Ulrich Julian

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Comment by Mikael Melbye on June 10, 2012 at 9:53: Dear Brenda,

Thanks for your praise.....we can all use that...:o)

Skin tones....hmmm....it depends very much what I paint, and in what light they are. I often use the traditional of Titanium White, Yellow ochre, cadmium red light and cobalt blue or viridian. Some times it is titanium with transparent oxide red and viridian. For deep shadows I often use Burnt Umbra and cadmium red...it gives a wonderful burning, hot shadow. These are for caucasians mostly. But most important of all is painting what I see....you can reach the hundreds of skin tones in many different ways,,,,so observe.....analyse and decide which one to use. One good advise that I've learned over the years is.....the shadows should be thought of as warmer than one think (and I'm not talking about the cold light - warm shadow.....warm light - cold shadow here). It seems to me that is you make them to cold, it will look as if the person does not have running blood in their veins.

This is, of course, putting it very simply, which of course it should be. As Sargent said.....simple, simple, simple.....

all the best, and keep your brushes wet....

M

Comment by Brenda on June 10, 2012 at 8:34: Mikael, your portaits are wonderful! It looks like you use a very muted skin tone palette. May I ask what colors you use?