painting checkerboard patterns in oils

[godfather]

I am not sure how to paint a diamond or checkerboard pattern on a tunic; I can do it by hand or mask which looks more realistic? But my main problem is how I paint (in oils) the highlights and shadows when the checks are one colour and the base colour is another. I.e. if the base is white and the checks red the highlight and shadow for these colors are not compatible. Hopefully this makes sense.

 

[Dave A]

I don't use oils but what applies to acrylics might work with oils. I'd paint the base colour and get that shaded. Then paint a grid representing the square or diamond pattern. Fill in each alternate box to get the checkerboard pattern using a darker colour in the folds, lighter on the highlights. After all that use thin washes to darken the folds if necessary. I find that thin highlights on the tops of each "box" brings it to life.

 

[Jim Patrick]

WOW David. Man, that looks really good. Not sure if it helps you or not but it sure helps me!

Jim Patrick