Transcripts
1. Welcome To The Class: People are often captivated by the idea of
painting portraits, faces, expressions.
They tell a story. Each brush stroke offers a glimpse into the soul
of the people we paint, revealing their
life and character. Through light, shadow,
and expression, we can convey powerful stories. Yet capturing them can
sometimes feel challenging. In this short and
engaging class, we'll uncover the secrets
of light and shadow, making the process not
only easier but enjoyable. Hello. My name is gana, and welcome to the second class in our portrait painting series. Sunlight has a unique
way of transforming a flat image into something
alive and magical. Today, we'll explore how to bring that magic into your art. We'll begin with a
simple pencil sketch. Then move on to a
monochrome painting using only two colors
white and black. Together, we'll create an
expressive portrait that captures the essence of a
lively sunlit portrait. In our first portrait class, we master the art
of painting soft, natural looking hair, practicing
on a little duckling. In this quick, beginner
friendly class, we'll delve deep into the
interplay of light and shadow, familiarizing ourselves
with the shapes, lines, and nuances
of the human face. I've been professional
artists for many years, focusing exclusively
on watercolors. I've always been captivated
by the magic of this medium. I started to paint when I
was a child, but as I grew, I had no idea how to improve or how to create
effect that I wanted. I didn't know any of the
techniques or how to use them. Now I've taken part in exhibitions and been
fortunate enough to win rewards from such highly
regarded organizations as International
Watercolor Society, elvitat, light space time. Archo International,
and Royal Tailans. Watercolor can be challenging to manage for those who
start to use this medium, which is why it's my intention
to help you to enjoy watercolors and to learn
it in an easy and fun way. In the step by step lessons, you can see the hunt
and brush movements clearly from different
points of view. We will explore versatile and fundamental
watercolor techniques that you can use in all your
paintings and sketches. Also, we will discuss the
materials that will enhance your watercolor experience and will help you to enjoy
the process greatly. If you find this class too
easy or too difficult, you can choose from
my different classes available for learning
varied watercolor skills. The approach of my
classes is to start with an easy wash. As we
proceed with the painting, step by step, we will add more details completing
the artwork. If you have any struggles or
difficulties along the way, you can start a discussion and I will read and respond
to all your questions. Remember to hit the
follow button next to the class title just
below the video. By doing so, you'll stay updated and be
among the first to receive updates on my upcoming classes and
exclusive giveaways. Also, you can see my latest
free watercolor tips and tutorials by following me
on Instagram and YouTube. Whether you're preparing for a full atical portrait or just looking for a fun
expressive exercise, this class is perfect for you. So grab your brushes
and let's begin.
2. Your Project: Oh Before we begin
with the class, I want to thank you
for joining me today. Let's discuss our project. In the resource section, you'll discover my
completed painting as a helpful reference, along with pencil drawing
that you can trace. You have the freedom to
select your own object to paint or to closely follow
my painting as a guide. Additionally, you'll find a reference photo
and a selection of other images that can serve as inspiration for your
very own artwork. It's a great pleasure for me to give my students feedback. So after you put so much effort in your artwork,
why not share it? You can do it by taking a photo of your painting
and share it in the student Project Gallery under the project
and Resources tab. I'd love to hear all about your painting process if you had any difficulties or what was the most enjoyable part
of the painting process. Upload your artwork by clicking Submit project on the
project and Resources tab. Upload a cover image. It can be your artwork photo, but it will be cropped. No worries. You can upload
a full photo father. Share your thoughts
about the class and your painting process. Under the field where you write, you can find three small icons. Click on the first one image
and upload your artwork. You can see your photo
appearing under your text. Scroll to the top and click on the button published
to share your project. If you have any struggles or
questions during the class, please start the discussion, and I will be sure to
answer your questions. I highly encourage you
to explore the work of your fellow students in the
student Project Gallery. Viewing other creations
can be truly inspiring, and also to receive support
can be incredibly reassuring. Therefore, please
consider engaging by liking and leaving comments
on each other's projects. Join me in the next lesson to explore watercolor materials.
3. Materials For This Project: For this lesson, we'll be using tinted paper along with
white and black watercolor. You'll need a fine brush, and all a round brush
with a fine tip, and a iga brush or
another detail brush. A white colored pencil, a graphite pencil, and a needed
eraser to make a drawing. I'm using the SMLT
watercolor brown pad for my tinted paper. But other brands also offer
tinted watercolor papers. Or you can create your own as I explain in the
glass Master class. For this portrait exercise, you can use other mediums like colored pencils,
pastels, or gouache. Whatever you prefer.
In this class, I'll be demonstrating the
process with watercolors. So let's jump to
the next lesson.
4. Studying The Face With A Graphite Pencil: In this lesson, we'll begin by studying the face with
a graphite pencil. I prefer making a
detailed drawing to understand the lines, darkest shadows and
lightest areas. Let's start by filling in the
darkest areas of the hair. Sketch by hunt in
your usual style. Or if you prefer, you can
trace my line drawing, which is included in
the class materials. I've already prepared
part of the drawing, focusing on a light study of the shadows
around the features. Note that the skin between the strands of hair
is often darker. For this study, you
can also use charcoal. Study how light and
shadow interplay in the hair logs so that when
you move on to painting, you won't get overwhelmed
by the details. This loose study will help you familiarize yourself
with the portrait. The contrast between
the darkest darks and lightest lights brings depth
and life to a portrait. It's helpful to use a
tablet or a device to zoom in and study the shapes
and details up close. Light plays a crucial role
in making portraits dynamic. It casts shadows
across the face, transforming a flat image into something
three dimensional. Whether you take
your reference photo outdoors or at home, natural light adds
vitality to a portrait. Studio portraits with
neutral backgrounds can sometimes lack this
light and sunshine. Notice the subtle variations
in the dark areas. Some shadows will be slightly
lighter than others. When sketching, feel
free to be loose. Don't worry about perfection. Focus on observing the shadows and lights in the
reference photo. One crucial observation
is how the skin around the high lights on the cheek is darker than the
rest of the cheek. These variations
are essential for rendering the faces
three dimensional form. Build up the shadows gradually, always comparing your
drawing to the reference. I need to raise the
gray tool for lifting pencil pigment and shaping the faces conto as you
study it structure. See this is primarily
watercolor class. I want to go too in depth into
facial drawing techniques. Deepen the shadows on the nose and brighten
the highlights, shaping the roundness and
creases of the nostrils. Define the shadows on the lips and the curve
of the upper lip. Shape the chin and sketch
the hair with darker tones. Add more shadows to
the eyelids as well. Once you are satisfied
with your study, you can move on to
the next lesson where we will paint a
monochrome portrait, delving even deeper into the
study of light and shadow.
5. Monochrome Painting - Adding White Color: In this lesson, we will
use only highlights and shadows to paint a
portrait on tinted paper. I love these exercises because they have a
magical quality to them. You can convert
the color photo of your chosen subject to monochrome on your
phone or tablet. I sketch the face with
a regular white pencil, not a watercolor pencil, but feel free to use
one if you have it. I'll be using white watercolor
for the highlights. But you can also use white gage, pastels or pencils
for the study. The key is to regularly refer
to your reference photo and focus on mimicking the
delicate transitions between light and shadow. Let's start by coloring the lightest area on the
cheek with pure white. Even if you notice
a slight tint, it's best to leave the high
lights completely white. On traditional watercolor paper, these areas would
remain unpainted. The brown paper will serve as the midtone
for the portrait. I use the SML T
watercolor brown pad. Though the paper feels more
like thick drawing paper. High light areas like
the nose and eyelid. Where the color transitions
go into gray shadow, soften the edges with
a slightly damp brush. The cheek is also quite light. Smooth the edges
with a damp brush. Now, let's define the nose. Use diluted white to
create a softer tint. The eye lit is lighter
than the shadows, but not bright white. So gently diffuse the white to allow the brown paper
to show through. The area above the lips and a small spot on the
lower lip also lighter. Continue outlining the chin to complete the faces outline. It's already beginning
to take shape. Use a wet brush to smooth the edges for a better
transition into the brown. Then paint the edge
of the forehead with bright white and
outline the eyebrow. Diffuse the white further for the forehead to make
it more transparent. Add some bright white
highlights in the hair. Make a series of
decisive strokes to indicate the hair strands
illuminated by the sun. Then continue coloring
the forehead and smooth out the edges for
a seamless transition. I mix more white
on my palette and use it to paint a larger
section of the shoulder. I apply creamy in to pack color to the eras where the
light is the brightest. Using a wet brush, I straight this color and cover
the rest of the shoulder. Next, I dilute the white
and paint the chin. Using a transparent
white wash for the lighter areas that
arm the brightest. As the wash dries, it becomes more transparent, beautifully shaping the face. Apply somewhat watery white
mix to the cheek and add some transparent white to the neck, diffusing it slightly. Then paint the closes with
the same transparent white. Further shapening the
face with light strokes. Place a few light accents
on the upper lip. Enjoy this monochrome study. It's an excellent practice before starting a full portrait. It's also found to
use just two colors. It creates such an interesting
effect on tinted paper. Color the rest of the
cheek with diluted white and apply light
wash to the ear as well. Keeping the ear hole unpainted. At a bright line along
the edge of the ear, then smooth it slightly. Paint the neck lines and highlight the bright
white edge of the neck, where it's hit by the sunlight. Now that the first
wash has dried, we can clearly see where
more lightening is needed. The edge of the upper lip, some additional white
on the lower lip, the tip of the nose
and the nose wing. Apply a bit more transparent white on the chin to
build up the volume. Also, we add in
translucent white in the shadow around the eye as there a slightly light place. The wash on the chin has dried and we need to add
more white to it. With a couple of strokes, we'll at the chin shadow with
a bit of translucent white.
6. Monochrome Painting - Adding Black Color: Oh. Now let's use black and paint the shadows. The hair is the darkest area, so we'll begin there. At playful strands and
color in the hair. Using the belly of the brush for large sections and the
tip for the strands. Paint the fine hair strands. Try to draw a line in a single movement using
just the tip of the brush. Use a saturated black to paint the hair with the
belly of the brush. Switch to the tip
of the brush to create a series
of short strokes, adding texture to the hair. Outline the ear and add
some details to the neck. Since the neck falls
in deep shadow here, we will paint it black. Continue with the hair until it's fully
covered and black. With the tip of the brush
paint the eyebrows. A soften the inner edge and use a more transparent
black for the second eyebrow. The lashes and nostrils are
among the darkest areas. We paint them black gently touching the paper with
the tip of the brush. Now for the lips, darken the
area around the light spots and use transparent
black to shape the shadows on the
upper and lower lips. We'll apply diluted black wash over the previous white layer, carefully shaping the
volume of the lips. Add more shadow to the nose crease and keep
its bow to create depth. Smooth the applied stain
with a damp brush, then add more shadow to
the crease of the nose. Next, apply transparent black to the shadow in the corner of the eye and beneath the lashes. Softening the edges
of the stain. The hole of the ear is also
one of the darkest eras. So use black to color those deep shadows and define
the outer edge of the ear. Smooth the transition by gently tickling the edge of the
line with a damp brush. The neck is heavily shadowed, so arch more transparent
black there as well. The brush would
be damp, not wet, so make sure to dab it
on a tissue beforehand. Finally, define the
edge of the face. After lying down a
stain, wash your brush, dab it on a tissue, and gently straight the color to diffuse it on
the brown paper. Using a rig of brush, paint, fine, hair sin
strands and black. A monochrome study can
be very expressive. It's a great tool to help
you understand the subject. Familiarize yourself
with light and shadow and loosen up
your painting style. Whether you're using
watercolor or another medium. With a fine rigger brush, add some delicate hair strands. The finer the brush, the
thinner the lines will be giving your artwork a more elegant and refined appearance. Add a few loose hair strands for a more natural lively look. I paint them with the
tip of my rigger brush, barely touching the surface. Now adding more
depth to the hair. Switching to a fine brush, paint playful strokes of
hair overlapping the ear, and at a few darker
strands in this area. For loose artistic strokes, hold the brush farther
from the point. Paint more hair details
to complete the study. At a darker line to the eyelid and the
corner of the lips. Finish with a final
transparent black wash to deepen the
shadows on the neck. I used a mix of white and
black for this subtle shading. Congratulations on completing this expressive
monochrome portage side.
7. Concluding The Class: Congratulations on completing this fun
and engaging class. Together, we explored
how to express facial features using
just two colors, focusing on the
lights and shadows that bring life and
character to a portrait. We also discover that tinted watercolor paper
can be a great tool, not only for practicing before diving into a full
watercolor portrait, but also for adding originality and a fresh
touch to your artwork. I hope to see your artwork after you put so much
hard work in it, and I love to hear all about
your painting process. If you had any difficulties, or what was the
most enjoyable part of the painting process. Show your artwork in the
student project gallery by clicking on Submit Project and the project and
resources stab. Every piece of art, no matter the level, represents time, effort,
and personal expression. But most importantly, it's a part of your
artistic journey. It's a visual record of
your growth as an artist. If you have any questions, I'm happy to respond
and to help. Just post your thoughts
in a discussion thread. If you prefer to share your artwork on
Instagram, please tag me. I would love to
see your painting. Skillshare would also love to see the artworks of my students. So please tag them as well. Remember to hit
the follow button next to the class title, just below the video. By doing so, you'll stay
updated and be the first to know when I introduce a new
class or announce a giveaway.
Evgenia Cordie, Professional Watercolor Artist, Belgium
