Butterfly Alchemy
with Tamara Laporte
Supplies used this session
Please note, below are the supplies I used, but you can substitute the supplies if and
where needed if you don't have what I've used.
1 Sheet of hotpressed watercolour paper (140lbs) (I used 16 x 12” but you can use
12 x 9” if you prefer).
Watercolour paints (I used Schmincke but any brand will do).
Posca pens black and white (or other waterproof black/ white pens).
Watercolour brushes (round, 1 large, 1 medium).
Stabilo All pencil (black)
Caran D’ache Crayon (in salmon) or use watercolour
Colour pencils
Colour Scheme I worked in today:
Split Complementary in
blue-green (teal)/ orange/ red (pink)
(But feel free to choose other colours if they resonate more for you!)
Simple steps to creating a front facing portrait.
1. Either trace the sketch or draw free hand:
◦ Start with large segments first, break down the face in large
shapes first
◦ Use guidelines and gridding to help you figure out where to
place facial features
◦ Add smaller details around the original larger segments to
build your face.
2. Add first layers of watercolours.
3. Build up shading and vibrancy by adding more layers with paint and
pencils.
4. If you want your colour to be more vibrant, add additional layers as
your watercolours will fade when dry.
5. Use your posca pen(s) to add details, highlights and line work.
6. Use extra and different markers for doodles and additional details.
7. Write prayers/ quotes/ manifestations affirmations in the hair strands.
Be gentle with yourself and try to approach this playfully, enjoying the
process and avoid focusing on the outcome.
www.willowing.org © Tamara Laporte – Willowing Arts 2022
