Red, and more red

[baquitania]

I found this painting I did sometime ago, and all I can see in it is Red. Any suggestions to bring back some skin tone in a revised version? I usually use burnt sienna mixed with cadmium red, but then BROWN, BROWN, BROWN. How do you mix a wider scale of skins? Anyone...
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/09-May-2001/red_wolf.jpg

[ArtyHelen]

Ooh! It may be very red, but I love it!
Do you have a web site?
(Sorry I can't answer your questions - new to painting myself! But for skin I have been using yellow ochre, white, red, and a touch of burnt sienna. I'm using acrylics.)

Helen

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Visit me!
http://pencilartist.50megs.com

[This message has been edited by ArtyHelen (edited May 09, 2001).]

[bbbilly1326]

This is a terrific face! and I also like the whole painting, though it might could use some other colors.

You can use lots of combinations for flesh, but some green or blue added is useful to mute the raw reds. Raw sienna is good, with some yellow ochre, cadmium yellow medium or dark, cadmium orange; Chinese vermilion is an especially delicate and useful red. English or light red or venetian reds are good too, in addition to what you've used. Naples yellow is good for light tones. I use all of the above in addition to what you've suggested. It really depends on the other colors you're using, light conditions, mood, etc. Even black adds a certain richness at times.

I'm sure you'll get lots of other suggestions.

As for this painting, not sure I'd touch it, as it's very interesting and strong as is. Maybe do another version.

Regards, Bill

Bill

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Bill
"Paintings are never finished, only abandoned" (source unknown)
index.html (http://hamiltoncarroll.homestead.com)

[baquitania]

thanks billy. I will try all those suggestions. but unfortunately i had no light source, this subject is made up. i guess i could use a photo reference, but then it might look too much like that. i am on top of a new version though, will keep you posted (no pun intended)...

[bbbilly1326]

Originally posted by baquitania:
this subject is made up.
i am on top of a new version though, will keep you posted (no pun intended)...

It's especially impressive that you didn't have a reference, it looks like you're very familiar with the anatomy of the face.

BTW, I forgot to mention violet, which is great mixed with any of the warm colors for shadows.

I'll be interested in seeing other versions.

Bill


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Bill
"Paintings are never finished, only abandoned" (source unknown)
index.html (http://hamiltoncarroll.homestead.com)

[ArtyHelen]

Oh, am I invisible? http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/wink.gif

I would still like to know if you have a web site though, baquitania!

Helen

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Visit me!
http://pencilartist.50megs.com

[baquitania]

I AM SO SORRY HELEN, I thought I answered you, but it turns out the question was asked to me in a different post. I do not have a website, but have registered with Artisnation, and I'm in the process of building it. I will keep you informed...AND NO YOU ARE NOT INVISIBLE.

[This message has been edited by baquitania (edited May 09, 2001).]

[ArtyHelen]

Thanx baquitania. http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif
I am looking forward to seeing your website very much!

Cheers,
Helen

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Visit me!
http://pencilartist.50megs.com

[baquitania]

Well Billy & Helen, this is my first attempt at a revision. The skin was made using yellow ochre & vermillion. I'm getting more paints soon, based upon your recommendations. (Helen I posted 2 pieces in CkA's Mythology Art Project, and a 3rd in Wet Canvas Events, if you'd like to check) Talk to you soon...B.
<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/11-May-2001/New_Study.jpg" border=0>

[belladonna]

Check out the "colors of flesh tones" topic in the color Theory/Mixing form. I posted 2 big picture files there. They are not of my work, but I learned a lot from them.

[baquitania]

Thank you belladonna (great stevie nicks album by the way) How I missed that whole heading is beyond me, it was VERY helpful. Now my paint list is expanding... ah more work, an artist's bed is never warm...

[alva]

Two nice paintings here Baq, the top one gives off a warrior, bloodied-in battle kind of feel, the other, much gentler and refined. I like 'em both... http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif

[ArtyHelen]

Oh! So beautiful and sensitive!! Such a contrast to the other one, as alva says, and still wonderful!

I also looked at your two pieces in the Mythology project! Fabulous! Your work is so exciting, I really love it! I haven't found the 'events' section yet, but I will!

Keep up the great work!

Helen

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Visit me!
http://pencilartist.50megs.com

[bbbilly1326]

Both the faces are beautiful in different ways. The first looks very strong, the second very sad and gentle.

I'm sure you'll enjoy experimenting with the colors. Don't forget that mixing and using complemntaries in the flesh tones can really add some dazzling effects --green with the red, violet with the yellow.

I like your work.

Bill

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Bill
"Paintings are never finished, only abandoned" (source unknown)
index.html (http://hamiltoncarroll.homestead.com)

[belladonna]

Originally posted by baquitania:
Thank you belladonna (great stevie nicks album by the way) ...
Your very welcome http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif My man calls me Belladonna. He is part Italian. Stevie Nicks is great too though http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/wink.gif

[mame]

Ditto re complimentaries. Cerulean and Raw Sienna make a good, versatile green. Subtle warming/lightening with addition of yellow ochre and pinches of white.

Don't know if it's available in water color but Indianthrone blue rocks and have just discovered Greenish Umber from grumbacher (acrylics).

Nice, emotive work. True to the "paint what you know" adage.

[JaneS]

The first one is too raw for me... both in color and execution.... that is, I can't look at it for long. The second one, a gentler, more enigmatic face, mesmerizes me http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif.

BTW.... the painting you posted for us from Amelia Island, which is VERY GOOD, is a location where we actually sat and painted! I am trying to scan the watercolor I did there, but right now, you all would have to cock your head sideways on the screen to see it....lol..... That feature for turning 90 degrees is SOMEwhere.... I'll keep hunting..... http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif ---Jane

[JeanineJ]

I, too, like them both for different reasons... The first one sings... I'd like to see some green in the cheek & chin shadows...

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Jeanine Jackson
Stamford, CT
www.peoplescapesct.com

[baquitania]

Thank you so much alva, helen, billy, mame, jane, jeanine, and again belladonna. I am working on the site a little everyday. I will post as soon as it's finished. In the meantime I posted 3 horses in the Watercolor area. Thanks again every one for your support, it means more than you know...

[belladonna]

baquitania, I wanna see your web site too! You have a unique style. I like it and want to see more http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Please post it when you have it up http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif