Lovell on Flesh Tones and Design

Here’s part 2 of veteran illustrator Tom Lovell’s painting advice:

"Keep in mind that flesh tones are essentially quite neutral. If they are overstated, figures tend to look like painted dolls.

Avoid lavish use of highlights. Avoid heaviness. Try reducing chroma with complementary color.

Good design is still the most important factor, though sometimes hard to live by, especially when one is obliged to handle complexities.

Good planning is half the battle.

Keep looking for big simple shapes, not always easy in storytelling pictures."
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First image: "The Blue Hour," 1951. More at The Rockwell Center/Blue Hour

Second image: Burial of Sarah. From “Abraham, Friend of God,” National Geographic, December, 1966.

For more Lovell in National Geographic, see also:
Norman Conquest, August, 1966.
In the Footsteps of Alexander, January 1968.
The Vikings, April, 1970.

Tomorrow, a letter from Mr. Lovell in 1995, with thoughts on Pyle and color.