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Joan Breckwoldt: I've read so much about cool and warm on the forum, maybe I'm making too much of that?
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Hi Joan,
Even though color temperature is a good place to start with a painting, it can be overemphasized sometimes. Warm colors beside cool colors help to model the form and turn edges. In an area where there is not an obvious turning edge like the cheek of a young child for example, the transition of a warm 'reddish' skin tone to a cool 'reddish' skin tone suggests that the cheek is turning away from the viewer. Remember that the more obvious the transition the sharper the edge will appear. Color temperature changes paired with shadows give the illusion of depth.
I understand why you're confused. You're reading and trying to learn as much as possible so you will be able to paint 'right.' Am I right? I hate to tell you this, but there is no absolute 'right' way to paint. Everyone has their own opinions and use techniques that work for her or him. The longer and more a person paints, the more they learn--but not by getting everything right--but by getting things wrong. Everytime someone makes a mistake then finds a way to correct their mistake, the person learns what works and what doesn't. William Whitaker has said on his website, "Many people would like to paint, but not enough to paint those endless failures necessary to get to the good work."
To fast forward the learning process, find workshops that are taught by phenomenal artists who can not only create some of the best paintings on the planet, but who can TEACH as well. The investment will pay off ten-fold.
Good luck,
Renee