I started this sketch without refreshing my knowledge of abstract portraiture. All I had in mind was to contrast the bright side of the face with that in shadow. I used the complementary colors, red and green to do this.

Woman’s Head #1

After blocking the main features with reds, reddish browns and greens, I filled in the spaces between.

Woman’s Head #2

Finally, I set the eyes and added the remainder of her coiff.

Woman’s Head
Watercolor
9″x12″ 140# Cold Pressed Watercolor Block

I began reading about abstract portraiture and frankly, I had a hard time with the terms bandied about in the realms of Social Constructivism, Interactionism, Aesthetic Cognitivism and other abstruse fields. Perhaps I need to read other literature to refresh and renew my fascination with abstract portraiture.