Ali has been painting portraits for 35 years and has simplified a universal skin tone palette of 6 essential colors. In this tutorial you will work together with Ali, step-by-step, to learn how she paints light, medium, and dark complexions, with her six portrait colors. She also teaches her luminous watercolor technique so that you can apply her methods to your portraits.
This is the definitive guide for artists wanting to learn how to paint with watercolor on Aquabord. Ali Cavanaugh is a master portrait and figurative watercolorist. She has been painting exclusively on this unique clay surface for 20 years. Through her unmatched wisdom and knowledge, she will take you step by step through every stage of creating a complete watercolor painting.
Reviews from artists who have taken Ali's courses!
"Ali's course All About Ali's Portrait Colors is invaluable to anyone interested in watercolor. Great for all skill levels and any surface, paper, or alternatives like Aquabord. Ali's experience as a professional artist and teacher make this a course like no other, and brings watercolor into he 21st century with her techniques and ways of teaching. This course was an instant revelation for me. It answered all the questions I had about mixing color for skin tones and unlocks the real potential for Ali's color palette. There are four studies which are phenomenal. I was incredibly inspired. I was a complete beginner before discovering Ali's mentorship and watercolor community and this course is the icing on the cake. I have learned and grown so much from Ali's courses."
"I'm relatively new to watercolor, and Ali's work has been an inspiration to me. Getting the opportunity to learn directly from her is a gift. First I joined her watercolor community which has been incredible. I recently completed her Aquabord course and I couldn't be more pleased that I made the investment. I've watched each video in the series multiple times and each time I pick up on a technique or insight for working on Aquabord that improves my work. Ali is an encouraging and supportive teacher, wanting all of us to have the opportunity to develop as artists. She's so giving of her time, experience, and knowledge. Thank you, Ali!"
"Ali's course is everything that the reviews say and more. I will add that I find it to be a fundamental course in opening up fresh ideas and techniques in watercolor for all skill levels that you can build upon for years to come. I almost quit watercolor because it felt stagnant and looked flat to me. Then I found Ali's work and her watercolor community and was stunned by the results of her innovations. As an adult beginner, I have improved exponentially after having finished this course. Ali shares with joy and without restraints. I have no doubt that Ali and her works will be a historically significant marker in the world of watercolor. We are lucky to be a part of this movement that she is leading.
"This course is gold! Ali's watercolor community is phenomenal, but this course is a deep-dive in all things Aquabord. Ali explains her process clearly during the demonstration, and shares a variety of techniques for different features and textures. I have grown so much as an artist through Ali’s mentorship and particularly through these videos. It is hands down the best workshop I’ve ever bought."
I've followed Ali Cavanaugh's art work for a long time. She inspired me to try Aquabord. But I'd always wanted to really see what she was doing-what are her techniques, what colors does she use, etc. This video completely answered all of my questions and is a very comprehensive lesson. She explains what Aquabord is, how to use it, how to finish it with a protective layer. You watch as she completes the painting and what tools she employs. I highly recommend this video. you won't regret it.