Watercolour portraits tutorial for beginners - part one

[@nilawarriorprincess]

I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A TUTORIAL LIKE THIS FOR 5 YEARS! Thank you so, so much! As a beginner, I purchased Skillshare & learned about this technique. I became very sick afterwards & was unable to use Skillshare & having a stroke made it difficult to recall anything I learned from my very 1st portrait class. I scrolled over this video when I saw it on YT, as at 1st glance I assumed this was a loose style didn't think leaning a loose portrait style would benefit me. but after searching Bing for 'purple underpainting watercolor portrait', your video popped up. This video that I almost missed is actually perfect for me. He & I even have similar skintones. I've found a purple underpainting is the absolute best way to paint dark skin in watercolor. Over the years, I've seen many tutorials that only use browns, but they lack the liveliness & richness that is in dark skin. Thank you so very much for this video & treating the subject of your work with such respect & admiration. You truly don't know how much this video means to me. I'm dedicated to becoming the absolute best watercolorist I can be & this is the guidance I need to build a body of work I will be proud of. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much for such lovely and thoughtful comments. I am fascinated by the colours you can see in all skins once you start to look, but agree that purple on a darker skin is just beautiful and does give a richness. I really like turquoise for a very pale skin too… Good luck with your watercolour journey and I hope you continue to recover.

[@karlab9557]

I have wanted to do portraits. Dont know if I could call my attempts anything other than... sortof likenesses ish. The skin tones have totally flummoxed and eluded me. This is enlightening and so helpful. Thank you. All of your commentary while painting is extremely helpful. You are a great teacher.

[@LizChadertonArt]

You can do it! I’ve just written a book called Painting Portraits in Watercolour published by Crowood….

[@araya52]

Fantastic lesson for me. I have several sketches that I want to paint in watercolor. My first try was pretty awful, but I've learned so much about control from this video alone!! Thank you so much!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@StephanieCorralArt]

Amazing techniques and teaching style. I'm so happy to have found your channel.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@edress1234]

Fantastic teacher. Thank you.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you liked it!

[@JuliRoxArt]

This is incredible! I've been struggling with painting skintones. We're always told to paint light to dark with watercolors, but I love the idea of doing an underpainting first. It really acts like a guide to placing the rest of the colors! I can't wait to get my paints out tomorrow morning and try this technique out. Thank you so much 😆

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful! I also like a turquoise underpainting - it gives an ethereal result and I have just started with a burnt Sienna/Alizarin. There an artist Pam Wenger on KZbin who does gorgeous portraits with an underpainting

[@JuliRoxArt]

@@LizChadertonArt Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check her out also!

[@grantharper6033]

Wow, I love the result of this method! Who’d have thunk purple underpaying would turn into the most gorgeous warm browns. Can’t wait to have a go at this one 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

it is an odd idea isn’t it, but it works!

[@jeangursoy9876]

Hi Liz, This was so so helpful. Can you do more portraits and skin tone videos if possible. This portrait has so much character, really love it. Thank you so much.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I have another for next Sunday too 😊

[@catchip]

@@LizChadertonArt oh gosh keep them coming.. great companions for your new book.. I preordered.. can't wait!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@catchip ooh, that must be the first order!

[@shadowguard3578]

This was a revelation. I appreciate you saying that using a light box is fine for portraits, because I’ve been wondering this very issue. Your painting is amazing, thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad you liked it. Yes, use whatever tools help, is my motto. Get confident with painting, then learn how to capture a likeness

[@iancameron6124]

wow you amaze me how you can make it look so easy

[@LizChadertonArt]

Everything is easy once you find it easy, if that makes sense!

[@iancameron6124]

@@LizChadertonArt 100pc I find most my life I have only drawn, painted, just for me, so in the time, 2019 onwards I shown people, n there reaction, was instance shock, the complements, etc and how nice that made me feel. Sometimes, I find my mind having a rest, i can only find that whilst im doing my art. even thinking art is beautiful for my spirit. when you see your work with fresh eyes, the next day, especially with w |colour. I feel so greaatful I have this talent. I love everything about art, EVERYTHING even cleaning and taking care of my brushes. ha. believe it or not, your reply really was a lightbulb moment. I WAS an addict and art has released me from that very dark place. anyway sorry you had to read my biography. ha ;; } {its because your one comment got me through another door, I had to reply and lyk.} thank you. 💬

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@iancameron6124 it is wonderful to hear about your passion for art and how it has helped you. One of the many reasons why I share on KZbin is that I think the world would be a lot better place if we all created more. Keep letting it lift your spirits

[@mozanita]

It is a delight to watch your video’s. No nonsense and great tips.

[@LizChadertonArt]

So nice of you! I do talk nonsense sometimes!!

[@simonanebi]

I have aleays stopped at drawimg because I dont know how to paint at all or where to start from . You have just given me all the baby steps i need . You are awesome ❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

You can do it! my book Painting portraits in watercolour has just been published, so you might enjoy that too.

[@SharonNolfi]

Nice the way you built up the colors! Thanks for sharing this process.

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@DeborahWilliams-n1s]

I'm so glad I found this. Skin tones have flumoxed me but I'm going to give this a go.

[@LizChadertonArt]

have fun!

[@Orchidblue24]

Your painting turned out wonderful! I love seeing portraits with unconventional colors but I don't understand how to choose what colors should go where with a dramatic effect. Such as pop art of musicians. It would be great to hear your take on that. Can't wait for your next portrait! Thanks

[@LizChadertonArt]

thank you. Have you seen this about colour value switching? I am doing 3 more portrait films.

[@PinkGriffin]

Wonderful tutorial. Very helpful tips on the under painting, as well as the reasoning behind color choices and placement.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariakapatos9545]

So enjoyed this way of painting, as I have started sketching portraits, and want to paint them in watercolour your way of doing this arrived at perfect timing…..thank you so much for sharing and bless you❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

My pleasure 😊

[@0to100Art]

Such a unique process of painting. Enjoyed watching the process.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you so much 😀

[@yazminrivera2541]

Thank you so much for posting this video. I painted my brother and it turned out awesome.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Brilliant to hear!

[@julesplag1]

You are FANTASTIC!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Wow, thank you!

[@along9971]

Love watching your painting demos, always learn a lot, marvelous!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ramaehamrin]

Thank you so much for sharing this. What an excellent tutorial!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@liamtomasb]

Great video! Thank you very much!

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are welcome! Happy new year

[@khiathompson33]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

You're welcome!

[@BlancaReyes-sq6qg]

Wonderful video Liz, thank you so much. I am going to give it a go this weekend!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Have fun!

[@cathynelson9747]

Fabulous lesson! Thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

You're very welcome!

[@kaylaherincharles]

Thank you so.much for this demonstration! I love this, it is amazing! Thank you so much for also showing painting darker skin as well! I've been dabbling in watercolor paint for awhile but this technique will take my portraits to the next level!! New subscriber here! 🤎

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annewillis4673]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve wanted to start portrait painting for ages and I love the way you teach. I’d never heard of underpainting watercolour portraits - wow! When you see the results it all makes sense. Love it! Can’t wait to get some time to give it a go 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome! I've recorded another one for either next week or the week after too. So hope it all makes sense!

[@teraperry1008]

This was amazing! The purple under painting really brought his skin to life...that and all the layers of colors. This video was like a very good color theory lesson. I love all the movement, shadows and highlights. Clearly, flowers, cars and birds are not your only jam. Wonderful!😊🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁

[@LizChadertonArt]

I love painting portraits. They are my leisure painting along with urban sketching and the animals are my professional subjects….sort of

[@serenityjewel]

This is such a great video. Thank you for showing the process while detailing your process. Jas far as tracing, all the artists you mentioned could all draw portraits. They used other means to speed up the process. The problem is when people don’t have drawing skills and then listen to artists tell them they don’t need to them. They’re limited to only doing work with photos, their work can end up looking very stiff, and they don’t understand that the camera lens can warp the subject because it’s not the same as the human eye.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I would say drawing and painting skills are both important. I like to get people painting. once they have the confidence of painting a portrait, being able to draw a likeness is easier, as they have more confidence

[@serenityjewel]

@ Very true. Unfortunately many people never hear the second part.

[@ZeeCeeCreations]

Beautiful Liz, and very helpful!!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rowenacorlett3146]

Really helpful demonstration - thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

You're very welcome!

[@annepercival7814]

Thankyou Liz……amazed at how it emerges step by step…but have I the patience to dry between layers!😘

[@LizChadertonArt]

The drying is super important. Grab a hairdryer now!

[@cookiemonster3147]

It looks awesome!

[@LizChadertonArt]

thank you!

[@taylors726]

Thank you, Liz! VERY informative!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad it was helpful!

[@estherdejong7313]

I hoped you would do a portrait one day! Lovely video, thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

I'm sure I will do a few more in the next 22 days!! Glad you liked it.

[@chantalnugues-perrin3631]

Thank you Liz 🙏🏻👍 very interesting ❤❤ I will give it a try 🤗🤩

[@LizChadertonArt]

Please do! It’s a little odd, but fun!

[@rowenacorlett3146]

This is amazing - I'm going to give it a go ❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

have fun….

[@TeWhero]

Love the explanation, really helps.

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad to hear it!

[@kayleighshaw21]

Great video, very helpful 😊 Thanks so much for sharing & that's a beautiful piece 👏

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome!

[@mlk1965]

Fantastic - can't wait to try it! Thanks so much!!

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome! Hope it goes well

[@maureensmith4993]

Thankyou for your wonderful tutorial, I have learned a lot from watching you, and I will look on line for a light thingy, as I usually spend so much time gridding my paper to do portraits that I get fed up with measuring so much. I’m glad you said it’s not cheating. I’m amazed about the purple, is it only used for darker skin tones? I’m eager to see more of your videos. An admirer from Australia. Cheers.

[@LizChadertonArt]

100%! you can use purple for all skin tones, but might need a lighter touch. you can use a phathalo blue for paler skins in the same way

[@valeriecoopet9897]

I just finished my first African American child. I used the purple, but too late. Not as underpainting. Lesson learned! Thank you!

[@LizChadertonArt]

you can see a lot of purple in a black skin, but it also works with a white or Asian complexion

[@S26ful]

I really loved this and learnt so much. Will you be making more portrait videos?

[@LizChadertonArt]

That's the plan! I have recorded two more. Next week is using the same underpainting technique on a middle Eastern face and the third week is the same painting on a northern European face. So I hope that will cover a few bases....

[@S26ful]

@@LizChadertonArt will look out for them!

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@S26ful 😃

[@shawnas464]

Super cool!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Tge purple underpainting creates beautiful skin tones

[@latitacolorista]

Lovely!!!!! 👏

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@linaarmstrong2250]

Love it, great work

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you!

[@candicardenas5408]

❤

[@LizChadertonArt]

🥰

[@monica-NJ-123]

Great tutorial 😊

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you! 😊

[@chahigginson]

Thank you, this was really helpful :)

[@LizChadertonArt]

You're welcome!

[@marysmusicaljourney2.0]

Very helpful lessons

[@LizChadertonArt]

Glad to hear that

[@karindodge9814]

I love how you break this down and explain it. It makes it so much more approachable. Do you always use a purple for 1st layer or does it depend on the skin tone? Thank you.

[@LizChadertonArt]

usually I use the purple. it it were a very fair skin I would go very very light.

[@tradingpostfarms]

So I have a tracing tip, for tablets or phones. My teenage son, also an artist told me about an app you can download that locks your screen. It's brilliant. A bit of a challenge on a phone because you have to move the image, lock unlock, but its works brilliantly and with a large tablet, it would be awesome.

[@LizChadertonArt]

I know you can lock your screen without an app on your tablet, but this lets you lock it at a zoomed in section? if you remember the name, I would be interested.

[@spiritualstars]

❤❤love it

[@LizChadertonArt]

it’s fun seeing it build….

[@lucienelacerda2014]

Lindo demais!

[@LizChadertonArt]

Thank you!

[@yee4218]

Hi, thanks for the helpful tips. It’s really inspiring. May I have the reference of the photo? I’m trying to learn but can’t find the reference of the photo 😅

[@LizChadertonArt]

the photo came from Museum by Sktchy. it’s like instagram for faces and portraits. you would need to look there.

[@lynettehopkins4097]

Liz it’s lovely , where can I get the picture to try myself please x

[@LizChadertonArt]

Click on the community tab on my channel and it is there waiting for you 😊

[@lynettehopkins4097]

I am obviously thick liz , as well as being unwell what do you mean by community tab sorry x

[@LizChadertonArt]

@@lynettehopkins4097 not thick at all. Go to my channel page (click Liz Chaderton just under the film or www.KZbin.com/c/lizchadertonart) This is my channel page. You should see Home, Videos, Playlists and Community etc across the top (it might vary if you are on a phone or desktop). Click on Community and scroll down to the portrait reference. Hope you feel better soon.

[@fromcyn4472]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. If I was to paint a fair-skinned person using a lighter under painting, what colors should I use on top of that?

[@LizChadertonArt]

Depends. I’m just editing a Middle Eastern face and using the same colours. so will share that shortly and then hopefully a norther European face.

[@bonniegarson80]

Terrific! Why did you not use cold pressed paper?

[@LizChadertonArt]

I did. in the UK we called cold pressed paper NOT.

[@deborahtaylor7902]

this was so so helpful LIZ!! im excited to start on portraits now...thanks so much..ps..can u add a link to your Lightbox and what size it is? I have a small one but need larger

[@LizChadertonArt]

Yes of course! This is it and a full review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHqrY52MmdqGsM0 It’s A3 and rechargeable. I’m only working A4 here though….

[@gloriagene0]

How do I buy your books

[@LizChadertonArt]

which one are you looking for and which country are you in? All should be available to order through a local bookshop or via the online bookshops, except for the most recent which hasn’t been published in America yet. Abe Books is good for USA.

[@janeekitchen7727]

Really inspiring....Thank you

[@LizChadertonArt]

You are so welcome!