what is the best method to mix realistic colours?
i hope to learn how to get realistic skin tones and lighting effects for my potential new hobby of oil painting.
i have experience in sketching but i have zero experience with painting.
is this topic then something that people learn themselves or is there a technique i should learn straight up…ie where do i start this journey on such a seemingly large topic?
I would look for a painting class to start out with if you are new to oil painting. It is a fabulous medium, but there is a lot to know and you might get frustrated if you go into it rather blindly. Check with the local art school and art centers in your area, you should expect to pay around 400-700 for a semester long continuing studies course. It is well worth the money, considering how much faster you will master the medium with support from your teacher and classmates.
In terms of what colors make good flesh tones: start with a reddish brown color (like burnt umber) and add white. Then add green, yellow, red, purple, blue, etc depending on the person’s skin tone you are painting. Use a model, you will work harder if you are looking at the person that you are tying to match.