Painting Skin Color

Blake Lunsford · #1 10-29-2006, 02:14 PM

I wanted to check and see what you all recommend for painting skin color? I've tried several different colors, and can't seem to get one that I am pleased with. I was going to try Lynn's but it seems as though the Yellow Ochre that he uses is discontinued. It also appears as though the Delta Caucasian has been discoutinued. I would love to get some feedback as to what caricature carvers use!!!!

Thanks!
Blake

Mark N. Akers · #2 10-29-2006, 02:21 PM

Blake:
I use a 2 to 1 ratio of Medium flesh and causcian flesh(1drop of causcian flesh to
2 drops of medium flesh)to a tablespoon of water,gives me a good color and on santas I use tomato spice to blush with.

Lynn O. Doughty · #3 10-29-2006, 04:11 PM

Surly they didn't discontinue Yellow Ochre. Thats a basic color. I started out using one called Butterscotch but they did stop making that one. Another you could use is Pigskin which is yellow ochre with a little white added.

Here's how I look at flesh colors. First, take a moment and look at your own skin. No, not that pasty color on your belly but your arm. Do you see any white? NO! Do you see the color of Basswood after it's been varnished? YES! Now, look for other colors. I bet you see a rusty red color, especially if you've been outdoors. That color is Red Iron Oxide. I used to use only that color when painting flesh areas but began adding Yellow Ochre when I started buying my wood from Heineke as it was a much lighter color than I was using before. The Yellow balanced it out.

Adding any white to a color makes it opaque and that will block the color of the wood. It will also make your flesh tones a lot colder. Whatever you do, please don't buy the color Flesh. I've never seen anyone who was that color.

Blake Lunsford · #4 10-29-2006, 05:34 PM

Well Lynn, you may be right, but I'm pretty sure that I saw that it was being discontinued. It may have just been caucasian that I saw....anyway! I appreciate the info. I too buy wood from Heineke so that will be a big help. Where do you usually buy your paints???

Anyone else have any other pointers on flesh???

Blake

wood-whittler · #5 10-29-2006, 07:41 PM

blake,

like mark said : 2 drops of medium flesh and 1 drop of dark flesh, if you cant find the darker flesh you can change that to one drop of terra-cotta. to one tablespoon of water,this will make it thin enough for the linseed oil to blend it all together and give you a nice tanned look to the skin.

bart

Blake Lunsford · #6 10-29-2006, 08:25 PM

Thanks Bart! I appreciate it!! I will give that a try and see how it works out. That stuff I used before was way too dark!

Good seeing you all over the weekend! Glad you made it back!

Blake

GeorgiaCarver · #7 10-29-2006, 08:33 PM

I may be wrong but I believe the pigment was found to cause cancer..... Can't find the article though so I may very well be wrong. I hope I don't start a false rumor.

greg

Claude · #8 10-29-2006, 10:07 PM

Blake:
The one I have is Delta Ceramcoat "AC Flesh". I dilute it one to one with water, and then dry-brush on a touch of burnt sienna for the blush on cheeks and nose.

Are you coming to the James River Carvers competition in Richmond next weekend? I'll be there.
Claude

Blake Lunsford · #9 10-29-2006, 10:53 PM

Hey Claude.....that's the first I have heard about the James River Carvers competition. I will have to check my schedule and see if I can make it. I actually have a sister that lives in Richmond, so it would be pretty convenient. Do you have any details about it???

Blake

Paul_Guraedy · #10 10-30-2006, 08:46 AM

Blake, a couple of years ago, I downloaded a document on skin tones that Susan Irish had posted, probably to another woodcarving list. I do not feel comfortable putting it on the forum without her permission.

I am sending it to her in a private message and asking that she post it to this thread.