Portraits

Since the 14th century, portraits in oil have held a special place in the art world. From Vermeer and Rembrandt to the illustrious Gainsborough, artists who had the ability to capture a likeness and breathe life into a canvas have held their prestige throughout the centuries. Even today, oil portraiture is a highly respected and frequently commissioned art form.

With this in-depth and insightful guide, aspiring artists can learn traditional alla prima techniques for developing lifelike portraits in oil. From laying in the initial proportions to applying the final highlights, this book breaks down the painting process into easily digestible stages that anyone can follow. The step-by-step projects cover a variety of ages and model types, so beginners can practice rendering a range of features and expressions.

Timothy Chambers believes that painting isn’t something one chooses so much as something one is compelled to do. After being trained as a young child by his father, distinguished artist William T. Chambers, Tim spent more than 10 years in apprenticeships with other great artists, including Richard Lack, Henry Hensche, and Cedric B. Egeli. Tim continues the Chambers family tradition by teaching his own children to paint. He also teaches students in workshops across the US and in Central America. He resides in beautiful rural Virginia with his stupendously beautiful wife and children. Tim echoes artist Charles Hawthorne’s advice when it comes to painting: “Have enthusiasm—it helps your work if you have a good time.”