SS-Oberstürmfuhrer, Totenkopf Division

[Tommy]

Acrylic retarders are made from glycol which slows the drying process by holding on to the water, if you add too much you can get shiny patches and/or tacky paint, the paint can also lift when you paint over it.

If you want to use a retarder I think Winsor & Newton Blending Medium would be a better choice. You get much more if you compare the bottle sizes and price. Works very well together with acrylics.

But I don't use the stuff myself when I'm painting figures.

[Guest]

Awesome. How did you do his beard?

[Tommy]

Awesome. How did you do his beard?

I used very diluted dark brown/black acrylic paint.

[Guest]

Sorry to bother you with another question Tommy but what type/make/size of brush should i be looking at buying for figure painting.I want to paint some of the old airfix napoleonic figures and will be using vallejo model colours.

I have been back into modelling for a couple of years but have only been painting/airbrushing 1/72 scale figures,tanks etc for my son to play with.I want to get a bit more "serious" and am not sure if the average and own brand sable etc brushes are good enough.

Many thanks in advance, Paolo

[Tommy]

No problem Paolo,

I can recommend the brushes I use for all my figure painting. I use them only for figure painting and nothing else.

They are hand made sable brushes called Kolinsky Sable Brushes Series 7. A bit more expensive than the 'normal' brush but worth the money.

Which sizes depends on how big your object is... but with size 00, 0, 2 you cover pretty much all your needs when painting figures, these three brushes are the ones I use the most.

If you take good care of them they last a very long time.

[Guest]

Stunning paint job, just stunning!!!

I've started modelling again after some years and i find doing figures is a good way to "get my eye in" again. Few parts, no confusing instructions, various paint schemes can be applied etc.

Great job!

[Tommy]

Thank you

[Guest]

The painting of the face is really realistic. I know how desperately hard flesh is to paint and you've definitely got it nailed!

[Guest]

Sweet sculpting and painting. I like how you added extra blush to tip of the nose and cheeks, I can almost see steam from his breathe.

[spanner570]

Frightingly real Tommy. I have just re-read your thread....again! A masterclass in figure painting. I have picked up some great tips and advise just in this one thread of yours, thank you.

Ron

[tr1ckey66]

Awesome figure painting skills Tommy! A true masterclass in flesh tones and clothing painting alike.

All the best

Paul

[Guest]

Very Nice indeed Tommy, you have captured the flesh tones to a tee on this one!

[Guest]

Very Very nice, I keep getting tempted with a figure or two.