I have been practicing doing oils for skin tones on some old figures (1/35), and I am getting less than stellar results.

I was wondering what brushes and brands of paints some of the experts use around here?

I know I need some new brushes, and If I am going to pick up brushes, I should at least try some different paint...a couple basic colors.

Suggestions?

Rich

Use artist qulity rather tahn student quality oils whenever possible. Make sure the oils are thinned properly and not straight from the tube.

Has anyone around here done a basics walkthrough thread on this, or links to a site that does?

Hi Rich,
I wrote these a while ago. I hope that they'll be helpful to you....
Basics of oil painting

Misc oil mixes

Fleshtone mixes

What part of Pennsylvania are you in? I'm in Pittsburgh.
Craig

Very Helpful Craig, Thanks.

I am just outside of Reading. I am originally from Lock Haven.

Rich

I noticed in the Basics of Oil Painting article, the recommendation was not to thin the oil paints but if we would still like to thin it down, what would you use to thin oil paints?

Personally I use turpentine - a little goes a long way with oils too. I've found they need very little thinning from the tube, just spread the colour evenly

Here's an excellent guide for beginners:
http://www.btinternet.com/~model.soldiers/page37.html

I do not thin my oils. I use a product called Liquin by Windsor&Newton. This stuff makes the oils blend easier and dry over night. Just a little bit goes a long way.

Jesse

Thanks for that Dave. Looks like the word on the street is to use Turpentine to thin the oils.

Hi Jesse

Do you use the W&S Liquin Classic or the Medium?

Rudi