Portrait Painting in Watercolor

Portrait Painting in Watercolor by Charles Reid is a practical guide to painting expressive portraits with watercolor. This digital PDF edition gives you immediate access to the complete 154-page book after purchase.

Reid teaches the essentials of watercolor portraiture, from materials and lighting to facial features and finished demonstrations. This is a downloadable PDF, so you can begin reading and painting right away.

Book Overview

Portrait Painting in Watercolor was first published in 1973 by Watson-Guptill Publications in New York. The book combines clear instruction with step-by-step demonstrations, showing how to paint the head, hair, hands, and full figures in both black and white and color.

Reid’s approach values spontaneity and direct observation. He encourages artists to make corrections without fear and to learn from the natural variations that occur in watercolor painting. The book is intended for artists who want to develop confident, informal portraits in this medium.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• Guidance on selecting materials for watercolor portraiture.
• Demonstrations of the head in three-quarter, side, front, and back lighting.
• A basic head form plus detailed studies of the nose, mouth, ears, and hair.
• Step-by-step studies of hands and complete portraits in black and white.
• Color demonstrations that cover selecting and mixing color.
• Finished portrait examples including a child, young woman, older man with beard, Oriental child, bearded lobsterman, child in sunlight, and full figure.

Why This Book Matters

Charles Reid is widely known for his direct, lively watercolor style. In this book, he challenges the idea that watercolor cannot be corrected and shows how changes can actually improve a painting.

For artists, students, and watercolor enthusiasts, this classic title remains a useful source of practical guidance and visual inspiration.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This is a digital download, so there is no physical shipping. After purchase, you can access the PDF through your digital library.

The PDF works with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and reading apps that support PDF files.

FAQ

How do I receive the book after purchase?
You will get instant download access to the PDF, so you can start reading immediately.

Will a physical copy be shipped?
No. This is a digital edition, and no printed book will be sent.

What devices can I use?
The PDF is compatible with Kindle apps, tablets, desktop computers, mobile devices, and standard PDF reading apps.

Add Portrait Painting in Watercolor to your collection and explore Charles Reid’s thoughtful approach to watercolor portraiture.