Beginner Portraits in Gouache

Projet de cours pratique

For the class project students can choose to try a couple of approaches. The first project suggestion coincides with the black and white demonstration. Students should follow each step of the process shown in the different stages of the painting presented. The most important part is seeing and understanding the steps involved to make the portrait. The finished product is less important as everyone will be working from different skill levels. I care more about students understanding the procedure from start to finish so that they can feel confident when they approach their own paintings. 

** For either of the projects, find a clear, well-lit (single light source) photo reference, or if you prefer, an image of another painting/artist you'd like to do a study of (color images can be easily converted to gray scale for black and white paintings) ** 

For the black and white portrait we want to work in stages:

• Have the initial drawing prepped
• Stain the surface (illustration board)
• Establish Shadows
• Fill in the lights
• Soften edges and Refine 

In the videos I'll explain in much more depth and suggest ideas about the process, but the list above is the general approach. This project is for students that also may want to spend a longer portion of time developing their portraits to a finish. I'd suggest black and white paint first, and a limited color palette after if you want to try it. 

For the alternative project (the second demonstration in color) This approach is more of a quicker 'sketch' type of painting that is more about simplifying and capturing the portrait is a gestural manner. The goal is about doing short, quick studies versus a longer, more refined finish. This project can also be done in black and white before experimenting with color. This is also great for those that maybe want to do shorter studies just to get a feel for the medium by doing multiple quick studies. The demonstration was also a 'master copy' of another illustrator. In the videos I discuss why doing master copies is a great way to learn from your favorite artists, but also suggest artists who's work translates well in gouache.