Course Description

The first part of the day will be spent learning how to mix colours to represent realistic skin tones, and the various techniques that can be applied when striving for a likeness in a watercolour portrait. We will examine shadows and lighting, and how these can be used to dramatic effect. As well as painting portraits in a traditional style, later in the day we will be experimenting with more contemporary approaches to painting portraits, and the chance to experiment with some slightly less conventional techniques and colour combinations. You will be encouraged to paint in a loose and lively way. We will be painting from photographs and all reference material will be provided, but please feel free to bring in any images that you might like to paint. A course for those with some experience of watercolour painting.

Suitable For

This course is suitable for beginners or improvers alike.

Requirements List

Paper:

Watercolour block, pad, or loose paper approx. 9" x 12", or 12" x 16". 300 g/m2 (140 lb) Not surface. Saunders Waterford, Fabriano, and Arches are all excellent makes. In the interests of economy, you can use Bockingford, or Langton.

Paints:

‘Artist’s Quality’ watercolours in small tubes are the best, as these allow you to mix large amounts of colour for washes. Or if you prefer, pans of colour in a folding palette. These are more suitable for smaller paintings and sketches. Winsor & Newton (preferably not Cotman), Schmincke, Jackson’s, Sennelier, and Daniel Smith are among the best quality watercolours.

Suggested colours:

You won’t need all of these, but this is a list of the colours I use most. Please bring whatever you have.

• Cadmium Yellow Light
• Cadmium Red
• Permanent Rose or Magenta
• Winsor Violet or Dioxazine Purple
• Cerulean Blue
• Cobalt Blue
• French Ultramarine
• Viridian Green or Phthalo Green
• Hookers Green
• Raw Sienna
• Burnt Sienna
• Raw Umber
• Burnt Umber
• Payne's Grey
• Neutral Tint

Brushes:

• Preferably round watercolour brushes in sizes approximately 3, 8, and 10 or 12. It’s important that these brushes are of good quality and that they form a point when wet. Sables are expensive, so synthetic ones are a good substitute
• A flat 1" brush for larger washes

Other Materials:

• HB pencil and sharpener
• Masking tape
• Tissues/Kitchen towel
• Large palette with several mixing wells
• A small tube of white gouache
• Putty rubber
• A couple of jars for water
• Ruler
• A few sheets of A4 photocopy paper
• A drawing board - large enough for an A3 sheet of paper