Watercolor Portraits and Figures

Watercolor Portraits and Figures > Go behind the scenes and learn the inspiration and techniques for portraits with Michael Holter, Mario Robinson, and more, including tips on painting flesh tones with watercolor.

Browse the articles below, and sign up for the free American Watercolor Weekly newsletter here so you’ll have even more tips coming directly to your inbox!

Watercolor Portraits and Figures - American Watercolor Weekly newsletter

7 Steps to Watercolor Portraits With Michael Holter

People are complicated, but painting them doesn’t have to be. With these seven simple steps, you’ll discover the secrets to capturing a likeness in watercolor.
Read: https://americanwatercolor.net/facebook-live-series-7-steps-to-watercolor-portraits-with-michael-holter-free-lesson-viewing/

The Story Behind the Painting: “Carol”

Irena Roman challenges stereotypical views of aging in her current series of portraits.
Read: https://americanwatercolor.net/story-behind-the-painting/

Story Behind the Painting: “Within/Without”

Joanna Barnum demonstrates how she used masking fluid to create textural elements in a unique self-portrait.
Read: https://americanwatercolor.net/story-behind-the-painting-within-without/

One Step, Two Step, Watercolor

Brazilian artist Eudes Correia describes his use of watercolor as a dance. Find out how he stays in harmony with the medium.
Read: https://americanwatercolor.net/one-step-two-step-watercolor/

Portraits in Watercolor

Michael Holter shares his seven steps to bringing portraits to life.
Read: https://americanwatercolor.net/portraits-in-watercolor/

Painting Flesh Tones With Watercolor

Jeff Mathison shares his secrets to mixing skin tones and connecting the figure with the background.
Read: https://americanwatercolor.net/painting-flesh-tones-with-watercolor/

Working From a Live Model

Working from life challenges the sensibilities of the artist. With experience, Mario Robinson has learned how to make the most of this (typically limited) time.
Read: https://americanwatercolor.net/painting-a-portrait-from-a-live-model/

For more watercolor painting ideas, follow us on Instagram @AmericanWatercolor!

Whether it was those scrumptious-looking ovals of watercolor you got in a set as a kid, an encouraging high school art teacher, or the first art workshop you signed up for after retirement that got you hooked, you and I have something in common—a passion for watercolor painting! With so many distractions to lure us away from the studio, it can be difficult to indulge our passion as often as we’d like, and that’s why we’ve created AmericanWatercolor.net. [keep reading]