This is what I tell my students.
Skin texture and color involves many things. You must learn to perceive what the color truly is. Then you must find the color you need. Also, you must consider every color near the one you are placing because those colors influence the one you are applying. Next, the way you apply the oil paint also has an effect on the outcome, that is, the brush strokes.
In M.S. Happy Place, I am dealing with a back lit scene. This can be advantageous in a show because it adds just enough drama to grab the viewer’s attention. But, you must also be aware of the values in the portrait. I needed to lighten everything while maintaining a deep color. In the image I have posted, I will still need to do a layer on the child’s face which deepens her color for shadow while brightening the color for rich blush tones. Not Easy. I have chosen to work on getting the light and texture first, then glazing with a rich, deep blush.

The hair painting method is more abstract than usual. I have to go with what I see because it is already natural. Just remember, in this day and age when most artists don’t have live models, we must attempt to set up our own photo shoot. The image we use can determine the success of our final product.

keep on painting portraits! Hugs, Diana