Al Stine uses demonstrations and exercises throughout - to show you, beginning to end and step by step, how to paint a successful portrait. You'll see how to paint lifelike facial features - mouths, eyes, ears, hair; mix beautiful skin tones for various types of complexions; create drama with light and shadow; tell a story by using objects related to your subject's life; create semi-abstract backgrounds and lively grays; compose an exciting painting centered on the head or figure; and develop "loose, " yet accurate drawing skills by contour drawing with your brush. Starting with a discussion of materials and concluding with a series of complete, step-by-step painting projects, Painting Watercolor Portraits is filled with Al Stine's personal methods - including the colors on his palette and his favorite uses for each.