244-Watercolor Portraits

Learn how to paint people and animals using the luminosity and transparency that only watercolors can offer. This class will teach you how to develop proportion and create structure with the under-drawing, as well as how to approach watercolor with greater control using beaded washes and varying brushstrokes. To better understand color theory, students will learn how to find the right color through layering paint rather than mixing. This class will use photographs as reference.

Special Notes

All students must comply with the Policies and Procedures found on The Center's website. There will be no refunds for students removed from class for failure to observe The Center’s Policies and Procedures.

Materials

Watercolor Supplies
Reference photo(s)
Drawing Board
HB or No.2 pencil
Kneaded eraser
pH neutral or acid free Masking Tape (not “Artist’s Tape”)
Paper Towels
Eyedropper or Jacquard Syringe
Palette (with deep wells)
Arches cold-pressed Watercolor paper (140lb. or 300lb.)
A pad of practice watercolor paper 140lb. cold-pressed (Canson XL or Strathmore 300 Series)

Brushes:
3 Round Brushes of different sizes (example: size 16, size 6 or 8, size 0 or 2), Sable or Squirrel (or Squirrel Synthetic) 1 Stiff Synthetic Brush for erasing/scrubbing, Bright Size 4 or 6

Paint: (Instructor recommends Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolor Tubes (not “Cotman”) Aureolin Rose Madder Genuine Cobalt Blue French Ultramarine Burnt Sienna Quinacridone Red

Optional:
Colorless Masking Fluid
Rubber Cement Pickup (to remove the Masking Fluid)

About the Instructor

Lena Shiffman

A well published children's book illustrator; attended Spectrum Institute of Commercial Art in NJ; studied at The Parsons School of Design and the Art Students League NYC; member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and of the Rutgers University Children's Book Council.

REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS

Class Details

April 26 - April 26, 09:30 am - 01:30 pm

Days: Saturday

Tuition: $112

Member Tuition: $87

Location: The Center for Contemporary Art

Semester: Spring 2025

Level: Adult

Instructor: Lena Shiffman