Log in or Sign up to remove sponsor

You Will Need

180 minutes
So-so

Digital Portrait

  • Completed Project: Digital Portrait Picture #1

A step by step guide to my painting technique for a self portrait.

Share on: Facebook | Twitter | StumbleUpon

Add to a List Add to Favorites Add Your Version


  1. Step 1

    Step 1

    Either work from a mirror or a photograph for this project and use a good painting program such as Photoshop. It's best to use a graphics tablet, but can use a mouse. Start by blocking in the main shapes using 3 or 4 colours.

  2. Step 2

    Step 2

    Using a mid-shade skin tone colour, outline the features on the face.


  3. Step 3

    Step 3

    Working with one shade darker, add more detail to the painting. Using one shade lighter, smooth in the skin tone by using a low opacity brush and the smudge tool. Add a little bit of detail to the hair.

  4. Step 4

    Step 4

    Add all the main highlights and shadows to the skin tones, making sure to smooth in the colours as you go. Use a thin brush and darker tone to add the details, such as the mouth and pupils of the eyes.


  5. Step 5

    Step 5

    It's time to get colourful. Use a low opacity brush to add colour to the eyes, lips and cheeks.

  6. Step 6

    Step 6

    Use a thin brush and scribble detail in to the hair. Use the burn and dodge tools to add further, more subtle, highlights and shadows to all areas of the portrait. Continually refine all areas of the portrait by smudging or re-painting where necessary.

  7. Step 7

    Step 7

    In the same way, take a thin brush and a light hair colour and scribble in detail where the hair highlights. Add further shadows and saturation to the lips.

  8. Step 8

    Step 8

    Use the push and dodge tools to add further, more subtle, shadows and highlights to the hair. Using a low opacity soft brush, add small amounts of colour around the eyelids.

  9. Step 9

    Step 9

    Finish up all the areas of the portrait and then add a nice background.

More from Decoration & OrnamentalSee All »
  • Hello Kitty DoorhangerHow To
  • Snowman And Penguin BaublesHow To
  • Tshirt ArtHow To
  • Tape FunHow To
  • 20" Chucks
  • Jungle WindchimesHow To
  • Photo Frames From Cardboard
  • Little Vase To Waxine Holder
  • It's Not A Record Bowl It's Art!
  • Christmas Candle

People who love this project (31)See All »

Leave a Comment

Sorry...

You need to Sign Up and log in to leave comments


Remington Plum

13 Aug 22:30

You've Been Nominated By One Of Your Peers For A Plummy Award

Hello and congratulations!
Someone you know (or don't know) is a very big fan of yours, and has nominated you for a Plummy Award for Excellence in Crafting. You have been nominated in the following category: Best Blog

Again, congratulations. The person who nominated you left the following comments:

Whip Up is full of exciting crafting news, info, articles,
interviews, and more. I enjoyed their Whiplash crafting contest so much.

If you think someone is deserving of a Plummy, please visit the website and nominate them. We're taking nominations through August 15th. http://plummies.plumofthemonth.com

Be proud! There's even a little button you can post on your MySpace, blog, or website to let visitors know you've been recognized. It's located here (feel free to hotlink) http://plumofthemonth.com/plummies/nominee.jpg

Have a plum terrific day,
Amy and Rachel of Plum of the Month

kierstyn

27 Mar 02:17

wow that looks hard

Cat Morley

Cat Morley

02 Apr 01:24

Yeah, it is me. :)

ʎǝɔɐɹƃ

ʎǝɔɐɹƃ

02 Apr 03:20

is tht really u...cause if it is ur sooo pretty!!! ur lips...

Vanessa the Strange

Vanessa the Strange

08 Nov 04:28

Wow!! You make it look so easy, you're truely talented :D

Cat Morley Posted By:
Cat Morley »
August 11, 2006 00:03
Hr
  1. 1 T Shirt Shrug
  2. 2 Beautiful Paper Snowflake
  3. 3 Cut T Shirt
  4. 4 Geisha Plushie
  5. 5 Burlesque Bustle Skirt
  6. 6 Glam Rock Wrap Dress!
  7. 7 Recycled Tee Circle Scarf
  8. 8 Best Pimple Killer Ever!
  9. 9 The Envelope Bag
  10. 10 Scarf Skirt

See the projects A-Z »


Advertise here

Hr

Hr

Popular tags: Painting & Decorating, Revamping, Dressmaking / Tailoring, Clothing & Fabric, Gothic, Christmas, Decorating, and Halloween

Hr

Get the latest projects!
Fbpage Become a Fan on Facebook
or
Follow us on Twitter