Painting a figure follows a logical
sequence, from the inside out. What this means is beginning with the body,
in this case the face, paint the "layers" closest to the body
and work your way outwards. This will make life a lot easier and prevent
you painting over detail.
The following is the sequence I follow. Happy painting!
 
Stage 1: The basic figure primed
white

Stage 2: Paint the face.
Flesh colour of your choice.
 
Stage 3: Paint the flying helmet.
Dark brown leather. Black headphone covers and around goggles as indicated.

Stage 4: Paint goggle trim.
Dark green.

Stage 5: Paint shirt.
Dark earth brown.

Stage 6: Paint tie and goggle
strap.
Khaki brown.

Stage 7: Paint leather jacket.
Common colours were earth brown or dark brown (almost black) leather.
 
Stage 8: Paint life jacket.
Bright yellow.
 
Stage 9: Paint
parachute and harness.
The straps are white or weathered dirty grey.

Stage 10: Paint black details.
Black rubber hose on life jacket and black lens area in goggles.

Stage 12: Paint rip cord bag.
Khaki green or olive green.
 
Stage 15: Paint oxygen mask.
Green rubber.

Stage 16: Final detailing.
Seal the finished pilot with a light coat of clear matt varnish. Once
this has thoroughly dried, apply a very thin wash of dark grey over the
entire figure. Using a Q-tip, gently remove the wash from high areas allowing
the wash to remain in the low areas, creases, etc. This will add to the
sense of depth. Finally, once evrything has dried thoroughly, a very light
dry brush will high light the high spots and further add to the realism
of the figure. This final detailing is not a must, but I am sure you will
be amazed at the difference it makes to the figure.
|