Hey there, creative souls! 👋

Are you an artist, or perhaps an aspiring one, struggling to choose the perfect colors for your portraits? The never-ending dilemma of finding just the right hues can be tricky, but don’t worry! Today, we’re diving into the world of color selection, unraveling secrets and tips that will make your artwork more realistic and alive. ✨

In my recent YouTube video, I shared some insights on how to choose matching colors for your masterpieces. So, how do I go about it? Here’s a sneak peek at the tips that will transform your artistry:

1.Trust Your Instincts: Here I would like to emphasize the power of YOUR OWN intuition. Let your feelings guide your color choices, experiment on paper, and trust the vibes your artwork gives you. It’s about the emotion behind the colors!

2. Create Your Color Chart: It is important that you develop your personalized color chart with all your pencils. This visual guide becomes your magical portal, helping you compare and select the ideal hues for your portraits.See here my own personalized color chart that I shared in the video for your reference:

3. Compare Reference Photo to Color Chart: With your personalized color chart ready, you’ll be able to do the first technique of matching the colors to your reference photo by holding your color chart near the colors you’d like to determine! You can see how I do it here:

4. Make Use of Photo-Editing Softwares: For the second tip, you can utilize photo editing softwares like Photoshop to filter out the colors you need from your reference image by using the Color Select Tool. Then, hold your trusty color chart next to the screen and voila! Your perfect palette has been revealed.

See how I do it with Photoshop here:

The Hole-Punch Technique: For the third and last technique, you may also punch a hole in a sheet of paper and overlay it on your reference photo. This nifty trick helps you isolate specific shades, making it easier to identify the right colors for your masterpiece. Here’s how I do it!

And that’s it! Feeling inspired now? I hope it’s a yes! 🌟 Remember, it’s not just about replicating the exact colors; it’s about capturing the essence and emotion within your artwork. As I’d like to point out, the right contrast and correct values are what matters! So, don’t obsess over perfection; just let your creativity flow and watch the magic unfold. 🎨

To watch the full tutorial and witness these techniques in action, check out the YouTube video here:

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2uw3idhuvxk01tatuay3w/tips-how-to-select-matching-colours-youtube.mp4?rlkey=kqyn78f4eydv58w6p3nziyi3s&dl=0

If you have any questions or want to share your experiences with color selection, feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments here, below the video, or by reaching me at info@sabinelacknerfineart.com. I’m always here; happy to help you on your creative journey. Until next time, happy drawing!

Stay fearlessly creative,

Sabine Lackner