Creating Abstract Portrait Watercolors: Tips for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 7 min read

Have you ever wanted to create an abstract portrait watercolor painting, but didn't know where to begin? You're not alone. Many aspiring artists find themselves overwhelmed by the vast world of watercolor art. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of creating your own abstract portrait watercolor paintings, breaking it down into manageable steps to help you succeed. So, let's dive in and start exploring the exciting world of watercolor portraits!

Choosing the Right Materials

Before we start painting, it's important to choose the right materials. The quality of your materials can have a significant impact on the final outcome of your abstract portrait watercolor painting. Here are some key aspects to consider when selecting your supplies:

Selecting High-Quality Paper

Investing in high-quality watercolor paper is essential for achieving optimal results. Look for these features when selecting your paper:

Weight: Heavier paper (300gsm / 140lb) is more durable and less likely to warp when wet.
Texture: Cold-pressed paper has a moderate texture, allowing for interesting effects in your abstract portrait watercolor.
Material: 100% cotton paper is more absorbent and can handle multiple layers of paint better than cellulose-based paper.

Picking the Best Watercolor Paints

There are many watercolor paint options available in the market, but it's important to choose paints that suit your needs and budget. Here's what to look for:

Quality: Artist-grade paints contain more pigment and less filler, resulting in richer colors and better performance.
Transparency: Transparent watercolors allow light to pass through the paint, creating luminous effects in your abstract portrait watercolor.
Mixability: Choose paints that mix well with each other to create a wide range of colors and effects.

Finding the Perfect Brushes

Choosing the right brushes can make a world of difference in your abstract portrait watercolor paintings. Here are some tips for selecting the best brushes for your needs:

Material: Synthetic brushes are more affordable and durable, while natural hair brushes offer better water retention and a softer feel.
Shape: Round brushes are versatile and can be used for various techniques, while flat brushes are great for washes and creating sharp edges.
Size: Invest in a few different sizes to have more control and flexibility in your painting process.

Understanding Color Theory

Color plays a significant role in creating captivating abstract portrait watercolor paintings. By understanding the basics of color theory, you can make better decisions about which colors to use and how to combine them effectively. Let's dive into the world of color and learn how to apply it to our paintings:

Color Wheel Basics

The color wheel is a visual representation of colors and their relationships. It's a useful tool for understanding color harmony and creating appealing compositions. Here's what you need to know:

Primary colors: Red, blue, and yellow are the primary colors, which cannot be created by mixing other colors.
Secondary colors: Green, orange, and purple are created by mixing two primary colors together.
Tertiary colors: These colors are formed by mixing a primary color with a secondary color, such as red-orange or blue-green.

Creating Harmonious Color Schemes

Using harmonious color schemes can enhance the visual appeal of your abstract portrait watercolor paintings. Here are some popular color schemes to consider:

Monochromatic: This scheme uses various shades, tones, and tints of a single color to create a cohesive and simple look.
Analogous: This scheme involves colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel, resulting in a harmonious and visually pleasing effect.
Complementary: Involves colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, creating a vibrant and dynamic contrast.

Using Contrast to Enhance Your Portraits

Contrast is a powerful tool that can help you create more impactful abstract portrait watercolor paintings. Here are some ways to incorporate contrast into your work:

Value contrast: Using light and dark values can add depth and interest to your painting, making the subject stand out.
Color contrast: Combining warm and cool colors can create a visually striking effect, drawing attention to specific areas of your portrait.
Texture contrast: Mixing smooth and textured areas can add variety and interest to your painting, enhancing the overall look of your abstract portrait watercolor.

Exploring Abstract Techniques

Abstract portrait watercolor paintings often involve different techniques to create unique and visually appealing effects. By experimenting with various approaches, you'll discover new ways to express yourself and develop your artistic style. Here are some techniques you can try:

Wet-on-Wet Painting

Wet-on-wet painting is a technique where you apply wet paint onto a wet surface, typically dampened with water. This approach allows the colors to blend and flow naturally, creating beautiful, organic effects. Here's how to do it:

Wet your watercolor paper with a spray bottle or a brush loaded with water.
While the paper is still wet, apply your paint with a brush, allowing the colors to mix and mingle on the surface.
Experiment with different amounts of water to achieve varying degrees of blending and softness in your abstract portrait watercolor.

Dry Brush Technique

Contrary to wet-on-wet painting, the dry brush technique involves using minimal water and more pigment. This method results in bold, textured strokes that can add depth and interest to your abstract portrait watercolor paintings. Here's how to try the dry brush technique:

Load your brush with paint, but only a small amount of water.
Gently remove excess water from your brush by dabbing it on a paper towel or cloth.
Apply the paint to your dry watercolor paper with swift, deliberate strokes, allowing the texture of the paper to show through.

Using Texture for Added Interest

Introducing different textures can enhance the visual appeal of your abstract portrait watercolor paintings and create a more engaging experience for the viewer. Here are some ways to add texture to your work:

Splatter: Load your brush with paint and flick it onto your paper, creating random patterns and splatters.
Scratching: Use a sharp object, like a toothpick or the end of your brush, to scratch into the wet paint, revealing the underlying paper or color.
Salt: Sprinkle salt onto your wet paint, and as it dries, the salt will absorb the water and pigment, leaving behind a unique, crystalline texture.

Developing Your Unique Style

As you explore different techniques and experiment with various approaches, you'll naturally start to develop your unique style in abstract portrait watercolor painting. The following tips can help you hone your skills and find your artistic voice:

Finding Inspiration

Inspiration can come from various sources, such as nature, people, or even emotions. To create a unique abstract portrait watercolor, consider the following ideas:

Study the work of other artists, and take note of elements that resonate with you.
Look for inspiration in your daily life, like the colors of a sunset or the texture of a tree bark.
Express emotions or feelings through color, shape, and texture in your paintings.

Experimenting with Different Approaches

Experimentation is key to developing your unique style. Don't be afraid to try new techniques, materials, or ideas in your abstract portrait watercolor paintings:

Combine different techniques, like wet-on-wet and dry brush, in a single painting to create depth and complexity.
Experiment with unconventional materials, like using a sponge or credit card for painting.
Play with composition by placing focal points in unexpected places or by using negative space to create intrigue.

Embracing Imperfection

Abstract art often thrives on imperfection, as it encourages the viewer to interpret the piece in their own way. Embrace the imperfections in your abstract portrait watercolor paintings and use them to your advantage:

Allow colors to bleed and mix in unexpected ways, creating unique patterns and effects.
Be open to happy accidents, such as a stray brushstroke or an unplanned color combination, as they can add character to your work.
Remember that your artistic journey is a process, and it's okay if your paintings don't turn out as you initially envisioned.

Getting Feedback and Improving

As an abstract portrait watercolor artist, continuous improvement is vital for developing your skills and style. Seeking feedback and learning from others can help you grow and refine your work. Here are some ways to get feedback and improve:

Joining Art Communities

Art communities, both online and offline, provide a platform for sharing your work, receiving feedback, and learning from fellow artists. Consider these options:

Join social media groups or forums dedicated to watercolor painting or abstract art.
Participate in local art clubs or meetups to connect with other artists in your area.
Share your work on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest, and engage with the feedback you receive.

Attending Workshops and Classes

Workshops and classes offer the opportunity to learn new techniques, receive feedback from instructors, and connect with other artists. To enhance your abstract portrait watercolor skills, consider:

Enrolling in a local art class or workshop focused on watercolor painting or abstract art.
Taking online courses or watching tutorial videos to learn from experienced artists.
Attending art conventions or conferences to expand your knowledge and network with other artists.

Practicing Regularly

Consistent practice is essential for improving your abstract portrait watercolor skills. Keep these tips in mind to ensure regular practice:

Set aside dedicated time each week for painting, even if it's just a few hours.
Challenge yourself with painting exercises or prompts to explore new techniques and ideas.
Keep a sketchbook or journal to document your progress, ideas, and inspiration.

By actively seeking feedback, attending workshops, and practicing regularly, you'll continue to grow as an abstract portrait watercolor artist. Embrace the journey and enjoy the process of developing your unique artistic voice.

If you're intrigued by abstract portraiture and experimental painting techniques, don't miss Tyler Scully's workshop 'Intro to Abstract Portraiture & Experimental Painting Techniques'. In this workshop, Tyler will guide you through the process of creating unique and captivating abstract portraits, helping you to unlock your artistic potential and explore new techniques in your work.