This week, I’m inviting you to join me in a calm and cozy creative session. We will engage in a real-time watercolor portrait in my square watercolor journal. With soft colors and gentle music, there is no rushing. This is your moment to breathe, sketch, and paint. You could also simply enjoy watching a face come to life.
Sometimes, we need art that’s not about rushing to a result. That’s why I filmed this portrait session in real time. No speeding up, no voice-over. Just watercolor, pencil, music, and a few quiet moments for you to enjoy at your own pace.
I started with something unexpected: a leftover piece of napkin that had been glued into the page ages ago. I didn’t plan around it—just allowed it to be part of the story. That little scrap of texture actually helped set the mood for the entire painting.
The portrait itself is loose and intuitive. I used a standard 2B graphite pencil for the initial sketch. From there, I added layers of watercolor using two sets: one with warm tones and one with cool ones. Most of the paints are from Jane Davenport, with a few extra touches from my trusty Schmincke (Horadam) palette.
As I worked, I followed where the colors led me. Some days, art flows like that—no need to force anything. The result is a soft, almost dreamy face that feels like she’s whispering, “capture the moment.” (Yes, the quote at the bottom came last—it felt just right.)
If you want, you can grab your supplies and paint along with me. Or you can treat this video like a visual break in your day. Let the music and brushstrokes carry you for a little while.
If you create something inspired by this video, I’d love to see it. Feel free to tag me on Instagram @mixedmediabeagrob. You can also share it in the Facebook group Bea’s Mixed Media and More💛
Supplies Used:
- Jane Davenport Watercolor Set – Warm Tones
- Jane Davenport Watercolor Set – Cool Tones
- Schmincke Horadam Watercolors
- Standard 2B Graphite Pencil
- Square Watercolor Journal
- Collaged napkin (already part of the page before starting)
