Complete Portrait Course

Portraiture is one of the oldest branches of art: it is descended from the stick figures painted on the wall of prehistoric caves. The Complete Portrait Course is a comprehensive guide to this fascinating pastime, and is suitable for beginners and experts alike. Using a step-by-step format, with full colour photographs illustrating each stage of the project, the book demonstrates how a portrait and been created, and allows the reader to develop their technique by copying what they see. Handy hint boxes provide extra tips, while the works of both old masters and modern artists are examined to reveal their special techniques to achieve certain effects. A variety of different media can be used to create portraits, from watercolours to oils, pastels, charcoal and pencil, and the book discusses the various methods used to get the most striking effects from each.

With an authoritative yet easy-to-follow text, the Complete Portrait Course is a highly illustrated compendium of tips and techniques to get even the least skilled of artists creating stunning portraits in no time at all.