How to Mix Skin Tones
Struggling to teach how to mix skin tones? I created an art lesson that actually works…
Teaching students how to mix skin tones that are realistic looking can be one of the most challenging parts of any portrait unit. Many art teachers I talk to say it’s the part of their lesson that makes students freeze up or reach for the nearest "peach" or "brown" paint instead of really exploring colour mixing and learning the skill. Learning how to mix skin tones is an art skill that takes portraiture to the next level. Learn how to mix skin tones below!
Students often feel overwhelmed by how many colours go into a believable skin tone—and if we’re being honest, sometimes teachers do too!
How to Mix Skin Tones
The fear of “getting it wrong” often leads to bland, flat colours or tones that don’t reflect the diversity we want in our art rooms. It’s important to teach that not everyone has the same skin tone and therefore we need to mix skin tones differently.
That’s exactly why I created my “How to Mix Skin Colours” lesson—designed specifically for middle school and high school students who are just beginning to build confidence with acrylics or portrait work.
What’s Inside the Mix Skin Tones Lesson
This printable PDF lesson includes:
Step-by-step guided instructions to help students mix a wide range of realistic skin tones using basic colours
Colour mixing worksheets where students can experiment and document their results.
Clear visuals and examples that show how to create a wide spectrum of tones—light to dark, warm to cool.
A low-prep format so you can print and go, perfect for busy days or sub plans.
5 Video links of 6-11 minute long video lessons showing students how to mix skin tones effectively using the worksheets in this lesson
Why Teachers Love This Lesson
Teachers who have used this lesson say it transforms their portrait units. It helps students:
Understand that skin is never just one colour—it’s a mix of undertones, highlights, and shadows.
Gain confidence using basic colours to mix what they need—no more relying on pre-mixed tubes.
Practice empathy and representation by learning how to mix tones that reflect real human diversity.
Click the button below to check out how to mix skin tones!
It’s also ideal for covering key art concepts like colour theory, value, warm/cool tones, and layering—all in one practical, hands-on activity.
Colour Mixing Bundle
I created a colour mixing bundle where you can save 30% - in this bundle I include how to mix purples, all about the colour wheel and value scale. Click the button below to check it out.
You can also download my FREE mixing green and grey lesson that includes worksheets + videos by clicking here!
Perfect for Portrait Units or Stand-Alone Lessons
Whether you’re doing self-portraits, studying artists like Kehinde Wiley or Frida Kahlo, or just need a meaningful activity for a few class periods, this lesson fits right in. You can use it to kick off a portrait unit or as a stand-alone project that strengthens your students’ painting skills.
Conclusion:
Ready to Make Skin Tone Mixing Less Intimidating?
If you’re looking for a lesson that’s easy to prep, fun to teach, and delivers real results, this is it.
Click to purchase the resource on how to mix skin tones by clicking on the button below.
