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PAINTING FACES

In this sequence, I'll demonstrate my basic method for painting a face. I picked this figure (Reaper 3139) because its large, well-defined eyes were comparatively easy to paint. All paints used are Reaper Master Series.



After priming the mini in white, I basecoated all the flesh areas with a mix of equal parts Golden Skin and Fair Skin. Two, or even three, thin layers of paint will cover more smoothly and evenly than one thick coat.

(When painting a typical mini, with multiple areas of flesh showing, I paint all the skin bits at the same time as the face.)








Next I mixed a glaze from Tanned Skin and a little Brush-on Sealer, and shaded the eye sockets, the sides of the nose, underside of the nose and jaw—everywhere a shadow is cast by overhead light. Look carefully at the mini under a work lamp and it will show you where the shading should go.










The third step was a highlight of equal parts Golden Highlight and Fair Highlight, layered on the raised areas which naturally catch the light—cheekbones, chin, nose, forehead, etc.













The fourth photo shows a second highlight, a mix of Fair Highlight and Creamy Ivory, applied in very small areas along the bridge of the nose, the chin, the cheekbones, and the forehead. Here I also lined between the skin and hair or clothing with a wash of Blackened Brown, using a fine detail brush. I drew a thin line between the lips, and fill in the entire surface of the eye.