I use a flat brush using mostly short, brisk strokes and I soften the harsh edges with my finger.
Now I have mixed some crimson, cadmium yellow and skin tone base (Matisse acrylic paint, light skin tone) with a little white to deepen the shadow areas with a gorgeous orange.
Note: rule of mixing paint. I learned that keeping the colour mixing to a minimum will ensure clean, crisp colours. I try never to mix more than three colours together to ensure beautiful and clean colours.
In step 7 I have deepened the orange in the strongest shadow areas.
Always keep in mind the light source that you are working with.
I have kept to the light source I chose for this painting which is cool light and warm shadow. Because the shadow area is warm that's where the deepest concentration of warm to hot shades will be.
5 of 7 Comments Show All 7 Comments
Ruth Kauffman 05 Oct 2008
Better late than never, huh?? Are you a teacher?? Your step-by-step instructions are amazing!!! Very lovely work!! Hugs...Steve Farr 16 Sep 2008
Wow, Tahnja!! This is such a great step-by-step as we can see this beauty developing before our eyes!! ~SSeth Weaver 15 Sep 2008
Marvelous portrait and such great info on your technique.Francis Rivera 14 Sep 2008
Wow! This is coming out so gorgeous! Can't wait to see it finished! ^_^Anonymous Guest 14 Sep 2008
Excellent work Tahnja!!