Let’s discover different skin tone recipes with watercolors using 1, 2, 3 and 4 color combinations. Discover which colors work together when mixed and which don’t. Then apply what we learned by painting swatches, geometric planes of the head and a simple portrait.

Painting portraits can be intimidating but don’t worry, I’ll be with you every step of the way. I have also provided tools you can use to make the drawing part easier.

What will we do in this class?

We will explore different color combinations and apply basic color theories to find the best watercolor skin tone recipe.

To give you a glimpse of what’s in store for you, the class is divided into 6 main sections:

Monochromatic Color. This is where we’ll use 1 pigment as a base color of the skin tone. We will swatch, paint the planes of the head and a simple portrait.
Complementary Colors. Two colors will be combined to achieve a skin tone shade. We will also do the same exercises mentioned above.
Primary Colors. We will discuss 3 different primary color sets that work well with skin tone shades. The same exercises will be done to gain confidence.
Apelles Colors. We will explore an old but effective color combination for portraits and master mixing by doing the same exercises.
Shades of the Skin. Using the different color combinations mentioned above, we will paint the different skin shades based on Fitzpatrick’s scale.
Bonus Lessons. I will share with you some useful tools in drawing portraits without using a grid so we can focus more on color mixing rather than sketching perfect portraits.

As I demonstrate the various exercises, I will also share the following tips:

where to find free tools in studying the planes of the head;
how to edit the reference photo to make it easier to see the shadow shapes;
paint portraits without the pressure of making it perfect;
how to choose substitute colors for mixing skin tones; and
what to use as a watercolor eraser.

More tips will be shared so make sure to finish each episode.

Who is this class for?

This class is designed for those who want to learn how to mix their own skin tone colors with watercolors. The main goal is for students to discover which colors work together to mix different shades of skin tone.

It’s not about drawing portraits, but all about color mixing - skin tone shades, specifically.

But to help beginners draw the reference photo for the class project, I have provided some tools via the Class Guide PDF to make sketching easier and more fun. This will allow them to focus on mixing their own colors rather than drawing a perfect portrait.

What do we need to get started?

You’ll need to prepare your basic watercolor materials including:

Watercolor paper
Watercolor brushes (round brushes size 8 and 4)
Watercolor paints (please use the colors available to you)
Water jar and rags or paper towel
Pencil and eraser (for sketching)
Optional materials (masking tape, transfer paper, proportional divider)

Music by Purple Planet.com

Gus Martin

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