Can anyone point me to an article or tutorial about painting faces with acrylics, that would be geared toward a first time figure painter? I've tried following a few articles and books but, I just can't get it to look very good. I've been modeling vehicles for about 3 years steady so I definitly have my basics paintin skills down but I just can't the damn things to look good.

I guess I'm asking for some direction thsat is simple yet effective.

Thanks,
Dan

Dan,

This may help. It is translated from the Vallejo website, but should help with a good foundation on painting with acrylics.

http://www.timelinesforum.com/index.php?page=vallejo2

Hi Dan,

Painting figure faces requires a slightly different skill set than painting vehicles. If you're working in 1/35 scale, the face is really no bigger than a pea so you're trying to cram a heck of a lot of detail into that little area. Still, it's easy enough to get those faces down to a science with some practice. Here's a couple how-to articles you might take a look at:

http://www.planetfigure.com/articles/painting_faces_acrylics-jaume_ortiz/painting-faces-acrylics.html

http://www.modelersite.com/Feb2003/English/CarasConAcrilicos_Eng.htm

And, if I may be so bold, I've also posted a series of step-by-step photos of the faces from my own recent figure project here . Although I was painting African skin tones, the photos will allow you to see where the lights and shadows were placed. Those images are about 3/4 of the way down the first page.

Take your time, thin your paint and use the best brush you can get your hands on!

Good luck.

I'm Rocky Carroll, dammit!

Sorry Dan, inside joke. Listen to Don, he did some really nice 1/35 African American tankers (761st TB) for our show last month. Really, really good stuff.

Dan, I have found that it is easier to use enamels on figures. This is important; assemble them before you paint even the primer. Reason for this is that you will likely have to use putty on the joints. I would suggest you leave off details like guns, canteens, ammo pouches, etc. etc. I prime the figures with grey from a rattle can. Give them a coat of the most prolific uniform color. Paint all of the exposed flesh in white. Paint exposed flesh in which ever color is appropriate. Paint eyes white. Add pupils. Shade the flesh with watercolor brown or black, i.e. the eyelids, ears, where the fingers touch. Begin work on uniform. Hilight and shade the uniform by drybrushing lighter and darker tones of the overall color. Yeah, that's right, dry-brushing isnt' dead. After you are satisfied with the uniform, paint the boots. Now, paint and add all the gear you left off. Weather with pigments(I use Dr Bens cause it's cheap). Usually takes me about 1.5 hours per figure, but I'm no expert.

Dan- you should have a look at Andreas Flesh Paint Set:

http://www.historexagents.com/shop/hxproductdetail.php?ProductCode=ACS1

I find it provides an excellent base from which just about any finish can be achieved.

It sounds like we have some NCIS fans onboard this forum.LOL