speedgraflex wrote:I think you know my thoughts on "black-basing or any other kind of basing" are the kind that don't make me too popular at parties. I like your metal effects, though, because a good satiny metallic finish has soul and basically that is what makes the model come to life. So, yeah, brother if you can synthesize that soul you are making alchemy happen. I still think that your work comes alive when you start the mixture of the tonal buildup and takedown—which is not even the slightest contradiction when it comes to representing a used combat aircraft. Have a great trip, Ken. Take some photos and write songs and fish for bluegill or crappy or carp or whatever floats your boat. Catch ya on the flip side, my man.
Bruce,
Thank you!!
What you’re saying about bare metal, that’s real. And so far, my paint has reacted beautifully with it during all my testing ops, and now with the tank and gear leg covers. This paint mix keeps that satiny, silky quality really well in my opinion and yes sir, it does keep that soul with it, exactly like you say. And the Duraluminum, as well as other shades which can appear dark under certain illumination still allow for some of that tonal variation that comes with black basing if the paint is thin enough.
We’re heading out first thing tomorrow morning. Lots and lots of driving to do!
Handiabled wrote:I’ve had to catch up on things here again. Awesome job thinking out of the box with paint colors and blending them,,, when you can capture what is right in your minds eye, your build shows it with outstanding results, this is a great example of that
Thank you sir! So much!! That’s all I’m trying to do- capture what’s in my mind. Trying to project it “out here” and into the model. Still a long road, too. But I think this is all gonna work!
Speaking of..:
I was thinking about washes for this. What would go nice with the custom color. I don’t want too stark a contrast in the panel lines and rivets. I decided on Mig’s “Neutral Brown” in their Panel Line Wash series.
Check out the results on the tank:
That stuff is Voodoo. You paint it on the surface details, let it sit for a little while, and then just wipe it off. I’m not joking. After a minute or two you can just wipe it off, and the pigments stay nicely in the surface detail. It’s easier to work with than oils in the sense that you don’t have to clean as aggressively. And for this project, I like that quality. I don’t mind a slight sheen leftover from cleaning up washes with oils on most models, but not this one. As to the color, I like the way the Neutral Brown looks on the custom color. It looks light grey to me. And it is very subtle. Again, “noticed but not seen” as they say.
What’s more, I got the decals on the legs, and gave them a wash with the Neutral Brown as well. Have a look:
I like operating like this. Don’t let myself rush the airframe to paint, and instead focus on the little details that deserve big attention for several days instead. I’m pleased with how these are coming along. I’m going to do washes on the inner portions of the legs when I get back, and add some brake dust probably.
Okay, I really am letting this one rest now. I have to finish my day at work, and then get to packing and stuff.
I’ll be on regularly while I’m gone, reviewing all the great stuff you guys are making happen. I have a lot of catching up to do.
