Oil Portrait in 15 Minutes | The 6 Rules Every Painter Needs

Learn how to paint a portrait step-by-step by Milo Zandi.

In this video, I’ll walk you through my process and share my core principles for oil painting. From the initial sketch to the final satisfying brushstrokes, we explore how to build depth, manage values, and when it’s finally time to break the rules!

The Golden Rules of Painting:
Rule #1: No painting without a sketch! Start with a sketch using pencil, charcoal, or paint to set your foundation.

Rule #2: Simplify everything. Block in the big shapes and work with just a few values in the beginning.

Rule #3: Mark your values. Identify your darkest and lightest points. Always paint from dark to light.

Rule #4: Pay attention to your edges. Keep them soft where forms turn and sharp only where you want the focus.

Rule #5: Squint your eyes. Do this constantly to lose unnecessary detail and see the true relationship between values.

Rule #6: Save your highlights. Don't rush them! Save your brightest highlights for the very end for maximum impact.

In this process:
I’m focusing on the anatomy of the head and face, using different values to correct the drawing as I go. By adding layers and following the "fat over lean" principle, I create a structure that adds real depth to the piece. It’s like a puzzle where every brushstroke helps everything come together as a whole.

Pro Tip: I might break some rules in this video, but that only comes from years of painting and experimenting!

Most importantly: Don’t forget to have fun. That’s why we paint, after all! (Watching the shirt come together was especially satisfying for me).

Support the Channel:
If you find value in this video, please:

👍 Like the video

📤 Share it with your fellow artists

I wish you all the best of luck with your painting journey! 🎨✨

#OilPainting #ArtTutorial #PaintingTechniques #FatOverLean

☕ SUPPORT MY WORK:
If you find value in my tutorials, you can support my creative process here:

---

Watch more videos:

🚀 GROW YOUR CHANNEL:
Get vidIQ to grow your channel faster!

#oilpainting #portraitpainting #allaprima #learntopaint #howtopaint #stepbysteppainting #oilpaintingforbeginners

Music: