On Painting Portraits, Still Lifes, and More > Have you ever felt that painting is just too hard? You’re not alone. Many aspiring artists struggle with making their paintings look professional. But what if we told you that you could improve your painting skills in just one hour? Lon Brauer shares techniques that can help you become a better painter faster through repetition and focused practice. Let’s dive into the methods he teaches and how you can apply them to your own art journey.
The Importance of Repetition
In this episode of Art School Live with Eric Rhoads, Lon emphasizes that to become proficient in painting, you need to practice regularly. Just like brushing your teeth or tying your shoes, painting should become second nature. By repeatedly painting the same subject, you gain familiarity and confidence. This exercise isn’t about creating a masterpiece; it’s about learning the mechanics of painting.
.
Setting Up Your Workspace
When getting started, it’s essential to set up your palette and tools correctly. Lon recommends using a modified Zorn palette, which consists of:
- Ivory Black
- Yellow Ochre
- Cadmium Red
- Titanium White
- Additional yellows and reds for greater color variation
This palette allows you to mix various skin tones and other colors effectively. The beauty of using a limited palette is that it forces you to understand values and how to mix colors creatively.
Choosing Your Brushes
Lon uses two primary brushes for his work:
- A 1.25-inch brush for broader strokes
- A 0.5-inch brush for detailing
He also emphasizes the importance of using a palette knife for mixing colors, as it helps keep colors clean and vibrant.
First Exercise: Painting Apples
Lon’s first exercise involves painting apples. He suggests starting with a simple image and drawing it lightly on your canvas. As you paint, focus on the contours of the apples and the way light interacts with them. The goal is to capture the essence of the apples rather than getting bogged down in details.
Using Brush Techniques
Lon encourages artists to hold the brush in a way that feels comfortable and allows for fluid movement. For instance, holding the brush with your whole arm instead of just your wrist can create looser, more expressive strokes. This technique helps in achieving a more natural look in your paintings.
Second Exercise: Fast Painting
For the second exercise, Lon suggests setting a timer for 15 minutes. The idea is to paint the same image multiple times in quick succession. This method helps you focus on different aspects of the painting each time, allowing you to identify strengths and weaknesses in your technique.
Comparing Your Work
After completing several versions of the same painting, lay them out side by side. This comparison will help you see what works and what doesn’t. Lon believes that this process of self-evaluation is crucial for growth as an artist.
Final Thoughts: Learning Through Experimentation
Throughout the session, Lon highlights the importance of experimenting with different techniques and approaches. Whether it’s using a palette knife or varying your brush strokes, trying new methods can lead to unexpected and exciting results.
Encouragement to Keep Practicing
Remember, becoming a better painter takes time and practice. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they are part of the learning process. Lon encourages artists to be bold and to embrace their unique style. Painting is not just about the final product; it’s about the journey of discovery.
Join the Art Community
If you’re looking for more structured guidance, consider joining art workshops or conventions like the Plein Air Convention. These events provide opportunities to learn from experienced artists and share your work with others.
Learn Techniques for Painting Portraits
And if you want to learn more from Lon, check out his new art video workshop, “Portraits: Painting with Movement.” Discover how to paint portraits and figures that move and breathe with Lon’s award-winning “expressive realism” approach (preview the three-hour art workshop here!).
Browse articles on figurative art and artists, and painting portraits, here at RealismToday.com.
