Tag Archives: learn to paint

Transparent Watercolour Portraits

For the past 10 years I have focused on urban landscape.  Over that time the figures in the paintings became more and more important.  So this interest in portraits is a natural outcome of that process.

I’m trying to develop a process that is fairly quick, a little impressionistic and that captures the character of the subject.  Like anything if one keeps practicing one  will eventually get there.  These are 2 studies.  

I find that when I do portraits I really do feel a personal connection with the subject.  I love this process.

Rex Beanland, Mary Ellen, watercolour, 12 x 15
Rex Beanland, Mary Ellen 2, watercolour, 12 x 15

Experimental Watercolour Workshop

I recently had the opportunity to teach a fun workshop at a location that I really love – The Leighton Centre.

It has been a while since I taught this particular workshop and once again I came to appreciate how much fun it can be and yet how many useful watercolour techniques are involved.

It was a great group of participants and we formed a very supportive and enthusiastic group.  

The three main activities were a fun way to do figures, a painting of Haystack Rock and a painting of a pond near Cameron Lake in Waterton Park.

Rex Beanland, Leighton Experimental Workshop, Class with Haystack Paintings
Rex Beanland, Leighton Experimental Class with Cameron Pond paintings

As I mentioned it’s always the people that make the workshop!

These are just a few shots from the workshop.

Rex Beanland, Leighton Experimental Workshop, Students
Rex Beanland, Leighton Experimental Workshop, 4 Students

Thanks to everyone for a great workshop.