Margaret Julia Dwyer by Valia VALIA.US

Hi I love the colour of your complexions. I am really struggling to mix a good complexion colour like that with my oils. If possible could you let me know what combination of oil colours you use to mix that lovely warm glow of the skin. Cheers Paulette

A serene image of a strong character.

Hi Paulette, Thank you for your comment and nice words. The final color is result of different ink colors, and then oil colors. I don't mix the colors before painting, but have one like base color, and then add others as I feel it. I don't mix a lot of colors, but instead glaze with one. I am very absentminded - tried everything to remember what I am doing, like write, take a photo, leave the color on a separate place - nothing worked, because during the painting, I forget to do what previously decided... To get the picture: for this portrait I woke up at 4.30AM, but had to wait the day light to show up, then I opened the blinds in the leaving room, and went to paint in the kitchen (my easel is there)... When done with the work for the day, I was going to take a photo, and tried to look outside to see if the light is good, but I couldn't... - the blinds in the kitchen were closed... I was very mad to myself, because was waiting for this light several hours..., and finally painted it under artificial white light. That may looks fun, but it is not, because if I like something, I don't know how to do it again. So, Paulette, just feel the color and love it - that is my recipe.

Robert, Thank you soooooooooo much - that is exactly the idea, I wanted to paint. You are very perceptive! I hope those days will have more time to find out how the site works, and enjoy great paintings - I've seen some in a hurry. Merry Christmas everyone!