How to paint your own house portrait!

Creating a house portrait on fine art paper can be a rewarding and enjoyable project for artists of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to practice your painting techniques or an experienced artist wanting to capture the beauty of a home, painting a house portrait on fine art paper offers a unique and personal way to showcase architectural details and capture memories. I have been painting houses and pets for over 6 years and I often get asked about how I do it!

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to paint a house portrait on fine art paper:

1. Gather Your Materials:

- Fine art paper: Choose a high-quality paper that is suitable for painting, such as watercolor paper or mixed media paper.

- Paints: Select your preferred medium, such as watercolors, acrylics, or gouache.

- Brushes: Use a variety of brushes in different sizes and shapes to achieve different effects.

- Pencil and eraser: Sketch out the outline of the house on the paper before painting.

- Reference photo: Have a clear reference photo of the house you want to paint for accuracy.

2. Sketch the House:

- Use a pencil to lightly sketch the outline of the house on the fine art paper. Pay attention to proportions and details to capture the unique characteristics of the house.

3. Block In Colors:

- I use acrylic but many artists prefer watercolor. Start by blocking in the basic colors of the house using light washes of paint. Build up layers of paint to create depth and dimension in the painting.

4. Add Details:

- Once the base colors are in place, add details such as windows, doors, roof, and any architectural features of the house. Use smaller brushes for precise details.

5. Work on Textures and Shadows:

- Pay attention to textures such as brick, wood, or stone, and use techniques such as dry brushing or stippling to create realistic textures. Add shadows and highlights to give the house depth and dimension.

6. Background and Surroundings:

- Consider adding a background or surroundings to place the house in context. You can include trees, a garden, a fence, or other elements to enhance the composition.

7. Finishing Touches:

- Once you are satisfied with the painting, let it dry completely before adding any final touches or details. Sign your artwork and consider framing it to display or give as a gift.

Painting a house portrait on fine art paper allows you to capture the unique character and charm of a home in a creative and personalized way. Whether you're painting your own home or creating a custom artwork for someone else, this process can be a fulfilling and meaningful artistic endeavor. Experiment with different techniques and styles to create a house portrait that reflects the beauty and nostalgia of the place.