Written by a professional portrait painter, this guide describes the intricacies of making a portrait not just for the technically minded but also for those who are interested in a painter's perspective on the role and importance of portraiture. It offers step-by-step demonstrations of portrait and self-portraits, techniques that use color to introduce subtleties and presence, and advice on catching a likeness and overcoming difficulties. It also discusses the significance of copying and photography, provides insights into the artistic process of the portrait painter, and considers the work of contemporary and distinguished painters.