
Explore painting a realistic watercolor portrait in Procreate by mastering reference selection, lighting, contrast, the Loomis method, value studies, and digital watercolor techniques for skin, eyes, and hair.
Learn to choose a well-lit, high-contrast reference image for realistic watercolor portraits in procreate, and import it via insert a photo or reference while using private layers for notes.
Apply the Loomis method to sketch a head from any angle, starting with a circle and an oval, then switch to a polished pencil drawing on a new layer.
Learn to create a value study by analyzing color properties and lightness in Procreate, using blend modes and layers to identify light and dark areas for realistic shading.
Learn to build a color palette in Procreate for a realistic watercolor portrait, manually from a reference image with Color Picker and automatically from an iPad file.
Master digital masking in Procreate using layer masks, masking fluid, and blend modes to preserve white areas and create smooth washes.
Glazing in Procreate teaches layering multiple watercolor washes from light to dark, using layers to blend, build depth, and simulate paper texture for a realistic portrait.
Apply a second wash using layers and masks in Procreate, sculpting aged skin with wrinkles, pores, and subtle shading, using bananas as a shaping metaphor to guide realism.
Layer colors in Procreate to paint a realistic watercolor portrait, using pink washes and ochre, with linear burn and light pressure for a three-dimensional skin tone.
Apply blue shadows in a Procreate watercolor portrait, layering light to dark washes, painting the iris accurately, and building hat texture with varied brush strokes.
Explore painting fabric and folds in watercolor, using highlights, shadows, and form shadows; build texture with layers and determine level of detail from subtle to multiple lines.
Learn to paint hair in a realistic watercolor portrait, focusing on stroke direction and color variation for beards and eyebrows, then use Procreate layers and the fine hair brush.
Apply finishing touches to the watercolor portrait in Procreate by painting subtle eyelashes with the hemp brush, then use the smudge tool and eraser to blend highlights and deepen shadows.
Painting a realistic portrait is much more than creating a well proportioned sketch and using a beautiful color palette. Our goal is to capture the likeness and character of a subject.
My name is Lettie, I studied Architecture and I’ve been an illustrator since 2012.
I’ve worked on a wide range of projects from architectural designs to video games, to children’s books, websites, I sell my illustrations on print-on-demand sites and, currently, I am combining my illustrator work with teaching digital art... I think it's worth the effort to take on new challenges and keep evolving. And today, is a good day for a new challenge! Yes, today we are going to paint a realistic watercolor portrait in Procreate. I know it can be intimidating, but I will walk you through all my process.
In this step-by-step course, we will start learning how to choose a good reference image. We’ll talk about the importance of lighting and contrast.
Afterwards, we will use the Loomis method to simplify the head into basic forms. We will learn how to make a value study in a traditional and in a digital way, understand the properties of color and several methods to create the perfect color palette.
Next, we will talk about digital watercolors. Since the techniques and process will be the same than with real watercolors, you will be able to do this digitally or traditionally. The choice is yours!
Finally, we will start painting our portrait. I’ll share with you tips on how to paint skin, eyes, hair, fabric folds, texture, and much more.
The reference image, custom brushes, color palettes, procreate file… everything you need to start painting your portrait with me is included in this course.
Basic knowledge of Procreate is recommended but not required to take this class. Having said that, let’s get started!