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Mixing it up a little!
For the sake of clarification, Richard, I don't start with any standardized shadow, highlight, light or halftone colors. I don't have any pre-mixtures that are combinations of different hues, save for my neutral grays.
I premix each hue string according to value (light-light yellow, light yellow, medium-light yellow, etc.). When facing my model, I mix the exact colors for my flesh tones by combining different hues of the same value. This allows me the flexibility to mix and modify each color without preconceptions, recreating the subtle variations that bring flesh to life.
My palette gives me the flexibility to respond to each unique subject objectively. Based on the infinite variety indigenous to the human species, no one's coloration is ever the same as any others. I work very deliberately but my painting progresses rapidly. I highly recommend my approach to anyone who aspires to achieve similar results.
My premixing saves me an enormous amount of time, because I don't have to waste my precious model time trying to adjust the hue, value and chroma simultaneously, as anyone who has attended a class or workshop can attest to. My "system!?!" needs to be seen in action to be appreciated. Artists from DaVinci to Bouguereau used similar palette arrangements themselves.
I believe there are more than enough oohs and aahs to go around.
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