Watercolour with brush and airbrush, 1998.

Portraits in watercolour are a real challenge, as they are in any medium. Of course you want to capture the subject's personality. But in addition to that, the subtle hues and gradations of the skin require a very light touch. I prefer augmenting the bristle brush with the softness and subtlety that only an airbrush can produce. The trick is not to overuse the airbrush but to let it lightly enhance the framework created with the bristle brushes.