Let’s mix skin tones by using different color combinations and apply what we’ve learned by painting loose portraits with watercolors.

This is a 2-in-1, 7-day watercolor challenge class. Not only will we review various color schemes for skin colors but we’ll also put them to the test by using these combinations on simple portraits.

What will we do in this class?

Let’s explore the following color schemes in mixing skin tones:

Monochromatic: where one pigment is used as the base color along with its lighter and darker versions
Complementary: colors that lie opposite each other in the color wheel such as red and green, yellow and violet, orange and blue. We’ll use these three sets to mix skin colors.
Primary: red, yellow and blue - or technically, with pigments, magenta, yellow and cyan.
Apelles: or what’s commonly known as Zorn palette; comprises red, yellow, black and white.

Each day features a different color combination that you can use right away on your watercolor portraits. Aside from color mixing, we will also explore different ways to paint portraits loosely:

Light to dark: the traditional way of painting with watercolors
Dark to light: a great way to tackle shadow shapes early on
Mid to dark: emphasizing on the shadowed areas of the face
Mixed: starting from dark to light to dark and at the same time taking care of the middle tones

Who is this class for?

This challenge class is designed for those who want to try out different skin color combinations and apply them on a loose portrait.

Beginner students - color mixing is a skill that you’d want to add to your toolbox to produce harmonious artwork
Intermediate students - it’s time to review color schemes you can use to mix skin tones and practice painting portraits
Advanced students - show off your lovely portraits and challenge yourself to use the limited palettes discussed

Though portrait painting can be intimidating, I will provide you with tools that will make the following easier:

sketching from a reference photo;
seeing shadow shapes on the face;
deciding which features to emphasize;
learning the difference between light to dark and dark to light approach;
knowing which shadow mass to paint per layer.

What do we need to get started?

To prepare for this class, let us:

download the Class Guide where reference photo links, pigments used, scanned portrait paintings, alternative colors and a color combination cheat sheet;
prepare our usual watercolor materials including paper, paint, brushes, pencil and eraser, water jar and paper towel;
be excited to play with colors and prepare to learn for the next 7 days.

Once you’re done with this class, you’ll have a deeper understanding on what colors work for a skin tone and why. You’ll also have a general knowledge on where to paint the shadow shapes on a face and identify which features to emphasize to create a loose watercolor portrait painting.

When you're all set, I'll see you in class and let the fun begin!

Music: Purple Planet Music

Kasia Ok

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