How to paint a portrait in watercolor. Complete tutorial.

[@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!

[@BUtZUe]

"follow the accident" "without mistakes you can't make a good thing" "without shit you can't grow roses" ❤❤❤

[@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.

[@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

[@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. :)

[@kascialelonek8757]

This is the best watercolor video I have ever seen!

[@lustenhouwer]

Nice to hear

[@FrankCurtiss]

This narration is a fine example for positive self talk.

[@indigodande4345]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Yes he is!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@bridgesart]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@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.

[@maryk1668]

Just discovered this channel. Subscribed after 2 minutes😊

[@lustenhouwer]

nice to hear

[@robertgalena]

“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...

[@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

[@christaharke-gs9qu]

Sehr gute Darstellung und Demonstration ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Vielen Dank

[@dejavu666wampas9]

The Masters always make it look so easy. There is talent on display here.

[@lustenhouwer]

Well well.

[@dejavu666wampas9]

@@lustenhouwer - Since it looks like you’re speaking to me, I’ll ask. What do you mean by, “Well, well?” If you are American, Happy Thanksgiving 🦃.

[@lustenhouwer]

I want to say: maybe too much honor.

[@dejavu666wampas9]

@@lustenhouwer - That’s interesting. I definitely do not claim to be a judge of art, although I do like the Old Masters, but I thought his rendering was pretty good. I’m a true hack amateur artist, so I’m impressed by anyone with any kind of talent. What don’t you like about it? On another note, you spelled ‘color’ without an ‘ou’, so you might be an American. So am I, but in grade school I had a 7th grade teacher who introduced us to British spelling; I been doing it ever since.

[@lustenhouwer]

I am dutch living in Spain. I spelled color in the beginning the English way, but nice I know my audience is mostly in the US I changed to US spelling. Maybe I'll change again.

[@staceyrobinson707]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

thank you

[@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

[@meiredeabreu8665]

Love seeing you painting watercolor! Beautiful!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@melaniebaynes2730]

Masterful. Only just discovered this channel, wish I had found it sooner. Thank you for sharing your talent and expertise.

[@lustenhouwer]

Never too late.

[@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

[@sarahharkins5050]

Almost like meditation. Love his voice and gentle information.

[@lustenhouwer]

nice to hear

[@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

[@taylorshaw]

Your demonstrations are the best and your talent obviously cannot be matched. I just want you to know that when I get frustrated with a painting I just pull up another Lustenhouwer video and I'm good to go. Thanks for inspiring me.

[@lustenhouwer]

So nice to hear!

[@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

[@r.s.1348]

Outstanding in every way. The videography, continuous commentary, explanations and superb soundtrack. Thank you for enriching our lives. Love the result and hope you do more videos with watercolors.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you. I am working on one and in two weeks it will be online.

[@esmegelling6854]

Absolutely beautiful ❤

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks

[@koto3754]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Good to hear!

[@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.

[@marytang8888]

I am a beginner trying to paint pears and seeing you paint the face taught me a lot. I am sure my next pear will be better. Thank you.

[@lustenhouwer]

Start with fruit and end with a portrait. I like that approach

[@lisengel2498]

Its pure joy to follow your portrait painting with Water color - everything radiates presence and joy of creating this beautifull piece of art. 🎶🖤🎵

[@lustenhouwer]

nice to hear.

[@Crazyworldd160]

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

[@corinnemarneffe3286]

Crazy good, thanks for giving us poor souls a glimpse of how you achieved this!

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@tcs871]

It bears repeating - your passion, talent and willingness to share are tremendous gifts to us all. I'm able to draw but very colour blind, and have laboured under this all my life. I want to do more with colour than just a "safe" and minimal use of it. Your rich and encouraging instruction is leading me to take a huge step out of my comfort zone, even if I fail miserably. Thank you so much!

[@lustenhouwer]

You say it right. "Even if I fail". The fear of failing is a long lasting obstacle for many people. Allowing yourself to fail is a big step in the progress.

[@MrMfaust5]

Thank you Mr. Lustenhouwer

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@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

[@andrewsart23]

The best instructional video on portrait painting I’ve seen. The process was simply magical.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you!

[@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.

[@salvadorquiroz3860]

Gracias Ben, felicitaciones por su extraordinaria manera de enseñar. Estábamos en espera de sus videos.

[@lustenhouwer]

Gracias Salvador

[@SuperBerecik]

Such a great painting!!! Thanks a lot for sharing! Un grand merci pour l’encouragement. Je me mets au travail 😊

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@rhondi123]

Bravo👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 wonderful work. Thanks for generously sharing.

[@lustenhouwer]

It´s my pleasure

[@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.

[@LuizaHar54]

Спасибо за урок.очень интересно.первый раз видела поскребывание на акварели

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you. All techniques are allowed.

[@thomolson]

this is exquisite. the video is relaxing to watch but also it is explained so clearly that i am inspired. Please do more watercolors - I'm intimidated by oils.

[@lustenhouwer]

Oils are not that difficult, just give it a try!

[@allcotup]

I must tell you that I both loved your video along with your narrative on going behind it all ! How amazingly you have perfected the portrait & your skills are miraculous 👏🏾💟 I've subscribed to your channel, trust me I'm very far away from you in India ( state West Bengal).... I'm overjoyed to have chanced upon your channel & trust me only namaste 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 to you and your art 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you so much for your kind words

[@michaelmilner4911]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

you are welcome.

[@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!!

[@samiyrah4244]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Thanks.

[@marwaeltahawy]

your amazing mr ben ❤❤❤all the appritiations from an Egyptian artist and a young fan

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you!

[@Mikeshawtoday]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@sherriebarker9202]

Thank you for sharing your expertise and love of painting. Your work is exciting and beautiful! You are certainly very gifted artist.I have been working with graphite and color pencil portraits, and I have been thinking of painting portraits. You make it look so easy. I love how calm and patient you are. Thank you!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Sherrie.

[@jenniferjones5516]

Very inspiring. Shall try to do portraits in watercolour after watching you recreate your nephew. Handsome man.

[@lustenhouwer]

Just go and do it

[@cynthiaracicot6502]

Classical guitar is exquisite. Lessons powerful. Thanks again. Your gift of knowledge is appreciated.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Cynthia

[@puaydt]

ขอขอบคุณ

[@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!

[@alithamer3556]

You are the best artist I've seen on the internet

[@lustenhouwer]

Nice to hear

[@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!

[@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.

[@millierader2517]

You are a wonderful, understanding teacher. Thank you.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@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

[@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)

[@igorpokorny7264]

Thanks a lot for such a great, comprehensive tutorial!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Igor

[@astridstoit7502]

Dank Ben, was weer een informatief filmpje; ik leer er veel van en zo fijn dat deze filmpjes gratis zijn.

[@lustenhouwer]

Dank je Astrid

[@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

[@marie-josetouzeau5904]

Very helpfull explanations. Thank you for this so good tuto. Il is a real pleasure looking your vidéo. The best vidéo i have seen. 👍🏻

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Marie-José.

[@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

[@leebrashear9821]

Beautiful! I want to do a portrait of my granddaughter who passed away a year ago. I have some pictures but not ones taken with specific shadows in mind. I really love your work and how you explain everything. I've painted in mostly acrylics but some watercolor too however, never a portrait before. My concern is that I have too much emotion for the subject to do a good job but your tutorial has made me decide to just do it and see what happens. Thank you so much!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Lee. Give it a go and see how far you can get.

[@debbiesheridan3334]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Debbie

[@lindapfeifer4886]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Linda

[@yellowpink9962]

Excited. I knew within 2 minutes of listening to you, that I could /would learn from you. You have a humility/humanity that comes through. Very little ego. I am beginning my journey in portrait work with watercolor. This video so helpful. Anymore videos with watercolor and portrait work would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Sir.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you. I am thinking another one on watercolor soon.

[@gracingurtler5236]

A thoroughly enjoyable and informative lesson. I have to echo the previous comment - you are so easy to listen to and learn from! Thank you. I'm hooked!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you!

[@ricardomastache]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Ricardo

[@hannahrose5864]

I’m an illustration student about to start my watercolour unit in painting, and I was so nervous because I love oils so much and was scared to try something new, but this video made me SO excited to try watercolour, you’ve really inspired me!

[@lustenhouwer]

So nice to hear Hannah.

[@suewegert2323]

You give more explanation of why you choose certain colors. Very helpful but not seen in many tutorials. Thanks.

[@lustenhouwer]

I do what I can

[@timosullivan292]

Thank you so much for your great knowledge and teaching, brilliant teaching and many kind thanks for your time in doing this ,thank you again Tim.(in sunny England).

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure Tim.

[@Zoomfreaky]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Dank je Bojoura

[@Jw16mosier]

Thank you sir… I have seen a lot of watercolor videos . And I have taken classes. But this is the best I have ever seen., or learned Your information is on point and very concise. Please do more on watercolors with faces . Your words about shit to grow roses 🌹. Made me not to be afraid to try , and try again. THANK YOU so much

[@lustenhouwer]

I will see what I can do.

[@antonius3745]

Yes this is very good. Nice face and instructions. This is real a Dutch masterpiece. The details of the black hair are also very skillful. Painting black hair in aquarelle is easier then with oil or tempera (I use it often).

[@lustenhouwer]

You are right.

[@simonacirillo9655]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome

[@ivylifeisbeautiful]

Amazing tutorial and amazing teacher, and amazing painting. You've got a new follower. Ty, beautiful art you made in this video.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you!

[@bettyvance4131]

Thanks!

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you so much Betty.

[@dinara6974]

Работа акварелью завораживает! Племянник наверняка доволен своим портретом 😊

[@lustenhouwer]

он конечно есть!

[@reinamartinez-max5341]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Reina

[@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

[@paulbaresic5649]

well done

[@strathburnartist904]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you

[@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.

[@skitsketch]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Give it a try.

[@ednaperkinson8529]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Edna

[@ernestoguevara7624]

Beautiful work and class! Thank you so much

[@lustenhouwer]

It is my pleasure

[@MartaMcGillivray]

Just came across your tutorial and I am delighted to learn that you have posted many more .. can't wait to be amazed, delighted and informed, thank you so much.

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Marta

[@bijoykumar1971]

Your process and explanation is so simple and clear... Thanks a ton sir... So very useful to ultra beginners like me

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Bijoy

[@deannerader6527]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

You are welcome Deanne.

[@deborahbarrett9609]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Just hava a try

[@judihopewell2499]

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

[@lustenhouwer]

Thank you Judi