This example shows how I build up my portrait paintings so that I do not lose the image detail and features of the people.
Stage 1. Setting out the painting.
I find the most accurate way for me to get a realistic portrayal of peoples features is to cast an image of the subject from a digital projector onto my canvas. I then trace out with a dark Brown Umber, the features that are visible. I use acrylic paints because they dry fast which enables me to continue in oil paints an hour later.
At the same time I am setting the features up, I use very watered down acrylic to wash the over areas that cannot be depicted in the dark brown - such a subtle cheek, lips, forhead and eyebrow curves and shapes.

One can identify the build-up of these portrait stages as the colours become thicker and more pronounced.

Stage 2. Tonal Washes.
This stage is done in oil paint washes using distilled turpentine to thin the paints so that they run well and then dry fairly quickly to carry on working. I build up the shapes of the face carefully so as not to lose the features.
Stage 3. Detailing.
I now begin to add thicker paint mixed with dabs of oil to allow a creamy mixture that is easy to wipe softly over the features, all the time building my colours up - in this case i am staying with browns and tan colours as those are the colours that will feature and suit the client's needs the best.

Work in a creamy mixture of oil paints and artists oil in order to maintain soft transitions in features.

The above stages show how I work more and more detail and lighter colours into the features ensuring that the softness of the face shapes take precendence over brush strokes. In this way a real life depiction of skin and features is realised.
The Final Painting:
This is the completed painting. The artist preferred to add a little more colour and highlighting to the hair and clothes in order to compliment the colours of the background and the skin tones.

Final portrait oil painting of the happy couple. Happy 21st Birthday Shaun!

The Reference Photo:

The original photo supplied to the artist Don Bell for painting.