The first new technique I tried was the "Loaded brush technique" and it is really simple but effective for creating smooth, high-contrast blending. It is basically putting down a base coat as normal but then rather than tediously working up through the highlighting via layer upon layer you just load the brush up with the base color and then dip the tip of the brush so a dot of pure white paint sits on it, The with is then used to create the highest highlight and as you paint the white begins to blend with the base paint stored in the brush creating a really natural blend. I've used this on all three of the small sections painted so far; the skin (which has a slightly bruised hue not really captured in the photos), the NMM golden trim on the wrist-guard and the main black part of the wrist guard. I realise this is a very early WiP but hey who cares!
For those unfamiliar with the term NMM it stands for non-metallic metal and it involves using all matt colours rater than using paints with metallic flakes in. I have never really had a preference but I have never found my own results with metallic paint particularly inspiring. This technique seemed really scary for me for some reason and although I have only done it on one small bit of trim so far I can say I really love the technique, it has stopped some of my corner cutting and really made me think about just how I'm painting. I know NMM has a huge skill ceiling but honestly it wasn't as hard as I feared, seriously I used 3 paints to achieve the effect on the trim.
The second part that seems to be a bit scary to a lot of painters including myself is painting black, but again using the loaded brush and some patience I think I made it look black but not flat if that makes sense?
I have taken an entirely different approach to painting this model than any I have painted thus far in my time hobbying and that is the order in which I'm painting it. Before I have always done it in broad sections, such as the skin, then the hair, then all the trim etc. But now I am moving from one part to the next, so I am currently working down the arm rather than painting the entirety of the skin in one go. It's really helping me out just in terms of composition of the model, also if I'm not happy with a certain colour or effect then it's so much less work to change one detail rather than the whole model.
Anyways all C&C welcomed I really push myself to improve and more pairs of eyes make lighter work and may spot something I missed.
Also if anyone is looking to learn some of these techniques check out Painting Buddha YouTube, I have learnt so much watching them so huge props to them.
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