Old Masters Skin Tones

[Cameraman]

This morning I wanted to flind out what I could do to come close to the skin tones done by the Old Masters. This one is done with a barely lit table lamp with a diffusion switch. The cam is on ALL AUTOMATIC MODE with the EV at MINUS 1.7

Looking at some reproductions, I think I came fairly close to some of their darker reproductions. I am hoping to try some people studies doing this in time.

Norm D

[Windbreaker]

Norm, you do know that the old masters' are the way they are because of age don't you? When painted most of their colors were just as bright as ours' are today. When paints age, a great deal, they darken because the binding agent, oil, evaporates. This is one of the reasons acrylic colors were so well accepted by the world, it was thought that the color would hold true longer. (also it did not smell so and was a lot easier to clean up)

One of the methods of restoring old painting is to remove the top most atom or two paint so the true colors show again. This is very destructive so if another way can be found it is used but some still resort to this method today.

[Cameraman]

Windbreaker

I know most of the dull colours are due to age and all. It is just that I like some of the effects I see from them. I do wonder though if some of the artists did try some darkish images - how should I say - to see what results could be achieved from it?

Some galleries are doing restorations as best they can, but it is an onging situation.

Norm D

[Kallistos]

Norm, I think it would help if you worked on the basics. You need to get your images in focus before you start trying difficult imaging techniques.

These do not look like "old masters" works. They are out of focus and extremely noisy. (Get rid of noise by turning the light up and the ISO down).

Sorry if I sound harsh.