Those who know our family will recognize (I hope!), my mother in law in this portrait.
The challenge in this portrait was the picture I was working from, I liked very much the picture but it had a very bad resolution. I tried to use this drawback as an opportunity to loosen up my style a little bit. I had no real definition of the eyes for example, so they are more a suggestion than a really define area, which is nice .
Watercolor and gouache step by step Portrait Tutorial: Helene
Here are a few pictures of the painting in progress with my usual layering technique. I used some gouache mixed with Prussian blue watercolor in the background.
I am starting with a layer of yellow Ocher. Yellow is usually the less transparent color in your palette so it makes sense to have it as the first layer.
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Da Vinci paints are exciting, intense, and rated among the best in the world for quality. The paints are permanent, with the highest tinting strength and pigment concentration available, and a creamy consistency for smooth, easy dispersion with water.
The I start applying a layer of red, using a very light hand.
This is my painting after I finished painting the red layer.
Here I am applying the first yellow layer on the background.
Then a layer of red on the background.
Next I am applying a layer of blue on the figure, with a very light hand as blue is an intense color and could very easily over power the other colors.
I am a Blick Art Materials affiliate and I receive a small compensation for sales. That does not effect in any way the cost of the purchaser’s order but it helps me keeping the content of this blog free.
Acryla Designer Gouache is a fast-drying, opaque acrylic based watercolor paint. It’s water soluble while wet, and water-resistant, matte and opaque, even over dark surfaces. Great for grounds and layering.
Next, I am working on the background with a mix of watercolor and gouache. I am also adjusting the colors until I am satisfied with the result.
Originally from France, I have been living in North Vancouver, Canada for the past 20 years.
My work has been collected and exhibited extensively in Canada and internationally. I am also part of the Art Rentals and sales program of the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Many of my paintings have been published in Art books and magazines (Artist Magazine, Watercolor Artist Magazine, Acrylic Magazine, International Artist Magazine). I wrote 2 art instruction books with North Light/F+W Books.
I have been writing for the last 5 years for my blog: paintingdemos.com, that has a mailing list of about 10 000 subscribers and about 20 000 visitors per month.
I am an active member in the community, as a co-founder of the North Shore Art crawl, a co-founder of a weekly life drawing group, a board member of the North Vancouver Arts Council, and have been invited as a juror for public art, art grants and juried exhibitions. You can read more about my collaborations here.
I like the softness you achieved in this Sandrine. A Lot! The light over the right shoulder is wonderful. Your Mother-in-law must be pleased with this. Just lovely. Thank-you for showing your layers of work.
Thanks Leslie !
Yes she liked it. I am always a little bit nervous to show the model of the portrait the painting because I guess we look at different things, but she was very positive 🙂
Comments (10)
David Aguayo Sr
Hi Sandrine, Love your work. What paper did you use on this one of your Mother in Law? I like your layering effects very much.
Sandrine Pelissier
Thanks David !
For this watercolor and most of my recent works I am using Arches Hot press 140 lb I wet and stretch it before painting.
Sigrid Saradunn
Thank you for sharing the process of the painting of your mother in law. It is interesting to see how you layer the colors and with great effect.
sandrinepelissier
Thanks Sigrid 🙂
lesliepaints
I like the softness you achieved in this Sandrine. A Lot! The light over the right shoulder is wonderful. Your Mother-in-law must be pleased with this. Just lovely. Thank-you for showing your layers of work.
sandrinepelissier
Thanks Leslie !
Yes she liked it. I am always a little bit nervous to show the model of the portrait the painting because I guess we look at different things, but she was very positive 🙂
lindahalcombfineart
Your figure seems to glow. Thank you for the information. Sharing this is very valuable to everyone who reads it.
sandrinepelissier
Thanks Linda :-), I guess it’s the layering that is making the colors more intense.
Yevgenia Watts
Lovely!
sandrinepelissier
Thanks Yevgenia!