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Blending.
As you see in the last Image of the previous post shadows have been added to the creases of the figures uniform with watered down brown paint. The transition from the base coat down to the shadows is a bit stark. As can be seen in the below image a gradual transition has been achieved by mixing some of the brown with some of the dark yellow and applying this mix around the edges defuses the shadow giving it a more subtle and natural appearance. Blending shadows and highlights can be achieved when the paint is wet by actually mixing and working the paint on the model. Some figure painters actually use artists’ oils for this, as they dry slowly allowing more time to work and mix the paint.
Highlights have been achieved by simply adding white to the dark yellow and applying the paint in by dry brushing.
Dry brushing is a common painting technique that can give fantastic results. Usually a reasonable size of brush is used not for large areas so not a “000” The brush should always be soft, sable brushes are best. Apply the brush to the paint and wipe of most of the paint with a cloth or kitchen roll or something of this nature to the extent that there is is hardly any paint on the brush. You should only be able to see slight traces of pigment. Then in a soft back and forward motion lightly dust the brush over the model or area that you want to apply highlights.
Before adding the paint to the model via dry brushing I sometimes dry brush my finger tips! If I can see my finger print being highlighted I know I have the right amount of paint on the brush.
The pigment that is left should only be distributed over the high areas of the model. Giving you instant highlights!
You should start of with a mix that is close to the base colour and as you gradulay lighten up the paint dust the brush over the model lighter than before. This should give you gradual highlights. It does take practice.
So the lighter the paint the lighter the dry brushing action should be. Acrylics are particularly good for dry brushing due to the quick drying time. You don’t have to wait for an hour or so before giving another application of paint.
I have started to paint in detail on the model this is when it the really starts comming to life!
These techniques have also been used for painting Otto’s head.