We love this ... Ty!

Brilliant. When I first started watching your videos I thought you were a landscape painter and when you said you were going to do portrait I was doubtful how your style of painting would work with portrait, how wrong was I. Learnt more about watercolour painting in this one video than all my other experiences. The thoughtful brush strokes and use of values mean more than hours of detailed painting. Can’t wait to have a go. Thanks.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Mike, I would consider myself, Portrait painter, First, and then a landscape painter, although landscape has taken over my life over the last few years, however, I’m keen to get back into it as it’s so amazing. Value painting is a tantalising thing, as you noticed, it can cut out a lot of detail work, without any loss of quality. Have fun with it and keep on going! Best wishes, James

@pamelabozzi239

6 ай бұрын

I totally agree with you. I was unaware of James's portrait skills and I have learned SO MUCH from these last few studio paintings. JAMES: KEEP IT UP! Now, if only I could be as thoughtful with my brush strokes...

Refreshing to see you work directly from a model.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

5 ай бұрын

Hi Jeanie, It’s much more fun painting from life than a photo. If you can find someone who will sit for you, it’s worth giving it to go. Best wishes, James

Simply outstanding - love the way you explain the process and how you have kept it looking loose and vibrant.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Pete, Glad you enjoyed it so much. It’s a wonderful thing to keep it simple. Thanks James

I’ve read a couple of times lately that you need to look, think and then paint. As you said, spend more time looking than putting. A good concept to keep in mind. It was really interesting to see how deliberate you were with your brushstrokes yet the portrait was loose and fresh! Your portrait was lovely as was Clara! She has a beautiful and infectious smile! Thanks!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Darci, Yes, painting is very much a thinking game, trying to work out which direction to take. Painting a loose, Watercolour is not about painting carelessly, quite the opposite. I hope you can give us a go! Best wishes, James

@lg8365

6 ай бұрын

Yes I agree......he needed to look, look, look!!! I didn't feel he captured her eyes. It was a very loose portrait.

You made an apple look beautiful! This was a valuable lesson and I am going to do this and practice this. I always mixed my colors completely but want to do it like you did. I look forward to more lessons!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Cheri, Glad you liked my apple. It’s a really fun way of mixing the colours. I hope your experiments in mixing go well and it makes your paintings look more happy. Best wishes, James

Thanks for a great tutorial. I started painting watercolour portraits last year, trying to learn from what information I could find, but it was great to see a tutorial online, as there don't seem to be many of portraits in watercolour for some reason. It was very interesting to see your style as I tend to try and be too detailed, including trying to replicate the hair and clothes from a photo. I'm going to try and be looser, so thanks for the tips on how to achieve that.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

5 ай бұрын

Hi Jim, Glad you enjoyed the video. There isn’t that much on Watercolour Portraits, it is quite a difficult thing to do so maybe that’s why, however, the more you do the less difficulty becomes, although it’s always intense. Keeping it simple is the way to go and not painting everything detailed. Let me know how it goes. Best wishes, James

@jimross2380

5 ай бұрын

Thanks James, I will try not to do too much detail. I did initially find it hard to get the initial drawing right, but then I discovered the grid method, which really helps me to get the features in the right place before I start painting. Thanks again.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

5 ай бұрын

⁠@@jimross2380 That’s great Jim. I’m really glad that you going for it! Keep it up. Best wishes, James

Every time you added something, Clara came more to life. Its amazing!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Susan, Glad you enjoyed the painting. It’s a wonderful process building up the Watercolour, watching Clara slowly come out of the paper. I hope you can give it a go! Best wishes, James

Great work James!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!

Fantastic performance, you can really recognize Clara's face. Very fresh with few colors. Magnificent James! Looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Thank you.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Monica Glad you enjoyed the painting and thank you very much for your kind words. I think Watercolour portraits are the most exciting part of painting and I’m sure I’ll do more videos on it. I hope you enjoy them. Best wishes, James

I'm about ten minutes in and I have to say Claral's doing a great job here. Just sitting there letting you talk through it and not interrupting or shifting around 👍🏻

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Steve, Glad you started to watch the video. I hope you watch it to the end. Clara did do a great job, it’s surprisingly hard to sit for a Portrait! Best wishes, James

Wonderful. Thank you so much.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

5 ай бұрын

You're very welcome! James

Thanks again James. A great starter lesson for the new year. Your daughter has Ben a great model and very patient with you 😊

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Kieran, Glad you enjoyed the video. Clara was an excellent Model! It’s great that you’re going to start painting Portraits. I hope it goes well! Best wishes, James

Thank you so much! You expressed so perfectly why I want to learn portraiture. I’m inspired to keep trying!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Johanna, I’m so pleased that the video has inspired you to want to get to grips with Watercolour Portraiture. Hopefully I can help you with your endeavour. I have my portrait of Clara framed now, and it looks complete. A very special thing. Hope your Portraits go well, just keep hanging in there! Best wishes, James

Wonderful. Thank you James and Cara 😁👍👏👏👏👏

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Sam, Glad you enjoyed it so much, Clara was heroic sitting so well. Best wishes, James

Very brave to paint this fresh on what seems like a “first take “. It’s amazing that the likeness blossomed given the somewhat uncontrollable nature of the paint. I’m learning a lot from your videos. I enjoy your unassuming manner. Looking forward to more!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Carl, There is definitely a sense of courage needed to paint a portrait from life, but when you start the nerves disappear. It was a first take Portrait and I was very pleased with it, well worth the effort. Glad you’re enjoying my videos. Lots more to come Best wishes, James

J’aime beaucoup comment mixer les couleurs 👏❤️that’s very interesting .

@JamesPotterAboutArt

2 ай бұрын

Hi Yvonne, Glad you enjoyed the Portrait and the mixing of the paints. I think Watercolour is perfectly suited for painting Portraits. It has a much more gentle lighter feel. Thanks for your message. Best wishes, James.

So beautiful! The last pencil addition was really good. Thank you!❤

@JamesPotterAboutArt

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the Portrait. They are always a challenge. I agree the pencil sort of brought it together Best wishes, James

Wonderful lesson and portrait James. Enlightening to see that you have to be bold, yet patient enough to let the painting come together.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Zip, Glad you enjoyed the video and yes, you do have to be a little bit courageous to attempt to Portrait in Watercolour, which is probably why you don’t see Watercolour Portraits very often. Oil is a much safer way to go. I hope you can gain something from the video and give a Watercolour Portrait a shot ! Best wishes, James

It’s beautiful!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

4 ай бұрын

Hi, Glad you enjoyed it, Watercolour Portraits are so interesting. They are such wonderful family Momentos! Best wishes, James

Great demonstration! You make painting look so easy and fun! I’ll try a portrait soon.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Victoria, Glad you enjoyed the video. The more you paint the easier it looks. Hopefully you will give portrait painting a go. There are lots of ups and downs with it, but hang in there, and it will get better! Best wishes, James

Have just discovered you! How wonderful you are! I’m a newbie so having fun discovering artists. Thanks so much for sharing your work.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Rhonda, So pleased that you’ve found me! Watercolour is a wonderful adventure, with lots of ups and downs, but it’s a great thing to do. I’ve lots more videos to come, which I hope you continue to enjoy. Best wishes, James

That was an encouraging demo James. Makes me want to have a go. I have always wanted to try portraits.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Gary That’s excellent that you want to have a go at it. it’s a great thing to do. Best wishes, James

Lovely painting James well done to the patience of the sitter you’ve portrayed her. very well. I was struck yet again with your brush strokes slow and deliberate with great emphasis which comes across very well. Thank you I’m learning a lot.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Robert, Glad you like the painting and Clara was a very good sitter. The brushstrokes are very precise and planned with a portrait. But interested in the painting still feels loose and free. I have another Portrait coming out this Thursday. Best wishes, James

Will support you through your entire content journey!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Thanks, but I’m fine at the moment.

Delightful! On all counts 😊😊😊

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Kalaysia, Glad you enjoyed the video! Not more to come. Thanks, James

Thanks James, what an amazing lesson. I think I’ll need to watch this a few times - I’m about to start my Portrait journey and this gives me more confidence as it makes so much sense and avoids fiddling, keeping it so fresh and colourful. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Ian, Glad you enjoyed the Portrait. It’s great that you’re starting your venture into Portraiture. It’s an amazing thing to do, and when they come off, there’s nothing like it! It will be a challenge, but keep on going. Best wishes, James

What an adventure! Walking a tightrope without a net, or so it seems compared to my traditional oil painting approach. I'm exploring watercolors to help loosen up, but so far it's a lesson in patience. Really like your method and appreciate your explanation. Very helpful, I am encouraged!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Vera, You’re quite right, it is a bit like walking the tight rope without a net! Which is probably why you don’t see many Watercolour Portraits. Oil painting is a much safer way to go, however, when a Watercolour Portrait comes off, there’s nothing like it! Keep on going with the Watercolours , I was initially only an oil painter, however, I’m so pleased I kept on with Watercolour, it’s made me a better painter all around. Best wishes, James

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful time and painting with us. Your heart and joy for color are so beautiful. It is so lovely to also feel the support and caring of your family. My husband lived most of his life in Scotland and I am American. Our home is in America now. And we travel yearly back to Scotland. It makes my heart happy to hear you accent and expressions. Such lovely painting and wonders and learning from what is now my other home.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Karen, Many thanks for your warm words. It really was a wonderful moment to paint my daughter. Scotland is a beautiful place and I’m glad you’ve got to know it. I do plan one day to have a big trip to America maybe in a campervan and with my watercolour paints, it’s an amazing place! I’ll be doing lots of Plain air painting around Scotland this year, so hopefully you’ll be able to recognise some of the places! Best wishes, James

Congratulations! I really like your style.At the moment i am a bit on the other side of the styleblade but moving cautiosly over the edge… Thanks a lot for your content and also the art of display. You nailed it about all the advice and style of watercolouring at youtube and give me quite more confidence.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi, That’s really great that you’re gaining more confidence. One of the most important things you can do in Watercolour is to understand how to interpret what you see and translate it into paint. You don’t have to paint everything to make it look good. Keep going. Best wishes, James

Excellent tutorial. I was waiting to see how you achieved likeness of subject with such an impressionistic style. I’m trying to get there myself and i definitely learned a few things here. Lovely model to boot. Thanks

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Ace, Glad you enjoyed the video. I love the impressionistic style in Portraiture as it softens the face makes it more beautiful, when there’s lots of detail, it just doesn’t seem quite so flattering Hope you have fun giving your Portrait to go. Best wishes, James

I am very impressed with your talent, skill and loose approach. Great detail of the eyes. Thank you for your great video!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Richard Glad you enjoyed the video. Portrait are a wonderful thing to have a go at. I hope it inspires you to give it a go. Best wishes, James

I did enjoy watching you paint Clara in that soft loose way The eyes were good with just that white spot I'm glad you didnt paint a hard black pupil I learnt a lot thank you

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi, Alison, Glad you’re enjoyed watching the painting of Clara. Glad you noticed that I didn’t paint the pupil too black. I thought that when painting a young woman, I wanted a soft feel to it. Glad it helped you Best wishes, James

A difficult subject, I mean portraits not Clara, brilliantly achieved. Thank you very much.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Kevin It is a difficult subject, but worth the effort. When it comes off, it’s really satisfying. Best wishes, James

Excellent video ... thanks for posting.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Rod, Glad you liked the video. Lots more to come. Best wishes, James

Great video thanks again . Watching the video i think I've got some good tip to start some portraits (only two problems getting the gran children to sit still long enough and the other is trying to get them still so at least l can get a decent photo). Many Thanks look forward to your next video

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Nick, Great to hear from you again. Glad you enjoyed the video and you’ve got something from it. Getting someone to sit for you is always a challenge. Sitting is quite hard work. I do find with painting children, that bribery works quite well!😊 I hope you can give portrait painting you go. Just hang in there! Best wishes, James.

Lovely portrait James ❤ - Thankyou so much for sharing and think the final flourishes with the white and pencil really enhance. My take aways are the importance of colour choices and the placement and particular brush strokes you make applying the colour - all seem pretty daunting 🙄 I guess those things become intuitive with experience ……

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Trisha, Glad you enjoyed the Portrait. I agree with you, the last few bits of pencil work bring it together. I hope you give it a a go, it will get better with time. Hopefully my videos will help you get there. Best wishes, James

I'm still trying to do an apple, but this has made me want to paint my daughter too. The artistry is lovely but the memento you've created is lovelier still (excellent philtrum, by the way).

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Alistair, Keep on going with the Apple! I think it’s a great idea to try and paint your daughter! It’s a great target, and if you can do it well, it will be treasured forever. Hopefully I’ll be able to see one of your Portraits one. Best wishes, James PS, glad you liked the philtrum!!!

Thank you very lovely. I learned a lot though instinctively I painted my portraits fairly similar.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

3 ай бұрын

Hi Anke , Glad you enjoyed the video. Great that you’ve been giving it a go. I will be doing more of them. Thanks for watching. Best wishes, James

I've done my portrait rapidly with this technique... 😍

@JamesPotterAboutArt

4 ай бұрын

That’s great, Violeta. I hope you enjoyed the process. Did you paint it from life? Would love to see it! Best wishes, James

@violette290

4 ай бұрын

@@JamesPotterAboutArt first attempt, after photo; see if I can add the result

@violette290

4 ай бұрын

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@violette290

4 ай бұрын

kzread.infodgly5_iHdl8?si=u1SQE3o40JH9iMHY

Wonderful thanks James, l note that your brush control is very precise even though your painting in a loose style, I have tried a portrait before but it's so difficult to get the likeness right, maybe I need to do more looking as you suggest.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Martyn , Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, the brush is always very precise, just because the painting has a loose feel doesn’t mean that it’s not under control. The first few attempts at Portrait are always going to be a little bit iffy. However, it will get better and is a wonderful challenge. Good luck Best wishes, James

Hi James I am most interested in your approach to portraits which rely on a photograph. I’m sure I overwork these. Jan

@JamesPotterAboutArt

4 ай бұрын

Hi Jan, Glad you liked the Portrait videos. Portraits are a wonderful challenge and so rewarding. I normally do them from life but I’m sure at some point I can do one from a photograph. I have a busy summer ahead of me painting landscapes so maybe in the winter time, I’ll give that a go ! Thanks for watching, Best wishes, James

Thanks. I just don’t understand how you see some of the brushwork will be just fine when in my eyes (fx the nose) it looked strange at the beginning. Turned out very nice. I know myself and I would easily try to “correct” it …so probably adjust and ruin the feel of it.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

2 ай бұрын

Hi Martin, Glad you enjoyed the Portrait. It’s a really interesting challenge, trying to keep it simple and not over complicating it and still making it look real. I think keeping it simple is the best route to take and not to try and add too much detail. I like the phrase, to get the maximum out of the minimum. Hope this helps. Best wishes, James

@martinaakervik

2 ай бұрын

@@JamesPotterAboutArt thanks for answering. Seen several of your videos and I like them.

Beautiful👍 best wishes from Janet and David

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Thank you! You too!

I loved this and can appreciate how stressful it must have been but so rewarding. Did you use a sable brush for the majority of your painting?

@susanyoung6632

6 ай бұрын

Yes i am interested in what brush he used too.

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Irene Glad you like the painting, I did have to concentrate very hard on it. I used a Raphael number six kolinsky sable brush and a small brush for The catchlight marks, all stable. I hope you can have a go at it. Best wishes, James

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

⁠​⁠@@susanyoung6632 Hi Susan, I used a Raphael number six sable brush for almost all of it, except for the catchlight in the eye. Thanks, James

Fantastic painting James. I would like to understand better why you choose the colours you do. It would be really helpful to have an of image of Clara in the corner so that we can see what you are seeing. (i understand that is much easier said than done though).

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Stella, Glad you enjoyed the painting. I’ll try and talk about my colour choice a bit more in future videos Another Portrait will be out this Thursday and I’ll put a photo in the corner😊 Best wishes, James

So now I am REALLY intrigued... in both this painting and in the wooden bird decoy you started by applying paint in the lightest part of the dark / shadow side of the object. This is not the usual process I have seen (it is usually start from the lightest parts all over), but I love your results. Could you expound on this approach please? #QUESTION#

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Pamela, Glad you enjoyed the last few videos. You’re right, I don’t really start with the lightest areas, to me it doesn’t make sense. I’m not really interested in a careful buildup of paint from light to dark. For me the sooner I make firm decisions of colour and value the better. Hope this helps. Best wishes, James

Just wonderful… watercolour is my nemesis, I love it but I can’t seem to ‘ get it’. There were points where before the portrait took on Clara’s femininity that I could see you ….

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi Kim Glad you enjoyed the video and interesting that you could see me in the Portrait before it turned into Clara Watercolour is an amazing, medium, very different from any other, it seems to glow with light. I hope you can keep with it, there are lots of ups and downs with it, but if you keep going you’ll get there! Best wishes, James

Wish the painting looked like the model. Her eyes showed more white on the lower part! Eyes way more droopy and slight crooked nose with moles on face. Beautiful girl in reality......but not captured in this watercolor!

@JamesPotterAboutArt

6 ай бұрын

Hi LG, Thanks for your comment. It’s an interesting dilemma painting a portrait from life. A very different experience from painting from a photograph. From life the sitter moves, I move and the whole painting process is limited to fifty minutes. Where as painting from a photograph you can spend unlimited time making it perfect and perhaps even project the image onto the paper. So overall I’m very happy/ delighted with the portrait. I’m not interested in absolute perfection and it’s very much good enough for me.

@lg8365

6 ай бұрын

@JamesPotterAboutArt Yes, it is hard to capture likeness when you have a model. I find it difficult as well. Awesome impression, though. Cheers ❤️