Lesson 2 – Contouring with a Limited Palette
Light and Shadow Dance Together
These are our Mantras for the Journey
“I trust myself”
“What do I love about what’s happening?”
“I give myself permission to be a beginner”
Simple Values Template
Here is an easy reference for painting light, medium and dark tones on the face. Create one of your own on watercolor paper before moving to the canvas.
Feel free to copy/paste this Simple Values Template
Contouring with a Limited Palette
Painting the Foundation Layer
Deepening with Glaze
Quick Demo - Deepening with Layers
Here’s an example of how you can restructure the face if you need to. You’ll also see how you can create a rich, contoured portrait by applying many thin layers with a limited palette.
In this painting, I used a limited palette, applying many thin layers to create depth.
“Prayers for Peace” by Flora Aube
Quick Study Bonus Challenge
Try a 3/4 Profile with a limited palette using any color + thinning medium. Focus on placing the values in the right place instead of perfecting details. I used Payne’s Grey, Teal, and White with a scribble of Inktense pencil on the hair for added energy at the end. Don’t be afraid of using dark tones – these enhance the beauty of the light.
All Materials Copyright Flora Aube 2025