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us2

USAAF pilot figure with added dark wash and drybrushed highlights applied.

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!

 

f1b1

Stage 1: The basic figure primed white

 

f2

Stage 2: Paint the face.
Flesh colour of your choice.

f3b3

Stage 3: Paint the flying helmet.
Dark brown leather. Black headphone covers and around goggles as indicated.

f4

Stage 4: Paint goggle trim.
Dark green.

f5

Stage 5: Paint shirt.
Dark earth brown.

f6

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

f7

Stage 7: Paint leather jacket.
Common colours were earth brown or dark brown (almost black) leather.

f8b8

Stage 8: Paint life jacket.
Bright yellow.

f9b9

Stage 9: Paint parachute and harness.
The straps are white or weathered dirty grey.

f10

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

f11

Stage 12: Paint rip cord bag.
Khaki green or olive green.

f12b12

Stage 15: Paint oxygen mask.
Green rubber.

us1

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.