The ability to create realistic skin tones will benefit both portrait makers and aspiring painters. Gradually, you will be able to create your own color mix that works for you. Mixing paints is an art of color in itself. Everyone has a different skin color. Once you've mastered realistic skin tones, experiment with unique colors and situations in your artwork.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Creating a Light Skin Tone
Step 1. Collect a series of paint colors
You will need to experiment with some paint colors. For a basic light skin tone, collect the following colors:
- Red
- Yellow
- Blue
- White
Step 2. Mix all the colors
Use any available palette or surface. A great alternative to pallets is a strong piece of cardboard. Pour each color paint on the palette.
Step 3. Make an equal amount of each color mixture
Using a brush, mix equal amounts of each of the red, yellow, and blue parts. Clean the brush in a cup of water after taking each color. Mix the three primary colors to create the base color.
The result will appear dark, but this is what it is trying to achieve. It's easier to lighten the color
Step 4. Compare the colors
Make the skin color similar. Compare the base color you created with the object color. If you are using a photo, pay attention to the lighting in the photo.
Step 5. Make the color light
If you need to make adjustments to lighten the base color, use a combination of yellow and white. White will lighten the base color, and yellow will make it warmer. Add a small amount of paint to the mixture. Mix all the colors before adding more.
Step 6. Add a reddish color
Use the same process as to lighten the base color, this time using red. If you have got the color you want, skip this step. Pay attention to the quality of the red in the skin tone you see. The red color sometimes appears more irregular in skin tone.
Don't add too much, unless you want to create a sunburnt tone
Step 7. Continue making adjustments
Pay attention to the color you are trying to achieve. Adjust in small portions. You may have to start again if the resulting color is too far from what you want. If it's too light, add a little red and blue.
Create different skin tones and use the most similar for the painting being created
Method 2 of 3: Creating a Medium Skin Tone
Step 1. Collect a series of paint colors
You will need to do more experimentation as medium skin tones have more color variations. Prepare the following colors:
- Red
- Yellow
- Blue
- White
- Burnt umber
- Raw sienna
Step 2. Mix all the colors
Use any available palette or surface. A great alternative to pallets is a strong piece of cardboard. Pour each color paint on the palette.
Step 3. Mix red and yellow
Make it orange by mixing equal amounts of red and yellow. Clean the brush in a cup of water after taking each color.
Step 4. Add blue color
Gradually mix the blue paint in small portions. Consider using a small amount of black paint, depending on how dark you want the color to be.
Step 5. Compare the colors
Make the skin color similar. Compare the base color you created with the object color. If you are using a photo, pay attention to the lighting in the photo.
Step 6. Add red if needed
Add a little red if needed. It's easier to add a little bit than to have to start from scratch.
Step 7. Make it a darker olive color
Mix equal amounts of burnt umber and raw sienna. This combination will create a darker concentrate. Gradually add this mixture to the base color until it looks just right. Use this combination as an alternative to blue. For a bigger olive effect, add a very small amount of yellow with green.
Step 8. Experiment until you are satisfied
Make different colors until you get five skin tones that you like. Having several colors to choose from is easier than having only one color available.
Step 9. Color the painting
Use the color or colors you created as the skin tone for the painting.
Method 3 of 3: Creating a Dark Skin Tone
Step 1. Collect a series of paint colors
This process requires a bit of experimentation to create the most realistic colors. Collect the following colors:
- Burnt umber
- Raw sienna
- Yellow
- Red
- Purple
Step 2. Mix all the colors
Use any available palette or surface. A great alternative to pallets is a strong piece of cardboard. Pour each color paint on the palette.
Step 3. Create a base color
Mix equal amounts of burnt umber and raw sienna. Mix equal amounts of red and yellow. Then add little by little the red and yellow mixture into the first mixture.
Step 4. Compare the colors
Make the skin color similar. Compare the base color you created with the object color. If you are using a photo, pay attention to the lighting in the photo.
Step 5. Create a darker skin tone
For darker skin, add a small amount of purple. It is best to use a dark purple color. To create a deep purple, add a little dark gray or black to the purple. Mix until you are satisfied.
Black paint can ruin a base color quickly. Use a small amount of black paint. Experiment to find the best mix
Step 6. Make it a warmer color
For dark skin tones that feel warmer, mix burnt umber instead of purple. Use the mixture in small amounts to find out what color you are creating.
Step 7. Make it lighter if necessary
You can make the color lighter by adding orange. The orange color will keep the realistic color from changing while making the color lighter. You can mix yellow and red to create an orange color. White paint will even fade the color.
Step 8. Color the painting
After creating the desired skin tone, color the painting. Keep the gray color to match the shadows and lighting. It's also a good idea to keep a few streaks of skin tone for painting.
Tips
- Adding red will make the color look pink.
- Adding yellow will make the color appear warmer.
- Mixing red and yellow will produce orange.
