Portrait painting book

Question

My mother is looking for a book to teach her how to paint portraits from photos. Would be handy if book was still in print. Thanks.

Answer 1

"Painting Portraits"

http://www.amazon.com/Painting-Portraits...

from photos:

http://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Lifelike-...

Answer 2

i think if it had pictures it would be better, but i suppose that would help too, just not as much as pictures would though

Answer 3

Turn the photo upside down to copy it. Copying from photos gives you a fixed perspective so it is better really to work from life but as this is not always possible go for it but do not slavishly copy everything. Leave room for your own creativity and let the medium dictate finish or detail.

Answer 4

Yes it would be still handy, and that if you know how creative your mother really was! She can work it if she had enough of skill to do so. It will be tough, where shes just beginnin to learn to paint, though I don't think so worry to it seem like she did well already.

Answer 5

There are several books out there about using photos as reference, but none specifically about portraits that I know of.  The best advice I can give her is to study up on what to avoid when using photos, how to reduce photographic distortion, and what photos can not be used due to copyright issues.  

Three things about doing portraits from photos:

1.  Never use professional photographs.  The photographer holds the copyright  . . . and besides that, copying his work means the artist is not making any artistic or compositional decisions.  Not original!

2.  Use photos taken in natural light.  Flash photos are the pits when it comes to getting a likeness, getting values and shadows right that lend an image form and volume, and they flatten out the image!

3.  Do not copy the photo, but use it as a guide.   A good portrait has the life of both the artist and the sitter in it . . . copying will give you that, a copy in paint!  Make your portrait original and alive . . . once you have a basic sketch and values established, put the photo away until you are close to finishing.  and then use it only to fine tune highlights and details. . . .