An academic portrait, is a highly rendered painting that requires a number of sittings.
A brief history of the process
Creating a portrait is a meticulous process that often demands several sittings. Take Cézanne, for example—his commitment to detail could stretch to over 100 sessions! In contrast, Goya was known for his efficiency, completing a portrait in just one day. On average, artists typically require about four sittings to capture their subjects.
To begin, portrait artists would present their sitters with a portfolio of drawings and paintings, allowing them to choose their preferred pose. Some artists would sketch the sitter’s face during the session and then complete the rest of the painting without them, blending meticulous observation with creative freedom.
In the 18th century, this artistic journey was even more time-consuming, often taking nearly a year before a finished portrait was delivered to the client. This dedication to craftsmanship underscores the deep connection between artist and subject, making each portrait a unique work of art.
The Academic Process
Working in layers is the standard approach for paintings that require multiple sessions, allowing each layer of oil paint to dry before adding the next. This method not only enhances the depth of the artwork but also enables artists to make thoughtful decisions as they progress.
The process begins with a ground layer, which primes the surface, followed by an underdrawing to establish an outline. Next comes the underpainting, laying down the foundational tones, and finally, the overpainting to bring the piece to life. This systematic, step-by-step approach helps the artist focus on one element at a time, ensuring precision and depth.
Initially, the artist sketches a loose construct, capturing the basic outline before honing in on finer details. The next phase involves defining the silhouette, where shadows are grouped into a single flat tone. This allows the artist to concentrate solely on the design of the shadow shapes. Following this, local colors and tones are organized to build a rich visual palette.
The process continues with big form modeling, analyzing how light falls across the subject. This culminates in the first painting, where the artist conveys their initial impression of the sitter—similar to an impressionist style. In the second phase, or overpainting, the artist refines the subtlety of forms using glazes, bringing the artwork to its final finish.
The underpainting serves as a vital foundation for the overpainting. When executed correctly, the overpainting doesn’t completely conceal the underpainting; rather, it allows the interplay between the two to create captivating effects, adding layers of intrigue and depth to the final piece.
Why choose an academic portrait?
The portrait is often regarded as the pinnacle of academic art, renowned for being one of the most challenging disciplines to master. Why is this? Because when a sitter poses for a portrait, they are inevitably compared to the finished painting—there’s no hiding for the artist. The portrait must either capture the essence of the individual or fall short.
A traditional portrait undoubtedly conveys status and significance. Few people have the privilege to commemorate themselves or their loved ones through a commissioned artwork. While anyone can sit for a photograph, commissioning a skilled artist involves a unique process that requires time, care, and artistry to portray a person in their best light. Some even argue that a beautifully rendered portrait surpasses plastic surgery; it allows you to gaze at a true representation of yourself for a lifetime, always reflecting your finest self.
However, achieving a highly rendered portrait is a rarity. Not many artists possess the training and expertise to reach such high standards. If you’re drawn to this art form, it’s essential to seek out someone with the necessary experience to ensure that the final piece truly captures the spirit and beauty of the subject.
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