oils

pjkemo wrote:

I know this question has been asked some-where but here it goes.I am new to painting figures with oils.The question is,for every color painted with oils,does it have to have a base of about the same color in acrylic?

no

Oils are semi transparent for the most part. As such, they really DO require a color base coat or primer coat when used for painting metal, resin or plastic figures (this in addition to the primer coat). The idea is to apply an oil coat(s) thin enough not to show excessive brush strokes, and yet facilitate smooth transition of color and blending of shadows etc.

 Applying a thin coat also prevents undo mess and allows for layering of coats (such as highlights) over wet coats without loosing it into the bottom layer. The best way to achieve this, and yet get a good, opaque cover coat is to undercoat with acrylics of the appropriate color beforehand.

Although many great effects can be achieve by undercoating certain colors with other hues to either warm, cool or provide other effects to the top, oil layer; as a beginner you would be best served by sticking to an acrylic undercoat of approximately similar color to start.

How do I know, I'm a professional Illustrator and Portrait painter.

I agree with Mike, although you don't absolutely have to use an acrylic base coat.  I've used Humbrol enamel for base coating for years with no problems related to the base coat lifting.  After an overall prime (I use white but many prefer black), I paint the figure in what I call block painting, laying down the basic colors using Humbrol.  Then use the oils for final painting & shading.  Not saying this is the best way, just the way I do it.

Regards,  Rick