How to Paint a Skull in Oil

We’ve got a fun one today - I’m going to teach you how to paint a skull in oil or acrylic that is not only lifelike, but lively! This series is comprised of 6 videos totaling about half an hour, and you get access to the copyright free skull image to use in this or any other work.

First I'll take you through drawing or tracing a simple skull sketch onto your painting surface using a copyright free reference that you are welcome to use in any of your own art. Then together we'll blend lush but natural paint mixes that will add far more dimension than the usual grayscale skull images we're all used to seeing, using a simple color palette of only 6 colors. Next I guide you through each step of the painting process, down to the last crack and tooth, until you have created a realistic skull practically breathing more life than death. 

You also have the option to get personal feedback through email from me, Caleigh Bird, three times over the course of this workshop for that extra boost in conquering this challenging subject matter. 

1 Intro

2 Suggested Materials

3 Drawing Transfer

4 Paint Mixes

5 Guided Painting (Part 1)

6 Guided Painting (Part 2)

7 Conclusion + More