Watercolour | Portrait Painting Made Easy | Susie Murphie

A class for watercolour painters who would love to learn how to paint portraits from photographs. Learn how to make dozens of colours from a limited palette to get the subtle effects required for portrait painting.

In Susie's classes, you will learn how to keep watercolours transparent and beautiful. This method will give you the essential techniques to tackle all sorts of subjects with confidence. You will come away with a feeling of wonder and addiction to this extraordinary watery paint and be confident that you can tackle anything. Students will work from reference photos. Please bring along your favourite photos for reference or use Susie's reference material.

Is this course right for me?

While all levels of artist are welcome, some prior experience with watercolours is recommended to get the most out of this class. Students should have at least attended a beginner watercolour workshop with Jane or Susie.

This is one of a series watercolour workshops by Susie Murphie in 2024 — click below to explore them all. You can sign up for all workshops, or pick and choose particular workshops that match your interest.

1. January - Watercolours for Beginners and Beyond
2. January - Travel Sketching
3. February - Dogs, Cats and Other Pets
4. March - Translucent and Shiny Objects
5. April - Classic Still Life for Kitchens
6. May - Watercolours for Beginners and Beyond
7. June - Flowers, Loose and Vibrant
8. July - Subtle Colour Mixing
9. August -  Watercolours for Beginners and Beyond
10. October - Flowers, Loose and Vibrant
11. November - Blues and Whites

Please bring the following materials with you to class:

• Winsor and Newton watercolour paints NB: your tutor has specified this brand, which is affordable and excellent quality, to ensure you get optimum results. Small tubes are absolutely fine and will last for months, if not years. The Winsor and Newton colours you will need are:
  • French Ultramarine Blue
  • Quinacridone Magenta
  • Quinacridone Gold
  • Burnt Sienna
  • Raw Sienna
  • Cerulean Blue
• Watercolour paper cold pressed – pad of A3 or A4
• Large watercolour palette – if unsure, just bring a large white china or melamine plate (not plastic) and Susie can show you which type of palette is best.
• Watercolour Brushes - a selection between size 12 and 18, Synthetic round pointed brushes are available at Bunnings craft section for under $5 each and are excellent. You will not need small brushes.
• Pencil 2B
• Old tea towel or soft rags
• Roll of paper towels
• Masking tape or clips

Pay an extra $30 and we will provide your paints, brushes and paper to use in class. so you just have to turn up and enjoy yourself! Scroll down to 'Related Products', select Watercolour Material Fee and add it to your cart.

Tea and coffee is provided, please bring some lunch.

About studio classes

Our class sizes are small, ensuring you receive the individual tuition you need. We have a maximum of 12 students per class.

Unless otherwise noted, prices *exclude* art materials. Click here to see a list of local art supply retailers.

To learn about our studios, amenites and how to get there, click here.

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