Hello everyone.
Could someone please tell me what highlights are? When i read reviews and watch vids on youtube on model infantry, i don't really understand. Also how can you apply highlights?
Thanks
Regards Callum.

Highlights are areas on the figure that should be a lighter color than the rest. Think of the way light will fall on a figure- the higher areas will catch more- so a raised fold in a figures clothes will appear lighter than the color on a flat area with no folds. Aswell as that the color in the depth of folds will appear darker- this is sometimes referred to as a 'lowlight' or 'shadows'.

If you are working on a figure place it in its normal pose underneath a light shining from above- this will show you the places where highlighting is necessary. If you are using, say an Olive Green color for the clothes, then paint the uniform in this color first. Then determin where the highlights and shadows are.

For highlights mix the base color, Olive Green in this example, with a lighter color- this can be white or yellow or anything you choose. Apply this to the areas that need highlighting. Don't make the color too light though and keep the paint well thinned so it flows well. You'll probably need to experiment for a while to get it totally right.

As for shadows, mix the base color with a darker shade and apply to the areas supposed to be in shadow. Again, don't mix the paint too dark. (If the contrast appears to be too harsh, i.e. the colors don't look right and they appear too light and too dark, then drybrushing with the base color can usually tone this down).


You can also use a wash on the figure with oils or enamels and mineral spirits (paint thinner). Flow it into the shadows and then with a thinner moistened brush take off the excess if the shadows appear too dark. Oils and enamels don't dry as quick as acrylics so you have some working time with them.

Once you are happy with the wash take a lighter color of the base color (you can mix it like I explained before or simply use a fresh, lighter color) and drybrush the areas of your figure that need 'highlights'.

I hope this helps callum.

Hello,
Thanks, that has helped alot! I now understand what highlighs are and how to apply them.
Thanks for your time.
Regards Callum

Callum,

For some more in-depth and detailed explanations and examples, check out some of the how-to articles on Armorama's sister web-site, Historicus Forma

https://hfmodeling.kitmaker.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=listarticles&secid=85

Some great info there.

Mike