When painting with acrylic paints, what should I start painting first?

I've searched all over the internet for an answer to this but all I keep coming up with are techniques on how to mix colors for acrylic painting! I really want to know how I should start painting my image. It's a portrait of one of my closest friends. Should I paint the background of the canvas board first or her face or her hair?? Please help!When painting with acrylic paints, what should I start painting first?
Paint in layers. Background basic shading first. then work your way to more detail. Keep your paint wet. I use an extender gel to blend easier.When painting with acrylic paints, what should I start painting first?
Portrait painting - http://www.photoartomation.com/


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Cat portrait – http://www.photoartomation.com/ArtWork/pages/01_5_Oil_Paint.htm

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First of all draw rough outlines on the canvas, and if there are any details in the background, draw them too.


You can start with roughly painting the background, but if the colours are very different form the face / portrait, you should be careful not to get into the lines of the portrait too much.


With acryclic paint it is easier to paint over what already has been put on the canvas, so I feel the background is possibly the first thing.


Then you can start the base colour for the face and gradually add details as you go.


I hope this helps, but I think we all use our own methods and choose what works for us.



yes I would do the background rough colour and then paint in the shape of the head. You can then begin slowly to do in the shading to get the basic shapes of the face. Only go down in stages to detail.





Remember when doing a face that the eyes etc are probably lower down than you realise, so take measurements etc - you can use a pencil held out to get proportions.





Good luck !
I agree with boo boo. Sketch first, Background to start because this gives you the ability to create depth. Your portrait should be centered if she is the focal point. some start with the face others the hair, whatever makes it easier for you. Acrylics are easier to mix, combine and cover. I hope this helps.
i would start with the shape of her face in the center then the details of her face (eyes, nose, lips, freckles?)then her hair. wait to do the background last.
No matter which medium I use, I always start with a basic sketch, then paint from background forward
I would paint the background first and then move on to the rest.