Mixing watercolor and ink in a mixed media portrait can yield to interesting results. Here are the steps I took to paint this portrait of my daughter.

Portrait painting techniques : India ink, watercolor and watercolor pencils

This time I used Canson cold press as my paper (140 lb), I stretched it before starting to draw.

I did draw a rough outlines of the face.

Here I start painting with India ink, going from light to dark.

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Speedball Super Black Waterproof India Ink “Super black” means its blackness will be very permanent and fadeless. Contains 100% carbon black pigment. Also free-flowing, non-clogging, and waterproof.

I did reserve a bit of the white with masking liquid in the iris highlight and corner of the eyes.

I start working in watercolor with a mix of 3 reds : scarlet, carmine and madder lake red, with a bit of emerald green for the darker reds.

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

I paint a loose background.

When I am happy with the painting, I go to the scary drip and messing up stage.

I let it dry, then will remove unwanted stains and add definition to the flower. I am then drawing patterns on the background with a watercolor pencil.

Some Flowers bloom in Winter, India ink, watercolor and watercolor crayons on paper