The Watercolour Portrait: Expressing Character & Colour

Painting from both photo and a live portrait model! All high quality materials provided for class (a £65+ value), aiding each student's greatest potential.

Just bring yourself.

Small class size guarantees focused one on one instruction from a professional artist with 30 years of experience.With an approachable method, you will learn steps in drawing proportion & rhythm for facial anatomy, tonal/value & colour relationships, a variety of layering & blending effects, how to achieve the best likeness of a live portrait model!This class is designed for ambitious beginners and intermediate painters, where knowledge of theory and understanding of watercolour behaviour can be bridged playfully and confidently.

Experience in portraiture is helpful but not essential to enjoy this class.Course Summary:Week 1: Understanding the DrawingLearn how to make an effective under drawing using the rules of proportion, gesture, and designing shadow shapes for accurate facial structure and anatomy.

We will paint from a photographic reference using monochromatic washes to learn the power of value, and form building.Week 2: Palette Design and Brush ControlDiscover palette organisation and colour practice that will bring your understanding of flesh tones and temperature to the next level.

Command a variety of brush effects for blending, and keep luminous colour where you want it.

We will paint from a photographic reference using the full palette.Week 3: Working with a Live ModelBegin a new painting from a professional live model! The earlier rehearsal paintings and new knowledge will have you confident and ready to paint from life - as is done in classical Atelier style academies.

An under drawing and initial wash will be established, with guidance on capturing the sitter's likeness.Week 4: Developing the PortraitContinue working with our live model to deepen washes and important colour/value relationships.

Using variegated or gradated washes, mingling or charging, you will decide with various techniques where to maintain control, or where to play with full expression.Week 5: Final Details and Finishing TouchesOur final session with the live model, and the refinement of your painting.

Learn the art of glazing, accenting, and selectively adding important details without "over working".

Bringing together the best decisions for a polished finish.