How to Take a Portrait Right

Portraiture has been one of the most powerful forms of artistic expression throughout history. From portraits of Roman emperors to self-portraits by artists such as Frida Kahlo or Rembrandt, this discipline has captured not only people's physical appearance, but also their emotions, stories, and personalities. Although making a portrait may seem complicated, mastering it is a matter of practice and understanding some basic principles. In this article, we will explore step by step how to make a portrait, from initial planning to final details, addressing both technical and artistic aspects.

Understanding the purpose of the portrait.

Before you begin drawing or painting, it is important to reflect on the purpose of the portrait. Is it a personal portrait, meant to capture the essence of a loved one? Is it a formal commission to depict a public figure? Or is it a self-portrait, where the artist confronts his or her own identity? The purpose of the portrait will influence the artistic approach.

A portrait can be realistic or stylized, formal or informal, and its tone can range from serious to playful. Defining purpose and style will help guide your artistic decisions throughout the process.

Choosing the pose and framing.

One of the most important elements of taking a portrait is choosing the right pose and framing. This is where you set the composition and overall direction of the piece. It's helpful to ask questions like: Will the portrait be of the face (close-up), half-body, or full-body? Will the person be shown head-on, in profile, or at a three-quarter angle? Each of these options conveys a different feeling.

When determining the right pose, it's important to consider both the model's comfort and the emotion or message you want to convey. If you're working with a model in person, taking time to observe and adjust the pose can make all the difference. A relaxed, natural pose often creates a more expressive and genuine portrait.

Observation and proportions.

Careful observation is key to a good portrait. Studying the sitter's facial features and understanding proportions is crucial to capturing an accurate and faithful representation. The human head has general proportions that serve as a basic guide. For example:

• The eyes are approximately in the vertical center of the head.
• The distance between the eyes is equivalent to the size of one eye.
• The bottom of the nose is halfway between the eyes and the chin.
• The ears are generally aligned with the height of the eyes and the bottom of the nose.

These are general rules that can be adjusted for each individual, as each person has slightly different proportions. However, following these basic guidelines will help you get started with a solid structure.

Light and shadow.

One of the fundamental elements that brings a portrait to life is the proper handling of light and shadow. Light not only defines shapes, but can also convey emotions and create a particular atmosphere. A portrait lit from the side can highlight facial features, while a softer, frontal light creates a sense of calm.

When working with shadows, it's important to pay attention to how they fall on the model's face and body. Shadows either soften features or make them more dramatic, depending on the intensity of the light. The technique known as "chiaroscuro," popularized by artists such as Caravaggio, uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give a three-dimensional feel to figures.

Capture facial expression.

Facial expression is perhaps the most important aspect of a portrait, as it conveys the subject's emotions and personality. The eyes, mouth, and eyebrows are the main players in this regard. When making a portrait, it's crucial to pay attention to the subtlety of expressions. Is the person smiling, frowning, or maintaining a neutral expression? Every detail contributes to the message you want to convey.

The eyes, in particular, are the “soul” of a portrait. Capturing the gaze can make the difference between a portrait that looks static and one that breathes life. Take the time to detail the eyes accurately, reflecting not only their shape and color, but also the light that makes them shine.

Hair and clothing details.

The model's hair and clothes are also important elements in the portrait. Although they are not the main focus, they can influence the overall perception of the work. Hair can be drawn with loose, expressive strokes or with great detail, depending on the style you are going for. It is important not to see hair as a solid block, but as groups of strands that follow a direction and have volume.

Clothing, on the other hand, helps to contextualize the subject. Folds and textures in clothing can add realism to the portrait, but they don't necessarily have to be elaborate. In some cases, a suggested depiction of clothing may be enough to focus attention on the face.

Use of color (if applicable).

If the portrait will be in color, the choice of color palette is a key consideration. The use of color in a portrait can add additional layers of meaning and emotion. Some questions to consider include: Will realistic colors be used to accurately depict skin, hair, and clothing, or will a more expressive, abstract approach be taken? Cool colors like blues and greens can create a sense of calm or melancholy, while warm colors like reds and yellows can convey energy and vitality.

Skin color is particularly complex, as it includes a wide range of tones and shades that vary with light and shadow. Portrait artists often mix various colors, such as ochres, reds and blues, to create realistic skin tones.

Work from a photograph or live.

One of the common dilemmas when shooting a portrait is deciding whether to work from a photograph or a live model. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. Working live allows you to capture the energy and dynamism of the person in real time, but can be more challenging due to the need to work quickly and the possibility that the model will not hold the same pose for a long time.

On the other hand, working from a photograph offers more control over the process, as it allows you to take the time to observe every detail and make adjustments. However, a photograph can limit the sense of life that a live model brings to the portrait.

Practice and patience.

Portraiture, like any other art form, takes practice. It's not unusual for first attempts to be less than perfect, and that's okay. Every portrait is an opportunity to learn and improve. Studying the work of great portrait masters, such as Rembrandt, Diego Velázquez, or John Singer Sargent, can provide valuable inspiration and techniques.

It is also important to have patience. Portraits require time and attention to detail, from the basic structure to the final nuances.

Making a portrait is a rewarding process that combines technique and emotion. By mastering observation, proportion, handling light, and capturing expression, you can create a work that not only physically resembles the person depicted, but also captures their essence. Practice, experimentation, and patience are the keys to improving in this art form, and with each new portrait, you will get closer to your artistic vision.