Master painting lively figures and private portraits, with simple exercises and step-by-step demonstrations. Bestselling artist and author Hazel Soan explains how to create beautiful and engaging paintings of strangers and loved ones, with handy hints and work-in-progress paintings throughout. Learn how to overcome shyness or anxiety about painting people in private and in public. Capture their energy and see beyond their likeness through angles, movement, tone and detail. Understand how to make them comfortable with poses, a timeframe and support. Learn about clothing, proportion, measuring and scene-setting. This is the only book you need for painting people and portraits. This extensive guide is ideal for all painters, new or experienced.