Revolutionary war - just starting

Best source for Rev War figures (or any American historical figures) is Military Miniatures Warehouse. From the home page, choose "Other Historical Periods" then "Revolutionary War." If it's out there, John has it.

Vallejo and Andrea Paints are the way to go. Vallejo's website has a tutorial under "Model Color" on their use.

There are pleny of articles on painting at armorama.com. There's a good article in the current issue of "Historical Miniatures" on paiting with acrylics and it uses a rev period figure as a bonus for you.

If you're anywhere near Wilmington DE theis weekend, one of the premiere figure event is talking place thie Friday and Saturday at the Chase Center. Miniature Figure Collectors of America

http://www.imrierisleyminiatures.com/

Try this place. I/R has been around forever (well, maybe forty to fifty years) and initially made their reputation with Revolutionary War figures of all kinds.  On the downside, they may not be up to current standards on detail--but they do hold up pretty well.