Portraits have the power to capture a likeness that touches the soul. You can learn to paint realistic portraits with artistry following the guidance in this inspirational book. Nine complete step-by-step demonstrations show you how to use watercolors to build portraits that come to life with realism and personality. Each demonstration features a different person—so you can explore a range of ages, skin tones, facial features, hair tones and textures—mastering each detail at your own pace. Even if you are a beginner, success is within your reach as you learn how to: • Place an image properly • Capture a likeness and add character • Paint realistic skin tones • Fix mistakes without starting over • Edit visual information for greater impact • Capture the textures of clothing and accessories • Select and paint a background that supports the portrait With this guide on your side, you can achieve the portraits you've always dreamed of painting. Get started today. Great portraits await!

Using clear and concise language and in-depth, step-by-step demonstrations, author and renowned artist Mary Whyte guides beginning and intermediate watercolorists through the entire painting process, from selecting materials to fundamental techniques to working with models. Going beyond the practical application of techniques, Whyte helps new artists capture not just the model's physical likeness, but their unique personality and spirit. Richly illustrated, the book features Mary Whyte's vibrant empathetic watercolors and works by such masters of watercolor as Mary Cassatt, Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Georgia O'Keeffe.

Popular artist Al Stine shares his secrets and techniques for creating portraits alive with emotion, expression and color. In this book, Stine shows artists how to paint fresh and colorful watercolor portraits that are as unique and alive as the subjects themselves. 210 illustrations.

Here's detailed step-by-step instruction to painting accurate, lively and brilliantly colorful portraits.

Guides the reader through a complete, step-by-step tour of the watercolor materials and methods needed to create expressive, masterful portraits.

Paint Lively, Expressive Watercolor Portraits Ready to unlock the secrets of watercolor? With the masterful instruction of Carrie Stuart Parks and Rick Parks, success is within your reach. In this beginner-friendly guide, Carrie and Rick shares their 30-plus years of experience as artists and instructors to give you the tools and techniques for painting lively, realistic watercolor portraits you can be proud of. Detailed step-by-step demonstrations and lots of tips and sidebars help you avoid mistakes, stay loose and have fun. In addition to complete information on supplies and materials, each chapter focuses on a specific aspect of watercolor portrait painting, visually teaching you how to: Handle watercolors with confidence using washes, masking, underpainting and a "less-is-more" approach Map out great compositions by using grids, transferring the drawing, choosing colors and applying masking in the right places Convey light and dark values with precision and impact for striking, lifelike portraits Paint beautiful hair in all styles, colors and textures by building tones gradually Avoid common watercolor missteps (and learn to fix the ones you couldn't help) by following a whole chapter of advice just for those "oops" moments Gain the confidence to "step out of your comfort zone" and work to establish your own distinct and expressive painting style Leave your frustration and fear of watercolor in the past. With Carrie Stuart Parks and Rick Parks you have all the guidance you need to paint the faces you love with skill and style. Get started today! "I want you to have every secret, every tool, every technique, every shortcut, and every success in your painting. I want you to feel that you've found your true artistic style and expression with this medium." —bestselling author and artist, Carrie Stuart Parks

A fresh approach to portrait and figure painting in watercolor! In Painting People in Watercolor, Alex Powers provides a comprehensive guide on working with watercolor, mastering the principals of design, and understanding the fundamentals of portrait painting. Powers takes the inquiring artist beyond photorealistic painting and acquaints painters with the human form from a design perspective. Shifting the focus from subject matter to composition and aesthetics, Powers demonstrates how you can enjoy watercolor painting by expressively capturing character in faces and figures. An abundance of Powers's paintings illustrate the theories and techniques covered. The culmination of 23 years of Powers's painting experience, Painting People in Watercolor provides clarity and insight on successful watercolor painting techniques for novice to advanced students and doubles as a guide for teachers. 175 color plates; 100 black & white illustrations.