Today, I’d like to share the process of creating one of my black-and-white portraits with you. I hope you enjoy following along.
I painted this portrait some time ago using oil paints on cardboard.
For this piece, I decided to work entirely in black, white, and different shades of gray. I wanted to focus on the structure of the face, the play of light and shadow, and the subtle contrasts that bring a portrait to life.
Working in black and white is always an interesting experience for me. Without the distraction of colors, I find myself paying more attention to the smallest details — the shape of the eyes, the softness of the skin, the shadows around the nose and lips, and the delicate transitions between light and darkness.
I think there is something special about black-and-white portraits. They have a quiet kind of beauty. Sometimes, removing color allows emotions to become even more visible. A look, a shadow, or a small expression can tell a story without needing anything else.
My process usually begins with a simple sketch, followed by gradually building the darker and lighter areas. I work patiently with different tones, adding layers and adjusting the contrasts until the face starts to feel alive on the surface.
Oil paint gives me the freedom to blend t
ones softly while keeping some visible brushstrokes. I love the way the paint moves and how each stroke becomes part of the final result.
Painting on cardboard also has its own challenges, but I enjoy experimenting with different surfaces and materials. For me, every painting is an opportunity to learn something new and discover another way of expressing what I see and feel.
I’d love to know what you think about black-and-white portraits. Do you prefer them, or
do you feel that colors bring more emotion to a painting?
Thank you for taking the time to follow my artistic process. 🖤