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African American Skin Tone

3K views 12 replies 6 participants last post by  Asancta 
#1 ·
Hi,

Does anyone have a good recipe for black skin tone for oil painting? I am disappointed with the murky, valueless colors I've come up with. I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks
 
#6 ·
The black skin tone is sooo much fun and so easy.In fact is easier than the white one.The first thing to do when you paint someone is to take a good look...is the skin absorbing light or reflecting it.Usually the black skin reflects light creating so much great contrasts and undertones...you have the blue,the red,the yellowish,the reddish browns etc etc.What I always do is start with an undertone...and build on it.Same with afro type of hair.If you paint after a photo then make sure the photo has a great deal of contrast so will be easier for you.
 
#7 ·
african_woman.jpg

This gorgeous photo has,as you can see a great deal of contrasts...and colors(to me is like looking at a flower vase lol).On the margins you notice the blue then the more you advance to the middle of the face the colors become more sweet and warm and you can easily notice the soft reds but in the middle where it shines there are some lights blues again. Very easy to paint actually.

Hope the photo will upload or I'll sound like a weirdo here :p
 

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#9 ·
Thanks Asancta, I agree with the undertones playing a big part. Glad you mentioned reflecting and absorbing light, as my subject is cast in candle light. I'm in a little over my head but I like a challenge. I can't believe the great advice has helped my painting so much. I am falling in love with the nuances, that's when I know I'm on the right track.
 
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