Always wanted to know how people paint a good 5 o'clock shadow beard on their figure.

They always turn out to be to black and not natural when I try to paint it.

Any tips would be greaty appreciated.

Thank you in advance,

Frans

In the beard areas, mix in a very small, and I mean VERY small, amount of black with each applicable skintone. Follow the highlights and shades and mix each with the tiny amount of black. This approach will add a subtle grey cast while retaining contrast. Did I mention you only need tiny amounts of black?

Adrian

Thank you very much, this helps a lot!

Frans...once you find your prefered mix.
of flesh and black or blue...keep the recipe for the mix because
you can get dome great shades of grey to use for blankets and overcoats with the same tones.
I live making grey with flesh tint and dark Prussian blue !

Paul.

As Adrian said, add a tiny dab of Blue Black to your flesh colors if painting in oils.

I have a lot to try out know, many thanks for the options! Never thought about adding blue, definitely going to try that out . Again, thank you for all help.
Now it's time to grow a beard!

Try to add the darker mix of your choice into the flesh colour,that should take care of the harshness of the colour,it's a case of trial and error,just keep practising different mixes until you find one suitable,just don't go in with neat black

Just dip the tip of a toothpick into the Blue Black color; no more. You want it to be natural and subtle.

Don't forget to add the slightest touch of crimson to your chosen mix to 'warm' the tone a bit

I use Prussian Blue, too, but I mix it with my basic flesh tone to apply it.

Nap makes a great point, too, about keeping it subtle. Unless you're painting Fred Flintstone.

Prost!
Brad

As I mentioned before,I like to add colours like charcoal and black in tiny amounts to my flesh mix to create the shadow,always start off light and work your shadow up until your happy with it,and don't forget once you've achieved the shadow colour you like it will also need to be highlighted.
Remember the 5 o'clock shadow area is different on all individuals so there is no set way to do this,a soldier on campaign can go days without shaving and the beard area will look lighter or darker on each individual.
Good luck
Brian