In this portrait, Gwen’s skin tones are very close to the paper color in value. In art terms, “value” = lightness/darkness. Except for a few highlights on fingernails and glasses, and darker details of smile lines and neck shadows, the “value” of Gwen’s skin is almost the same as the grey paper. But color is what makes the difference….the peachy warmth, and the lavender cools in the shadows. To an artist, “value” (light/dark-ness) and “color” are two separate things.
It’s fun to see the completed body parts (face and hands, the only skin that will be in this portrait) floating on the flat grey.
