Expressive Portraits: Creative Methods for Painting People

This is a pivotal book for me. It has helped me to pull together all the different watermedia techniques I have learned throughout the years and begin communicating in a visual language that is one of my own. While it is a book that is part technique and part inspiration, getting the most out of this book is also dependent upon what you, the artist, brings to it. If you let it, it will be your personal workshop. Thank you Jean! I'm sure before long I will actually be one of your workshop attendees, but for now, your book has given me what I need to take the next step....

EXPRESSIVE PORTRAITS By Jean Pederson Jean Pederson's book, Expressive Portraits, is a must for every artist's library and, particularly, for the portrait artist. Artists at any level will find Jean's book both innovative and instructive. This well-written and pictorially illustrated book of 125 pages divided into five 5 chapters packs a wealth of knowledge from choosing one's materials to innovative methods of using mixed media in painting the portrait. Along with reviews of the body's proportions and a guide to drawing and painting the facial features and proportions, Jean reviews the principles and elements of design and instructs how to use these elements in planning one's composition. Next, she explains and illustrates the actual painting of the portrait including color strategy and layering paint. Finally, through demonstration, she incorporates creative methods of using various water media within the portrait and background that brings the painting to an exciting completion. The reader will find Expressive Portraits easy to read, enjoyable, and informative. Review by Claire Hall, GWS June 12, 2009

This is by far the best watercolor book out there. I've learned so much from it. I love the color pallette Jean recommended in her book. I highly recommend this book to all levels watercolorist. Thank you Jean for sharing your talent and knowledge with us.

I have had the pleasure of taking classes with Jean and feel that the book admirably projects her lessons. I especially like her information on using different medias. She has given me the courage to break all rules and experiment for myself. I think it is a very good book on painting portraits and a good addition to an artist's library.