Painting hair...I don't know how to do...

[zaratustra]

I'd like to paint hair on a figure but I find it very hard to have fine long lines,my brush stroke is not even and can't make it as long as I want ,I tried very small brushes.Do you think it's a matter of brushes or should I use some technique?I tried with a toothpick too but it doesn't work.
Maybe it is better to make more little strokes and join them together?

[soap]

I'd say don't bother. Don't paint every hair, not even a few. Use a wide brush and block in the lights and darks.
Alternatively, use a small brush and layer strokes over eachother.

[TheBaron]

Hair is what you make of it ie a couple of different colours for highlights shadows and midtones.
When succesfully done it looks like hair but in reality its just shapes in the right direction with the odd lines thrown in to emphasize strands.

Here is a technique I tried out (and I tried many techniques believe me)
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=530816

In the end I just resorted to shapes and defining it as went...In this particular painting I first laid in the highlights with Naples Yellow and then used Van Dyke vrown to gently brush over the NY so as not to blend the brown into the NY too much and once satisfied I then blocked in the darker mass.

[zaratustra]

Thanks for your help!I'll use dark and brughter colors to define masses and then I'll try to paint some strands

[alhajri]

nice link TheBaron. It worked well for your painting.
you've given me something to look forward to try.

It's been said that each artist finds his/her own method
at painting. Just like a chef with a secret recipe.

Thanks for sharing.

Kal

[zaratustra]

true very useful link!

[stapeliad]

What soap said...also, look at a portrait drawing book- there should be a section on drawing hair. By looking at a drawing demo and observing in real life, you'll see that hair naturally forms sections. Start by defining those, and pay attention to your values.

It's also helpful when painting to think about what textures "feel" like as well as what they look like.

[NWard]

Like everyone said, break it down into larger blocks of color. On the other hand if you are feeling frisky and still want to get some long thin strands in there, use a small Rigger or striper brush. (generally a brush with very long soft hairs). http://painting.about.com/od/artsupp...ush-Rigger.htm

[Einion]

Originally Posted by zaratustra

I'd like to paint hair on a figure but I find it very hard to have fine long lines,my brush stroke is not even and can't make it as long as I want ,I tried very small brushes.

Do you have a painter or a style of painting that you like and want to emulate?

Einion

[dcorc]

The illustrator Jim Gurney (of "Dinotopia" fame) posted a couple of excellent articles on his blog a while back, on the subject of painting hair:

http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/20...tring-mop.html

http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.com/20...on-secret.html

Highly recommended!


Dave