Portrait Painting & Figure Studies
Capturing a person's essence is a unique kind of magic. Whether you are holding a brush or a pencil, let us explore the interplay of light, shadow, and personality together.
The finished oil portrait right next to the model. This shows how we translate a live subject onto the canvas, focusing on capturing both likeness and mood. This is a key skill I teach in my portraiture workshops.
This is the underpainting stage, or the 'grisaille,' for a portrait. I always start with a monochrome layer to establish the light and shadow before adding any color. It's a foundational technique for creating depth.
A close-up of the finished portrait, showing the subtle blending of colors on the skin and the texture of the background. Learning to handle oil paints to create these effects is a focus of my advanced classes.
Another angle of the completed portrait, highlighting the structure of the face and the thoughtful expression.
A collection of my sketches and paintings on the theme of motherhood. I love capturing the tender bond between a mother and child, whether in a quick pencil sketch or a colorful acrylic painting.
A few of my captured moments in pen and pencil, from a bustling cafe scene in London to quiet portraits of mother and child. Sketching is the foundation of all art, and I encourage daily practice.
A quick watercolor sketch of an artist at work. This piece is all about capturing a fleeting moment with soft colors and simple lines.
A video celebrating Mother's Day with a montage of my mother and child artworks. Art is a beautiful way to express love and connection.
About Portraits & Figure Studies
For those curious about my process, I always start with a monochrome underpainting to map out the facial structure before we introduce any color. This foundation makes all the difference when you are painting live subjects or portraits from photos, as it lets you focus on form and volume without worrying about complex color mixing right away.
Portraiture is often seen as intimidating, but it is fundamentally about observation. In my workshops here in Noida, we break down facial anatomy into simple shapes. We start with quick sketches to get comfortable with proportions, and move on to understanding how light shapes the face.
I guide you through the grisaille method, which is a game changer for beginners. By painting in monochrome first, you learn to control values and depth. Once that feels solid, we transition to layering oils or acrylics. Whether you want to capture a loved one's likeness or simply learn how to see the human form differently, my studio sessions provide the guidance you need.
I keep batches very small, often just 3 to 6 people, so I can give you personal feedback. If you cannot join me in Noida, I offer online sessions where we can work through these techniques together from the comfort of your home. It is not about reaching perfection, but about the joy of seeing your subject come to life on canvas. We go step by step, focusing on the techniques that make your work feel authentic to your own style.
Anjali Mittal
I am Anjali, and for me, art has been a lifelong companion. I find deep happiness in helping others discover their creative spark, whether that is through a simple pencil sketch or an oil portrait. I invite you to join me and find your own style, dil se.
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