The Portrait in Watercolor with Ruth Andrews-Vreeland (Tuesdays)

This class is designed for anyone who wants to learn how to paint portraits in watercolor using multiple transparent layers for ultimate depth in their work, with the goal of painting more realistically. Students will learn the basics of handling watercolor paints and brushes, and explore a variety of techniques: glazing, layering, methods for saving the white of the paper, juxtaposing color, key techniques in creating the perfect neutral color, softening and/or losing a few edges, the importance of incorporating the background-color as foreground-shadows, and others. Our portraits will be painted from carefully selected photos, instructor’s choice first, then photos provided by students, learning the importance of working from great, vs. bad photo references. We will also touch on the basic fundamentals of composition, contrast of values, the essentials of a good initial drawing, and how to achieve perfect chiaroscuro. Several technical demonstrations will complement your studio work. The goal of this class is to give students the basic tools necessary to begin their own realistic portrait work. This 8-week class will meet in the Art League studio where we will be observing very strict cleaning and social distancing practices to insure everyone’s safety.  

Please sigh up early; class size is limited.

Materials List