Wickham Park Community Center
2815 Leisure Way, Melbourne FL 32935
Instructor – Linda Neal
Whether a new or accomplished watercolor artist, you should try your hand at a portrait. Don’t be intimidated! Linda Neal asks, “Which is more difficult, a cloud or a portrait? For me, the answer is simple – a cloud.”
Come join Linda and give it a try or pick up a tip or technique to add to your current skill level.
You will not need to draw. You will trace your portrait onto the watercolor paper. Linda will be demonstrating how to paint the facial features during the times that we must let our portrait dry.
Supplies:
- Arches 300Lb.Cold Press 100% cotton watercolor paper (10” x 13” allowing for outside margin) and additional paper used for examples of facial features**
- King Art #10 & #12 brushes**
- Fine detail brush**
- Winsor Newton New Gamboge & Scarlet Lake (for flesh tones)**
- Standard colors by Daniel Smith**
- A good candid headshot of your subject sized to fit on 8 ½” x 11” bond paper
- Other typical supplies: Tape, paper towels, water reservoirs, transfer paper, #2 pencil.
**If you don’t have these specific supplies, bring professional quality paints, brushes and 100% cotton watercolor paper.
Notes:
- Your reference photo should be forward facing. Eyes do not need to be looking straight forward. Do not transfer your reference photo beforehand, as that will be part of the process Linda will take us through at the workshop.
- If you have a portrait in progress, one to start, finish or show, feel free to bring it.
- Linda will provide a head shot reference photo if you don’t have one to bring.
Linda Neal:
Before trying watercolors, I worked in other mediums as a portrait artist participating for 20 years in the juried art show circuit in Oklahoma, Texas, and Florida. I earned my share of awards and publicity but was ready for a new challenge when I moved to Florida. Trying my hand at watercolor for the first time, it seemed unmanageable compared to charcoals, oils, or pastels. My initial frustration soon turned into determination, then passion. The flow of water and brilliant colors paints itself into crystal, water, and the “dreaded” landscape! My passion for watercolor has turned into the joy of teaching it to others. I have taught in Brevard for 24 years wherever an interested group will gather.
I paint in layers on 300# Cold Press Arches, starting with a very loose, wet underpainting to give the final painting a glow that comes through the transparent colors. Each layer is allowed to dry and becomes more detailed as I work wet-into-wet, mixing colors as I go. I mask areas in different layers when necessary and change brushes and brush strokes as needed. With an eye for detail, I work intuitively as I think ahead, visualizing shapes and saving whites, allowing myself to be a spectator as my brush dances across the paper. I strive to capture, hold, and entertain myself and the viewer with the use of color, value, and emotional appeal. I paint for the bliss; it’s who and what I am.
Cost:
Members – FREE
Non-Members – $20
