When painting a portrait, do you paint the figure first, or the BG first?

Posted by admin on November 13th, 2009 and filed under portrait painting | 8 Comments »

Im painting a self portrait and I was curious as to how I should start it. By painting in first my figure, or first the background? Does it matter?

Btw, im using oil paints.

you need to paint the background first!!!!

if you paint the figure first, you make accidentlly "run" into the figure when painting the background.

have you ever painted with oils before? they take FOREVER to dry, but they are great for blending and if you want to take your time and have lots of details. GOOD LUCK!!!

8 Responses

  1. Manda Says:

    i would do the figure first. I’ve always done it that way, it seems easier to me
    References :

  2. thewifey Says:

    you need to paint the background first!!!!

    if you paint the figure first, you make accidentlly "run" into the figure when painting the background.

    have you ever painted with oils before? they take FOREVER to dry, but they are great for blending and if you want to take your time and have lots of details. GOOD LUCK!!!
    References :
    artisit 23 years….and counting!!

  3. Dannie R Says:

    In general with Oils you work back to front. Most oil paints are opaque, so it is easy to cover the background with the portrait. I would still block in where I want the figure to go sot that there isn’t TOO much overlap, start with the background.
    References :
    http://www.seekingcenter.com/inprogress/grandcanyonmural/4_panels.html

  4. Julie L Says:

    Background should be first.
    References :

  5. Reggiani J Says:

    I would suggest u paint the background first, or the figure will get in your way. It does matter a lot especially if its a self portrait, you don’t want to be making mistakes now and again so draw the background first and than the portrait, just know it doesn’t matter if the portrait goes over.
    When you draw the background first than it gives you the opportunity to place the portrait at the position you want
    References :

  6. theoregonartist Says:

    Do the backfround first, it will be easier to get _"semi-correct" and will set the tome for the portrait. I always do the background first and make sure that it is as close to the right value in darkenss and then in color.
    References :
    33 years as a pro-artist

  7. Nirmanakaya Says:

    I always done the background first.
    References :

  8. GUERRO Says:

    If it is already sketched out on the canvas and ready for painting, i would start by blocking in the figure with a thinned out wash to kill the white, start with the head move down to the figure, do the background and finish the hair last. When i paint portraits i always start with an underpainting that is done with acrylic paint. My work can be checked out at hellosanantonio.com under artist name GUERRO1. I am getting ready to paint a portrait of my daughter which i will post on my art page at different stages of its completion.
    References :

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