Painting Portrait Tips / Lots of information about how to paint a portrait
The answer to my question of two weeks ago, where in this watercolour portrait I applied two gouache strokes, is this: the bright reflected light under the chin and the blue accent on the collar of the shirt. Among the good answers I raffeld a DVD.
The DVD goes to:
Marija Gaspar from Zagreb. Congratulations Marija!
Thank you all for your participation.
This is a commissioned portrait in watercolour that I made years ago. During the sitting I noticed the independent and tranquil look of this little boy.
“An artist is not a psychologist,” I quoted in one of my last posts. Yet a portrait painter is happy if he sees a quality in a face he wants to emphasize. So was I and I tried to capture this pensive look. I was sincerely happy when the mother exclaimed: “Yes, this is my son with his eternal gaze!“.
The portrait is in watercolour but there are two brushstrokes in gouache. I wonder if someone can find them? Among those who give the right answer I will raffle a video demonstration. Let’s say up to a fortnight.
This week I made a short video to show you how I stretch watercolour paper.
There are numerous professional grade, watercolour blocks on the market. (See my last post.) But when I use single sheets, I stretch it myself, on board. This method makes it possible to work even on low quality paper in watercolour.
- First, I cut four strips of water-activated gummed paper tape at the correct length.
- Then, I moisten the water colour paper with a sponge.
- I leave it to absorb the water and to fully expand.
- I stick the wet paper onto the board and let it dry. In summer this takes an hour, in winter more than double that time.
- Once dry, the paper is tightly stretched.
- Once finished I cut, with a sharp knife, around the painting cropping the paper.
Now I can make my watercolour painting with no problems. The paper will not wrinkle when it comes into contact with water.
