I used to be very intimidated about coloring a face and really nonetheless am. To me, it’s the greatest problem of all topics in coloring as a result of a flower or leaf will be forgiving, there’s no proper or incorrect principally. Well there’s however you will get away more often than not. However, to suppose that I would destroy a face by having the incorrect highlights, extra depth and dimensions are all scary ideas.
Learn by observing
The greatest technique to be taught is to watch. We can observe the facial function of individuals we encounter. As I discussed in considered one of my earlier blogs, I take a look at issues in a different way ever since I began coloring. Nowadays once I take a look at one thing, I’m actually analyzing, like the place is the shadow, how lighting adjustments the colours, what eye make-up enhances and so forth. I take a look at myself within the mirror at completely different angles and attempt to perceive the collar bones because the face turns. The different factor I love to do is examine portrait images.
Greyscale coloring
There are greyscale coloring pages or books the place all of the shadows, depth and depth are preset by the artist. It is a good train to do a few of these to get a really feel of figuring out the contours of the face earlier than making an attempt your individual. Besides, they’re enjoyable to do.
Color a aspect view to begin
I discover it’s a lot much less intimidating to paint a aspect view. For the human face, I believe probably the most troublesome half is the nostril – too straight, not straight sufficient, incorrect shadow, too extensive, too slender. Somehow, I discover it simpler to do smoky eyes, and pouty lips, it’s like making use of makeups (okay I do know not all of us apply makeups however it helps in case you do). A aspect view spares you having to attract a good nostril. Most of the time illustrators didn’t draw the whole nostril on a entrance view. This is comprehensible since you actually don’t need a black define of a nostril if you’re attempting to realize a practical portrait look. Here’s a few of my aspect view coloring along with the featured piece above:
Daydreams by Hanna Karlzon coloured by Betty Hung
Ayahuasca Jungle Visions by Alexander Ward coloured by Betty Hung
“Release” – Ayahuasca Jungle Visions by Alexander Ward coloured by Betty Hung colorart.ca
A semi-side view
After I received extra comfy with a aspect view, I ventured into a semi-side view. As you’ll be able to see under, I’m nonetheless capable of get away with drawing the whole nostril myself.
“Purple Girl” from Magical Dawn by Hanna Karlzon, coloured by Betty Hung – colorart.ca
Front view
I attempted a nostril job ultimately utilizing an illustration by Laura Rafferty (@lauracolorstoo) under. There are a lot to enhance upon I do know however no less than I’ve tried.
Daisy by Laura Rafferty, coloured by Betty Hung – colorart.ca
A video demonstration
I’m nonetheless studying however I resolve to be courageous and share a video of how I did the face proven under. Hopefully, you’re feeling impressed to strive a aspect face after watching. Of course there are numerous different colorists way more skilled at coloring faces who share their methods on YouTube. Make positive you watch theirs too! Remember? Learn by observing. As all the time, be taught the method and never attempt to copy precisely. You’ll change into a higher colorist that method.
In this instance I used Derwent Inktense plus coloured pencils. The colour selections of inexperienced, blue and tan had been unconventional however go well with the jungle theme of this piece. However, the essential factor is to reveal the “how”, you’ll be able to substitute with no matter colours or coloring medium you want in your individual mission.
Coloring a face is similar mixing method as a flower when you perceive the contour, the shadows and depth. It is a good thought to evenly map out the shadows (the darker elements) early on and step by step construct on them. The different trick I’ve used is to make use of a white or platinum white pencil to dam out areas that must be the lightest at the start, so I don’t by accident misplaced the “shine”.
Here’s the YouTube Video:
Happy Coloring!
