Learn how to paint skin tones in oil alongside artist Brian Neher. Start by taking reference photos that complement your subject, and set your palette up for success. Next, build the skills to identify and mix warm and cool skin tones. You'll also mix a variety of grays that will bring depth to your work. Watch your canvas come to life as you block in major shapes and master brush control techniques that will help you apply paint with confidence. Then, enhance the clarity and richness of your work as Brian walks you through blending skin tones, building contrast and finishing your portrait with lifelike details. Plus, explore brushstroke methods that will help you define the age and gender of your subject.
Meet your instructor, portrait artist Brian Neher, and learn how to identify the difference between warm and cool lighting. Next, practice Brian's methods for setting up and shooting a reference photo that captures daylight beautifully and depicts your subject in the most flattering way possible.
Learn about the best paints and tools for portraiture, how to set up a palette that you can use daily, and Brian's professional methods for mixing colors for warm and cool skin colors. Next, learn how to identify temperature changes that will bring striking realism to your work.
Did you know that grays can be one of the most important elements in your portraits? Brian shows you how to identify and mix a range of grays as you train your eye to see value with more complexity. Explore ways to transition from warm to cool hues by mixing complementary colors with confidence.
Take your paint from palette to canvas as Brian demystifies the challenging block-in phase of portrait painting. Explore ways to draft the major elements of your subject as you learn paint application techniques that will help you control your brush, working from dark to light in the process.
Blending can be very challenging to master, but has the power to transform a painting into a professional work of art. Brian shares step-by-step demonstrations for blending wet into wet, and shows you how to artfully mix paints using a finger or a dry brush.
Discover ways to revitalize dull areas and add more contrast to the value range after your nearly-finished painting has dried. Brian shares ways to work over dry paint as you push shapes and hues toward a richer, more dimensional look. Next, learn how to add final details that add amazing realism.
Learn how to apply the techniques you've learned so far to any subject's skin color. Brian explains how to mix paints that will create a wide range of rich warm or cool hues. Finish the class by exploring paint and brushstroke methods that will help define the age and gender of your subject.
Brian Neher
Brian Neher is an award-winning artist who has captured the likenesses of clients of all ages. His work has been shown at the Portrait Institute in New York City, as well as in American Artist, Portrait and Figure Painting Highlights, Artists on Art and other art publications. Brian founded the international You Be the Judge art contest to help others reach their artistic goals. He also shares his knowledge through the Neher Signature Training Series, as well as on Craftsy.
Paint Better Portraits: Realistic Skin Tones - Supplies and Resources
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
Can I purchase a class to keep in my collection?
Yes, we do have a Shop where you can purchase classes to keep. Our Shop items are located under the Shop Tab.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Craftsy to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on Craftsy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great projects and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Craftsy. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In to Craftsy, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but Craftsy contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to craftsy.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from Craftsy from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact Craftsy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at craftsy@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-888-891-7203 . Customer Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Explore Classes by Brian Neher
You may be interested in
Sign up for our free newsletter today
Get the latest crafting videos, tips, patterns and techniques delivered right to your inbox.
