PORTRAIT WATERCOLOR SERIES
From Sketch to Lifelike Expression
The first of four sessions will be on "how to sketch" a portrait. Sessions 2, 3, & 4 will be on "how to paint a portrait in watercolors.
Tuesdays, 1:00 – 3:00PM
April 7 – April 28, 2026
Ridge Art Association Classroom
PORTRAIT WATERCOLOR SERIES
From Sketch to Lifelike Expression
Join us for a four-class journey into the art of watercolor portraiture. Perfect for beginners and those looking to strengthen their skills, this series will guide you step-by-step from drawing fundamentals to a finished painted portrait.
Class 1: Foundations of Portrait Sketching
Learn to construct a portrait with correct proportions, feature placement, and strong observation skills. Begin with a solid pencil sketch that will serve as the foundation for your painting.
Class 2: Understanding Values & Underpainting
Explore light and shadow through monochromatic watercolor washes. Build depth and form while preserving highlights.
Class 3: Color Mixing & Skin Tones
Discover how to mix natural, luminous skin tones and apply transparent glazes. Learn warm and cool color relationships to bring your portrait to life.
Class 4: Details, Expression & Finishing Touches
Refine features, enhance expression, and complete your portrait with confidence. Focus on edges, contrast, and capturing likeness.
Who Should Attend:
Beginners to intermediate artists interested in portrait drawing and watercolor painting.
What to Bring:
Basic drawing supplies and watercolor materials (supply list available upon registration).
Create. Learn. Transform your portraits.
Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
Ron Malone Watercolor Classes Supply List
Use good quality supplies
Learning with student grade will not produce
acceptable results. You will get discouraged.
Paint
•Paint in tubes, not in pans
•Be sure it is transparent, not gouache
•Sources: Amazon, Blick, Hobby Lobby, Sam Flax
•(Orlando), Michaels
•Excellent paint (can be pricey): Winsor & Newton,
•Daniel Smith, Holbein, QoR, Michael Harding, PWC,
•and Sennelier
•Hobby Lobby (online – may be available in stores)
•Winsor & Newton, Cotman Pocket Box of 14
•Master Touch, premium is acceptable, not ideal
•Do not purchase “Fine Touch”, prang, or Pearlescent
•Michaels, often has a good selection of watercolor
•supplies.
•Masking fluid, Pebeo
Supplies, miscellaneous:
•Apron or smock, paper towels, water container
Brushes
•Use synthetic, round, mop wash, and flat
•Round use #3, #5, #8, #12
•Mop, use #20
•Flat, use #2, #4, #8
•Best brands
•Silver Brush Limited, Winsor Newton, Raphael, Paul Rubens
•Good brands
•Fuumuui, Princeton, King Art, Da Vinci
Paper
•I provide paper for class projects with reference
•sketch added.
•For class, use Cold Press paper, not Hot Press
•My preference:
•Arches, Cold or Hot Press, 140#
•Other great choices:
•Fabriano, Senneier
•Good reference: Link to Jenna Rainey’s
•The Ultimate Guide to the Best Watercolor Paper
