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FREEHAND DETAIL

Steps for a Freehand Border

Let’s start with a characteristic embellishment—a decorative border at the hem of a garment. I sketch out the pattern on paper, both to get an idea of how it will look, and to use as reference while painting.

In giving color names, the paint manufacturers are designated by abbreviations. VMC=Vallejo Model Colour; VGC=Vallejo Game Colour; RMS=Reaper Master Series.


The example cloak has been shaded and highlighted. Since the border is narrow, I’ve painted the area it will be covering. For a larger design, it saves time and effort to mark its position and leave that space unpainted.




The first step is to paint in a background for the border (VMC English Uniform). For this, the paint is a basecoat consistency and doesn’t really require flow improver.






Next I start laying in the pattern (VGC Cobra Leather). The paint is thinned a little more (about the consistency of cream) and flow improver is added. At this point, the fleur, scrolls, and edges can be rough; I will touch it up later, after everything is in the right place.




The third step involves filling out the framework. The edges receive a second, neater coat, the scrolls are widened and defined, and the ‘leaves’ added.






In the fourth step (e) I highlight the border (VMC Yellow Ochre) where the red surface also receives a highlight. Both edges and scrollwork are brightened at the sides of the cloak and the center of the fold.





The final step involves a bit of cleanup and shading in the folds with English Uniform and a last highlight on the gold (RMS Golden Blonde).








You can modify this technique for a tapestry or embroidered effect. Rather than painting a solid design, use fine lines, dots, or crosshatching to represent texture. As you shade and highlight, keep the color within the borders of those marks.