Our teacher likes to paint portraits, so we painted portraits today.
She first gave a lesson on creating skin tones. The basic recipe is this: a lot of cad yellow, a little cad red, a spot of cobalt (or ultramarine) and varying amounts of water.
Sometimes a bit of crimson for very pale/pinkish people or a bit of purple for darker people.
She strongly urged us not to try to paint anyone we know and love on our first attempt, so I pulled this Spanish chef out of magazine.

Some of the ladies flat out refused to try painting a portrait. They like landscapes. So that’s what they will paint, because retired ladies do what they want! I fully support this.
The teacher also introduced us to a truly amazing watercolor portrait artist named Ali Cavanaugh. Holy shit, this woman is talented.
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Yeah, she’s incredible! But also you’re doing so well. I suppose your art related background gives some kind of insight to work with!
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Thank you. My love of drawing from high school is coming back and definitely helps, although I need to practice it more.
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It really shows, but most importantly you are enjoying it. 🙂
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Yes, that’s key. 😀
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He does look a little like Dominick West. I would imagine that getting skin tones right is tricky.
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Definitely!
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Wow… really really good! I hear watercolors are challenging but you are doing well! You are inspiring me to retire!
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Thanks for the support friend!
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