ÁINE DIVINE | WATERCOLOUR PORTRAITURE
online tutorial Summary
In this online course, artist Áine Divine guides students through the process of painting an expressive watercolour portrait from a live model. She introduces an approachable method using wide, flat brushes that make it easy to create bold, fluid strokes and capture the essence of a subject. Students will learn how to mix a beautiful range of skin, shadow, and hair tones from a simple palette of colours.
A key focus of the course is building confidence; Áine demonstrates helpful techniques for lifting paint to correct and adjust the painting, showing that mistakes are simply part of the process. Áine creates a supportive environment that emphasises the joy of painting, teaches students how to relax, find a steady rhythm, and trust their observational skills.
This course is designed for anyone looking to explore portraiture in a loose and free way, providing both the technical skills and the encouragement needed to create a portrait that feels alive.
Course Preview
Course FAQ
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A Unique Brush Technique: How to use wide, flat brushes to create bold, expressive strokes and capture the essence of a subject.
Simple Colour Mixing: How to mix a range of skin tones, shadows, and hair colours from a limited and manageable palette.
Correcting with Confidence: Techniques for lifting wet and dry paint to correct mistakes, reclaim highlights, and adjust your painting.
The Artist's Mindset: How to relax, observe your subject, and develop a confident rhythm between looking and painting.
Portrait Fundamentals: An approach to understanding the planes of the face and placing features to achieve a likeness.
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Paper & Palette
Watercolour Paper: Áine specifically recommends Bockingford paper because it allows for easy lifting and correction of paint.
Watercolour Palette: A palette with large wells, specifically one that can accommodate a 2-inch brush for easy paint lifting and mixing.
Test Paper: A separate piece of paper (same type as the main sheet) for testing colour consistency and behaviour on a vertical surface.
Brushes
Primary Brushes (Rosemary & Co. Series S 222 - "Áine Divine Set"):
2-inch flat brush
1.5-inch flat brush
1-inch flat brush
Lifting/Craft Brushes (Royal & Langnickel):
Springy, cheaper craft brushes (1-inch and 3/4-inch are mentioned) used for lifting out colour and correcting edges.
Small Detail Brush:
A quarter-inch brush for fine details like the iris and eyelashes.
Paints (Artist's Watercolour Tubes)
Áine uses a limited palette, mixing colours to create a wide range of skin tones, hair colours, and shadows.
Van Dyke Brown
Ultramarine Blue
Burnt Sienna
Cadmium Red
Sap Green
Alizarin Crimson
Viridian Green
Cerulean Blue
Cadmium Orange
Lemon Yellow
Water & Miscellaneous
Water Container: For rinsing brushes.
Kitchen Paper / Paper Towels: Essential for leaching water out of brushes, testing colour, and lifting wet paint.
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Suitable for all levels - good understanding of the basic use of watercolour would be an advantage.
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The course is composed of two videos, a combined total of 65 mins. Enjoy the benefit of being able to watch and follow along at your leisure for the duration of your access.
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What’s included in my purchase?
You’ll get unlimited access to this individual course, including all videos and supporting materials, for the full 3-month period.How does the 3-month access work?
This is a one-time payment that gives you access to the course for three months. There’s no automatic renewal - your access simply ends after the 3-month period.How do I access my course?
Once you’ve purchased the course, simply log in to your account at schoolhouseforart.com. Click on Account at the top right-hand side of the page, and your course will be available there.Can I extend my access after 3 months?
Yes! If you’d like continued access, you can purchase the course again at any time.What happens after 3 months?
Once the 3-month period is over, your access will expire. You won’t be charged again unless you choose to make another purchase.What if I only need access for a few weeks?
That’s fine. You’ll have access for the full 3 months, so you can move through the material at your own pace.Are refunds available?
We don’t offer refunds, but you’ll have access to the course for the full 3-month period you’ve paid for.Does this purchase give me access to other courses?
This purchase covers one individual course for 3 months. Other courses are available separately.Are there any technical requirements?
All you need is a stable internet connection and a modern web browser to enjoy the course.Can I share my access?
Course access is for individual use only and can’t be shared.Need help or having technical issues?
We’re happy to help. Just reach out to us at info@schoolhouseforart.com