How to paint a portrait in watercolor. Complete tutorial.

Portrait Painting in watercolor. A simple but complete step by step explanation.
It is my intention to publish everything I know about portrait painting.
Donations are welcome. No obligation, but if you can, please do! paintingportraittips.com/dona...
The website of my cousin Will Sophie who wrote and performed the most fantastic compositions exclusively for me: willsophiemusic.com
The art supplies :
Fabriano Watercolor block 50% cotton - neutral pH. 300 gr/mq
( other good watercolor paper brands are: Arches, Saunders, Srathmore , Canson.)
Talens Rembrandt watercolors:
Phthalo Blue Red 596
Cerulean Blue 534
Sap green 623
Hooker Green Deep 645
Yellow Ochre 227
Raw Sienna 234
Burnt Umber 408
Burnt Sienna 411
Cadmium Red Deep 306
Alizarine Crimson 326
Brushes:
Da Vinci serie 5530 Nr 20
Rosemary & Co Kolinsky Sable Ser 22 Nr 7
Rosemary & Co Kolinsky Sable Ser 22 Nr 3
Surgical blade:
Swann-Morton 24
Porcelain Mixing Palette
In my blog you will find even more information about portrait painting and a free eBook “One hundred portraits”: www.paintingportraittips.com
My instagram: benlustenho...
My gallery: www.lustenhouwer.com
#watercolor#portraitpainting#howtopaintaportraitinwatercolor#tutorial#watercolortecnique

[@michaeltempleton1094]

What I love most of your videos, Ben, is the lack of ego. You humbly tell us "That may not work" or "That maybe can be corrected later". It is so satisfying to have a master reveal his questionable strokes in a public forum, correct them later, or simply accept them. I admire your low key delivery, your clear directions, and your beautiful aged hands. No flair, just talent. Thank you so much.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your kind words Michael

[@quwathavalentine8942]

I loved this video. I felt like I was in your studio with you. I am 87 years old and have painted portraits in oils, acrylics, and drawn in graphite, charcoal and colored pencil. I just now want to paint in watercolors. I'm never too old to learn. Thank you so much for this video.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome!

[@kseanmcfarland]

Absolutely hypnotizing. I'm looking at these big shapes go down like burnt ham and shoe polish, and a minute later they're beautiful skin and hair. I'm in awe! Bravo!

[@lustenhouwer]

Nice observation.

[@helloshiny8475]

exactly. seeing it done is illuminating. i've abandoned many paintings thinking they weee too dark but it's good to see just being bold can pay off.

[@helloshiny8475]

greta video.. i liked the colour mixes, i've learned a bunch. and warm shadows, red for shadows on skin, great tip.

[@donnagoode6923]

Hahaha shoe polish and ham

[@leftyfourguns]

That’s the magic of watercolor. It’s ALL down to the water. The way it behaves both wet and dry is what makes it so beautiful and distinct, not captured in any other medium

[@maryk1668]

Just discovered this channel. Subscribed after 2 minutes😊

[@lustenhouwer]

nice to hear

[@letimetcalfe4494]

Oh dear sir. I am an artist who attended a 4 year art school years ago. Family and obligations got in the way. Now my nest is empty and I'm getting back into my watercolors. However my desire has always been to paint portraits in oils. I needed a tutorial for oil painting for beginners from scratch and an artist I can resonate with. I wanted to learn from the bottom up and here today a blessing in finding YOU. Thank you. I'm very excited.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Leti. Keep painting!

[@letimetcalfe4494]

@@lustenhouwer I will. :)

[@Ron_DeForest]

I have to say your command of colour is beyond what I’ve ever seen before. Adding green, purples and red to shadows in your various videos. Granted I’ve seen only a few videos, I’ve been amazed in them all.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Ron

[@librenonlibre]

Wow. I'm blown away by your warmth and ease in teaching, as you demonstrate such mastery. Makes me feel like it's possible to become more relaxed with greater proficiency. You're a delight to listen to and learn from (and the music--a perfect complement as well). Thank you so much.

[@lustenhouwer]

I am so glad to hear that. Thank you.

[@fairydreamz23]

I've watched almost every video and tutorial on watercolor portraits and, sir, you are by far the most explanatory! I love that you talk through it, explaining what is wet first or not, what you are doing, what you pay attention to or not so much, in a way I can understand with the entire watercolor technique. I can sketch and draw and shade my heart out but watercolor is so difficult to me because I've become so precise with pencil. Thank you for teaching me how to let go of the idea of "perfect" and precise. It's been killing me! I could listen to your warm loving voice all day and night long! Calm flow and yes, fun! Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Jenessa for your nice comment.

[@dougg1075]

The haircut in the picture is better than the photo. You nailed that hair. You know you nailed that hair:) You’re the master

[@lustenhouwer]

Glad to hear. it is always my intention to approach the essence of a portrait.

[@bridgesart]

I love your tutorials. They inspire me to do more painting and I find your explanations very helpful.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@indigodande4345]

Your nephew must be real heart breaker! So handsome My oh my! Lovely portrait. Very handsome.

[@lustenhouwer]

Yes he is!

[@Princeofera]

You’re the best artist on KZbin you worked for 10 years on KZbin within your age and have few followers, You deserve more than this number, you're resist teaching, I haven't watched an artist on youtube share all these details and mix colours, you have all my respect, and I learned from you a lot, thank you, teacher

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@CynthiaTrombley-jz9dh]

I find your videos to be very inspiring and your candid commentary refreshing. I am going to paint a portrait following your intelligible example. Thanks Ben.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Cynthia

[@robertgalena1816]

“I follow the accidents that appear on my paper” may be the best art advice I’ve heard in a while.

[@lustenhouwer]

And so it is...

[@cindysheets1824]

It takes self confidence to lay that loaded brush down! I liked when you said keep it fresh and also “ too many details makes it silly!“. BOTH SO TRUE!!!!! I enjoyed your video immensely

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Cindy. Self confidence could be one thing but no fear of ruining a painting also. Nothing happens when you start over again.

[@elizabaum]

I have no idea why this is the first video of yours that KZbin has ever recommended to me, but I'm glad it did! This was really helpful. I will definitely check out more videos.

[@lustenhouwer]

Good to hear

[@kascialelonek8757]

This is the best watercolor video I have ever seen!

[@lustenhouwer]

Nice to hear

[@staceyrobinson707]

I truelly enjoyed watching your watercoloring technique. It came out absolutely beautifu

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you

[@deepanwitapaulghosh1750]

I am so glad that you made a video on watercolor!! I follow your oil painting videos and always wished you would make one on watercolor. As always you amaze me !!! Thanks a lot sir for inspiring

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Deepanwita

[@meiredeabreu8665]

Love seeing you painting watercolor! Beautiful!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@jandaniel9133]

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you.

[@Mikeshawtoday]

Thank you , Ben! So helpful and inspiring. I enjoyed the whole process.

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@bkalman8805]

Dear Mr. Lustenhouwer this lesson was another jewel. In my young days in Budapest, I was miraculously was able to paint - but never to draw. Colors are my friends, so - I think! - I can follow your instructions of mixing the colors to get the desired effect. Still, your decades of expertise in mixing them, is not something that one can master without a lot of try and error, in other words plenty of exercise. That does not take away from the greatness and precise instructions of your guidance during this - and you other videos. I'm sure that all of us, who had the pleasure to follow your strokes on the paper realize, that we got a long way to go, but your encouragement means a lot! Especially, when you say - " well, I'll do this, but this may ruin the picture" - or something similar. Suffice to say, that I eagerly wait for all your new videos with thousands of my fellow enthusiasts, who call you "our inspiration". Thank you again! Take care.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your nice comment

[@laurainel]

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful expertise with us! I have viewed many of your videos and have learned so much from you! Again, many thanks! I would like to add that I greatly appreciate that you make art accessible to everyone by offering a wide range of techniques for the beginner, the amateur to the more advanced artist! You are a wonderful artist but also a gifted teacher! I was so excited to see you back again. ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you for your kid words Lauraine.

[@martyb1006]

I’m so glad I found you, Sir! You’ve inspired me to try portraits again. Love you’re beautiful talent and teaching!

[@lustenhouwer]

So nice to hear Martha.

[@marcelacastillo2580]

Just a wonderful work! Thanks.

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you

[@melinayorke7462]

I’ve been looking forward to this. Thank you so much.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@Crazyworldd160]

oh my god ! this is like magic , i listen to it while doing my digital art 🖼️

[@strathburnartist904]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos Ben. Thanks for your expertise. Can't wait for your next one!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@beatriznewmark4979]

Thank you for sharing your process, including the color-mixing. This is an excellent portrait, l love it. I am so glad l found you, I am starting to learn how to paint portraits, which I've been evading for a long time, l found them very difficult

[@lustenhouwer]

Give it a try and don´t be afraid of any failures in the beginning

[@michaelmilner4911]

Thank you Ben, that was worth the wait, a great tutorial.

[@lustenhouwer]

you are welcome.

[@premanandalaishram1009]

One great tutorial and painting.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@deannerader6527]

Great tutorial! Excited to watch all of your portrait lessons. Thank you very much!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome Deanne.

[@lavenderinbloomflowerfarm1420]

Beautiful!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

thanks

[@ernestoguevara7624]

Beautiful work and class! Thank you so much

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@carolynwest1131]

I've been attracted to watercolor painting all my life, but it always seemed so hard so I was easily defeated. Never liked oils or acrylic. You make it look not only easy, but something that is so well explained that even I could do it. I am going to try! Thanks you so much!

[@lustenhouwer]

Have a try Carolyn

[@judihopewell2499]

Thank you for watercolour portrait…so helpful. More please…

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Judi

[@ginnapalma6057]

Amazing!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@Engelhafen]

You’re great and so kind - thanks

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@luisnegron8844]

Amazing technique..! Thank you master.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@skitsketch]

Thank you. You're making it simple. I will do this.

[@lustenhouwer]

Give it a try.

[@brendahill5087]

I check every day to see if you've made a new video. Thank you so much for graciously sharing your knowledge and skills.

[@lustenhouwer]

I do what I can.

[@esmegelling6854]

Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@idebduttagomes]

Excellent ! Excellent! Excellent!👏👏👏 Loved it and Thank you for the tutorial.❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Debdutta

[@koto3754]

Just the channel I needed to find! I feel so grateful and happy!

[@lustenhouwer]

Good to hear!

[@mariasan4495]

This is sooooo beautiful ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@dougg1075]

That is a trip!

[@lustenhouwer]

thanks

[@togetvj]

Wonderful and I learned something in the first few minutes.

[@lustenhouwer]

Nice to hear. Thank you

[@simonacirillo9655]

Its so enjoyable listen to your talk while you paint! Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@ingridstuderfineart6784]

I thank you so much! A wonderful Portrait! 👍🏻

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@BoxTunnel]

Your nephew looks like a dark haired Dennis Bergkamp, this Arsenal Fan's all time favourite player! Oh, painting was good as well...

[@lustenhouwer]

Yeah. A pity he did not dare to fly.

[@jefftow1]

Amazing

[@franceslazu1784]

I absolutely love it! Great explanation! Awesome job. You are an excellent artist!!🎉

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Frances

[@fernandobarrientos8326]

calming and chilling

[@lustenhouwer]

thanks

[@FrankCurtiss]

This narration is a fine example for positive self talk.

[@PhalangiumOpilio]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge of watercolor painting! I have learned at lot of this.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome.

[@jenniferscott708]

Thank you so much! Your videos are packed with tips and wisdom… and watching your entire process is so so so incredibly helpful as I grow as an artist. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting these here for free. It is such a gift - please know just how much you are blessing other artists in sharing these! Thank you!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Jennifer. It is people like you that I have in mind when making videos.

[@dianecharest8365]

Beautiful job. It looks just like the photo. Thank you for sharing.

[@lustenhouwer]

you are welcome

[@deborahbarrett9609]

Wow! Makes me think I may be able to paint a portrait! Thank you !!

[@lustenhouwer]

Just hava a try

[@veredcc]

Wonderful! Thank you so much for a great tutorial!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Thanks for that Ben. I have been looking forward to a watercolour tutorial and have learned a lot.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@sandyphillips2467]

Brilliant thank you for your time

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Sandy

[@blackysalvat982]

Wuau beautiful portrait .!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@ednaperkinson8529]

What a lovely and fresh portrait. I learned so much by hearing your thoughts as you painted.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Edna

[@ricardomastache]

I can’t stop watching your videos, I love the way you explain.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Ricardo

[@andyyy1r]

Your nephew is very lucky to have a talented uncle like you. I could watch you painting for hours and hours; your tutorials are the best. Thanks for sharing.

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@1fredricka]

thank you for your wonderful demo on portraits for WC, such wonderful info from a master!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Federica

[@christaharke-gs9qu]

Sehr gute Darstellung und Demonstration ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Vielen Dank

[@samiyrah4244]

Handsome nephew, fantastic demo. 😊👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks.

[@canaldameimei]

Amazing!! CONGRATS 🎉

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@ulysees08]

Really enjoyed that Ben. Thanks.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@amydekanter6848]

Thank you so very much for taking us through all your thoughts as you paint. It is very educational and encouraging. I hope you will continue to make these videos.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Amy

[@grahamwelsh4258]

Excellent result and instruction THANK YOU

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Graham

[@jessieadair]

I enjoyed spending this relaxing half hour with you, watching with a mixture of curiosity and admiration, listening to your revealing and interesting train of thought all the while absorbing what I could. I appreciate your warm generosity and am glad to have "discovered" your youtube channel. Looking forward to watching more from you! Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Jessie

[@khadijakadija-rm8lj]

Thank you so much I'm in love with your art♡

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you!

[@khadijakadija-rm8lj]

♡♡♡♡@@lustenhouwer

[@marilynchivers7762]

Enjoying seeing you painting... Thank you for sharing .

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welome Marilyn

[@reinamartinez-max5341]

Beautiful painting and beautiful subject too. Congrats! I enjoyed it from beginning to end!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Reina

[@sherryramirez6329]

what a great find this tutorial is . THANK U

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Sherry

[@lindapfeifer4886]

"This was enjoyable to watch and learn". The portrait is wonderful!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Linda

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

Subscribed today and I loved this watercolour tutorial. Thank you for your generosity in sharing your method.

[@lustenhouwer]

you are welcome

[@motlba]

Magnífico trabajo 👏. Seguro que no solo yo te echaba de menos. Gracias por estos tips.

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias Mónica. El apellido Torraba hay mucho in mi pueblo Chelva, Valencia.

[@julieismert4874]

Thank you so much for sharing your techniques in watercolor. I haven’t tried portraits in watercolor but used your techniques in oils and was successful so I will try it in watercolors.

[@lustenhouwer]

Give it a try Julie

[@carahayes363]

Thank you, Ben. I've wanted to paint a portrait and your color information is so helpful. I'll give it a go.

[@lustenhouwer]

Lots of succes!!

[@methywoz]

Outstanding! This portrait has so much warmth and life, you truly inspired me. Instantly subscribed and saved this video for reference. Thank you for sharing your gifts with the world. ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome.

[@naidookrelin]

Thank you for showcasing your great skill.Lovely to watch and learn. More watercolour portraits would be welcomed.

[@lustenhouwer]

Who knows. in the future. The first to come is on oils again.

[@letty3164]

I learn so much from you. Thank you! Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

you are welcome.

[@psychicart5670]

I have been searching for some practical and visual advice and this video is so helpful, thank you for sharing it for free to 😊

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@Zoomfreaky]

Bedankt! Fijne en overzichtelijke tutorial. Prachtige texturen en penseelstreken. Loved it!

[@lustenhouwer]

Dank je Bojoura

[@nikkiswenson54]

Beautiful indeed!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Nikki

[@maryleneauffret-todorov8447]

thank you very much sir for this most helppful tutorial!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome Marylène.

[@arlenemurphy804]

Fabulous.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@barbarawaldman539]

Excellent instructions!!!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Barbara

[@debbiesheridan3334]

Wonderful and inspiring tutorial, thank you. Very relaxing to watch ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Debbie

[@donnasnorthernlights2089]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@lustenhouwer]

My pleasure

[@mrmorksstuff]

Thank you..really enjoyed this tutorial!

[@lustenhouwer]

Tank you Mark

[@StClair008]

That was great! It's helpful to see how a master portrait painter uses watercolor instead of the usual oils. I learned a lot!

[@lustenhouwer]

Good to hear!

[@janechen4946]

Veery detailed and thoughtful tutorials! Especially helpful to see how even an experienced painter can make mistakes and how to fix them. Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome Jane

[@dewardesign4430]

I have enjoyed your oil tutorials for some time now. This was a great watercolor tutorial. I like very much that you showed how to correct or modify the painting when it didn't meet your expectations. And a very handsome nephew!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you and I will tell my nephew. ( he probably knows already)

[@Tan17go]

Thank you so much. That is the best portrait video I’ve ever seen. I enjoyed every moment and especially your words of wisdom. I shall watched more. ❤️

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Virginia

[@jackma3449]

You are a true master, sir! I really enjoyed your tutorial, and I regained my courage to try watercolor again.

[@lustenhouwer]

So good to hear!