by Adam the Akrodude » Thu Aug 27, 2015 2:01 pm
Thanks Wayne for those hints - brilliant. I like the pin hole technique for locating the eye. I have learnt that the shape of the eye is critical - it's not a circle, more a kind of half circle. I've studied a few eye and face painting techniques and it's challenging stuff. I start with the white of the eye, then the iris/pupil is painted either black or dark brown with a tiny white dot shown reflected light off the surface of the eye (reflection), then the eye lashes, then the skin outline around the eye. I do think I might have a crack at those Zotz eye decals next time - it's kinda cheating, but sounds a massive time saver! Then it's playing around with colours and shades on the face.
Skin tones. I start with a overall skin colour and then build up the shades and tones using different lighter and darker shades mixed with a semi-gloss clear. This builds up layers on the face and gives depth. I study faces to get these shades right - or as right as I can make them. Some people use artist oils, as these will blend better as they take a while to dry. I may give this a go next time as well. It's a challenge to make the figure life like and not too clown like. When I start the big Suk hopefully some time next year, there will be a Russkie driver either in the cockpit or climbing the ladder.
Troy I do think your Wildcat pilot really adds to the model - looks great! Of course the smaller the scale, the harder it is to make the pilot lifelike I think. Below 32nd scale is super tough! I am going to give this a go though when I build my A-26A Counter Invader. What I like about adding figures to a model is it gives the subject life and scale. One can really see and appreciate the size of a given subject with a "man" giving proportions - bit like seeing the "human" figure in architectural/building and engineering drawings. So, I'll keep at this and work on refining techniques - I think it's worth it.
