Painting and Drawing the Head

Painting and Drawing the Head combines technical instruction, art history references and thoughts on the day-to-day practice of painting the head from life. The rich text, supported by over 100 paintings, gives a thoughtful account of the process of capturing a likeness. After introducing materials, principles and ideas, it follows the course of painting a head in five sittings, providing unique insight and practical comment throughout: from the choice of ground for the picture, through the set-up, the structure of the sessions, guidance on how to compose and what palette to use, all the way to the later stages of developing a portrait over time. There are equipment notes about what to paint on and what to paint with; the importance of looking, and training your eyes; advice on tone, colour, perspective and composition; photographs to explain lighting decisions and set-ups; and notes on painting a self-portrait. Aimed at all artists, particularly portrait painters, and superbly illustrated with 265 colour photographs that explain lighting decisions and set-ups.

Recently elected as a member of the New English Art Club, Daniel Shadbolt has taught painting and drawing at The Heatherley School of Fine Art since 2008. He lives and works in West London.