Skintone too hot!?
 

I recently did a series of portraits of 4 young men age 19-20. The reference photos were shot with northlight, indoors with blue surroundings. To my surprise, the photos turned out quite warm (my boo boo, I forgot the reflector to fill the opposite side). I kind of liked the look, so I painted two of the portraits in pastel 12" x 14". I really liked the outcome (I'll post the pictures soon), but my husband says "Oh, they look sunburned, but other than that...they look great!" :sunnysmil Is that a compliment? I don't think so. Anyway, is there any way to tone down the warmth without losing the look of a finished portrait. I don't want to over work it or make it muddy by adding and blending a complementary color.

Chris Saper's book "Painting Beautiful Skin Tones" has helped a great deal! I'm torn between pleasing my hubby and myself. The portraits will be a surprise gift to these young mens' mothers for Christmas.

I know all this is just talk without a photo to refer, so I'll try to get them (the reference photos and finished products) online ASAP.

Julianne,

Try to post very up-close details as well, so I can try to see your surface quality, which may impact the manner or extent to which you can modify color. What surface did you use?

Also, try to recall whether you painted these with fluorescent light on your paper.

As to your question: Please yourself. Your husband will still think they are great.

Glad you liked the book.

Here's one of the Portraits
 

Here's one of the portraits. Pastel on Strathmore medium drawing surface off-white color. Size 12x16".