How to make an interesting background and how to loosen your brush strokes. By Ben Lustenhouwer.

Donation. No obligation, but if you can please do! paintingportraittips.com/dona...
In this video I show:
√ How to make an interesting background.
√ How to loosen your brush strokes
√ About design and composition
√ About color harmony
√ Which brushes and which medium
√ About tonal values
It is my intention to publish more of everything I know about portrait painting .
And I want this information to be free for everyone. Some compensation for my efforts comes from the publicity which you see appearing occasionally. I hope you don't find it too annoying.
Until now I received the most nice and grateful reactions from all over the world.
And that gives me a lot of satisfaction.
In my blog you will find even more information about portrait painting and a free eBook “One hundred portraits”: www.paintingportraittips.com
My gallery: www.lustenhouwer.com
The website of my cousin Will Sophie who wrote and performed the most fantastic compositions for me: willsophiemusic.com

[@solarwinds-]

I love how you break all the rules I was taught by my art teachers in college. That is how you recognize a master, they break the rules and turn out amazing work. Very nice!

[@lustenhouwer]

Love that!

[@pauloluzart]

There is one rule...lean to fat...that is the only one...more you know less rule you have

[@somedude8877]

Would be interesting to know which rules!

[@Anamirpt]

It’s fascinating to observe the way you built the painting! 😍 I could spend hours watching these videos where we learn so much about painting 🤗

[@lustenhouwer]

So nice to hear!

[@miric6224]

Pretty, interesting pose, great teacher. I like hearing you say out loud what your inner voice is telling you. Such a warm personality you have!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Miri

[@sgl3163]

I love watching you paint. You are great teacher as well as a master artist!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@renalevi8667]

Thank you for showing your palette so we actually can see how you mix and apply colors

[@lustenhouwer]

You’re welcome 😊

[@noellaabramovic2334]

"I see a red door and I want to paint it black"
Welcome back :) your work is amazing

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Noella.

[@pesikfrunzen1877]

The most wonderful of Mr Lustenhouwer lessons is that He makes you THINK, not only follow Him. Thank You !

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome.

[@preetiartist01]

Thank you so much for taking time out and showing us your painting process. It’s indeed great watching you paint and learn many many tips. 🙏🏻❤️ plus you have made it free. Thank you

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome Preeti.

[@susanmclean2547]

You are a wonderful teacher thank you and I find myself smiling while learning.

[@lustenhouwer]

Nice!

[@LeeAnnM]

I have missed your videos so much!! Welcome back; such a pleasure to watch your technique! You should never time lapse, it’s impossible to be bored watching you!

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you!

[@Templarboi]

Just incredible, there's something about your paintings that make them stand out in such an emotional way. I've never seen anything quite like it.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your kind words

[@kittyvanditshuizen5320]

I am absolutely riveted to my seat. What a brilliantly informative demonstration. Explaining beautifully his techniques. Fantastic. Thank you

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LyseikoArt]

I love this painting!!!!! Red and turquoise!!!!!! And blueish purple in the shade !!!!! And I love the red haze around the red scarf!!!! Fantastic!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you!

[@user-je5su6kb5w]

Watching this video I forgot that English is not my native language, understanding every word and every idea of the Master. This video would give a great help in my portrait painting. Thank you a lot dear Mister Lustenhouwer!

[@lustenhouwer]

Wow, thanks, nice to hear!

[@susanstopoulos]

A portrait I am working on just improved tenfold after watching this video. I am so thrilled! The tips about the cool and warm colors made a huge impact and I now love bristle brushes! I am so grateful for this video. Thank you! 😊

[@lustenhouwer]

Good to hear Susan. Thank you

[@alangeorgebarstow]

Good afternoon Ben, and welcome back, Sir. I'm glad you're safe and well and enjoyed the summer. Many thanks for helping me with one of my personal difficulties: backgrounds. I am now so much happier now that you've shown me what to do. Your oil painting videos get better all the time. Ik wens je een heel gelukkig kerstfeest. 😊

[@lustenhouwer]

Dank je Alan!

[@patrickwelch3274]

Good to see you back.

[@zbig1950]

A master artist and a master teacher in one warm person. Always pleasure to watch and listen to your invaluable hints. Thank you, Ben.

[@lustenhouwer]

Wow, thank you!

[@user-oh3hg8ow4w]

Wonderful!
Thank you!
Added White Flower is also a great Magic!

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@jmch2186]

Welcome back, thanks for the good sentiments and tips. Keep safe 🙏🏻👍🏻💚🇮🇪

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Joan

[@estusdrinker]

I like how you simplify the image and painting is still strong and interesting.

[@lustenhouwer]

Nice to hear

[@carlosramos-qw3qh]

Welcome back Ben. You are a great teacher. Describing your medium, brush types and sequence of applications is very helpful. Thank you.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Carlos

[@en3356]

This is a miracle that you are back! Thank you! Hope you and your family are doing well! Your return means so much in the days like this. Your return gives me a hope for a better time.

[@lustenhouwer]

I could not make any video because I spent much time with the family. But we were safe all the time in the remote Spanish village.

[@morsar2009]

Love your all paintings and techinuqe ❤ 😘

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@dlw132]

Thank you. You are a great teacher and you explain why you are doing something so well. Really enjoyed it.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Dawn.

[@mariannedickson3840]

Best teacher❤️

[@mogalcat3091]

I'm so happy to see you back!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Me too.

[@cristinasalesluis3075]

your grandchild painting is fabulous! The backgrounds are always a problem to me. Will try to remember the way you painted the one in here! thank you so much and welcome back! Stay safe !

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@laurettedicarlostern3356]

Thank you for coming back. Happy that you are healthy,

[@lustenhouwer]

Yes I am thank you Laurette.

[@solea59]

The greatest help we could need regarding portraiture. Thank you Ben !

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure Brian

[@junaidkhan715]

Amazing portrait painting

[@melinayorke7462]

Thank you! I’m so glad you are making videos, I learn something every time.

[@lustenhouwer]

Goos to hear

[@sniperwipers]

Absolutely Brilliant.

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you

[@josfany]

Quel bon professeur et quel grand artiste ! J'adore suivre vos vidéos , bravo et merci

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Josfany

[@louiseloots81]

You are a master artist and painter. Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

It is y pleasure

[@lindapfeifer4886]

There is that element of loving depiction of your granddaughter that shines right thru. As her grandfather you also captured her sweet personality. Really enjoyed this tutorial and learned so much from your instruction.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Linda. Nice observation. Indeed, I love the girl!

[@ES1077]

I am inspired by your thoughtful and artistic technique in painting. Portraits are my goal and finding your videos so beautifully executed with metaphors and process is giving me a track to run on. Your work reflects the beauty of you. Thank you for teaching this way; I can watch over and over and it is sinking in to my mind and brush. :)

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Ellen.

[@gregorioduranramirez924]

Es usted un magnífico maestro.
Enhorabuena!!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias

[@f81456]

Thank you, glad you are back and looking so well.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Frank

[@franceslazu1784]

Love your style and your paintings. Thanks for the tips and instructions. Great artist and great teacher!

[@lustenhouwer]

my pleasure

[@meanbean7033]

so lovely!

[@lustenhouwer]

thanks

[@love2vintage]

Stunning work and such a amazing lesson, thank you 😇

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you.

[@sasa_candyy]

Welcome back Ben! I really missed your videos!
You really amazed me that you can see the potential of a normal daily life photo and turned it into a great painting! Can’t wait to see more of your upcoming videos!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Losa. Next video is on how to paint hands.

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Good to see you again. Top work, as always.

[@lustenhouwer]

my pleasure

[@sonjahdz]

Finally you are back! I learn so much from your videos. Thank you for your calmness and very good explanations.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Sonja

[@InLawsAttic]

Turned out precious! Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure

[@kathleenjones2687]

Dear Mr. Lustenouwer, once again you have created a video that has taken my breath away. Your beautiful granddaughter, playing as your muse, reminds me so much of my, now adult daughter, when she was this age. I am amazed how you achieved so much movement in your painting. I had the feeling that you just caught her in the midst of her dance...so precious!
OBTW, at the very beginning of your video when you said, “I have a red door, but I don’t want to paint it black”, I started to laugh so hard to find out that not only are you a Master Painter, but a Rolling Stones fan as well. May God bless you for your continued generosity of the spirit. May He also bless and keep you and your family safe during these unsettling times.🙏🏼

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Kathleen for your kind words. And yes, I love music from ways back when, when we were young.

[@joygordon6156]

I too have been waiting for a video on backgrounds. Welcome back, your videos are so instructive, so helpful, I watch them over and over again. You really understand us, the desire to run before we can walk, to paint that masterpiece NOW. So grateful.

[@lustenhouwer]

Run before you can walk. What a nice way to explain! Thank you

[@ednaperkinson8529]

Thank you for another wonderful video. I love listening to how you think about your process. It is nice also to see your mixing along with watching your paint application. Your paintings are stunning.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are so welcome Edna!

[@susanmclean2547]

So grateful for your tutorials. Thank you .

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you.

[@SatSukhArt]

Love the artwork... absolutely amazing!!!🙂🌟💙

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you so much 😀

[@kdiesler]

Thank you Ben! Your videos are not only educational, but also very relaxing to watch!
Bleib gesund!

[@lustenhouwer]

Nice to hear. Thank you.

[@julioespinosa1788]

Thanks for your videos, they are priceless!

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure!

[@Nicamist]

I've just discovered your channel thanks to the CZcams algorithm and I am extremely grateful. Fantastic demonstration, clear, concise, the palette was included. This is exactly what all oil painting videos should be like. You have a new subscriber.

[@lustenhouwer]

Welcome.

[@kimothy_art]

"Fear is a handbrake on your development." Fantastic quote, fantastic video.

[@lustenhouwer]

thanks

[@patcasey-ryan6120]

A stupendous video!! Just what I needed to get back on the horse of portrait painting. I love the explanation throughout, the visible palette and the adjustments required as you navigate the painting. Hearing your inner thoughts makes me recognize that changing course and adjusting is just part of the process. Thank you for your time and effort to make these beautiful lessons!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hanyhelmy3774]

I really enjoy watching you paint.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Hany

[@martusia80]

You are a really nice man, great teacher and personality. I like to watch your lessons.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks! 😃

[@jazw4649]

Welcome back! I was so excited to see you had a new uploaded video.
It's like Christmas morning when you put up new content.
Thank you so much for sharing I've learned so much from all of your videos.

[@lustenhouwer]

Nice to hear. Happy Christmas

[@franceslazu1784]

I love how natural you captured her beautiful and sweet gesture! Love it!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Frances

[@michaelmcewan432]

Great to see you back, love your work

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Michael.

[@martinchamberland8451]

You are a fantastic teacher!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you! 😃

[@aliciawoodward2289]

Thank you so much for your tutorials!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad you like them!

[@ulisessilva9112]

Beautiful work ! Congratulations Ben .

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Ulises

[@motlba]

Welcome back. He missed his advice. I see that your granddaughter continues to be inspired. Thank you.

[@lustenhouwer]

Not only she is, me too. Thank you.

[@RayNaso]

Outstanding demo and tutorial. You make it look easy. Thanks Ben

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Ray. My pleasure.

[@pattiklein7013]

That is very lovely. Thank you for explaining how to work out a complicated background. Most helpful! Good health to you!

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure Patti

[@maldoori238]

Great to see you back Ben and an excellent inspiring video. Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful skills skills. Wishing you a Merry Xmas and happy new year.

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure! Same to you Maysoon.

[@patrickwelch3274]

My first of several views of the video.
Good eyes. Seeing the shapes, the flow .
I have several just like her. One of them intimidates me . I get her right about every third time. I really struggle with a face this size. Doing something wrong. Maybe too much detail early.
Thank you for allowing us to see the shapes. Really impressive art she will appreciate fifty years from now. It will hangin her house.

[@lustenhouwer]

Too many details in the beginning makes you afraid to use bold brushstrokes.

[@joyceeverson5777]

I learn more and more every time I watch your videos! Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure.

[@petergooding784]

Hey Ben, so good to see another tutorial video from you. I often struggle with backgrounds (like you mentioned, I paint them generally one colour). The information you gave here will help me to greatly improve my portrait painting. Again, thank you so much.

[@lustenhouwer]

Great to hear Peter.

[@abigailh4109]

Absolutely Beautiful!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@nancygardner5767]

Wonderful, Glad you are back. I enjoy your videos so much

[@lustenhouwer]

I'm so glad!

[@anandigoonewardene4117]

I have been reading and drawing..to put my portrait drawing to some right place but nothing helped..yet watching your very methodical clear statements I think I found the teacher I aways looked for..your just the right person..for me..whenever I draw my Husband says oh not in proportion..I have hate measuring too much..yet all what I already had in ..mixed with the knowledge you gave I think I can now get long with the job..thank you so much.Ben for your beautiful way of teaching that soft spoken words also blends as a blessing in the paintings with paint..May your days softly sit on you and may your heart be ever strong and true..lots of love and regards
Anandi

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your kind words Anandi.

[@sandracarroll6233]

Great art study.

[@robinwellner9039]

Love your work! Thank you for sharing your insights!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@MrY1313]

Thank you! I am so glad you are back!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Yulia

[@harryhoy2911]

Thank you Ben for your great videos and instruction. Your teaching is very helpful and easy to follow.

[@lustenhouwer]

You're very welcome!

[@belindaquintanilla2395]

Happy to see you back safe and healthy ! I missed your videos .

[@lustenhouwer]

Well, here I am back Belina

[@DG-ri1lp]

You have inspired me to try portraits. Thank you. 💕

[@lustenhouwer]

Good to hear

[@clairejarts]

Wonderful lesson! Thank you so much!

[@lustenhouwer]

Welcome!

[@cristymercader3422]

It´s been wonderful to be able to watch how you work !!! I learned ... ohhh thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are so welcome!

[@AndyWalkerArt]

Thank you for sharing your amazing knowledge so generously! I learn so much from your great videos.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are so welcome Andy.

[@joannelord5015]

Incredibly helpful video full of information and gems of tips. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Joanne

[@doddagopi4933]

Pleasant feeling. You are back. That is great. Hope to see more of you. Painting, music, dance have beaten COVID. You are one of the front runners.

[@lustenhouwer]

Every one does what he can. Thank you Dodda.

[@PonderingPoems]

Fantastic to see you back Ben😁 I hope you and your friends and family are all well🙏. It's always a highlight to absorb your wonderful teachings. I constantly refer to your videos, although I still struggle with overworking pieces 😅. And I can see clearly how amazing and more real yours are by being conscious of these things🤔.
You are truly an inspiration to all of us trying to learn the craft. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you so much for your kind words.

[@johnmarble3177]

I enjoy watching your videos. You make it real with your thoughts as you paint. Thank you and God bless you.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you John.

[@pavanpatel4590]

Thank you so much Ben! This was a great lesson!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Pavel.

[@wtv12345678]

absolutely beautiful painting and great demonstration! very helpful tips. thank you once again for sharing this :D take care

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you! You too!

[@joannsturgeon2540]

Amazing instruction. So helpful. Thank you

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@JanetCaterina]

Excellent advisory, thank you so much for your instruction

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Janet

[@user-kp3uz9bh5k]

Дорогой Бен, благодарю Вас за щедрость,с которой Вы делитесь своим мастерством и знаниями.Всем начинающим художникам будет полезно.Сколько труда стоит за этой лёгкостью!❤❤❤

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you !

[@TheTrexer007]

Muchas gracias Ben, salud para ti y tu familia. Felices fiestas!

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias Alvaro

[@suegordon4065]

You are incredible!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you Sue

[@maryellenhill4121]

So helpful. Learned so much. Thanks.

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@magalysuarez3233]

Beautiful!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you!

[@shirleybritsch9746]

Thank you for a wonderful video with such clear explanations and important tips. This was so kind of you to do this for us. You've given me the courage to start a portrait!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are so welcome Shirley!

[@ThomasFisherArt]

Very well done. Thank you

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Thomas

[@josemeca1680]

Great lesson. Thank you maestro

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Jose.

[@javiera.m.8422]

Great teacher. You really love art. Great tips on how the mind of a great artist works.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you! Cheers!