Mixed Media Illustration: Create a Self-Portrait with Watercolor, Gouache & More

Love watercolor, gouache and colored pencil? Learn to use your favorite materials to create a vivid self-portrait that truly feels authentic to you!

Join illustrator Maria-Ines Gul as she guides you through her personal process for creating expressive self-portraits using paper, watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils. Starting with a simple sketch or photograph of yourself, you’ll discover the power of self-portraits to help you self-reflect, express your creativity and capture a specific moment in your life. Plus, every lesson is packed with Maria-Ines’ favorite tips and tricks for using her go-to materials, giving you the tools you need to create illustrations you’re excited to share. 

Easy-to-follow lessons include:

• Layering watercolor and gouache for depth and texture
• Fine detailing with colored pencils and crayons
• Lightbox techniques that allow you to build on previous iterations without redrawing
• Testing colors and patterns to evoke emotion in your portrait
• Experimenting with the opacity of paints for buildable, rich color

All are welcome to join Maria-Ines in this therapeutic and thoughtful class. By the end, you'll have a new expressive illustration prompt you can return to again and again to express your emotions, capture moments in time and create beautiful illustrations that feel truly authentic to you.

• Introduction
• The Power of Portraits
• Gathering Materials and Supplies
• Sketching Your Portrait
• Choosing Your Palette
• Applying Your Watercolor Wash
• Detailing with Watercolors
• Detailing with Gouache and Pencils
• Detailing with Dry Brushing
• Adding Accessories
• Adding Your Background
• Final Thoughts
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