Exploring Portraiture: A 6-Week Watercolor Workshop
Exploring Portraiture: A Six-Week Watercolor Workshop w/ Linda Neal Wednesdays, June 4 – July 9, 2025 10am-12pm
Intimidated by the idea of painting a portrait? Don’t be! If you’ve ever painted a flower, you already have the skills you need—because portraiture is all about shape and value. In this guided watercolor workshop, you’ll learn techniques to paint expressive, lifelike faces with confidence.
We’ll begin by transferring a reference photo to watercolor paper using graphite paper, then work step-by-step through mixing flesh tones, painting facial features, and learning how to identify and correct common mistakes. Whether you’re new to portrait painting or looking to deepen your skills, this six-week course offers the perfect balance of instruction, practice, and encouragement.
A sample photo will be provided, or you may bring your own clear, color candid headshot sized to 8.5” x 11” and printed on bond paper. All painting will be done on 300# cold press watercolor paper.
Instructor Bio
Linda Neal is a seasoned watercolor artist with more than two decades of experience teaching in Brevard County. Before falling in love with watercolor, Linda worked in portraiture using charcoals, oils, and pastels. Her initial frustration with the fluidity of watercolor soon turned into passion, leading her to master its layers, luminosity, and unpredictability. Known for her encouraging teaching style, Linda delights in helping students unlock their creativity and gain confidence through technique and practice. Her classes are equal parts learning, laughter, and inspiration.
Recommended Supplies:
Watercolor Paints (Professional Grade – no student grade)
Linda recommends transparent watercolors in the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and a dark tone (such as Indigo). Preferred brands include Daniel Smith (DS), Winsor & Newton, and Holbein.
Suggested Colors:
DS Burnt Sienna
DS Burnt Umber
DS Quinacridone Gold*
DS Cobalt Blue
DS Ultramarine Blue
Holbein Peacock Blue
Holbein Shadow Green
DS Indigo
Winsor & Newton Scarlet Lake and New Gamboge (needed for skin tones)
*Colors marked with an asterisk are particularly important for mixing natural skin tones.
Brushes:
Good quality watercolor brushes in sizes #8, #10, and #12 round (with sharp points)
A small detail brush (#2 or smaller)
A fritch or scrub brush for blending and correcting
Recommended brands: Escoda, Princeton, KingArt
Other Supplies:
Viva paper towels
Water container
#2 pencil
Eraser (Linda prefers Black Pearl)
Graphite transfer paper
Masking fluid and rubber mask remover
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Scotch or packing tape
300# Arches Cold Press watercolor paper
Register now – space is limited to just 6 participants!
Exploring Portraiture: A Six-Week Watercolor Workshop w/ Linda Neal Wednesdays, June 4 – July 9, 2025 10am-12pm
Intimidated by the idea of painting a portrait? Don’t be! If you’ve ever painted a flower, you already have the skills you need—because portraiture is all about shape and value. In this guided watercolor workshop, you’ll learn techniques to paint expressive, lifelike faces with confidence.
We’ll begin by transferring a reference photo to watercolor paper using graphite paper, then work step-by-step through mixing flesh tones, painting facial features, and learning how to identify and correct common mistakes. Whether you’re new to portrait painting or looking to deepen your skills, this six-week course offers the perfect balance of instruction, practice, and encouragement.
A sample photo will be provided, or you may bring your own clear, color candid headshot sized to 8.5” x 11” and printed on bond paper. All painting will be done on 300# cold press watercolor paper.
Instructor Bio
Linda Neal is a seasoned watercolor artist with more than two decades of experience teaching in Brevard County. Before falling in love with watercolor, Linda worked in portraiture using charcoals, oils, and pastels. Her initial frustration with the fluidity of watercolor soon turned into passion, leading her to master its layers, luminosity, and unpredictability. Known for her encouraging teaching style, Linda delights in helping students unlock their creativity and gain confidence through technique and practice. Her classes are equal parts learning, laughter, and inspiration.
Recommended Supplies:
Watercolor Paints (Professional Grade – no student grade)
Linda recommends transparent watercolors in the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) and a dark tone (such as Indigo). Preferred brands include Daniel Smith (DS), Winsor & Newton, and Holbein.
Suggested Colors:
DS Burnt Sienna
DS Burnt Umber
DS Quinacridone Gold*
DS Cobalt Blue
DS Ultramarine Blue
Holbein Peacock Blue
Holbein Shadow Green
DS Indigo
Winsor & Newton Scarlet Lake and New Gamboge (needed for skin tones)
*Colors marked with an asterisk are particularly important for mixing natural skin tones.
Brushes:
Good quality watercolor brushes in sizes #8, #10, and #12 round (with sharp points)
A small detail brush (#2 or smaller)
A fritch or scrub brush for blending and correcting
Recommended brands: Escoda, Princeton, KingArt
Other Supplies:
Viva paper towels
Water container
#2 pencil
Eraser (Linda prefers Black Pearl)
Graphite transfer paper
Masking fluid and rubber mask remover
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Scotch or packing tape
300# Arches Cold Press watercolor paper
Register now – space is limited to just 6 participants!