Home assignment:

Portrait in Pieces

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Instructions

Week 5:

In preparation of the last class, finish your second layer. Remember that it doesn't have to be a perfect portrait; when you remove the tape, the technique will make up for an "imperfections". It's also important to not get attached to your painting, as it will be totally different when you remove the tape. You have no idea what it will look like, and that's the fun of using masking tape.

You may find it helpful to refer to your first layer to see your second layer in comparison.

Remove your tape either before next week's class or be prepared to remove it in the beginning of the session. Take high quality photos of every stage (before and after removing tape) and send it to me!

Week 4:

Continue painting your second layer. No need to rush this phase as you can repaint this layer as many times as you need.

In order for this technique to work, you have to have contrast between your first and second layer.

How to create contrast between your two layers:

  • Analogous colors (if the hair on the first layer was pink, the second layer could be orange or yellow)
  • Complementary colors (if the hair on the first layer was pink, the second layer would be green)
  • Tonal painting (if the first portrait was using full color, the second layer could be monochromatic)

No matter which direction you choose, paint the lights and shadows! Pay attention to tonal values! This is how your portrait will look 3D when we remove our tape and it will also be what connects your two layers together.

Week 3:

Time for triple T: Trace, Tape, and Transfer!

Steps:

  1. Finish your first painted layer
  2. Measure a piece of tracing paper or parchment paper to be the same size as your canvas
  3. Precisely match the edges of the tracing paper to your canvas and tape the parchment to the canvas to prevent movement
  4. Trace your painting with a permanent market
  5. Lift the tape off the canvas, keeping the tape attached to the tracing paper
  6. Tape your portrait: apply masking tape in any direction / style you want
  7. Flip the tracing paper over and trace with charcoal your marker outline (your portrait will be backwards)
  8. Carefully reattach the tracing paper to your canvas
  9. Transfer the charcoal outline to your canvas by carefully rubbing the tracing paper against the canvas.
  10. Remove the tracing paper to reveal a perfect outline over your masking tape!
Week 2:

Finish your first painted layer. Add lights, shadows, and textures. This should basically be a finished painting. We'll have time in week 3 to do some minor adjustments in paint, if need be. Bring a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. Take a photo!!!

Week 1:

Finish your charcoal / pencil sketch before next week's class. Outline proportions and areas of shadows. Ignore details and textures, as that can be painted.

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