In this portrait class, we’ll explore how to bring warmth, light, and personality into your watercolor portraits. Each face tells a story, and I’ll guide you step by step through a dynamic process that focuses not only on likeness, but also on emotion, atmosphere, and tonal richness.

We’ll start by sketching the structure of the face, then move through soft, transparent washes and expressive brushwork to build depth and vitality. You’ll learn how to balance warm and cool tones, where to place bold contrasts, and how to let certain edges dissolve to create a more painterly effect.

This project is all about finding that sweet spot between control and freedom, knowing when to guide the paint and when to let it flow.

In this class, you’ll learn how to:

Build strong tonal foundations with transparent layers
Mix glowing, natural-looking skin tones using limited palettes
Suggest complexity in the face without overworking it
Use contrast and temperature shifts to create mood and depth
Paint hair in a loose, flowing and expressive style

Whether you’re new to portraiture or looking to push your skills further, this class will help you paint with more confidence and expression. You’ll see how a few well-placed shadows, subtle warmth, and soft edges can breathe life into your subject.

Thank you so much for your interest in this class!

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Try this class to explore your creativity...

I’ve been painting for many years now, taken part in many exhibitions around the world and won awards from well respected organisations. As well as having my work feature in art magazines. After having success selling my originals and 1000s of prints around the world, I decided to start traveling with my brushes and paintings. My style is modern and attempts to grasp the essence of what I’m painting whilst allowing freedom and expression to come through. I simplify complicated subjects into easier shapes that encourages playfulness.

You'll Learn:

What materials and equipment to need to painting along
Basic technique to complete your first painting
How to avoid common mistakes
Choosing the right colours for your painting
How to blend colours and create textures for different effects
Making corrections and improvements
Finishing touches that make a big difference

When enrolled, I’ll include my complete ‘Watercolour Mixing Charts’. These are a huge aid for beginners and experts alike. They show what every colour on the palette looks like when mixed with each other. Indispensable when it comes to choosing which colour to mix.

Don’t forget to follow me on Skillshare. Click the “follow” button and you’ll be the first to know as soon as I launch a new course or have a big announcement to share with my students.

Additional Resources:

Here are the art supplies I recommend
Follow me on Instagram
Check out my website

Music by Audionautix.com

JULIA JEANS

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