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Painting Watercolor Portraits with Confidence
Karen Schaaf | April 13-15, 2026
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How to blend luminous, believable skin tones
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How light interacts with the planes of the face
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Facial feature studies to improve structure, value, and color
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Karen’s “3-layer portrait” technique for quick studies with a limited palette
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How to build a finished portrait with background, fabric, and hands
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How to use an iPad or digital device as a reference tool (with practical tech tips)
Image shown is representational and for reference only.
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All levels are welcome. This workshop is ideal for artists who want to paint portraits in watercolor with more confidence—whether you’re just getting started or ready to refine your skills and improve likeness, light, and expression.
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A structured 3-day workshop with step-by-step instruction
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Demonstrations, practice studies, and guided portrait building
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A pre-class handout to help you choose a strong reference photo
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An invitation to a virtual meet-and-greet 4 weeks before class
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A printed workshop reference guide with links to narrated demo videos
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A personal follow-up critique (email a finished painting within 30 days)
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April 13–15, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00 pm (1-hour lunch) -
Fee: $377
Karen Noll Schaaf is an internationally award-winning watercolor artist and instructor based in New Bern, North Carolina. Known for luminous, expressive portraits that capture the “human moment,” she is a Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society, Southern Watercolor Society, Georgia Watercolor Society, and the Watercolor Society of North Carolina.
Her work has been selected for major exhibitions including the 2024 Transparent Watercolor Society Exhibition, the 2024 American Watercolor Society Member Exhibition, and the 2024 Fabriano in Acquarello International Congress, and is also featured in Splash 25: The Best of Watercolor.
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Karen is also an engaging educator with a background in instructional design (B.A. in Fine Arts and M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Technology). Her workshops are thoughtfully structured with clear handouts, step-by-step demos, and practical tech tips—helping artists build confidence with value, light, and portrait structure.