HOW TO PAINT DARKSKIN & LOCKS 1

It's really exciting when you finally get dark skin right. I made this video to help you do just that. Here are some tips:
Tip 1) simplify what you are seeing
what I do is break down the image into four main colors to start. The objective here is to fill the canvas with paint the easiest way you can. I do this by choosing 4 colors. I use 1 dark, 2 mediums, and a highlight (see video). I use 8 different colors in all to finish the skin tone and they are pre-mixed. Using 4 keeps you from having to wonder where every color should go.
Tip 2) add more color
After I lay out the 4 colors and cover the canvas, I add 2 more colors. So that brings the total to 6 colors. I don't add the highlight 2 or dark 2 (see video) because they're not need at this stage. I build up the color until it's opaque.
Tip 3) blend the paints
when I begin to blend I add a little water to the paints. It makes it easier to control plus the paint doesn't get muddy. We have to guard against over painting because the paint is too thin to stick so you'll end up swirling paint around the canvas or you'll lift up other layers. The first blend layer looks really rough but just let it dry and start over. At this stage in the game I begin to add dark 2 (see video) because we are getting closer to the finish line. The only color I haven't added is highlight 2 ( see video) because highlights are the last thing I add in the final stage of the painting.
I hope this helps. Peace

find me on facebook:

visit my blog to view art and/or donate:

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videos on blending:

how to paint skin tones:

how to paint hair:

5 tip to create a more realistic portrait:

how to blend acrylic paint:

Music credits

"Reverie (small theme)" by _ghost (feat. Pitx)
is licensed under a Creative Commons license:

[synclairej.]

I'm only fourteen years old and I've been searching all over to find someone who really teaches how to paint dark skin!! And if they do paint or draw "dark skin" it's never really dark it's always really light! So I just wanted to say Thank You for making your YouTube channel because I thought I would never learn how to paint or draw my own race. But now I know I will!

God Bless

[skyjuiceification]

these are the best acrylic tutorials on the tube..period.

[thewitness]

Acrylic?! You're very good my brother. It's a struggle using acrylic, even though I love that paint medium.

[bennybokeh]

"if it turns out bad, boo. if it turns out great yay." words to live by.

[mycollegeshirt]

Jeez I've been watching paint tutorials for decades now, and this is one of the few ones that has all the most important steps so succinctly laid out.

[simoneyoung]

This is gold thank you for your video ❤❤

[dougieintrouble]

Beautiful portrait.  This is what I aspire to in my portraiture.  Thanx!

[PatriciaPageMosaicArtsCrafts]

You have no idea how much I appreciate this, what a excellent tutorial, your calm voice and direction is perfect! I am looking forward to watching the rest of your videos.
Thank you very much!

[Yuri-vhiq]

It's so satisfying to see the evolution of the painting.

[gracefool]

I've watched countless painting tutorials but this one definitely stands out. you showing how much every step progresses is really sstisfying, and a reminder to take ones time.

[delesprie]

Amazing painting and amazing editing. Very professional and easy to listen to him. He's even, calm and

[juliekelly]

I love your calm voice, and step by step approach, watched lots of videos and I think I learned more here about the steps involved and the method or reason to use them Thank you

[moviereviewrelay]

#Beautiful work and model. # blessings #erictFrancis

[roseryan]

This is my favorite painting of the ones you've done. She's a pretty lady and your work on the skin tone was just wonderful.

[dominiquestroman]

Passionate artist and natural teacher. I enjoyed your positive approach to the process of creating artwork. Be encouraged!

[consciouscoma]

your not only a great artist, your a great teacher. too thank you.

[thewoodruf]

Eric, your video is one of many I watched on the subject, and are my favorites. There are many talented painters out there, but I loved the whole vibe in your videos. You are calm, relaxed, and positive. The tutorial was great, too. You showed us through the steps and then recapped before moving on. For people trying to learn your videos are fantastic. Thanks a lot.

[beeepy]

You're the New Bob Ross. Your voice is so soothing and encouraging

[christieoliver]

This came right on time. I'm new to painting & blending has been giving me fits. Tried my first painting in color last night was a fail for me. This helped tremendously. I see now I need to get more paint colors instead of trying to blend basic ones also

[MrVelo]

Refined greatness . Talent from above that floats below. Amazing