Drawing course : Watercolor Portrait
Learn to make portraits in watercolor and how to capture all the details, and the very soul, of a face. From complexion to shadows, discover how to create portraits that are bright, sensitive, and full-of-character, while having fun.
YOUR TEACHER: LANG CLARA
Discover the delicate world of Clara Lang, an independent illustrator from the French Basque Country. She gained recognition with the webtoon “L’amour en équation” (Dupuis, 2020) and the children’s book “Le droit expliqué aux enfants” (2022). Inspired by nature and passionate about watercolor, she now shares her expertise on Dessindigo through a range of accessible, inspiring watercolor courses, from beginner essentials to portraits, botanical painting, birds, and landscapes.
How it works
Watch
Follow the videos at your own pace, wherever and whenever you like.
Practice
Do the exercises at your own pace, with your own materials.
Post optional
Want feedback? Share your work on the forum whenever you like.
Progress
A teacher from the team can help you improve, if that is what you are looking for. Otherwise, simply draw for fun.
The complete program
+4.3 h of lessons across 5 chapters, 13 videos and exercises.
1
Introduction to Watercolor Portraits
26 minThis first module introduces you to the training, its objectives, and its progression. You will discover the specifics of watercolor portraiture, classic mistakes to avoid, and the right attitudes for making progress with enjoyment.
2
Understanding and Painting Skin
1h02Explore the essentials of painting different skin tones with watercolor. You will learn how to create suitable mixes, observe variations in complexion, identify areas of redness, shadows, or light, and apply colors accurately.
3
Shadows, Light, and Volume
49 minWatercolors allow for the subtle suggestion of light. In this module, you will learn how to apply soft and sharp shadows to structure a face, create volume, and highlight bright areas.
4
Facial Details
1h30Eyes, lips, wrinkles, hair… This module guides you on how to paint the essential elements of a portrait while respecting their shapes, textures, and shades. You will learn how to add intensity without falling into excessive detail.
5
Final Portrait: Putting Everything into Practice
32 minImplement all the concepts previously seen in a complete portrait, from sketch to finishing touches. This module guides you in a final guided execution to complete a full illustration.
What you will learn in this course
Learn to paint expressive watercolor portraits: from facial proportions to the delicate nuances of skin.
Discover how to place values, work with light, and structure a face using simple gestures.
Explore essential techniques for painting eyes, lips, hair, and the details that bring a portrait to life without unnecessary complexity.
Reviewed by your teacher
If you wish, a teacher looks at your drawings and answers your questions on the forum.
Who is this course for?
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Questions before you start
Yes. The course starts from scratch and guides you step by step.
No: the materials are presented at the start of the course, and you can begin with what you already have.
Yes, if you wish: post your exercises on the forum and a teacher from the team will send you personalized feedback.
It is included in the Dessindigo subscription, which gives access to all 447 courses on the site.
Yes, with no commitment: you cancel by following the procedure shown in your account.
You are refunded if you are not satisfied within 14 days of signing up: simply write to us at support@dessindigo.com.
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