Taking a painting tip from local veteran painter and gamer, Doug Hamm, I tried a new (for me) style of painting. Things that I'd normally paint last were painted first. For instance the lacing and straps have been painted on these Highlanders before painting the jacket.
Doug and I were discussing painting at Enfilade! a few weeks ago. He told me he sometimes painted laces and buttons first, then the surrounding clothing. This way, he said, you already have the area around it "black lined." At first, I thought this would be harder than my normal way of painting. Basically, painting from the inside out; Flesh, underclothes, outer clothing, then stuff like lace, buttons, and straps. I must admit my normal method is fairly sloppy when the paint is initially applied, then cleaned up with black lining. This "new" method does mean I have to be a lot more careful applying the paint up front, but it should speed up the time in the long run. If I'm careful adding the red to the jacket, the black lining is already done.
Your highlanders look great.
ReplyDeleteI paint like your normal method "inside-out", painting the flesh first and ending with the small details (buttons, facial hair etc). Your friends inverse method sounds worth a go.
I will be picking up some of the micron pens from one of your earlier posts - do you have any thoughts on the durability of the ink on the model?
I think this inverse method may work well for Napoleonic infantry - lots of lace and cross-belts; probably will use the normal inside-out method for most other figures - even Napoleonic cav.
ReplyDeleteThe Micron pen site has these bullet comments: "Chemically stable, waterproof, and fade resistant; No smears, feathers, or bleed-through on most papers." I can attest to the fact that it was very easy to apply on the tartans and there was absolutely no bleeding or smearing/feathering. I plan to spray it with clear coat matte later.
Dean
Wow...someone was listening to me as I babbled on?!(grin)
ReplyDeleteDean, (and to others who may want to try this method) it is important to remember that if you think your paint brush will have a hard time getting into an area -for example, a tiny bit between belts- don't worry about that as the viewing eye will not notice that missing detail once all the colors are on the model.
happy painting,
...Doug Hamm
PS I have used the Micron pens to indeed outline details on figures (on the flatter surfaces) and on hand painted flags. I have applied both gloss and dullcoat sprays and have not noticed any problems even after years later. But use only the high quality pens.
Doug:
ReplyDeleteI know I looked dazed (late night on Friday - got to bed after midnight & drove in early from Puyallup), but believe me, I was listening :)! You definitely have the experience - I had the hardest time with the area of the crossbelt where the canteen & haversack straps are over it. Thanks again, Dean