The most challenging oil painting I’ve done | Portrait painting process (it took me a month to paint) ✿ Art Studio Vlog 106

Hi everyone, welcome to my new studio blog.

Spend a few days with me in my art studio as I share the process of my most recent finished painting, “Open Your Heart”.

Also, don’t forget to visit my art shop - it’s now open! Go here: https://www.allisonlyonart.com/shop

I used only oil paint from start to finish. I began the painting very free with washes of oil paint and Jacquard Pearl-Ex pigment powder that left a dreamy, iridescent sheen on areas of the background. All of the art supplies I used are linked down below for you.

This painting was a battle from the beginning, as I don’t normally paint portraits. I had to reconstruct her face multiple times. And there were times when I felt like I couldn’t pull this painting off.

But I kept on going because I wanted to believe I could. Painting portraits is something I’ve secretly wanted to do for so long, ever since I was in high school years and years ago. I just never believed I could. Portraits always seemed daunting to me.

There’s just something about artwork that features a portrait. I can see myself in the painting, pretending the person is me. I can feel what they’re feeling or make up some kind of story. I’ve always been drawn to portrait artwork.

It wasn’t until this last year that I built up the courage to seriously pursue painting portraits, especially portraits that are nature themed with animals and insects.

This painting took me about 20 hours total to complete over the course of almost a month. And most of those days I spent an hour or two painting during my baby’s naps.

This painting stretched my skills drastically. Sometimes when I look at this piece, I can’t believe I painted it. And I can’t wait to create more artwork similar to it.

This painting is for my final assignment for part 1 of the Mastery Program at Milan Art Institute. I’m beginning part two of the program and can’t wait to learn more techniques and develop my style and skills even more. And of course to share my experience and journey with you.