Bring your portraits to life with these essential tips and techniques for painting with the Vullow system.
1. Preparing a Good Photo
• Sharpness Matters: Start with a sharp photo for a crisp, detailed painting.
• Remove Backgrounds: Simplify or replace distracting backgrounds using tools like Remove.bg.
• Square Crop: Vullow works best with square images. Ensure the crop includes all essential body parts—no missing shoulders or edges.
• Enhance Photo Quality: Use AI tools like Pixelup, Canva, or GFP-GAN to improve image quality and resolution.
💡 Tip: Before and after editing, check how the photo translates into a painting to ensure it meets your expectations.
2. Checking Color Layers in the Photo
• Layer Balance: Load your photo into the Vullow software. Ensure all six layers (1–6) are visible. Missing layers (e.g., 1 and 2) may make the painting too dark.
• Details Matter: Confirm that key features like the nose and neck are clear across layers.
• Choose Colors Wisely: Always match paint colors to their corresponding layer numbers. Avoid repeating numbers.
3. Preparing the Canvas
• Base Coat: Pre-paint the canvas with a mid-tone (like gray gesso) for better paint adhesion and clearer projections.
• Keep It Steady: Once positioned, avoid moving the canvas until the painting is complete to maintain alignment with the projection.
• Calibrate Correctly: Ensure the projected image is square and aligned for accurate proportions.
4. Painting Instructions
• Organize Colors: Arrange paints in numerical order (1–6). Open only the color you’re currently using to prevent drying.
• Layer by Layer: Paint everything illuminated on the canvas for each layer, even if it overlaps earlier paint.
• Focus on Details: Use a piece of white paper to check projection clarity and maintain precision.
• Directional Painting: Follow natural directions (e.g., horizontal strokes for the mouth, directional strokes for hair).
5. Working with Paint and Brushes
• Avoid Water: Don’t thin the paint with water; it affects opacity.
• Clean Brushes Regularly: Remove excess paint with paper, then clean with water. Avoid soaking brushes for long periods to protect the wooden handle.
• Choose the Right Size: Use appropriately sized brushes for a smooth finish and efficient painting.
6. Finishing Touches
• Refining Layers: After layer 6, you can work backward (6 to 1) to refine shadows and add definition.
• Adding Highlights: Use the lightest colors to add sparkle to eyes or subtle highlights.
• Blending Colors: Mix neighboring shades for smoother transitions. Avoid over-blending to preserve important details.
• Finishing Edges: Paint the canvas edges to match the background for a polished, gallery-ready look.
By following these tips, you’ll create a professional-quality portrait that stands out. Experiment, practice, and most importantly, enjoy the process!
Victor