Well this past week I set out to create my first watercolor portrait. I completed it, to a certain degree. One of the easiest subjects for me to do any project on would have to be my daughter, I have an expansive library of photos featuring her to choose from. I began the project with a plan and had to adjust and re-think my composition as the project progressed. I do have not fully studied the human face in any medium, so this was a very difficult project for me. I learned a great deal from this project and I’ll try to explain as much as I can.
For my next attempt, I will try using watercolor pencils for the initial outlining. This should eliminate the need to erase and it will also allow the sketch to melt into the build up of layers. I also see the benefit of having a printed photograph to work from. Throughout this attempt I followed images on my computer screen for reference. Once I felt I had enough sketched out; I began adding layers for skin tone. In the beginning I kept the colors light using washes and allowing the first layers to dry some before mixing darker tones on top. The photo below is after the first day of painting. NOTE: I used a watercolor pan set containing over 24 colors.
I didn’t want to soak the paper so I allowed the project to dry over night. On the second day is when I encountered my first problem. I began adding color to other features in the face. Starting with the eyes and then moving on the the eyebrows. This type of project required me to have the paper laying on a flat surface, working from this perspective caused me to make errors in proportion. I didn’t notice that I had made one of the eyes too large. To avoid having watercolor running down my paper I kept the painting flat the entire time ( I have to mention I was slightly distracted at times, since my daughter was home with me while I painted). I attempted to correct part of the eye by scratching certain areas away using an exact-o knife, however I became frustrated and nearly scrapped the entire portrait. After sleeping on it, I decided to continue the painting and use it as a practice run. During this stage I also added more tone to the face and neck areas and began adding color to her clothing.
To keep myself from damaging the face by trying to fix it, I began working on the background. I wanted all the focus to be on the portrait so I chose to create a blended background with no detail. I created green by using various blue and yellow hues to create a contrast between her shirt. I added the background using vertical strokes to create a feeling of height in the image. I started by washing in yellows. While the color was still wet, I carefully blended in different hues of blue ( deep blue, blue-green). The image below shows the background in its first stage. This was then allowed to dry over night.
NOTE: the paper began to buckle in this stage, due to the amount of water spread over such a large area in once sitting.
The final steps were spread out over a couple of days. I began adding color to the hair starting with a light yellow with strands of red and then moved on to add in details and shadows to the face. I mixed in darker tones in the creases and folds of her smile. I am very pleased with the skin tones I was able to achieve. I have not attempted to color a person’s face or body using realistic colors prior to this. It was an extremely good learning experience for me. Certain details in the face, which were not visible in the photo, needed to be added to complete the portrait such as the eyelashes and stray strands of hair ( they are a big part of my daughter’s features).
NOTE: Other areas that need attention to proportion – nose (nostrils), eyes, mouth (gum-tooth ratio) and the fullness of hair.
This was my first but not my last attempt at portraits. I feel that I am real close to reaching my goal. I want to also try a few using acrylic, once I get this one they way I want. Below is a composite of the painting with the reference photo.
NOTE: I was not trying to match the photo exactly (lighting, clothing, etc.).
Wow! Can’t wait to see your next piece.