How to prime any painting surface (paper, raw canvas, wood board, etc.) for oil painting using gesso.
All tagged painting
Painting A Self-Portrait
How to start a self-portrait by laying down an underpainting!
Setting Up A Still Life
Creating your own still life is an excellent way to begin painting/ drawing from life. You can also treat it as a photoshoot and build your own reference library. This same method can be used for a life drawing setup. Just use a person instead of an object!
Transferring With A Grid
Using a grid transfer instead of projecting or tracing a reference gives your finished piece a more organic and unique look. The grid helps you stay close to your reference without making you feel forced to recreate it perfectly.
Create Your Own References
I used to think setting up a still life or taking reference pictures required some kind of unknown skill or sorcery that only professionals and wizards had access to. Once I went to college, though, I found it only takes a blanket, some interesting objects/ model, and some lights. It’s not mysterious or complicated and it doesn’t take more than a bit of effort on your part (and maybe also the help of a friend).
Draw From Life
I don’t draw realistic stuff. I need to spend my time figuring out what my style is. I need to spend time getting better at drawing cartoons/manga/original characters/etc. because I want to be an illustrator/animator/painter/etc. Drawing realistic stuff is a waste of my time.