Watercolour doesn't have to feel complicated. Follow a simple step-by-step process and enjoy creating vibrant portraits in a relaxed, rewarding way.
✓ Beginner friendly approach
✓ Paint from any reference photo
✓ Modern vibrant style — not traditional watercolour
15 Lessons - 3+ hours - Lifetime Access
✓ 14 Day Guarantee ✓ 5 Star Reviews
The 9 step method
Watercolour doesn’t need to feel unpredictable or intimidating.
I’ve simplified my professional process into a clear, beginner-friendly method you can use again and again to build colourful portraits without pressure, guesswork or complicated theory.
Inside the course, we paint together in real time, one stage at a time.
Step-by-Step Video Lessons
From materials and composition to the final details, each stage is clearly broken down so you can follow along at home and build your portrait at your own pace.
Watch the course trailer
A quick look inside the course — what’s included, how the process works, and how to paint vibrant watercolour portraits with a simple, structured approach.
Whether you’re new to portrait painting or returning to it, the course breaks the process into clear stages you can follow from home.
You’ll learn
✓ Simple 9-step watercolour portrait process
✓ Painting from any reference photo
✓ Colour, values and glazing techniques
✓ Minimal home setup and materials
Also included
✓ Private student community
✓ One-page process cheat sheet
✓ Full support
✓ Lifetime access
Course information:
Course summary:
Section 1 - Foundations & Preparation
- Welcome and course introduction
- Overview of recommended materials
- Choosing your reference photo and understanding values (with a guided exercise)
- Planning your composition
- Selecting colours for your portrait
- Using the grid method for accuracy
- Adding guide lines
- Pre-mixing your paints for a smoother workflow
Section 2 - Step-by-Step Painting Process
- Nine fully narrated lessons, each covering a separate stage of the painting
- Watch the portrait evolve from first sketch to final details
- Learn the exact techniques, brushwork, and colour choices used at every step
Materials you will need:
Frequently asked questions
Where do I watch the course videos?
After purchase, you’ll receive an email with a link to create your course account (using the same email you purchased with). Once you log in, you’ll have instant access to all the video lessons inside your personal course dashboard. You can watch them anytime, at your own pace, from any device.
I’m a beginner, will this be suitable for me?
Yes, this easy course is designed to go through everything a beginner needs to know to get started. I'm confident this online workshop will work for you.
Is the course refundable?
Yes, I offer a 14-day no-quibble money-back guarantee. For refunds, contact: support@mattmurphyart.co.uk
Can I do the course at my own pace?
Yes, absolutely take as much time as you want in the comfort of your own home in your own free time.
What language is the course in, and are there subtitles in other languages?
The audio is in English. At this stage, there are no other language subtitles.
Will the content work on all devices?
Yes the videos will play on all smartphones,tablets and computers.
Can I download the videos?
The videos are available to stream only.
Can I repeat this process on other reference photos?
Yes, I’ve designed the course so you can follow the nine stages on pretty much any reference photo.
Where do I stream the content?
You will create an account after purchasing the course and then stream the content via my website.
How long will I have access to the course?
You can enjoy Unlimited lifetime access.
Will the materials needed cost much money to buy?
There will be a small outlay for the materials but not much. If you want decent paper, that can be an expense, but you can get away with cheaper paper. You will also need a hairdryer if you haven’t got one already.
Are the materials easy to get hold of?
Yes, all art stores will provide everything you need.
How do I receive the download pack with course material? This is available as a download link within your account.
When you join the course, you’ll also receive a one-page PDF Cheat Sheet that walks you through the full 9-Step Method — perfect to keep beside you while painting any portrait.
This Modern Watercolour Course
Fresh, vibrant portraits with a modern style
Simple 9‑step process — no overcomplicated theory
Minimal setup and tools required
Beginner‑friendly (no drawing experience needed)
Step‑by‑step lessons you can follow at your own pace.
Traditional Watercolour Course
Faint, washed‑out results that lack vibrancy
Overly technical methods that overwhelm beginners
Requires lots of specialist brushes and materials
Easy to overwork and ruin a painting
Slow, rigid teaching styles that drain creativity.
When you join the course, you’ll also get access to a private student community where you can share your work, ask questions, and stay motivated.
Inside the community you can:
– Share unfinished work
– Get feedback
– See how others are progressing
– Stay consistent
View the course videos on any device. Follow along and watch your portrait come to life. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve in a few hours.
Course Overview
Learn Modern Vibrant Watercolour Portraits
In this course, I’ll guide you step by step through my complete watercolour portrait process — the same method I’ve honed over years of painting.
We’ll start with the essentials: the materials I use, how to choose the right reference image, and how to sketch it onto paper. From there, we’ll explore composition and do a simple exercise on understanding values — a crucial part of this modern approach.
Next, I’ll show you how to mix and prepare colours in a way that makes watercolours easy and intuitive. You’ll practice glazing techniques and learn how to lay down colour shapes with confidence.
Then we’ll bring it all together in a full, real‑time portrait — broken down into nine clear stages from start to finish. Finally, I’ll share a short conclusion on how you can apply this method to future projects.
Alongside the lessons, you’ll also get a FREE printable Cheat Sheet — a handy one‑page guide you can keep beside you while painting.
This course is suitable for all abilities — whether you’re brand new to watercolours or already experienced and looking for a fresh, modern approach. By following this simple process, you’ll quickly discover how to create portraits that are vibrant, abstract, and uniquely your own.
Matt Murphy (b. Brighton, UK, 1977) is a professional artist specialising in both watercolours and oils. He is best known for his unique abstract portraits, created through a modern, non‑traditional approach.
With decades of experience, Matt has exhibited in London and across the UK, and his work has been featured in art magazines and podcasts. He has also completed commissions for clients around the world.
Driven by a lifelong passion for painting, Matt is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and methods so that others can discover the joy of creating art for themselves.
To see his latest work and behind‑the‑scenes process, you can follow him on Instagram.
