Shading A Round Face

[Wayneb]

Hello Guys,
Working on Youngs'Royal Navy Captain bust.Reached somewhat of a stalemate in shading the face.
I'm used to the cheek bones and jaw bone shading and highlighting thing but Russel Crowe has full cheeks.I would post pics if I knew how but still learning......Thanks in advance for any help..........................Wayne

 

[Einion]

This problem is shared with anything that's naturally rounded or lacking in more-defined planes Wayne - you're basically forced to do softer shading, or smoother, more gradual transitions from the highlight colour through the midtone to the shadows. This is one of the classic challenges in painting. Using a bigger, soft brush and working carefully is a good start! It might help to line up some photographic references to work from, it's rarely a bad idea to work from pictorial references.

Einion

 

[Wayneb]

Yes....I follow.......Thanks Einion...................Wayne

 

[kagemusha]

If you are using oils, this is where the make-up brushes from my recent SBS come in very handy Wayne.

Ron

 

[Wayneb]

Thanks Ron..........will go back into my files.That was a great SBS...I printed the whole thing out.........Wayne