Some simple questions....

[Nos76]

I have just been viewing (Painting Buddha) Ben Komets FeR Miniatures Corporal, and I have just some simple questions so be kind as they might sound dumb as I am just beginning out in figure painting.

At the start of the video Ben shows his figure in a primed state and noticed that it doesn't look like it has a full coverage. Is it mist coated to help with the shadowing when painting? What primer do most figure painters use?

Also Ben puts his paints on paper for his palette mixing...what type of paper is used to help blend? Is it a wax based or porous based.

and what is with the brush licking.......sorry Ben!

 

[Ybrossculpts]

Hi,
I guess I'll go first with a reply to this thread and I'm sure I'll stand corrected by others more experienced than me when it comes to this hobby.

Priming a figure is generally the best way to get your paint to cover your figure evenly and there are all sorts of primers, I use auto primers in spray cans but there are different brands such as Vallejo that can be painted or air brushed on. Also these can be either enamel or acrylic based as well as varting in colour or tone depending on your preferences, say whites, greys or blacks. They don't always have to be fantastically covered but it's up to the individuals preference.

With the pallette, again it's what may work for the individual, wax paper in combination with a wet pallette, different papers or card, plastic pallettes etc.

With the licking part of the question, I'm thinking from memory as I have seen this video, that he may be either trying to get brush a little more moist or trying to make sure the tip is pointed or just a habit.

I hope this helps, and like I mentioned earlier I'm sure the experienced members will be able to enlighten you further in this area.
Regards
Chris.


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[Nos76]

Thanks Chris.....I just noticed that the figures were only covered from one angle....just thought it was another technique to help with a particular style of painting as Ben was using mainly the glazing technique. The paper I was hoping to get more of an insight into... what is used? whether it is a blotting paper..etc? Down here in Oz we have to be specific to certain products as we have limitations to availability.

Cheers Nos

 

[Dan Morton]

Licking your brush - not a good idea fellas. The very most extreme example of why licking your brush is a bad habit is this one https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radium_Girls. Note that I said it was very extreme. I'm not saying your risk from licking your brush while painting figures is in the same league!

Whether you are using acrylics, oils or whatever, the pigments include cadmium, chromium, mercury sulfide, lead, carbon black, and other substances which, given the very small doses, won't make you sick right away, but don't benefit your bod either. Avoid.

All the best,
Dan

 

[Jeff T]

Nos, I'm in Aus, and I just use baking paper for the wet palette, bought from coles or woolworths.

Small tupperware container, with two sheets in thickness of paper towel cut to size of container, then one sheet of baking paper cut to size, then just add enough water so that the paper towel is moist right across...works for me.

You can also check out youtube to see how to make wet palettes too.

Hope this helps,
Jeff.

 

[Ybrossculpts]

Thanks Chris.....I just noticed that the figures were only covered from one angle....just thought it was another technique to help with a particular style of painting as Ben was using mainly the glazing technique. The paper I was hoping to get more of an insight into... what is used? whether it is a blotting paper..etc? Down here in Oz we have to be specific to certain products as we have limitations to availability.

Cheers Nos

I'm in Oz as well, I can't be too sure what he is using but I sometimes use a wet pallette so thats with baking paper laying over the top of saturated wipes in a takeaway container. Also use just a normal plastic circular pallette from art shop. Are you using acrylics or oils?
Regards
Chris.

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[kenshin393]

I haven't seen the video but the priming question sounds like zenithal or directional priming. You give the whole figure a coat of dark primer then a few sprits of white/pale primer from the direction you wish your primary light source to be. You can do this over several layers and build a smooth gradient if you wish, then use washes and thin coats over the top. Presto! Half your highlights and shadows done.

 

[Nos76]

Thanks heaps for your insight into the wet palette debate Chris and Jeff. I am only asking these question as I really want to get it right and not over complicate things.

Kenshin393 thank you for the confirmation on the primer question I had a funny feeling that might be the case.... good I have a name to the technique

Nos

 

[Forté]

He's on Facebook so you can actually ask him directly

Ben uses the two part priming routine. Prime black all over then (once fully dry) white or off white (the current GW spray) zenithally which helps show shadows and details.

Wet palette wise, I remember Jack (Crowe) said they used unwaxed white baking paper for their palettes.

As for brush licking. It's mainly to repoint the bristles but sometimes to remove a little white when he's doing his loaded brush.

 

[Eludia]

When I got back into the hobby a couple of years back I was using acrylics and I found myself getting into a habit of licking my brushes to repoint them. When I switched to oils I very quickly got out of the habit - Zest-it smells ok but it doesn't taste so good

I now use a crease in the palm of my left hand to repoint my brushes after cleaning (the one just below the pinkie). Its just the job

 

[Ray Stout]

Old habits die hard, and I must admit that I haven't found a better way of forming the best point on my brushes, than using the lips, but I'm 68, and quite happy to die painting!!! lol, I still use Artists paper pallets when using oils, and a "Stay Wet" one for the rest. Ray

 

[Nos76]

This is good....looks like I have started a mini debate on why people are brush lickers!....some might end up being window lickers soon
I have ordered a stay-wet palette by the way!

Nos

 

[theBaron]

What primer do most figure painters use?

I use Tamiya's fine surface primer, since I have it on hand for my scale model builds. I used to use automotive primer, including Rust-o-leum's primer, and Walmart's house brand. I switched, not because they weren't good primers, but primarily because I started getting bad rattlecans, that clogged frequently, and I'd lose half the batch of paint. Tamiya's primer makes surface with good tooth, doesn't obscure fine details, and covers surprisingly well, so that I don't use a lot of it to get the job done.

Regarding wet palettes, I made my own, after my buddy Hershbell showed me the Masterson wet palette he bought. I took a plastic Chinese take-out container, fitted a household sponge into it, and cut a piece of brown packaging paper to fit. I soaked the sponge enough to make it damp, and it keeps batches of paint wet enough to last over several sessions (and days). I originally used some kitchen parchment paper, but the particular brand I had was treated with silicone to make it non-stick. That made it less porous, and so, I switched to the brown packaging paper. I've been told that you can boil the parchment paper that's been treated with silicone, though, to make it porous. But since I have a lot of packaging paper saved up, I'm....sticking, with that (pun intended!)

Prost!
Brad

 

[Forté]

I just use the car primers from Halfords (UK). Well, the black is just a standard matt black but does the trick and the grey is excellent.

 

[Andrew Perren]

Tamiya fine white or normal grey primer in a spray can is my prime of choice. Tried the zenethal priming on my last bust but wasn't convinced it added much value.

For my wet pallette same as others its a tupperware container with this sponge in the base and "Glad Bake" for the pallete surface. Cheap as chips and readily sourced in Oz supermarkets.

Oh and I'm a self confessed brush licker ( I only use acrylics). That could explain that twitch I've developed.

 

[Ray Stout]

You know, if we were "conventional" artists, using the amounts of paint they use, and we licked our brushes, I'm sure , over time we WOULD be in trouble, BUT, the amounts we use are so much smaller, I really don't believe we're in any serious danger. Comments please. Ray