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Home / Adult Projects / EASY Watercolor Portrait

EASY Watercolor Portrait

by Nancy Bandzuch · 61 Comments

Easy Watercolor Portrait from www.catholicsprouts.com

Hi!  Although it doesn’t look like it, this is a very easy watercolor portrait that ANYONE can do.

Seriously, you have to try it!

I don’t like to have favorites. But I think this just might be the all-time FAVORITE project that I have ever done. 

And I feel this way for two reasons:  First of all, it is totally easy.  I have very limited skills when it comes to drawing anything realistic, especially portraits, and I was able to do this, so ANYONE can do this. 

And secondly, this is a watercolor portrait of my godmother, Mary, who, unfortunately, passed away from cancer when I was young.

Below is a picture of Mary that has become almost iconic in our family.

 
 
I love this picture, and I have had it on display for several years.  She was my mom’s younger sister and passed away shortly after she was married and had her first baby.  Her death has long been a major tragedy for my family.  We think of Mary in March especially because her birthday was St. Patrick’s day.  We continue to celebrate the holiday for her! Because this picture is so important in our memory of my aunt, I used it in creating this portrait.
 

How to Create an EASY Watercolor Portrait

 
Supplies Needed:
Photo
Water Color Paper
Winsor & Newton Art Masking Fluid 75ml (3221759)
Fine-tipped paint brush
Water Colors
Light box/Glass table lit from beneath
 
Easy Watercolor Portrait from www.catholicsprouts.com

1. Scan your picture and upload it to a photo editing program.  

I use the free version of Picmonkey. Adjust the exposure and contrast of your picture until it is almost all black and white, no grey. It takes a little bit of trial and error. 

When done, print your picture at the desired size.

2. Take a piece of watercolor paper and place it over the printed picture.  Tape in place.  Then, place both pieces of paper on a light table/overhead projector, or if you don’t have either of these, like me, use a glass table with bright lights placed beneath.  However you do it, you need to see that printed photo through the watercolor paper, which is heavy paper.  Then, paint on the art masking fluid to the white areas of the photo.  Make sure to get all the details of the eyes.  It is going to look funny at this stage–I thought mine was not going to turn out at all!

3.  When the art masking fluid is dry (wait 12 hours to be sure) pull out the watercolors and go to town!  Just so you know, my toddler did some of the painting at this stage.

4. And finally, the reveal!  When the watercolor is completely dry, rub the art masking fluid and pull it off.  See in the picture how it peals off?  Pretty cool, right?

And, ta-da!

Easy Watercolor Portrait from www.catholicsprouts.com
 

I love it!  I am planning on doing several more of these.  This one is a gift for my mother.  Mary, we miss you!

full tutorial for making watercolor portraits, the easy way!

Thanks for stopping by–and for sharing the memory of my godmother with me!

I plan on using this method again because it is a really cool way to transfer an image. 

Here are a few other projects I have done that transfer images in different ways:

Photo Transfer onto WOOD
 
Photo Transfer PILLOW
 
Photo Transfer Lenten PRAYER BAG
 
 
Previous Post: « Embroidered Hanky for St. Patrick’s Day
Next Post: Pie Chart Pendants…for Pi Day! »

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Comments

  1. Emma says

    April 13, 2022 at 3:09 am

    This portrait looks very lovely. Thank you for providing the detailed tutorial

    Reply
  2. Teresa says

    February 18, 2022 at 7:41 pm

    I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  3. Kimberly Verity Miller says

    January 7, 2020 at 8:00 pm

    LOVE YOUR PRECIOUS ART!!💜💜💜💜💜🌈
    God bless your Heart 💜 & Soul.
    Xo, Kimberly.
    Happy Jan.7,202.!!!!☺️

    Reply
  4. Denise says

    October 25, 2019 at 3:06 am

    Love this website.

    Reply
  5. Johanna Ballinger says

    July 30, 2019 at 10:54 pm

    This is beautiful! Thank you so much for the tutorial! I’ve never done anything like this but using your instructions I was able to make my own. I used a frisket pen and was afraid it wouldn’t turn out. But it came out great! Thanks again!

    Reply
  6. Tracey Sullivan says

    May 19, 2019 at 5:22 pm

    Thank you

    Reply
  7. Brenda says

    December 17, 2018 at 8:34 pm

    lovely, appreciate the inspiration.
    Question: after transferring your image to the water- color paper in order to commence the Liquin, how / when does one remove the graphite and at what point please? before painting it? or ….

    Reply
  8. Pam says

    October 11, 2017 at 11:57 am

    Oh I love this!! I will definitely do this one!

    Reply
  9. Teresa says

    December 31, 2016 at 11:12 pm

    Loved this technique. I too am a Mary with a birthdayon St. Pat’s. I do admit I’ve always gone by my middle name: Teresa.

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      January 1, 2017 at 4:12 pm

      You are a mary with a birthday on St. Pats??? That’s crazy! If I met you in real life I would give you a big uncomfortable hug 😉

      Reply
  10. Malya Howaida says

    October 11, 2016 at 1:44 am

    How do you clean your paint brush after you use it for the masking fluid? I have tried masking fluid before but hated the lack of precision with the tips provided. I’m excited to try with a paint brush!

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      October 12, 2016 at 3:39 pm

      Honestly, I use a cheap brush and have to throw it away afterward. Best of luck!

      Reply
  11. ANA GOMEZ-PAVON says

    October 25, 2015 at 8:12 am

    Me gusta mucho. Seguro que a tu tia le encantaría.

    Reply
  12. Judy says

    April 30, 2015 at 12:22 pm

    I am a non-artist and am now on my way to Michaels to purchase the supplies. I love this project…thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      May 1, 2015 at 9:36 am

      yay! I’m a non-artist too!

      Reply
  13. Anita Honey-Dunbar says

    March 28, 2015 at 6:13 pm

    thank you so much for the tutorial. I did one of my daughter and I think it came out great!

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      March 28, 2015 at 8:40 pm

      Awesome! I’d love to see a picture. Maybe share it on my facebook page? https://www.facebook.com/Smallthingswithlove

      Reply
  14. STACEY K says

    March 19, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    LOVE! LOVE! LOVE THIS!

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      March 20, 2015 at 1:57 pm

      thanks! If you give it a try, I’d love to see it!

      Reply
  15. Linda Singer says

    March 15, 2015 at 11:13 am

    beautiful…..

    Reply
  16. Mariana says

    December 23, 2014 at 1:34 pm

    Great tutorial!tahnks and Happy holidays

    Reply
  17. Melissa says

    December 6, 2014 at 7:04 am

    I’m insanely in love with this idea! Thank you so much for the brilliant idea. I can’t wait to try this.

    I’m sorry that Mary passed away so young, that is a terrible loss. This is a beautiful way to remember her.

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      December 8, 2014 at 12:14 am

      I’m excited for you to try it! Send me a pic of your finished product!!

      Reply
  18. Lucy says

    November 23, 2014 at 8:53 am

    Thanks for the inspiration! I love watercolor – and portraits – but don’t always have a ton of time. This is a sweet shortcut! In a pinch: I’ve seen tutorials on Pinterest where a white crayon is used as the resist. : )

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      November 24, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      Yes! I’ve thought about using a white crayon, have yet to try it but I need to! I think it would give it a bit of a different look, but cool all the same.

      Reply
      • Kimberly Verity Miller says

        January 7, 2020 at 8:06 pm

        LOVE YOUR PRECIOUS ART!!💜💜💜💜💜🌈
        God bless your Heart 💜 & Soul.
        Xo, Kimberly.
        Happy Jan.7,202.!!!!☺️

        Such a Great Cool 😎 idea to try Thanks to whom suggested the white crayon!! I’m also myselfgoing to try a smidge less expensive route as it’s what I have onhand at times depending on my location and that is a thin bead of hot glue?! Lol we will soon see!!!!!!💜

        Good blessing to all of you!!!!!!!💜✔️🥰

        Reply
  19. patsy says

    October 12, 2014 at 6:59 am

    Great Idea!!! Love it! patsy
    patsy recently posted…Paint Party Friday: Live By Faith!My Profile

    Reply
  20. Annette Cowgill Beachy says

    June 7, 2014 at 12:03 pm

    I just got done making a lovely Graduation gift of one of a kind! Thanks for your simple tutorial!
    I made a thin layer of the Masking Fluid and it dried really fast. Within 2 hrs my project was finished
    and matted on foam board for framing! So personal! Love it!

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      June 8, 2014 at 9:39 pm

      I am so happy that it worked out! I’d love to see a picture of your gift!

      Reply
  21. Linda says

    June 1, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    Nancy, I love this tutorial. It is something I’d love to do. I pinned it. We were both on the ahalogy Facebook group at the same time! 🙂 Linda

    Reply
  22. Jess says

    May 23, 2014 at 12:03 pm

    Love this! I’m pinning it and going to try one with a pic of my grandmother who passed away. Beautiful! Visiting from sits
    Jess recently posted…Idol Finale 2014My Profile

    Reply
  23. LC says

    January 23, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    Did you use colorless art masking fluid or pigmented?

    Reply
  24. Lateral Damage says

    August 7, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    Cool effect! I’ve used masking fluid before though, you don’t need to wait 12h, 15mins is more than enough! Just don’t put on a massive load and it will dry super quick 🙂

    Reply
  25. Frauline says

    August 7, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    Nancy, I came upon your site at Pinterest. This looks like a great craft and such a wonderful keepsake! I’m a crafter and I am always looking to try interesting things (also, ones that involve some sort of painting). I was extremely touched by how this craft came about with regard to your Godmother, Mary. I actually had tears in my eyes when I read what happened. Such a beautiful woman and a terrible loss. However, you somehow keep her memory alive and that is wonderful. I’m sure many of us can relate to loss of a loved one (I know I have). May God Bless you and your family. I can’t wait to try this great craft! Many regards… and Thank you!

    Reply
  26. "Cottage By The Sea" says

    July 21, 2013 at 10:37 am

    This is FANTASTIC! I can’t wait to try it, I even have all the supplies on hand. If mine turns out half as good as yours I’ll be happy. I’m going to PIN this right away. Thanks!

    Reply
  27. ibatxrn says

    June 29, 2013 at 7:45 am

    Wow! How cool is this? Mary was such a vibrant young woman with such a beautiful smile!! It made an awesome watercolor pic! I’m so sorry she was taken so young. Thanks for a wonderful idea!

    Reply
  28. bethany says

    April 7, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    What a nifty idea. It looks wonderful.

    Reply
  29. Tina Pippo says

    April 1, 2013 at 6:36 am

    Wonderful tutorial! I loved the outcome!
    Great post!! I included it in my post Βόλτα στη Γειτονιά #26 🙂
    Have a great week!!

    Reply
  30. Colette says

    March 23, 2013 at 10:58 am

    What a beautiful tribute to both your Aunt and your Mother. It is something I will definitely try. God bless you and your family.

    Reply
  31. Lauren Lanker says

    March 22, 2013 at 12:40 am

    I’m so sorry to hear about this tragic story, but it seems you’ve found a wonderful way to pay homage to her memory. This turned out BEAUTIFULLY! And I’m tempted to try this technique myself. Pinning!

    Reply
  32. Jeannie Clemens says

    March 14, 2013 at 9:19 am

    A sweet tribute toyour aunt.

    Reply
  33. DomesticSuperhero.com says

    March 14, 2013 at 8:49 am

    Wow, this is really really really cool! I love how it turned out! I would love if you would come share this, or another project at my link party today! http://domesticsuperhero.com/2013/03/14/sharing-with-domestic-superhero-thursday-link-party-2/ Hope to see you!

    Reply
  34. PlayEat Grow says

    March 13, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    This is so cool! I really, really, really want to try this. Gotta find that fluid!

    Reply
  35. Amy says

    March 13, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    Wow! That is amazing! And what a sweet gift for your mom. I’m sure she will treasure it.

    Reply
  36. Laura Cano says

    March 13, 2013 at 9:09 am

    This is beautiful! I can’t wait to try this for my mother!, My Dad passed away, so this will be perfect for her!!

    Reply
  37. Adrianne at Happy Hour Projects says

    March 13, 2013 at 7:39 am

    Nancy I cannot even begin to say how much I love this. You said “easy” and I seriously thought – no way. No way could I do this. But… maybe?? The possibilities have me so excited!!

    Reply
  38. Tara @ Suburble says

    March 12, 2013 at 11:42 pm

    Uhmmmmm… WOW! That is an incredible work of art! Also, what a meaningful gift.

    I think I may try my hand at this. Now I have to go searching through photos.

    Thank you for the great tutorial!

    Tara
    http://www.suburble.com

    Reply
  39. Michelle says

    March 12, 2013 at 12:48 am

    This is amazing! Good work!

    I found you over at Sumo’s Sweet Stuff Link Party.

    I’m having a giveaway over at my blog, so check it out!

    http://cloverandmustard.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-few-of-my-favorites-giveaway.html

    Reply
  40. Bonny Yokeley says

    March 11, 2013 at 10:51 pm

    Wow! This is such a neat technique. I’m sorry for your loss. I lost my Godfather when I was young to cancer as well. But this is a lovely way to remember her beautiful smile!

    Bonny @ thedomesticatedprincess.com

    Reply
  41. Kelly {Sparkles and Shoes} says

    March 11, 2013 at 3:19 pm

    This is so cool! I am sorry to hear about your loss but what a great way to remember her!

    xx
    Kelly
    Sparkles and Shoes
    My 1,000 Follower Giveaway!

    Reply
  42. Jen @ de Jong Dream House says

    March 11, 2013 at 2:42 pm

    This is so cool! I’m pinning it for the future. I love water color, but I have no technique. I’d love to do a silhouette of our son like this.

    Reply
  43. the cape on the corner says

    March 11, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    wow, what a great idea to give the picture some new life.

    Reply
  44. Madalyn McArthur says

    March 11, 2013 at 10:22 am

    Wow! I love it! Watercolor is my favorite medium. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  45. Lynn Nash says

    March 11, 2013 at 8:13 am

    This is great! I can’t wait to make portraits of my sons using this method. Thank you for sharing it and making the tutorial so easy to follow. Do you mind if I link my readers to it?

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      March 11, 2013 at 10:48 am

      I’d love for you to share this with you readers!

      Reply
  46. Krista Low says

    March 11, 2013 at 6:48 am

    This is amazing. I just pinned this and I am anxious to try this out! What a fabulous idea. Thank you so much for a great tutorial!

    Reply
  47. Bethany says

    March 11, 2013 at 12:26 am

    This is such a cool tutorial! Yours turned out wonderful!

    Reply
  48. [email protected] says

    March 10, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    Nancy, your picture turned out beautifully! What a meaningful and beautiful gift for your mother. Your directions even made the project seem doable for a non-artist like me.

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      March 10, 2013 at 9:10 pm

      It seriously is so easy. I am not artistic, either!

      Reply

Trackbacks

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