Loose and Expressive Portrait Sketch

How to paint a portrait expressively? Often a portrait is painted in a tight style even though you prefer the impressionist approach. This demo of a portrait sketch may give you ideas for loosening up your next portrait. See more on my course about loose painting techniques: www.malcolmdeweyfineart.com/pa...
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Please watch: "Pastel Painting Technique and Review: Part 1"
• Pastel Painting Techni...
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[@TheKittyfizzle]

I'm a portrait perfectionist, but this makes me happy.

[@DG-mv6zw]

Hey thanks, Malcolm. That's exactly the portrait style I've been trying to achieve but I'm failing miserably. Love the loose style and the economy of brushstrokes. Personally I think the best artworks are those where the artist has left out just enough information for the viewer's mind and eye to complete the painting themselves. I think that stimulates the viewer's brain so much more.
Keep those videos coming, friend 👍

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you - yes the loose style is more difficult than it looks. Simplifying a subject is more challenging than leaving in all the details, but rewarding when it works.

[@DG-mv6zw]

Malcolm Dewey Be great to see some more videos of your portraits, perhaps with you talking through your process. The evolution of this painting is an absolute joy to watch, but over far too quickly 👍 Thanks again, Malcolm. - Greetings from Scotland, David.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Sounds like a good idea David.

[@thebestisyettocomegodisawe1081]

😁Loose is difficult, however, if you paint every day and dont worry about it, ebentually you'll be painting like a pro!😎

[@rajdeep1718]

15k + views but not even 200 likes!!! It is indeed a compliment to a perfect artist. Keep it up 👍

[@annedeguernon8117]

very impressive demonstration thanks malcolm, i have not yet seen any videos like yours. it is so tricky to paint a portrait.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks Anne - it is fun to try another approach :)

[@ruthgonzalez1991]

Nice!

[@jesusperez8441]

Fantastico!

[@GUnSNRoSeSrOcKzz]

thank you man!

[@peterwilliamson4296]

Thanks Malcolm, I relate entirely to your style (albeit I am a oil newbie) and agree with DG. I like pics that are accurate to the subject but not over done. Alla prima or a less is more style appeals to me. The approach of JS Sargent was great don't get me wrong but there are pros and cons to pictures painted over a very long period I think.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks Peter - yes it is a challenge to paint loose instead of adding color between the lines, and not be careless either. When it comes off it is a satisfying experience.

[@willdudley4644]

Awesome

[@MissChanelli]

How do you decide what colours to use? And when you look at your reference photo, do you just use the same colour for the lights and the same colour for the shadows? Its prob a silly question but im trying to learn how to paint in this expressive brush stroke style. Thanks

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks for your question. The shorter answer is that I am looking at the light/dark value relationships as the most important thing. As long as the light and dark pattern is in place you can use any colour. But if you want realistic colour then also try to get colour temperature correct. The cool and warm colour relationships is important. For this one colours like burnt sienna will be used more.

[@MissChanelli]

Malcolm Dewey Thas very helpful and gives me something to play around with. Thanks for responding

[@holmesabukhalil9576]

Very good

[@vilowil]

Amazing.

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thank you

[@sethph8894]

👍🏼👍🏼👌😎

[@thewhitehotel8348]

great video

[@MalcolmDewey]

Thanks! much appreciated.