#StayHappening
Thu, 15 Oct, 2026 at 02:00 pm to Thu, 12 Nov, 2026 at 05:00 pm UTC+01:00

The Watercolour Portrait: Expressing Character & Colour (Thurs - 5 Weeks)

  • House of Toad CIC · Glasgow
  • From GBP 240.00
Jason Michael Bentley Publisher / Host Jason Michael Bentley
Share
The Watercolour Portrait: Expressing Character & Colour (Thurs - 5 Weeks)
Advertisement
An organised, fully comprehensive painting course, building strong form in live portraiture. With the stylistic flair unique to watercolour!
About this Event

Daytime course designed for ambitious beginners ready for a structured exploration, and intermediate artists looking to expand their technical toolkit. From retiring or retired folks looking for a warm, social new hobby, freelancers and remote workers needing a refreshing creative break.

Why this daytime course fits your schedule:

  • Zero Prep, Zero Cleanup: Walk in and paint. All high-quality materials are provided for you in-studio (a £65+ value), so you don't have to carry heavy supplies around.
  • Personalised Pace: Small class sizes mean you get gentle, one-on-one guidance from a professional artist with 30 years of experience. No pressure, just progress.
  • Bite-Sized Techniques: Learn alongside a professional live model - drawing proportion & rhythm for facial structure, colour relationships, layering & blending effects, and how to achieve the best likeness of the sitter!


Course Summary
Week 1 (15 Oct): Understanding the Drawing
Learn how to make an effective under drawing using the rules of proportion, gesture, and designing shadow shapes for accurate facial structure and anatomy. We will paint from a photographic reference using monochromatic washes to learn the power of value, and form building.

Week 2 (22 Oct): Palette Design and Brush Control
Discover palette organisation and colour practice that will bring your understanding of flesh tones and temperature to the next level. Command a variety of brush effects for blending, and keep luminous colour where you want it. We will paint from a photographic reference using the full palette.

Week 3 (29 Oct): Working with a Live Model
Begin a new painting from a professional live model! The earlier rehearsal paintings and new knowledge will have you confident and ready to paint from life - as is done in classical Atelier style academies. An under drawing and initial wash will be established, with guidance on capturing the sitter's likeness.

Week 4 (05 Nov): Developing the Portrait
Continue working with our live model to deepen washes and important colour/value relationships. Using variegated or gradated washes, mingling or charging, you will decide with various techniques where to maintain control, or where to play with full expression.

Week 5 (12 Nov): Final Details and Finishing Touches
Our final session with the live model, and the refinement of your painting. Learn the art of glazing, accenting, and selectively adding important details without "over working". Bringing together the best decisions for a polished finish.


Event Photos
Event Photos
Event Photos
Advertisement

Event venue & nearby stays

House of Toad CIC, Ground floor & 1st floor, Glasgow, United Kingdom

Tickets GBP 240.00
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Discover more events by tag

Ask AI if this event suits you

Keep the plans coming

More events in Glasgow

Guilt Trip

Thu, 15 Oct at 06:00 pm Glasgow Garage

Glasgow is happening.

See everything else that’s on — concerts, markets, comedy and more.