How to Make Photos Into Impressionist Paintings
- 1). Paint two coats of gesso on your canvas, artboard or masonite panel. Allow the gesso to dry to the touch before continuing.
- 2). Sketch the basic shapes contained in the photo onto the canvas with chalk. This drawing doesn't need to be exact. Focus on capturing the correct shapes, positions and proportions of the objects in the photo.
- 3). Use a small paint brush to make short strokes and dots in order to begin to fill in the shapes drawn on the canvas.
- 4). Begin adding more detail and shading immediately without allowing time for the paint to dry. Continue using small strokes to add paint to the canvas.
- 5). Add the final details to the painting using only tiny dots of paint applied with a small round brush. Looking at the photograph, play close attention to the colors created where light hits the objects. Match colors as close as possible throughout the picture. If required, mix white with a bit of a yellow tone to create glares and reflections.
- 6). Allow the painting to cure. It may take four to six weeks before the paint is dry to the touch. Actual drying time depends on the thickness of the paint.
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