Thursday, October 8th, 10 AM - 4 PM at the Gallery at the Park, Richland, WA

Level: Adventurous beginners through experienced painters; basic familiarity with watercolor is  recommended. 

Join award-winning watercolor portrait artist Yidan Guo for a focused, full-day workshop exploring how  a portrait develops from a clear drawing into a luminous and expressive painting. Working from a  supplied reference photograph and prepared line drawing, participants will begin with a small, simplified  watercolor study before following Yidan through the major stages of a complete portrait: a transparent  foundation wash, development of light and shadow structure, and selective details that reveal the  subject’s character. Yidan will demonstrate each stage, pause while participants paint, and offer  individual guidance. The workshop emphasizes water control, transparent layering, value, color  temperature, edge variety, and the art of simplifying—helping painters create a convincing sense of  presence without becoming lost in unnecessary detail.

Participants will learn how to: 

• Read a photographic portrait reference in both color and black-and-white, identifying the large  value pattern before painting. 

• Use a prepared line drawing as a reliable foundation, preserving class time for watercolor rather  than lengthy drawing correction. 

• Create a quick, small, simplified value-and-wash portrait study with economical brushwork.

• Establish a broad, transparent foundation wash that unifies skin, hair, clothing, and atmosphere.

• Develop the head through connected light and shadow shapes rather than isolated facial  features. 

• Use color temperature, pigment strength, water control, and varied edges to create volume and  luminosity. 

• Bring the portrait to life through selective emphasis on the most character-defining features  while simplifying secondary details.

• Recognize when a watercolor has said enough and avoid overworking the surface.

Student supplies are not included. Participants should bring all materials listed below.

Download the Supply List

About the Instructor:

Yidan Guo is an award-winning watercolor portrait artist whose work explores resilience, memory, migration, and the inner lives of her subjects. Her paintings have been recognized in national and international watercolor exhibitions, and she brings extensive university-level teaching experience in both China and the United States. During this workshop, she will combine clear structural instruction with the expressive possibilities of transparent watercolor and individualized guidance.

COST: Members $100 / Non-members $110

NOTE FOR MEMBERS: To receive your membership discount, enter the code PORTRAIT into the Discount Code field at checkout. Memberships will be verified.