🎨 Painting Portraits in Watercolour
A 4-Module Course to Help You Master Portraits with Confidence
Whether you're just beginning your watercolour journey or looking to sharpen your portrait skills, this course is your step-by-step guide to painting expressive, beautiful faces. Across four structured modules, you’ll explore facial features, proportions, profile painting, and how to work confidently from a reference photo.
With clear demonstrations, practical tips, and plenty of encouragement along the way, you'll build both your skills and your confidence — one brushstroke at a time.
🖼 What You’ll Learn – Course Modules
Module 1: Painting Facial Features
Start by exploring how to paint the key elements of a portrait — eyes, nose, and mouth. Learn techniques for layering colour, capturing expression, and adding realistic detail.
Module 2: Proportions in Black & White
Sharpen your understanding of facial structure by completing a symmetrical portrait using only black watercolour. A fantastic exercise in balance, proportion, and tonal control.
Module 3: Profile Portrait
Discover how to paint a side view portrait and improve your observation of shape, angles, and the way light hits the face in profile.
Module 4: Painting from a Photograph
Put everything together in a complete, colour portrait using a reference photo. You'll learn how to plan your piece, build up layers, and bring your subject to life.
🧰 What You’ll Need:
To get the most out of this course, we recommend having the following materials ready: