  just to see where it...

Read More

Pencils before Paint Brushes

I am often asked in my portrait painting classes to outline my painting process. In my previous blog article...

Read More

Sign up to the mailing list

Join the mailing list for news of exhibitions, and the latest portrait painting tips from Carol.