Painting Portraits in Oils by Rob Wareing

Rob was born in South Africa. After finishing his education, he travelled extensively, receiving tuition and studying the techniques of traditional classical painting. He turned professional at the age of 23 and has had a very fulfilling international career, spanning more than four decades.

Rob has become highly sought-after as a tutor worldwide, both demonstrating and hosting hands-on workshops. He runs a popular YouTube channel, and has written articles for The Artist (UK), International Artist and The South African Artist magazines. Rob has demonstrated on television in the USA, Mauritius and South Africa, and is a founder member of The Artists' Gallery, KZN in South Africa.

Rob divides his time between the UK and South Africa. In addition to taking portrait commissions, he produces a limited number of paintings for sale each year, available for purchase through his represented galleries. He often returns to his beachfront studio in South Africa, where he gains inspiration for and paints most of the works seen at his exhibitions and in galleries.

• Foreword 6
• Introduction 8
• Working from life 10
• What makes a portrait? 12
• Materials 22
• Composing your paintings 34
• Preparation 36
• Drawing and painting 56
• Drawing skills 58
• Painting alla prima 70
• Values 82
• Colour 92
• Skin tone 106
• The sitting 116
• The Portrait 118
• Going further 134
• Other types of portrait 136
• Settings and background 156
• Index 160