Since the 14th century, portraits in oil have held a special place in the art world. From Vermeer and Rembrandt to the illustrious Gainsborough, artists who had the ability to capture a likeness and breathe life into a canvas have held their prestige throughout the centuries. Even today, oil portraiture is a highly respected and frequently commissioned art form.

With this in-depth and insightful guide, aspiring artists can learn traditional alla prima techniques for developing lifelike portraits in oil. From laying in the initial proportions to applying the final highlights, this book breaks down the painting process into easily digestible stages that anyone can follow. The step-by-step projects cover a variety of ages and model types, so beginners can practice rendering a range of features and expressions.