Member Event
Watercolour Portraiture with Lorraine Simonds
Watercolour Portraiture with Lorraine Simonds
Join Lorraine Simonds to explore the ethereal beauty of transparent watercolour portraiture. In this session, she will create a simple female portrait, focusing on simplifying complex facial features into essential shapes and planes. Participants will learn to view the face as a series of interconnected forms, discovering how understanding these foundational structures can enhance both likeness and luminosity.
Lorraine will demonstrate techniques for preserving whites, layering transparent washes, and controlling water to achieve soft, glowing edges. Whether you are new to portraiture or looking to refine your skills, this demonstration will help you paint faces with greater confidence and clarity while maintaining the fresh, luminous quality that makes watercolour portraiture so captivating.
Materials
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolours: Indian Yellow, Pyrrol Orange, Opera Pink, Phthalo Turquoise, Sap Green, Perylene Red, Paynes Grey
Winsor & Newton Professional Synthetic Watercolour Brushes: Round 6, 8, and Mop 13.5mm
Winsor & Newton Professional Watercolour Paper Blocks: 9x12” or larger
Water Containers
Paper Towel
Hairdryer
Opus Virtual Demo Common Q&A - Click HERE
This event is for Opus Members — thank you for being part of the creative community!
Hosted by Opus Art Supplies & our Experience leader
Lorraine Simonds is an internationally recognized watercolourist based in Squamish, British Columbia, known for her loose, expressive portraits that capture the essence of humanity. Recent achievements include Finalist in Splash 26: The Best of Watercolour (2025) and a number of First Place National Awards with the Federation of Canadian Artists. She has juried international competitions, including Women in Watercolour International, for two consecutive years. Her work is held in private and public collections worldwide. With a BA in Fine Art from the University of Leeds and 16 years of corporate experience in branding, marketing, photography and volunteer work, she brings acute awareness of composition and visual storytelling to her paintings. Her background as a bass guitarist informs her sensitivity to rhythm, space, harmony, and even dissonance, which translates into how she balances movement and stillness on paper.Website: lorrainesimonds.com
Instagram: @lorraine.simonds.watercolour
Facebook: @lorraine.simonds.watercolour
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Opus Member Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to register in advance?
Yes—most events require registration to reserve your spot. Free demos with limited space can fill up quickly, so we recommend signing up early.
What’s included in a paid vs free event?
Paid events may include hands-on instruction, materials, and exclusive product offers. The details will be listed on the event page.
Free events may include a short, informative session led by an artist—perfect for picking up techniques, learning about materials, and sparking inspiration. You’re welcome to paint along, but it’s not required.
Will I get a recording if I miss an online event?
No. These demos are live-only. If recorded, the footage is gifted to the artist and not shared publicly.
Can I attend an online event if I don’t live in BC?
Yes! Our online events are open to artists across Canada and beyond.
Where are events held?
We host events both in-store at select Opus locations and online via Zoom or other platforms. The location and format will always be clearly stated.
I registered but didn’t receive a confirmation email. What should I do?
Check your junk or spam folders first. If you’re still unsure, email Pamela Mark at pmark@opusartsupplies.com to confirm your registration.
What’s the difference between free and paid events?
Free events are short, demo-based sessions led by professional artists—great for inspiration and learning.
Paid events offer deeper, hands-on instruction with more time, materials, or exclusive access. They’re ideal for artists looking to grow their skills.
Some paid events are free or discounted for Artist and Creative Tier Members.
Is it okay to ask questions during the demo?
Absolutely. Use the community chat to ask demo-related questions. Our host will relay them to the artist as time allows.
When will I be let in from the Zoom waiting room?
We open the room right at the start time. Arrive a couple of minutes early to avoid delays.
How can I apply to be a demo artist?
We love connecting with artists who teach and inspire. Apply here to share your skills in an upcoming demo.