Here is a sample of how I paint watercolor portraits. Halle Berry is my subject. I usually use a number of pictures as references. I include a profile view as the angle can help clarify facial features like noses and chins, which sometimes don't show clearly on a full-front photograph.

         First I sketch the drawing in pencil, not including too much detail. I also paint some watercolor colorless masking fluid at the edges of the skin and hair before I start painting the background. Masking fluid keeps the background paint from creeping into the hair, face and body areas. (Some of this masking agent shows white in the photo.)