Portrait painting. Common problems and solutions.

In this portrait painting video I provide solutions to a number of common problems.
It is my intention to publish everything I know about portrait painting.
Donations are welcome. No obligation, but if you can, please do! paintingportraittips.com/dona...
In my blog you will find even more information about portrait painting and a free eBook “One hundred portraits”: www.paintingportraittips.com
My gallery: www.lustenhouwer.com
Instagram: / benlustenhouwerportraits
The website of my cousin Will Sophie who wrote and performed the most fantastic compositions for me: willsophiemusic.com
Chapters in this video:
00:00 intro
01:47 The underpainting
04:12 The compass
05:17 The palette
05:26 The basic mixtures
07:07 The skin color mixtures
09:24 The darkest parts
11:40 The sweater
13:59 Start with the local colors
19:44 The halftones
29:07 The background
31:06 A message for you
31:39 The hair
40:20 The grid lines
45:06 Building up the layers
01:00:37 The refrigerator
01:14:27 Two weeks later
01:15:03 The “spit trick”
01:21:00 My guitar play for you
The colors on my palette:
Titanium White, Talens/Rembrandt 105
Cadmium Lemon Yellow, Talens/Rembrandt 207
Yellow Ochre, Talens/Rembrandt 227
Cadmium Red Deep, Talens/Rembrandt 306
Terra Rosa, Winsor & Newton 635
Transparent Oxide Red, Talens/Rembrandt 378
Alizarine Crimson, Winsor & Newton 004
Permanent Yellowish Green, Talens/Rembrandt 633
Chromium Oxide Green, Talens/Rembrandt 668
Veridian Green, Talens/Rembrandt 616
Cerulean Blue, Talens/Rembrandt 534
Ultramarine Blue, Talens/Rembrandt 505
Ivory Black, Talens/Rembrandt 701
Burnt Umber, Talens/Rembrandt 409
I made a neutral gray:
Ivory Black +Yellow Ochre+Titanium White
A Mauve mixture:
Ultramarine Blue + Alizarine Crimson + Titanium White
The brushes I used:
Bristle:
Escoda 4729 No. 6, 8, 10.
Rosemary Classic Egbert No 2, 10.
Rosemary Classic Long Flat No. 3.
Synthetic:
Raphael 370 No.2.
Rosemary SER 301
Mediums:
Odorless white spirit.
Purified Linseed oil. Talens 027

[@EvanDahill]

This demo both inspired and shocked me. The shock came mostly in the “building up the layers” section where are you make observations about correcting the lip, correcting the placement of the left side of her face to reestablish balance: highlight on her eyelids, etc. Additionally, the use of a divider on a grid it out canvas was very surprising.
But all of this “Shock” were a great inspiration to me. To see that you use all of these tools, have all of these doubts, and yet you move to create the amazing portraits that you do. Many amateurs, such as myself wallow in self doubt when we look at the work of masters, such as yourself, and say “I could never paint like this!“ But watching your process, and the tools that you use, is amazingly inspiring.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your nice comment. Inspiring is my goal indeed and what beginners don´t realize : every professional artist started as an amateur.

[@miajc6606]

Ben, so glad to see you back on TH-cam! I hope you’re doing well.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are the very first one! Thank you. we are fine.

[@gingersneed2555]

I love your work and how you explain. I am no artist, yet I feel I could paint, thanks to your wonderful explanation. I love that you are so honest and also include what else you do in your life pursuits. You are wonderful. Thank you. May the universe award you.

[@hypedash49]

I am from India🇮🇳 I am 18 years old Basically I am now working on my fundamental skill It's been 4-5 months since I started oil painting, it's a new medium for me, so I used to search on TH-cam, how to start oil painting, well colors tips and tutorials, but most of the creators video length is 10 minutes or 15 minutes and some show time lapse videos of painting. Does not show the entire process On the one hand, you are helping many art students, including me God bless you❤️

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your nice comment

[@shashank2311]

I feel so blessed to have a teacher like you. Thank you for this much awaited video.💖🙏

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@Xavigarcia301]

There is so much to be grateful for in your videos. Mainly the priceless lessons on painting. On the other hand and no less important is the peace and humanity that you transmit. Thanks for all this

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@futuristicteal]

Thank you for this amazing video. I was struggling to find videos on how to improve portrait paintings on TH-cam that were detailed and useful but this very generous lengthed video helped me. Great that this is free. :)

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@brendahill5087]

It's so good to have you back. And thanks for sharing a bit of your personal life in the magical place you live with your kitchen garden and lovely grand children. Scarborough Faire is one of my favorites. You are truly talented in the arts. Thanks again!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Brenda

[@journeymantraveller3338]

If you want to learn portrait painting, this is the man.

[@mogalcat3091]

Ben, please don't leave us again! 😭😭

[@lustenhouwer]

I do what I can, but I am getting older!

[@mogalcat3091]

@@lustenhouwer we love you, man

[@svetura2119]

Just live forever❤ let your years be light, lengthy and healthy ❤️

[@micampbell5415]

Seeing you being nervous about a brush stroke is the most reassure thing I've seen! As always, amazing work and great explanations, i always watch your videos before working on portraits as they give me great tips and peace of mind. Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@millieharbour4950]

What a great teacher. So encouraging to get me back to doing portraits. Thank you Ben.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Millie

[@angelikaschmidt3214]

Ich freue mich sehr, dass sie wieder ein neues Video gepostet haben und dann auch sogar ein so ausführliches. Ich bin dankbar für die vielen guten Tipps, da ich auch gerade beginne, Porträts mit Ölfarben zu malen. Ich habe diese bisher mit Bleistiften und Kohlestiften gezeichnet.

[@lustenhouwer]

Vielen Dank Angelika.

[@KarishmaChhugani]

Im vert happy to see u after long time🎉

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@silvahovhannesian4762]

I can only say amazing! Thank you so much!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome.

[@amirerfanian4418]

you are a great artist , maybe you don't remember me , I asked you for your course , and you said sure , why not ! imagine you are my guest for a coffee, you are really kind man .God bless your life more

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@PabloPerez-gw8tl]

Very good video, more soon please!

[@lustenhouwer]

I do what I can

[@nvandenhurk]

Hartelijk bedankt Ben , voor de schitterende en zeer leerzame video. Geniet van het leven in je tuin en de natuur om je heen , je gitaarspel . schilderen kan altijd wanneer het weer wat minder is.

[@lustenhouwer]

Geen dank.

[@dianecharest8365]

Your amazing Ben. Thank you for sharing the whole process. It's very helpful.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Diane

[@user-jl3wx3xz1b]

Wonderful! Thank you for your generosity! LOVE your work!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@wendi4418]

I'm not sure which I love more your playing or painting,both are quite wonderful!Thank you

[@lustenhouwer]

I guess I am a better painter

[@anandchandan1612]

You are one of the best teachers i have ever seen! Thank you sir!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@clairejarts]

Always a pleasure to watch you paint, and take in all your fine advice. You are an absolute master!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Claire

[@Charlotte19821]

Thank you for being here again! I'm very happy to see you! ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Charlotte

[@tcchris2]

Mr Ben, you are an amazing artist. I really appreciate that you give us instructive videos.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@JackRainfield]

Thanks for your secrets and beautiful guitar playing!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@MrHeli4444]

Another gem i'll watch over and over. Thank you Ben.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@milzner641]

Excellent demonstration and guitar. Thank you.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@zeynepzekeriyaoglu]

Excellent work as always, we miss you and your work 🙏🙏🍀

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@JuneAustin-lp9wx]

So happy to see Ben again. Such an inspiration.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you June

[@hijayang4416]

Thank you so much. The painting was gorgeous and I had to laugh when you used linseed oil with spit on it. The music was charming. Have a great time!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome.

[@markl240]

Wow. So glad you posted. Good to see you back again

[@lustenhouwer]

Happy to be back again

[@SockMonkeyofcourse]

Thank you for both the guidance and the beautiful music! You Sir, are blessed.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@carolburkett7018]

Beautiful portrait and you’ve inspiring teacher.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Carol

[@stuarttanner9953]

Thank you. Your video was inspirational and helpful.

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad to hear!

[@kmf634]

Thank-you Ben! It's so incredibly helpful to hear what I can only imagine is your inner monologue, as you explain your colour choices and other methods. I always learn so much from these videos. Terra Rosa has changed my life.
Wonderful guitar piece from you, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. And Will's music is very very good. It's all quite inspiring.
Now go out and garden!! :)

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome. In our garden: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme!

[@jingsu4167]

Thank you so much for the wonderful lesson and music, all the best!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Si nice to hear!

[@georgescolin5683]

Good to have you back Ben, with another portrait, full of teaching... Zeg, wat een mooi tuin, met Chelva in de achtergrond...

[@lustenhouwer]

Ja, we wonen in het paradijs.

[@ismaelhamid3116]

Un placer verle pintar, me ayuda mucho, sobre todo en lo referente a no cuidar tanto los detalles, y pintar más relajadamente, disfrutando. Gracias por compartir sus conocimientos, sus tutoriales son muy agradables de ver.

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias Ismael

[@Countrycabin]

So helpful .. especially the building up of paint and your use of temperature., loved this . Thank you ! She is so beautiful

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome.

[@laurainel]

Thank you so much for this fantastic video! It is so lovely to see you here! You are a wonderful artist and a gifted teacher! ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Laura

[@user-co8on9bc3l]

Wonderful to watch this again and so glad you are doing more videos. Very inspirational. From New Zealand

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@lisab6437]

Glad you’re back, Ben!

[@lustenhouwer]

Yes I am.

[@eddiehornedoful]

Wow Ben, its been a while. You are one of my favorites. Your style and your explanations always make so much sense. You are such an asset to artist around the art world. Looking forward to your next painting.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Eddie

[@user-on5uv8jt2n]

Thank you so much for painting lerning and nice song guitar playing .

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@julieismert4874]

Wonderful! I always learn so much from your videos. Thank you for sharing your techniques.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Julie

[@lorettaboersig4540]

Art and music ❤ what a beautiful combination! Love your work.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Loretta

[@joyevenson8702]

Thank you for sharing your color mixing tips, Lovely painting and your music also!

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@laleharmistead5626]

Superb blending of the paints. Comprehensive and manageable for the students. Thanks

[@lustenhouwer]

you are welcome.

[@silvahovhannesian4762]

You are a great teacher and amazing artist! Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@susansouthern6704]

Thanks Ben..love your portrait lessons

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Susan

[@mariamfimbres6033]

Thank you very much. Beautiful painting and wonderful guitar 😊

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@user-wy1yp6ue8u]

Prachtig geschilderd, ik ben erg fan van je portretten! Bedankt dat je zoveel wil delen. Ik leer erg veel van je Ben.

[@lustenhouwer]

Dank je wel!

[@tobyberkovits7536]

I love your work Ben!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@juanlopez6557]

As always, your explanations are masterful, they give me inspiration when I lose it. . . ....thank you artist.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Juan

[@AndrewAdcock]

Wonderful to have another video from Ben! - very good video as usual.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Andrew

[@joellynsartfullife3944]

So gorgeous!! I really enjoyed this video❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@michelzegers7087]

Geweldig; Deze toelichtingen zoek ik reeds lang ! Dank om zoveel talent te zien !

[@lustenhouwer]

Dank je Michel

Beautiful painting! 👏👏
Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

you are welcome

[@ghuntressart669]

Beautiful … both the painting and the music 👏👏

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@roseratigan4479]

Again another beautiful painting Ben. I am always so inspired to paint after I watch your videos. Your color mixing is incredibly helpful. How can one person be so talented with music and art! Thank you for sharing your talents with us! Happy Easter!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Rose!

[@samiabadi8767]

Great painting lesson as always.. Love the music, thank you 🌷

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@kayleenwest]

Welcome back Ben. Oh my what a view you have from your garden in Spain! That’s a world of plein air painting right at your doorstep! I totally understand your priorities too. Beautiful painting as usual. I love portraits myself. A beautiful challenge and connection with the sitter. The music is beautiful.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Kayleen!

[@tinastreet6658]

Ahhh beautiful painting.👏Great explainations. BEAUTIFUL guitar playing. Bravo. Also great overall video. Thank you for sharing with the world ❤from USA

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you!

[@basrahg.250]

Wow !
هذا مذهل
سابدأ بالتدريب
شكرا لك

[@lustenhouwer]

شكرا.

[@johngraham4053]

Always good and constructive teaching from you Ben. First class presentation Thank you

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you John

[@mrelwax12]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. This video was great! Guitar and painting are my loves too.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@ferenchackfelner8784]

I happy to see you again....after a long time.

[@lustenhouwer]

Indeed a long time.

[@justinesimone5343]

Thank you. You've taught me some tricks with color. ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

It´s my pleasure Justine.

[@gabrielemuehlhaus2726]

Thanks for painting and wonderful music

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@cesarcalado433]

Saudades de o voltar a ver pintar e a ensinar
Obrigado

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias

[@bkalman8805]

Thank you Ben, again for the great lesson! The grand kids are cute, the garden is nice, your extra bonus music at the end great! Happy Easter to you and the family!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you and Happy Easter to you.

[@kerrysloan5842]

Brilliant work

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@cristinasalesluis3075]

I am so glad to see your videos again! And you are a very accomplished Artist Ben! The music is so beautiful ( parsley , sage , rosemary and thyme) and one can learn so much with you about painting... Thank you so much!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Cristina

[@CarlagsdA1]

Good to see you posting again.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@dianecharest8365]

It came out beautiful.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@shahzadqurashi7728]

So amazing work!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@belindaquintanilla2395]

Estoy feliz de ver este nuevo vídeo y que lo hayas compartido con nosotros ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias Belinda

[@donnamartell9056]

Excellent, meticulous work! I'm so enjoying watching your painting evolve! Incredible attention to detail!! I know now that I've been lazy, lolol!

[@lustenhouwer]

Go for it Donna!

[@jewleighuh]

Thank you for teaching us

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@louferrer497]

Merci infiniment pour ce partage🙏 Plaisir des yeux 🖌et des oreilles🎶

[@lustenhouwer]

Merci .

[@dorryrice6797]

This was very helpful. Thank you. I enjoyed the guitar, too!🥰❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Dorry

[@virendermattoo1184]

Treat to watch the video. Truly inspiring ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@debramcfadden2701]

Thank-you how wonderful to watch you

[@lustenhouwer]

It´s my pleasure

[@simonvaneijk7859]

Oh Ben zo fijn om te zien dat je nog schildert en dat het je goed gaat! Je bent mijn inspiratie bron en heb veel van je geleerd! Dank daarvoor. Simon uit Nederland.

[@lustenhouwer]

Dank je Simon.

[@user-nw3zo9ze2y]

Great help. Thank you very much ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@patriciozazzini8302]

Great to see another Video. It has been a long time! Let's say If It rains, You make a Video.

[@lustenhouwer]

I Would love to have rain overhere!

[@kajwilstorp1483]

thanks for the music what a nice demo love it

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@annethomas717]

excellent lesson!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@mehrdadbordbar83]

thank you so much for sharing your valuable experience with us. please upload more.kind regards

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@danieldaniel9648]

روعة❤❤❤❤احب الفن

[@altay5920]

This video feeling very relaxing. Great see step all color's.. I just, thank you sir..

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome.

[@malcolmtoyer8950]

Very interesting to see the whole process and hear your thinking about what you are doing. I learnt a lot from this. Also nice to see you walking and playing the guitar...

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Malcom

[@mik20241]

Beautiful! Echt mooi! Both your painting and guitar music. 💕

[@lustenhouwer]

Dank je wel

[@cecivicente5851]

Bellisima melodia que se igualan a tus retratos.gracias.❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias

[@dewarb8311]

Bravo !!😊

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@Pixeliarmus]

Im working on my first oil painting ever, and your videos are so helpful. Hope you keep making videos

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@jairogiraldo391]

..... Felicitaciones y agradecimiento a un gran maestro de maestros.

[@lustenhouwer]

Muchas gracias

[@emilkadickinson7290]

Awesome, thank you :)

[@lustenhouwer]

Tank you

[@junaidkhan715]

Ben , I like your painting and video style
Iam very learning with your videos
Love and like from Pakistan.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Junaid

[@andersm1977]

Nice work!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you