Feedback on my shading changed my whole approach last night

I posted a portrait in the critique thread and someone told me my highlights looked muddy. They suggested I try using a pure white layer at 20% opacity on top. I gave it a shot on my latest piece and wow, it made the skin tones pop way more. Has anyone else had a simple tip like that totally shift their process?

3 comments

3 Comments

juliaa251mo ago

Actually, pure white at 20% opacity isn't the most accurate way to do it. You want to use a very light version of the skin tone itself, not pure white. Pure white can make things look washed out or plastic-y. Try sampling the lightest area of your skin tones, then use that color at 20% on a new layer. Way more natural.

kelly_coleman611mo ago

Stole this trick from a portrait artist I follow, works way better than white.

mason_ward1mo ago

Nah, pure white at low opacity gives that soft glow effect better than any tinted color can.