The Trick To Painting Any Length Of Hair

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of painting hair in a way that emphasizes structure and form rather than focusing on individual strands. By changing your perspective on how to depict hair, you can create more realistic and expressive portraits. We will explore techniques demonstrated through examples of different hairstyles, particularly those of Brad Pitt.

Step 1: Rethink Your Approach to Hair

• Shift your mindset from thinking of hair as individual strands to viewing it as solid shapes.
• Consider how sculptors carve hair into large masses rather than detailing every single hair.
• Understand that hair lacks structure in many paintings due to the overemphasis on detail.

Step 2: Focus on Structure and Form

• Identify the big chunks of hair rather than getting lost in small details.
• Study the light and shadow on the hair, noting how it forms cylindrical shapes.
• Use the example of John Singer Sargent's painting to understand how hair can look effective with minimal detail.

Step 3: Paint in Layers from Dark to Light

• Start with the darkest areas of the hair to establish depth.
• Gradually build up lighter colors, keeping in mind that the lightest parts will generally be in the highlights.
• Pay attention to the variation in value; highlights should not be overdone.

Step 4: Incorporate Background Early

• Add the background color early in the painting process.
• This aids in reshaping the hair and creates soft edges, which helps the hair appear more realistic.
• Use wet-on-wet techniques to allow colors to blend naturally.

Step 5: Emphasize Soft Edges

• Utilize soft edges to differentiate between the hair and the background.
• Avoid harsh lines to prevent the hair from appearing flat or like a helmet.
• Blend colors at the hairline, using skin tones to create seamless transitions.

Step 6: Observe and Capture Light Dynamics

• Study how light affects the hair's appearance, especially when it comes from different angles.
• Note the variations of light and dark along the strands; areas should transition smoothly between values.
• Recognize that hair has volume; it is not flat against the head.

Step 7: Practice Different Hair Lengths

• Experiment with hairstyles of varying lengths and textures, such as:
  • Long, flowing hair: Focus on larger shapes and soft transitions.
  • Short hair: Emphasize the contours of the head and avoid rigid shapes.
• Always maintain a sense of randomness in hair shapes to avoid artificiality.

Conclusion

Painting hair effectively involves understanding its structure, the importance of light, and how to achieve soft edges. By practicing these techniques, you can enhance the realism of your portraits. Remember to experiment with different hair lengths and styles, and don't hesitate to incorporate feedback from your observations. For further improvement, consider exploring skin tone mixing, another aspect crucial for portrait painting. Happy painting!