Rebecca Rothey: Watercolor Portraiture

About Rebecca

Rebecca Rothey studied photography under Geoff Delanoy while working towards her undergraduate degree in philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, Maryland. She was an adult, part-time student and photography allowed her a much needed creative respite from the pressures of work and school. She learned photography by developing film and making gelatin silver prints using traditional darkroom techniques.

She has continued making images since her… more

View Rebecca's Resume

Portraits made prior to taking three workshops in 2025

Portraits made before I took workshops in 2025, including information about the source of inspiration for each painting.

The War

Watercolor portrait of pensive woman with flames next to her.

Available for Purchase

$350
Hollywood Diner Hoodie

Watercolor portrait with abstract elements. SettingHollywood Diner

Available for Purchase

$250
Alan With Blues

Portrait in strong contrast light. Subject engaging with viewer.

Available for Purchase

$350
Market Mirth

Mother and daughter sharing an intimate moment. Portrait inspired by ZL Feng

Available for Purchase

$350
West in Green

Loose watercolor portrait approach inspired by Anette Smith

Available for Purchase

$200
Afternoon Nap

Watercolor portrait of a man and his dog napping, book on the man's lap
One Hundred Year Old Italian

Portrait of an older man with his shirt open

Available for Purchase

$150
Moment of Wonder

Portraits inspired by Pam Wenger

In March of 2025, I took a portraiture workshop with Pam Wenger to make what she calls "quick studies". (I found nothing quick about them.) She emphasizes the use of "exciting colors." Inspired by her approach, I decided to make 10 paintings mimicking her style. Here a few of the most successful.

Ches
Camo Hat Wearer

Available for Purchase

Framed 11 X 14" $125
Bob With a Moth on His Hat
Luigi

Available for Purchase

11 x 14" framed $125
Padula Workman

Available for Purchase

11 x 14" framed $125
San Francisco Cool

Available for Purchase

11 x 14" Framed $125
Sandy
The Guitar Player

Available for Purchase

11 x 15" framed $125

Portraits inspired by Joanna Barnum

In June, I took a portraiture workshop with Joanna Barnum. Her approach is to start with cool colors in a large area of the face and then build up shapes with cool and warm mid-tones, ending with a warm wash. Here are a few paintings inspired by her approach.

Sally
The Rock of One Rock Farm
Rena

Available for Purchase

$250 14 X 18 unframed
Salt and Pepper

Available for Purchase

$150
Don

Portraits Inspired by Ted Nuttall

Finally, in September I took a workshop with Ted Nuttall, Pam Wenger's mentor. Ted has a unique approach to watercolor portraiture. His paintings are light and airy with the addition of what he calls "sloppy dots." He is a true master and an excellent teacher. I am just beginning to practice his approach, without mimicking the "sloppy dots."