Expressive oil portrait

Expressive oil portrait

An expressive oil portrait on paper, following Camila O’Gorman’s course.
I am interested in developing my painting in oil and this was a very inspiring way to do it!

Oil paints, flat big brushes, thin brushes, iPad to follow the photo. I will use the medium recommended in future, but for now, only used the traditional linseed-oil, solvent and siccative.

I used a photo taken of me, with a relaxed smile. The light/shadow contrast was indicated for this exercise, where we learn to search the major values and than the secondary and semi tones.

The artist tutor, lead us through 3 exercises that were very releasing: first, exploring contrast, using the 3 main tones created from 3 primary colours, plus white and dark earth

Reducing contrast, but maintaining the same observation to the model/photo.

Using the primary tones from our pallet and adding minimum change of values.
Searching the higher values to paint the areas of the photo, under the light. Try to reproduce the cool zones with tones with blue, zones with reflections of warm, with composition with red.