Week 5:

Benefits of beginning with a high contrast black and white underpainting that focuses on tonal relationships:

1. it will train you to pay attention to tonal values on the subject-matter, 

2. it will help you mix your colors while minding the color’s tonality, 

3. you’ll achieve a greater 3-D effect,

4. It will help you overcome the psychological resistance to using black paint.

After you're done with your black and white underpainting, you can colorize and add details. Paint with opaque layers and/or transparent layers: scumbling or glazing.

Week 4:

What to think about when painting on top of an imprimatura (toned canvas).

• How to utilize the imprimatura color in your painting
• How much of the imprimatura do you want to show in your finished piece?
  • A lot or a little?
• Accidental or intentional, or a little of both?
  • Will it show up in between brushstrokes?
  • Will it intentionally be used as a color in your painting?

Week 3:

Continue experimenting with the watered down paint technique.

What to explore:

• Working vertically versus horizontally
• How much water you mix into your paints
• The wetness of your substrate
  • Is it wet, damp, or dry?
• Allowing drips
• Painting over drips
• Painting wet into wet
• Allowing the paint to bleed
• Lifting wet paint with a paper towel

How to prepare for week 4:

Paint your entire canvas a solid color that is not skin tone.

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Week 2:

Psychology of color

• RED -  stimulates the senses, makes paintings more exciting. Red, according to the color research, “entices people to buy”
• ORANGE color - “warm and cozy”
• YELLOW - “South of France”
• GREEN - Balance, stability, calming
• BLUE - “twilight”, “fresh air”. Blue makes warm colors glow
• PALE PINK - impression of “early morning” 
• WHITE - “space”, “oxygen”
• BLACK - “power”, “strength”, “confidence”. Black makes other colors look brighter 

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Week 1:

Reminders for when you're painting:

• Let go of
  • Perfection
  • Proportions
  • Accuracy
  • "Good" composition
  • Consistency
  • Lights and shadows
  • Logic
• Embrace
  • Beauty
  • Intuitive decision making
  • Uniqueness
  • Visual interest
  • Going for it and seeing what happens

If you want to use your own photo reference, I recommend finding candid images or images that are unusual in some way. Nothing too forced (like a stylish headshot or a posing model) or "pretty". Go for weird, for natural. Maybe what can help you pick is to choose something you wouldn't normally think to paint.