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Terri, I rarely critique on the forum because I feel so much like the lowest artist who is a member here ... however, I also need to contribute to the forum, as I am so thankful for all the feedback I receive when I post paintings for critique. So here goes...
You asked how to make the skin colors relate better to the background and clothing. I am thinking it may not be color that you need to focus on, but edges and values, to achieve a better focal point in the man's face. When I look at this piece, though very well painted, I notice a similiar edge handling throughout the painting. It seems all edges, including skin, clothing, facial features and background, are all "medium soft." This continuity of edge handling causes my eye to wander around the composition, and disallows me to stop sharp at any given point. A nice hard edge would give me that urge. A well placed crisp edge somewhere in the shadows of his collar, for example, would shoot my eye to the focal point and let me rest there a moment. It would also serve to contrast nicely with the softly painted skin and facial features.
Secondly, when I squint at this photo, I see three basic values: blackest black in the shadows of his scarf and collar, a very dark value in his clothing and the background, and then the medium values in his face. When I squint at the painting, I see the darkest darks behind the figure. Perhaps, creating more contrast in value in the foreground (the figure) would serve to make him "pop" some more, which I think may be your desire.
To me, these two little suggestions seem fairly simple to address and if you chose to try them out, you may find color wasn't the issue to be addressed! Or perhaps they also may help clarify what may be bugging you about the colors.
Great Work!
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