Washes

[mrmstwk]

Would some please tell how to wash a figure, do you put it all over the miniature, on selected areas only?

 

Also on highlighting the face, do you put it on a selected area only

[Ol'Timer]

Hi MRM, welcome to the forums.

 

So from your questions, it looks like you're just getting started. I'd suggest checking out the "Craft" section, as it has some good examples. For instance this one:

 

Let It Flow

 

Goes into how to thin paints in some detail for proper washes and so forth.

 

In terms of 'where does the paint go' that depends alot on what effect you are trying to achieve. If you are just trying to add shadows, then a brown or blue liner wash of the whole mini is not uncommon. However, if you are trying to, say, smooth layers between highlight and base coat, a thin wash (or glaze) can be used to help even the transition. The key with either case is that whatever area you want to cover, not to allow the paint to pool and bubble - this can lead to water rings and other unsightly effects.

 

I'll also point you to Ollie's painting method - he does (or I guess, did 2 years ago when it was written) most of his work in a series of washes, and does a good job explaining how they are used and what they look like.

 

How To Blend

 

Hope that these help you get you started.

[captenglish]

Highlights are as the name implies, where the light hits the object the most (to varying degrees). For the face, generally speaking, highlghts go on the nose, brows, chin, and cheek bones.

[mrmstwk]

Hi MRM, welcome to the forums.

 

So from your questions, it looks like you're just getting started. I'd suggest checking out the "Craft" section, as it has some good examples. For instance this one:

 

Let It Flow

 

Goes into how to thin paints in some detail for proper washes and so forth.

 

In terms of 'where does the paint go' that depends alot on what effect you are trying to achieve. If you are just trying to add shadows, then a brown or blue liner wash of the whole mini is not uncommon. However, if you are trying to, say, smooth layers between highlight and base coat, a thin wash (or glaze) can be used to help even the transition. The key with either case is that whatever area you want to cover, not to allow the paint to pool and bubble - this can lead to water rings and other unsightly effects.

 

I'll also point you to Ollie's painting method - he does (or I guess, did 2 years ago when it was written) most of his work in a series of washes, and does a good job explaining how they are used and what they look like.

 

How To Blend

 

Hope that these help you get you started.

Yes i am just starting to paint for fun. Thanks for the tips. I have started to work on some faces 40mm civil war and all the books and things i have read say wash the face, so that means cover it all, with paint that has been diluted a great deal. I will read the articles, again thank you