depends on the kind of wood, I guess. What you said makes sense. You could also start out with a black base coat, then start bringing up the colors with liighter and lighter browns. You could even use a buff, cream, or white for a very slight highlight. Let us know how it turns out. (meaning...pictures, pictures and more pictures.)
Oh, here's a thought...go find a piece of real wood about the right size with a bark pattern you like!
Bill
==========================================================
DML M4A2 Red Army
==========================================================
==========================================================
-- There is a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness". (Author unknown)