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PAINTING FACES WITH DARKER SKIN TONES Watercolor Using Only 3 Colors

Painting faces with darker skin tones doesn't have to be a complicated process. Using a limited palette of just 3 colors a yellow (quin gold), a red (quin magenta) and a blue (Prussian) can create beautiful vibrant clean skin tones.  I love using these colors for darker skin tones due to their saturation and their ability to create rich darks. 

After you complete your sketch, start with wetting your paper until the shine is off and then take a med. wash of yellow and touch your paper. Use the wetness of the paper to assist in letting your colors flow. Keep the edges against the white highlights clean and soft. I don't use masking fluid anymore, for the tiny highlights, I will come back in at the end of the process with a white pen and add them back in.  

Let your layers dry in between as to not muddy your piece. work in small sections and build up the variations in the skin. 

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Don't get hung up with details. The best watercolors are ones that "suggest" or create intrigue. It allows the viewer to add his/her own interpretation of what is happening in the piece.  
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