artist

It’s really exciting when you finally get dark skin right. I made this video to help you do just that. Here are some tips:
Tip 1) simplify what you are seeing
what I do is break down the image into four main colors to start. The objective here is to fill the canvas with paint the easiest way you can. I do this by choosing 4 colors. I use 1 dark, 2 mediums, and a highlight (see video). I use 8 different colors in all to finish the skin tone and they are pre-mixed. Using 4 keeps you from having to wonder where every color should go.
Tip 2) add more color
After I lay out the 4 colors and cover the canvas, I add 2 more colors. So that brings the total to 6 colors. I don’t add the highlight 2 or dark 2 (see video) because they’re not need at this stage. I build up the color until it’s opaque.
Tip 3) blend the paints
when I begin to blend I add a little water to the paints. It makes it easier to control plus the paint doesn’t get muddy. We have to guard against over painting because the paint is too thin to stick so you’ll end up swirling paint around the canvas or you’ll lift up other layers. The first blend layer looks really rough but just let it dry and start over. At this stage in the game I begin to add dark 2 (see video) because we are getting closer to the finish line. The only color I haven’t added is highlight 2 ( see video) because highlights are the last thing I add in the final stage of the painting.
I hope this helps. Peace

emptyeasel interview: http://emptyeasel.com/2013/05/23/interview-with-acrylic-painter-eric-francis/

find me on facebook:
http://tinyurl.com/mortggu

visit my blog to view art and/or donate:
http://erictfrancis.blogspot.com/

buy my art at etsy:
http://tinyurl.com/pccgoet

videos on blending:
http://tinyurl.com/mh9xxkw

how to paint skin tones:
http://tinyurl.com/lezcgwj

how to paint hair:
http://tinyurl.com/lb6kvay

5 tip to create a more realistic portrait:
http://tinyurl.com/l2zyd58

how to blend acrylic paint:
http://tinyurl.com/mh9xxkw

Music credits

“Reverie (small theme)” by _ghost (feat. Pitx)
http://ccmixter.org/files/_ghost/25389
is licensed under a Creative Commons license:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/