Joe (Ernie) my brother

[Brian Michon]

Here is a Watercolor Portrait of my brother Ernest. We all call him Joe. The painting measures 22" x 15". I've been concentrating on oil for the past few years but decided to try out watercolor again.

[Julie Deane]

I'm in awe of anyone who can do a watercolor portrait, Brian. This is nice! tell me, do you build up layers of color, and what surface do you paint on?

[Josef Sy]

I am with you Julie. Hats off to you Brian.

[Garth Herrick]

Brian,

This is a wonderful and powerful portrait! Even in the constraint of it's vignette, it has volumes of narrative speaking of who Ernest is and how he strikes a chord with us, the viewers. In fact this is so effective, some like me may wish they could study how to approach portraits in watercolors.

Best,

Garth

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Great job! I liked it very much.

[Cynthia Daniel]

A facial closeup would be nice to see also.

[Ronald Morgan]

nice! it's amazing how you have gone into so much depth with water color. I'd never be able to do that!

[Natalie Hunsaker]

I tried watercolors once in high school and hated them. You've almost inspired me to try again! This is remarkable!

[Alexandra Tyng]

Brian, I admire the way you painted the planes in his face, and gave a strong impression of your brother's character. And I'm with everyone else in admiring anyone who can get watercolor to do what they want and still let it be watery.

[Brian Michon]

Thanks to everyone who viewed my post and to those who made such nice comments. For those wondering I do build up my colours in layers paying close attention to leaving the highlighted areas untouched. Initially i will do large flat washes, sometimes working wet into wet and blending with more water. Other techniques I sometimes use is lifting colour with water and brush, and sometimes a dry brushing technique to move around pigment.

I've included a couple of close ups but for the life of me I cannot find the original file. I hope these will do.

Thanks again.