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INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLOUR –
Charles Williams
Reference Image
Materials
Watercolour paper
Watercolour paints
Mixing wells
Tape
Board
Loo paper
Watercolour brushes
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Preparing the Drawing
Start with a prepared drawing, ideally a tonal sketch that maps out light and shadow. If a live model is unavailable, a grayscale photograph can be used instead. To transfer the drawing onto watercolour paper, use tracing techniques outlining the important elements using a soft pencil—turn the tracing over so the graphite is facing the paper, then go over the lines to transfer them. This creates a strong foundation for the painting.
Top Tip: Throughout the whole process make sure to tape down your paper so that nothing slips around
Choosing the Right Paper and Tools
Watercolour paper is essential, as it is specifically designed to handle water without warping. A heavy-weight paper will prevent issues such as buckling.
When selecting a brush, opt for one designed for watercolour application. The brush stores water at the base and releases it gradually, allowing for controlled washes.
Top Tip: Work on a mostly flat surface to maintain control. You could create a slight slant to help the watercolour pigment work its way down the paper slowly.
Applying the First Wash
Begin with a very light wash using neutral tones. Mix enough paint before starting, as it is difficult to replicate the exact colour once mixed. Apply the first wash to everywhere, except the lightest bits of the painting, using broad strokes, working quickly to prevent uneven drying. Watercolour is a transparent medium, meaning painting must start with the lightest areas and gradually build darker tones.
Top Tip: Layering is key and allowing each layer to dry before applying the next creates depth and contrast.
Working over the original drawing
To distract yourself whilst the first layer of paint dries, practice applying some classic washes to your original drawing. For a classic watercolour wash, start with a single colour, keeping the brush fully loaded with water, again leaving out the lightest areas.
Move the paint gradually across the paper, allowing the colour to flow naturally. Excess blobs of paint can be absorbed by going over with a dried brush. The brush will suck the paint up.
Top Tip: After dipping the brush into your paint do not be tempted to wipe off excess paint before applying your brush to the paper
Pushing your figure forward on original painting
Once dry, it’s time to apply another wash to your original piece. If you started with a warm colour, try applying a cooler pigment on top. Start at the top again and work your down the background. The figure will start to come forward. Applying this wash will also cover up any previous areas that you’re not happy with. You can also apply this darker wash to some of the darker areas in the face.
Top Tip: Trust the process. The face will appear slowly, layer by layer. Don’t be tempted to start piling on paint.
Continue to build up layers
Alternating between both paintings, continue to add one layer at a time each time making the darker areas darker and leaving the lighter areas behind. Use a bright colour on the background if you’d like the figure to bounce off the page.
Top Tip: Working between the two paintings gives you fresh eyes, as well as allowing each time to dry.
Refining Facial Features
When working on facial features, layering is key. Apply subtle earth tones for shadows around the nose, jawline, and cheekbones, gradually refining the details. Hair should be built up slowly, using dark layers sparingly to create contrast without overwhelming the portrait.
Top Tip: Where you want a highlight to really pop on the face, layer up around it as it’s the contrast that will push the highlight forward rather than adding any paint to that area.
Unifying the Painting
To unify the painting, a final wash can be applied over the entire background and hair, leaving the face as the focal point. This step enhances contrast and draws attention to the lightest areas. You may want to add one more layer to the hair to make that really stand out. Final details, such as the eyes, should be added only once the structure of the face is well-defined.
Final Thoughts
Watercolour painting is a process of patience and layering. By applying these principles, a portrait can develop naturally, allowing the unique qualities of the medium to shine. With practice, watercolour becomes a flexible and rewarding technique for portraiture.