Expressive Watercolour Portraits:Emotion, Colour & Brushwork

Date: July 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th, 2026 (4 Fridays) 

Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (PDT) 

Location: Online via Zoom

Level: Open to All Levels!

Medium: Watercolour

All sessions are recorded!

Workshop Overview:

Discover the art of expressive watercolour portraiture in this four-part online workshop series. We’ll explore capturing character and emotion across a range of ages and skin tones, using vibrant colour, loose brushwork, and a focus on storytelling. Each week, you’ll learn new techniques to help you paint more confidently and authentically, whether you’re a beginner or looking to loosen up your style.

From the drama of monochrome studies to the playful energy of children’s portraits, we’ll tackle a variety of subjects and approaches. You’ll practise building form with bold marks, experimenting with colour, and using brushwork to create movement and life in your paintings. Along the way, you’ll gain practical tools for seeing value, mixing harmonious  colours, and expressing mood.

Join us for a welcoming, supportive series designed to help you find your voice and  connect more deeply with your subjects. All levels welcome—bring your curiosity and a willingness to experiment!

About the Instructor - Lorraine Simonds, SFCA:

Lorraine Simonds is an internationally recognised, award-winning watercolour artist and educator known for her expressive, emotive portraits that capture the essence of humanity. Recent achievements include Finalist in Splash 26: The Best of Watercolour (2025), First Place in Works on Paper at the Federation of Canadian Artists (2024, 2025), First Place for the 2025 Small Works and Honours in the 2024 Vancouver Salon, and Special Merit for “My Question of Fruit” in Art & Color 365 Magazine (2025). She has been invited as Special Guest Artist and Cultural Ambassador to the 2025 China International Watercolour Art Season and will exhibit at the prestigious International Watercolour Masters (IWM2026) in England.

She serves as International Brand Ambassador for Rockwell Art Canada and Golden Maple, BC Representative of the Canadian Branch of the International Watercolour Society, and Exhibiting Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. Her work has been featured in juried exhibitions internationally. She has served as a juror for international watercolour competitions, including Women in Watercolour International for two consecutive years, Rockwell International Wetlands 2025, and the IWS Canada Members Competition. Her work is held in private and permanent collections worldwide.

Student Testimonials:

• " This was the most wonderful learning experience. Portraiture has been a pain point in general for me in my painting, so it was a step way  outside my comfort zone. Lorraine truly wants everyone to succeed and takes all questions and gives answers such that they are valuable to the group. Her knowledge and understanding of her craft are evident in all of the preparation she does and shares with attendees. Lorraine really wants to connect with her students, not just for the duration of the class, but to see them grow and evolve in their skills going forward. It was a lot of work for her and a great deal of learning for the students  across three days, but so worth it. Excellent experience. Phenomenal instruction and instructor. " ⁠ - EmSi

• " Fantastic class with Lorraine Simonds whose explanations of her style and techniques made me realize that I have always wanted to paint watercolor the way she does. I can't do that for beans, but at least now I have expert notes about how the various procedures I've learned in other classes are supposed to work. Gives me hope that with practice  and following these methods I might get somewhere. Many thanks, Lorraine! " - Bill V

• " I thoroughly enjoyed your lesson, Lorraine! I enjoyed hearing about how/why you chose the composition and your color choices. Although your watercolor painting has a loose look to it, the process you use is anything but fast & loose!  Your use of two paintbrushes to get soft edges is slow, methodical and effective. You have some fun sayings--it was a great description of your technique not being wet on wet, but "letting watercolors touch and be friends"! 🤗 I loved hearing your philosophy, and seeing your tips and techniques in action. Your mention of the importance of having passion pursuits---using a careless approach and playing more is such good advice. Thanks for helping me gain more insights about your watercolor approach, and introducing me to new ideas and skills." - Candy M

• "Just have to tell you how much I enjoyed your class yesterday morning. Your finished piece was gorgeous! Your teaching style is wonderful. I can't get over how you can continually talk/teach and paint at the same time - explaining details of the how, why and when of brushstrokes and colours. You have a gift, being both an accomplished painter and terrific teacher. ! " - Erika