​Portraits painting in watercolour in a small, relaxed studio setting. These workshops are all about slowing down and learning how to let watercolour reflect the story of the subject. We’ll be focusing on the background of the person and how that story influences the progression painting.

 

Generating personal expression, confidence with colour, and keeping things loose rather than overworked. There’s plenty of demo time, guided painting, and individual feedback throughout.

No pressure, no rushing,  just focused painting and good conversation.

 

What We’ll Cover

• Simple ways to approach facial proportions

• Seeing light, colour, and shape rather than over-detail

• Mixing natural, expressive skin tones

• Brush handling and water control

• How to build a portrait without losing freshness

 

​You’ll work from reference images and be encouraged to develop your own way of painting, rather than copying step by step.

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Workshop Options

Half-Day Workshop

A focused introduction to watercolour portrait painting. Ideal if you’re short on time or want a concentrated session exploring key techniques.

Duration: 3 hours
Price: £45

 

Full-Day Workshop

A more in-depth experience with extended painting time, deeper exploration of techniques, and more individual guidance. Perfect for those wanting to push their skills further and complete a more resolved portrait.

Duration: 5 hours
Price: £80

 

Who These Workshops Are For

• Beginners with some basic drawing or painting experience

• Intermediate artists wanting to improve portrait skills

• Anyone curious about expressive, contemporary watercolour

Group sizes are kept small so everyone gets personal attention.

 

Location

Karl Rudziak Studio
St Swithun's Workshop
105 Waverley Road
Southsea PO5 2PL

 

Materials

You’re welcome to bring your own favourite brushes or paints if you prefer however I can supply material if required.

 

Booking & Enquiries

Workshops run on selected dates throughout the year and places are limited.

To book a place or ask about upcoming dates, please get in touch via the Contact page.

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PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR SUBJECT

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IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LIGHT! It might be a friend, family member or somebody you see in the street, if you’re brave enough - always ask their permission before you start snapping.

Use a camera if you have one, if not a mobile phone or tablet will still do the job. If the picture is from a mobile print it out if you can, if from a tablet you can work from a screen.

If you are in broad daylight study the shadows on the face. If it’s cloudy the light will be diffused and uniform so move the subject into an area where the light is more dynamic. Glaring sunshine can be just as tricky, try taking the photo with reflective light of a bright background out of direct sunlight. 


If indoors try and photograph your subjects head straight on or at a three quarter pose. Light them from the sides to accentuate the features. Stand or sit the subject adjacent to a window with one side of the head lit by daylight and the other lit by an internal light. If possible use a warm light close to the sitters head for a more interesting effect. See example below.

Essentially, study the light on the face until you get your desired effect.