Can anyone recommend a basic set of oil paint colors for an experienced modeler beginning to use oil paints in washes and drybrushing?

Generally build WWII era 1/48 scale Aircraft and 1/35 scale Armor.

TIA,

Rich

Hi Rich,
It can depend on what you plan on using them to paint.
There are starter sets available that have smaller tubes of paint and can be a good way to break into using oils.
If you're planning on painting figures, and especially painting faces, I wrote an article a while back that lists the colors I like to use. Here's a link to it...
lSkintones

I also wrote another article on some of the colors I use for other things...

url]https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/96[/url]

If this is the first time you're using oils, there are some things you may want to keep in mind when painting.
First, and maybe most important, less is best!
You don't want to put on a lot of paint. A very thin coat almost always works best. It helps to minimize brushstrokes, doesn't hide detail and dries faster too.

Second, to get rid of the brushstrokes that you will still get, you can use a technique called stippling. Stippling is when you take a clean, dry brush with soft bristles and gently stab it on the surface of the paint. The key here is doing it gently. You're not trying to blend the paint anymore.And do it with the brush held perpendicular to the surface of the figure.
Actually, I tend to stipple several times during a painting session. I'll do it after I apply my main coat of color (this helps me know if I put too much paint on). Then I'll do it after applying and blending my shadows. And then I'll do it yet again after applying my highlights.
Get an old figure and try it. It takes some practice to get it just right, but when you do, you'll be amazed at what a neat trick it is.
Hope this helps. If you have any question, don't hesitate to ask. We're happy to try and help.
Good luck,
Craig [