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How to paint a watercolor self portrait from a reference picture

Painting a watercolor portrait layer by layer by Sandrine Pelissier on ARTiful,painting demos
Painting technique

How to paint a watercolor self portrait from a reference picture

This is a watercolor on paper,I am looking to loosen up a little bit my style, using more wet on wet washes. Here are some pictures detailing the process:

Self Portrait at the Window : Watercolor portrait step by step painting tutorial

I taped my paper on board once I did my drawing. The paper is small so I didn’t need stretching.

I added some masking liquid

First wash with a few colors, I let it dry.

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.

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Daler-Rowney Masking Fluid

This fluid is used to create striking white highlights or to mask areas for overpainting at a later stage. It forms a fast-drying, water-resistant film on watercolor paper and board, and is easily removed when dry.

Second wash, with more local colors, I am holding the board vertically.

Adding more contrast.

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.

Yarka St. Petersburg Professional Watercolor Pans

Same palette of traditional colors the great masters used a century ago. Liquid-poured means semi-moist pans respond instantly to a wet brush. 24 pans in plastic case. Also individual pans. – Master Set

Defining the features.

Removing the masking fluid.

Self portrait at the window, watercolor on paper

Softening edges, correcting some colors (more yellow and orange on the skin)

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Comments (11)

  1. I benefit from perusing your web site. Thank you
    so much!

    1. Thanks Juanita 🙂

  2. […] Self portrait at the window, step by step painting tutorial […]

  3. Beautifully soft and elegant!

    1. Thanks Ryan 🙂

  4. BERENE Campbell

    I love this one! It’s so pensive and very much like you. Beautiful.

    1. Thanks berene!

  5. Slamdunk

    Amazing. Bloggin teaches me lots–thankd for sharing.

    1. Thanks Slamdunk 🙂

  6. Sandrine, I have a NEW favorite! This is, by far, the most beautiful with the most feeling of the group. I love it that you held the board vertically so the color ran downward. The eye! Talk about loose but real! I think composition, color and light could not have been better. Love it!

    1. Thanks Leslie, your words are music to my ears 🙂

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