Monochromatic Watercolor Portrait Tutorial: Mastering Expression with a Single Color
Welcome to my latest blog post! Today, I’m excited to dive into a unique watercolor project that focuses on painting expressive faces with a single color. In this video, I explore how to use Winsor & Newton Perylene Violet for a half-portrait that captures intensity and intrigue. This post will guide you through my process, techniques for building values, and tips for painting on hot press paper. So, if you’re looking to expand your watercolor skills with monochromatic art, this is for you!
Choosing the Color: Winsor & Newton Perylene Violet
For this painting, I used Winsor & Newton Perylene Violet, a beautifully transparent, staining color. Perylene Violet is ideal for layering and creating deep, dramatic tones, making it perfect for an expressive, monochromatic piece. This color was chosen for its ability to add intensity to the painting’s focal points—specifically, the eyes—while keeping the rest of the composition subtle yet impactful.
Inspiration: The “Staring Daggers” Theme
This piece was inspired by the Inktober 2023 prompt, “dagger” (or “daggers”). I wanted to capture the concept of "staring daggers," conveying a powerful gaze and intense emotion. I decided to paint only the top half of a face—focusing on the eyes, brow, and forehead—to create a sense of mystery and focus on expression.
Process: Building Values in Monochrome
Working with a single color allows me to concentrate on values—the lights, darks, and mid-tones that shape an image. I love to paint loosely, without a preliminary sketch, so I went directly onto the hot press paper, which allows for smooth, flowing lines and edges. I started with a light wash, then gradually added layers to deepen the shadows and bring out the contours of the face. Each layer adds dimension, and because Perylene Violet layers so well, it’s easy to build depth and make the piece more dynamic.
Using Hot Press Paper for a Smooth Finish
Hot press paper is my go-to for pieces where I want soft edges and smooth blending. Its non-textured surface allows the paint to flow beautifully, making it easier to control the intensity of each layer. For this project, the hot press paper helped create an almost surreal, dreamy feel, which is enhanced by the transparency of Perylene Violet.
Detailing the Eyes: Techniques for Adding Realism
While I’m not aiming for realism, I do like my work to be "convincing." I added small details like highlights in the eyes to bring them to life. One way to achieve this is by using a damp brush to gently lift some paint, creating areas of shine. This small detail enhances the eyes’ lifelike quality without detracting from the loose, expressionist style of the painting.
Incorporating Vertical Drips for Added Interest
As a finishing touch, I added a few vertical drips to break up the horizontal composition. These drips add a sense of movement and contrast to the controlled values in the face. They also give the piece an edgy, slightly abstract quality, which adds to the "staring daggers" effect.
Unexpected Inspirations: Zuko and Phantom of the Opera
One interesting effect of using Perilene Violet is how it dries, creating natural watermarks and textures. When I looked at the finished piece, it reminded me of Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender, with one side of the face resembling his burn scar. This was a happy accident that added even more personality to the painting. Alternatively, it could even resemble a fleshy masquerade mask—almost like something from Phantom of the Opera.
Final Thoughts
If you’re interested in expanding your watercolor techniques, especially with monochromatic portraits or single-color studies, I hope you found this tutorial helpful! Painting with only one color is a fantastic exercise in understanding values and shapes, and using hot press paper can help you achieve a smoother, more refined look.
Thank you for reading! If you’d like to see more watercolor tutorials and tips, be sure to check out my YouTube channel and subscribe for weekly videos.