figure painting

Injection molded figures that come with plastic kits have the worst detail of all. The crisp details of resin and metal figs makes painting the small stuff a little easier. But kit figs are by no means a lost cause. They can be painted quite well with a little practice.

I recommend any of Mike Davidson's how-to-books from Shiffer Books (and if you're ever in Tulsa Oklahoma stop by his shop at 51st and Sheridan). There are also plenty of websites about figure painting but I don't have them handy. I'm sure someone will post a few here.

One method I have used to paint eyes is to turn the figure upsidedown when you paint in the pupils. See if that works for you.
Dai

When painting the eyes, do not use pure white as a background as it will give an un-natural appearance. Try tinting the white with blue or yellow, but don't over do it.

Have you tried using oil paints, they make it easy to blend colours.

When I paint the face I use white for the eyes, then dry brush the mouth with a pink and brown mix. Then once this has all dried I do a wash with burnt umber and let it sit for a minute before i wipe it off. The white of the eyes darkens a little and the lips become a more paler color closer to natural lips

Opps I guess I forgot to say that just keep trying until you get it the way you want

I usually paint the white using a mix of white with a little blue added (just enough to create an off-white color). Depending on the scale of the figure, I then either paint in the iris with a small (20/0 or smaller) brush or use a colored drafting pen (available at art supply stores and office supply stores). Finally I use a black drafting pen for the pupils. You may also find it easier to paint the eyes by having the figure look slightly to one side rather than straight ahead.
As far as the lips, I highly recommend the use of oil paints for this. I currently mix red with a little white and some blue and then use a small brush (again 20/0 or smaller) to apply the paint. Finally, I wipe the lips off with a brush or clean paper towell to blend the color in.

QUOTE: Originally posted by MightyRumba Injection molded figures that come with plastic kits have the worst detail of all. The crisp details of resin and metal figs makes painting the small stuff a little easier. But kit figs are by no means a lost cause. They can be painted quite well with a little practice. I recommend any of Mike Davidson's how-to-books from Shiffer Books (and if you're ever in Tulsa Oklahoma stop by his shop at 51st and Sheridan). There are also plenty of websites about figure painting but I don't have them handy. I'm sure someone will post a few here.

I'm in Tulsa this very second. Been in that shop too, tons of great books there. There's also a great shop in Owasso for that matter. Where are you based out of MIghtyRumba?

madda