Zenithal Pre shading/priming

[montythefirst]

Does anyone have any experience using Zenithal Pre shading/priming? Especially when painting military uniforms.

I am experimenting with using this technique myself on some spares, just wondered if anyone had some examples of work or tips on using this technique, i am hoping this will speed up painting large areas of uniforms.

all help greatly received cheers

 

[Colin_Fraser]

No clue what zenithal means....but then I don't get out.

 

[Wings5797]

Hi
I know the principal of priming in a grey or even black and then 'dusting' in a single direction over the figure with a lighter colour to show where the highlights will be on the figure. It does require the use of spray can or airbrush.
I have not used it as yet but I do have the intention to at some point. As I see it this method will ensure that you know where all of the highlights are on the piece but as for speeding up the painting process I am not sure that it will.
Lots of Guys on pF use this method and I am sure that they will give a better rendition and example better than I can.
Good luck with your trials and please let me know how you get on.
All the very best,
Keith

 

[Babelfish]

It's the latest fad (although it's been around a few years now), and is also very big in armour modelling.

It all sounds very clever and great in theory. Which of course has meant that pretty much everyone and his dog has been falling over themselves to embrace it.

And it can be effective. But you also have to remember that light source can change relative to where you actually place your figure/AFV and your own viewing position. So it is by no means an exact science or fail-safe.

- Steve

 

[Tubby-Nuts2]

I tried the 'Primer method'! which seemed a bit pointless once the base coat went on! So then I tried the 'Base coat' method in the same way! ..Initially all seemed good but then subsequent layers, 'Fluff-ups' and corrections etc. Did seem to mute the initial effort. So for me its back to, normal priming/base-coating and Fluffing it!

Regards,

Mark

 

[Wings5797]

I tried the 'Primer method'! which seemed a bit pointless once the base coat went on! So then I tried the 'Base coat' method in the same way! ..Initially all seemed good but then subsequent layers, 'Fluff-ups' and corrections etc. seemed to mute the initial effort. So for me its back to normal priming/base-coating and fluffing it!

Regards,

Mark

Those damn Fluff-ups just will not fluff-off
From your bad experiences I will fore go giving it a go Mark.
Cheers,
Keith

 

[montythefirst]

I had have experimented over the last couple of days and zenithal priming pre shading highlighting whatever you want to call it can kiss my a#@e.

I am going back to the tried and tested what a waste of time and paint

cheers

 

[Babelfish]

And why not?!

Fads and fashions come and go ("coal miner" faces anyone?) but there is no "right" or "wrong" way in this hobby. Just the way that gets the best results for you and the way you feel most comfortable with.

- Steve

 

[BarrieHynd]

I tried it on this 120mm figure (must get back ti it at some point) You can see from the trousers how it has worked I think. the other areas have had the main colours added before the oils go on and there are highlight areas showing on the tunic.
Still not sold on the idea myself, but I suppose time will tell.

http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/cgs-military-figures-17th-lancer.65895/

Barrie.

 

[Rich Sculpts]

I had have experimented over the last couple of days and zenithal priming pre shading highlighting whatever you want to call it can kiss my a#@e.

I am going back to the tried and tested what a waste of time and paint

cheers

Cheer yourself up and try Grisaille instead

Works a treat for us "flat world folk", with a little re-working there is no reason it could not work with full round figures as well.

If I remember right Penny Meyer has achieved this already?



Some videos to tempt you into the dark side of gray scale - Video Link

-Rich

 

[DEL]

If it works for you it works. Zenithal highlighting is a bit different from 'Halo' priming.
I have always regarded Zenithal highlighting (which I don't do) as a process following on from priming, where you are working towards a planned light direction.
Whether it works has a lot to do with how each painter paints an undercoat, some go for a flat colour others shade their undercoat to take into account lights and shades.
It also depends how thickly you apply paint as to whether or not it has any value.
As for 'Halo' priming, I tend to prime 3 or 4 figures at a time using this technique. What it does is allow you to study and familiarise yourself with the light and shadow structure of the sculpt. Also it gives you a not unattractive figure to look at as you plan your painting scheme.
Whatever floats your boat.
Cheers
Derek

 

[valiant]

I think Im from the "if it looks right, then it is right" stable, myself..!

Steve

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Sounds like new fancy wording for Shep Paine's old stop sign rule. I guess the diff is that the highlighting is done in the base coat.

 

[montythefirst]

to be honest was looking at this method to try and get more use out of my airbrush, at the moment I tend to use it to base coat either spraying on the mid tone then brush painting the shadows and highlights or I base coat using the shadow then brush paint mid and highlight.

 

[kagemusha]

Try looking at my thread "Avant-Garde" on V-Bench
It may help answer your questions and meet your ideas for using your airbrush more.

Ron