How to Paint a Likeness That Feels Alive

Video Description

🙌 Watch the free on-demand masterclass: How to Loosen Up Your Oil Portraits Without Losing Accuracy → https://painterly.work/4jmzEV6 ✅ Download my free checklist to mastering loose painting in YOUR painting style → https://painterly.work/42vvDYF 🎨 Apply to work 1:1 & build a cohesive body of work you’re proud of → https://painterly.work/4jcgeSC 🗒️ Learn more about my mentorship program → https://painterly.work/4lizQpW 🖼️ View & purchase available paintings (including this one) → https://www.chelsealang.com/ Thank you to Howard Lyon for supplying the reference photograph this piece is based on! You can check out and purchase Howard's reference packs at https://howardlyonart.gumroad.com/ Are you stuck measuring and grid-drawing your way to a “perfect” likeness—only to realize your painting still feels stiff and lifeless? You’re not alone. Most technically skilled oil painters hit a point where their portraits look accurate… but not alive. If that’s been your experience, this video is your turning point. I’ll show you how to move beyond mechanical copying and start creating portraits that feel expressive, intentional, and uniquely yours—without sacrificing accuracy. What You’ll Learn in This Video: 🎯 Why likeness alone doesn’t create expressive portraits 🧭 How to define your stylistic vision (and why it matters more than the reference) 🎨 The process I used to plan this painting without a grid or measuring tools 🔥 The breakthrough that changed everything—for me and for Karen (a former tight painter turned confident artist) This video is especially for you if you’re a highly trained, intentional painter who’s done all the right things—and still feels stuck. If you’re craving a painterly, expressive portrait style but can’t figure out how to get there… this is the first step. 🗣️ What part of your process feels the most frustrating right now? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to create content around it. 0:00 - Intro 1:11 - Start of the lesson 19:15 - End of the painting 🖌️ All paints used in this video are from Vasari. Use code “PAINT” at vasaricolors.com for 20% off colors not already on sale—plus free shipping on all orders. 🎵 All music licensed via Epidemic Sound. Get royalty-free tracks here: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/zdldb6