In this class I will guide you through painting an expressive portrait in watercolour, focusing on character rather than tight detail. Instead of getting lost in features, we will learn to see the head as a clear design, built from big shapes and a simple value map. From there, gentle shifts between warm and cool colours will bring the skin to life.

We will use a modest limited palette and rely on glazing, wet into wet washes and selective accents to create depth, light and clarity without overworking the painting. The hat and scarf act as supporting shapes that frame the face, while the background stays calm and airy so the expression remains the focal point.

By the end of the class, you will understand how expression grows from value and edge, not from micromanaging every eyelash, and how these ideas apply to any portrait or figure you decide to paint in the future.

In this class you will learn:

How to design a portrait using simple values and strong shapes
How to use warm and cool shifts to create convincing skin tones
How glazing and lifting build gentle depth without losing freshness
How to control edges so some are lost into the background and others are crisp around the eyes, nose and mouth
How to use blooms and granulation for texture in clothing while keeping features calm and clear
How a limited palette and a quiet background help the character and likeness stand out

This class is suitable for both confident beginners and more experienced painters who want to strengthen their understanding of structure, light and mood in portraiture.

Grab your brushes and join me, and let us paint a portrait that feels natural, atmospheric and full of character.

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

Irene Bowers

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