Stylized Portraits in Watercolor
A course by Caroline PassosVisual Artist
A course by Caroline Passos, Visual Artist
Learn how to turn a photograph into a stylized and simplified portrait using watercolor
If you've always wanted to learn how to create stylized portraits, whether a drawing or a painting, visual artist Carol Passos will guide you along this creative journey. She is cofounder of the company Pestilento Colors for Artists and her work seeks to depict the female form with real characteristics using real bodies from reference photos.
In this course, learn to paint a stylized portrait from a photograph. With Carol as your guide, discover how to apply basic painting concepts to your watercolors and drawings.
What will you learn in this online course?
17 lessons & 28 downloads
Materials
11 minutes, 59 seconds
Introduction to facial anatomy
19 minutes, 40 seconds
Structuring a human figure from geometric shapes
5 minutes, 6 seconds
Light and shadow
6 minutes, 42 seconds
Chromatic circle
15 minutes, 28 seconds
Introduction to watercolor painting
15 minutes, 44 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know your teacher, Carol Passos. She talks about her career so far, her main influences, and how she makes the paint they sell at Pestilento Colors for Artists.
Next, take a look at the materials you need for the course and learn to break down the anatomy of the face to make it more manageable, as well as how to create depth using light and shadow. Then get straight down to the first exercises mixing colors to create different skin tones.
Once you've settled on a photograph to inspire your stylized portrait, Carol teaches you to simplify the lines in the image to create an original piece while retaining the essence of your subject. Then, use colored pencils to add the finishing touches to your portrait.
Carol offers some final tips on conserving your work and sharing it on social media. Now you have the techniques and tools to paint unique watercolor portraits, what are you waiting for? Dive right in!
What is this course's project?
Create a stylized portrait using watercolors and colored pencils with simplified versions of traditional techniques.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Artists, illustrators, and anyone wanting to learn more about manual drawing and painting techniques with watercolor.
Requirements and materials
No prior knowledge is necessary for this course.
In terms of materials, you need watercolors, round-tip paintbrushes, watercolor paper, colored pencils, a work table (or hardback notebook that you can lean on), some pencils, an eraser, felt-tips, sheets of paper, a glass, a palette, and a rag for cleaning your brushes.
Reviews
- 3 months ago
excelente el curso , retratos estilizados en acuarela de la Maestra Caroline Passo.
- 1 year ago
Una maravilla de curso. Todas las unidades son interesantes, y la profesora explica genial los temas de anatomía facial, luces y sombras, teoría del color para retrato con acuarela… A parte de ser una persona muy generosa con respecto a su proceso de creación y con los recursos adicionales que nos deja a los alumnos. Muy contenta con este curso y con la profesora. No me importaría hacer otro curso con ella.
- 1 year ago
Muy didactico bien explicado ..me encanta el material de apoyo ....justo lo que buscaba
- 1 year ago
Does a great job explaining color theory, blending and texture.
- 1 year ago
Excelente curso 👍
She is a painting teacher, freelance artist and one of the founders of Pestilento Colors for Artists, the first company to make watercolor paints in a traditional way in Brazil. Collaborated with companies such as Canson Paper and UOL.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Presentation
- Influences
- U2
First steps
- Materials
- Introduction to facial anatomy
- Structuring a human figure from geometric shapes
- Light and shadow
- Chromatic circle
- Introduction to watercolor painting
- Types of stain
- U3
Progress of the project
- Analyzing the reference and sketching the final project
- Outline
- In progress...
- Last steps 1
- Last steps 2
- Finishing
- U4
Final step
- Art Conservation Tips and Selling
- Use your social networks
- FP
Final project
- Stylized Portraits in Watercolor
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
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FAQs
The course is intermediate level, ideal for those with basic drawing and painting skills, especially in watercolor. You don’t need to be advanced, but some prior knowledge will help you keep up with the techniques taught.
You’ll need watercolor paints, synthetic brushes, watercolor paper, colored pencils, masking fluid, and watercolor pencils. Optional materials include gold leaf, markers, and photo references.
You’ll learn to create stylized watercolor portraits by blending skin tones, simplifying lines, adding colored pencil finishes, structuring faces with geometric shapes, and applying techniques for preserving and showcasing your art.
The course covers creating varied skin tones by mixing primary colors, using the color wheel, and adjusting pigment temperature and opacity to achieve natural, expressive results.
You’ll learn to observe references carefully, identify key features, and simplify lines to capture the essence of the subject while highlighting watercolor’s unique washes and transparencies.
While professional-quality paints are recommended for the best results and durability, you can follow the lessons using student-grade materials by adapting techniques to what you have.
Yes, the course includes tips on conservation, choosing the right paper, storage methods, damage prevention, and advice for photographing your artwork for social media.