Originally posted by Karen Martin at
kmartin@ionsys.com www.portraitartist.com/martin
After reading your question regarding the mixing of skin tones my first reaction is that you are limiting yourself by being so concerned with proportion and which colors to use as a standard. I find that it depends completely on the subject whether or not to be using Burnt Umber or Burnt Sienna, Naples yellow or Cad yellow light...
Generally I underpaint the whole area first with a mixture (about half and half of burnt umber, raw umber, and a touch of Veridian. Sometimes, though, I use a wash of Cad Red with Crimson Lake, or just plain Veridian. I indicate shadow areas first with raw umber, often with a touch (5%?) of Ultramarine Blue. For middle tones I prefer Naples Yellow with a smidgeon (not an acurate proportion, I know) of Indian Red, and the approporiate amount of Titanium White. From there I might add some Cad Yellow Light, Cad Red, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Raw Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Rose Madder, or even Cerulean Blue to areas which need cooling. I almost never use Cad Orange or Mars Yellow . People with dark skin often require Diox Purple in the mix
I personally don't think there is a "formula" for mixing skin tones. I look at each area of the skin to be painted and mix a color to match it and then daub them onto the area where needed, almost like a mosaic, blending afterwards.
Hope this is helpful.