Portrait journeys
with Lorraine Simonds

Lesson 2

List of materials

In this lesson, I will show you all the materials you'll need for the course.

Lesson 4

"A Kind Presence"

Duration: 2 hours

This lesson focuses on understanding masculine bone structure and the unique beauty of deeper skin tones while mastering the interplay of warm and cool variations that bring portraits to life.

You will learn to:

• identify and map distinctive male facial structure and proportions;
• construct masculine features with confident, decisive strokes;
• select and mix appropriate colors for darker skin tones;
• build dimensional form while respecting the natural beauty of darker skin;
• create natural expressions and subtle smiles.

Lesson 6

"Fresh Wonder"

Duration: 3 hours

This lesson focuses on the unique proportions and soft features of young faces while mastering the seamless integration of subject and background through thoughtful colour harmony.

You will learn to:

• identify and capture the distinctive proportions of infant facial features;
• select appropriate colors for youthful, luminous skin tones;
• allow background elements to connect naturally with the subject;
• balance warm and cool tones to achieve natural, glowing skin tones.

Lesson 8

"Frida Kahlo Study"

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

Explore how personal narrative and cultural identity can be woven into portraiture while adapting Kahlo's rich oil painting techniques to the expressive medium of watercolor.

You will learn to:

• select and harmonise colour palettes;
• master colour mixing techniques to achieve her distinctive warm, earthy tones;
• master dry brushwork techniques for rendering intricate textiles and cultural elements;
• balance realistic portraiture with stylised cultural motifs.

Lesson 10

"Van Gogh Study"

Duration: 2 hours

This lesson invites you to adapt Van Gogh's bold oil painting techniques to watercolor, focusing on expressive color relationships and dynamic brushwork.

You will learn to:

• create dynamic underpainting using wet-on-wet techniques;
• establish the emotional foundation through colour choices;
• build dimensional form using colour temperature and intensity;
• create soft, flowing forms in the background;
• balance faithful copying with personal artistic interpretation.

Lesson 12

Your Own Portrait

Duration: 4 hours

Create your own portrait by combining everything you've learned in this final lesson, from planning the composition to adding finishing touches.

You will learn to:

• use placement, angles, and negative space to convey personal narrative;
• balance colour temperature across facial planes for natural, glowing results;
• simplify complex forms into manageable, impactful areas;
• add depth and sophistication through transparent layers;
• create luminous effects and sparkling details.