How to Paint a Portrait in Black & White Tones

You will need the following materials to paint a portrait in black:

* A canvas

* Acrylic paint in black

* A variety of brushes, including a round brush, a flat brush, and a filbert brush

* A cup of water

* A palette

* A cloth

* A reference photo

Step 2: Prepare Your Canvas

Gesso the canvas to prepare it for painting. This will help the paint to adhere to the canvas and prevent it from cracking or peeling.

Step 3: Sketch Your Portrait

Use a pencil to sketch out the basic outlines of your portrait. This will help you to get the proportions of the face correct.

Step 4: Paint the Background

Paint the background of the portrait in black. This will help to set off the face and make the portrait more striking.

Step 5: Paint the Skin Tones

Use a variety of black shades to paint the skin tones of the face. Mix a light black shade for the highlights and a dark black shade for the shadows.

Step 6: Paint the Features

Use a small round brush to paint the features of the face, such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. Use a light touch and be careful not to overdo it.

Step 7: Add Details

Use a filbert brush to add details to the portrait, such as the hair and clothing. Be creative and experiment with different techniques to achieve the desired effect.

Step 8: Let the Paint Dry

Let the paint dry completely before moving or varnishing the portrait. This will help to prevent the paint from smudging or cracking.

Step 9: Varnish the Portrait (Optional)

Varnishing the portrait will help to protect it from damage and make it more durable. You can use a spray varnish or a brush-on varnish.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Portrait!

Your black portrait is now finished. Hang it on a wall or display it on a shelf to enjoy.