Let me tell you, I was hesitant to post this one because the motherly black maid is such an overwhelmingly overused stereotype. But then I thought about actress Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Oscar, and how much I've enjoyed her performances over the years--often, yes, as a maid, but she was unfailingly excellent and often the most empathetic and sympathetic character in her films.
I have not figured out how to convincingly highlight Black skin. Poor Maisy's features are indistinguishable in this photo thanks that that very problem, although she looks okay on the table.
I'm pretty happy with my attempt to add some colourful flowers to her apron.
Skin tone for all colour types is the same: a somewhat greenish or bluish underpainting skin tone for shadows, a slightly lighter very thin-thin colour coat that is a tiny bit ruddy or reddish, and then a dry-brush top coat of super thin slightly lighter colour still. Pinpoint highlights where needed.
ReplyDeleteAt some point you will want to experiment with multiple layers of thin-thin paint rather than just a single colour. The good news is that the figure is tiny, so you won't have to wait long to see results.
From now on, I'll be underpainting skin! Thanks, Jeff.
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