Hair and Beard advice

[Paul Kernan]

I'm slowly working on my Guide Cavalry bust and plan to start on the beard. This is my first 'black' hair attempt! I've undercoated the areas in a earthy brown and was thinking on a burnt umber/sepia base with using black for the deepest shades/recesses (oils). Not sure about about highlights though. Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome.

Cheers

Paul

 

[Ferris]

Paul,

Not sure if you like the reference, but I went for blueish highlights on the figure below. A few touches with grey for the highest lights.

Cheers,
Adrian

 

[Paul Kernan]

Hi Adrian:

Thanks, mate Yes, I think that could work. What would you suggest, a bit of Prussian Blue into the Burnt Umber base?

Paul

 

[Babelfish]

I also use dark blue-based highlights for black hair. Sounds a tad bizarre but it does work provided that you don't overdo it - so use it very sparingly. I also find that Delft Blue works well for 5 o'clock shadow. Once again with the same "use very sparingly" caveat.

 

[Oldironsides]

My advice on a beard is to keep it trimmed and neat at least once a week

Mark

 

[theBaron]

My advice on a beard is to keep it trimmed and neat at least once a week

Mark

Ba-dum, ching!

Ya beat me to it!

 

[theBaron]

I also use dark blue-based highlights for black hair. Sounds a tad bizarre but it does work provided that you don't overdo it - so use it very sparingly. I also find that Delft Blue works well for 5 o'clock shadow. Once again with the same "use very sparingly" caveat.

I've used a very tiny amount of Prussian blue mixed in the flesh for five o'clock shadow, too.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Ferris]

Hi Adrian:

Thanks, mate Yes, I think that could work. What would you suggest, a bit of Prussian Blue into the Burnt Umber base?

Paul

Yes, I think I used Vallejo Priussian Blue. And some light grey. For the highest lights. And very sparingly indeed! My base was blackish, not brownish by the way, but what you mention can work as well I think. The brown may add an interesting tonal contrast. I'd suggest black shades then.

Cheers,
Adrian

 

[Paul Kernan]

Thanks guys;

I mixed burnt umber, sepia and prussian blue. I added a bit more prussian blue and blue black for the deepest shades and warm grey (Sennelier) for the highlights. Looks ok so far but will rework the highlights again when its all dry.

Paul

 

[Helm]

I use Paynes Grey for hair and just a dab for stubble
Steve