December

SKIN COLOURS

Over mixing your paint can lead to dull, flat portraits. TOM CROFT explains a new, more colourful approach

1. IDENTIFY

Begin by really looking for colour in your subject. Try to describe it with words first – this can help figure out what pigments to use. If you can’t identify a particular colour, then it’s likely to be a grey. Ask yourself if it is a green-grey or purple-grey, for example? Try also to decide if it’s warm or cool. Tone is also key. If the tones are correct, you can