Mixing flesh-tones can be a difficult skill to learn in painting the figure. In this class, you will be introduced to a series of rapid painting exercises (color studies) of the figure in a variety of environments and lighting conditions aimed at teaching you to identify and represent both the local color of flesh, as well as the light-key, or color of the light itself. By learning to discern the difference, "fleshtones" cease to be a concept, and become another ineffable abstraction of color, no different than any other.
Using a broad and chromatic palette, students will learn color in its full range by learning how to use a variety of pigments. Color theory and mixing exercises will be coupled with working from the live model to give students a robust knowledge to inform practical application. Students will be able to mix the colors of the human form in a variety of different lighting conditions, and have a more confident handling of color and pigments.
Substrates:
Stretched Cotton duck Canvas or canvas Panels 16x20. Alternatively, gessoboard or masonite panels are acceptable. All substrates must be toned a neutral gray. See toning procedure below for more information.
Brushes
Hog Hair Bristle Brushes, Filberts, x2 in sizes 4,3,2
Blick Master Stroke and Princeton Snap brands recommended
Solvent
Odorless mineral spirits in a brush-washer or jar with sealable lid.
Medium
2 parts odorless mineral spirits to 1 part stand oil in a sealable jar.
Rags
Home depot shop towels recommended, or viva paper towels.
Palette
A wooden palette 9x12 or larger, stained a neutral brown and sealed is preferred. New Wave brand is recommended. Glass is also acceptable. Palette paper is unacceptable.
Canvas Toning Procedure
Using a middle tone neutral gray acrylic paint (Meininger’s sells a ready made tube of this color) Mix the paint in a shallow bowl or pie tin with enough water to get the consistency of melted ice cream. Once mixed, take a medium sized chip brush and brush the tone onto the canvas or panel to cover the surface. Once coated, lightly drag the brush from top to bottom in long parallel strokes to create a uniform and even surface. Let dry for 20 minutes.
Oil Paints
All students are required to use professional grade artists colors - student grade paint has so much filler in it, you will actually save money by purchasing quality paint because you will use less of it. I recommend Winsor & Newton as a solid, quality product at a reasonable price, but you’re welcome to use whatever brands are accessible to you. Purchasing so many colors can be a big financial investment, therefore there is a more economical list of colors below that provide a great base, and a full version which is ideal. Students are encouraged to share if a neighbor is missing some colors. Colors are laid out at the top of the palette from left to right:
Economical Version:
Titanium White
Burnt Umber
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Permanent Rose
Cadmium Red
Cadmium Orange
Cadmium Yellow
Cadmium Yellow Pale
Permanent Green Light or Cadmium Green
Pthalo Turquoise
Ultramarine Blue
Dioxazine Violet
Ivory Black
Full Color Study Palette:
Titanium White
Burnt Umber
Permanent Alizarin Crimson
Permanent Rose
Perylene Red
Cadmium Red Deep
Cadmium Red
Cadmium Scarlet
Cadmium Orange
Indian Yellow
Raw Sienna
Cadmium Yellow
Cadmium Yellow Pale
Cadmium Green Pale
Permanent Green Light or Cadmium Green
Pthalo Green
Pthalo Turquoise
Sevres Blue
Ultramarine Blue
Dioxazine Purple
Quinacridone Magenta
Ivory Black
