Realistic Portrait Painting in Gouache – Process, Tips and Techniques

If you love realistic portrait paintings in gouache and equally love seeing the full process of portrait art, this is for you…

In my latest time lapse portrait painting, I take you through the full gouache process. From initial sketch to refined details and final highlights.

Gouache is an incredibly versatile medium. It allows for rich colour, strong values, and subtle blending, and this time lapse I’m painting my favourite artist, David Hockney!

Whether you’re an aspiring portrait artist or someone looking to improve your painting technique, check out this video. It offers insight into structure, colour control, and decision-making throughout the creative process.

If you enjoy realistic portrait painting in gouache videos or learning how to paint with gouache, this one is for you.

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Five tips to improve your portraits

1. Use a grid to improve accuracy
   Grids help you map proportions correctly and reduce guesswork. They’re especially useful for beginners struggling with likeness. Over time, you’ll rely on them less — but they’re an excellent training tool.
   
2. Turn your paper as you work
   Rotating your page allows you to draw or paint at more natural angles. Your hand moves more confidently when you’re not fighting awkward directions.
   
3. Turn your reference or artwork upside down
   Drawing upside down forces you to see shapes instead of “features”. It stops your brain from drawing symbols and helps you focus on accurate lines and proportions. It’s a great drawing exercise to help improve your skills.
   
4. Squint your eyes to see values
   Squinting simplifies what you see. The details disappear and you’re left with light and shadow shapes. Strong value contrast is what makes portraits feel three-dimensional.
   
5. If you’re stuck, step away and return the next day
   Fresh eyes change everything and helps you spot those obvious mistakes. Frustration often clouds judgement. Coming back after a break — especially the next day — helps you spot proportion issues and value mistakes instantly.

Enjoyed this realistic portrait painting in gouache? Check out this video where I share my tips to help you develop a strong and consistent drawing habit.

Alternatively, improve your perspective drawings by learning two-point perspective.

Many thanks for listening and visiting my blog today. You can follow what I’m up to on my Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram pages, I’ll really appreciate it if you do, and don’t be afraid to say hi to me! Many thanks again, and have a great day!