For my first “tutorial,” I wanted to share a quick and simple method for painting miniature faces that pop in close-up photos while still looking great on the tabletop.
Start with a Great Model
Every good paint job begins with an even better miniature. Starting with a high-quality sculpt makes the process so much easier. Personally, I find it hard to go past AB Figures. That’s not to say other manufacturers make bad models—far from it—but AB Figures just hit the sweet spot for me. Even if you wargame in another scale, I’d encourage you to check them out; their sculpts are little works of art.
Priming and Base Colour
For faces, I usually start with a dark primer—either dark brown or black. In this case, I used black. The exact primer isn’t too critical, but keep in mind that a darker base will take a few extra layers to build up to your mid-tone.
For this example, I’m using two colours from the AK Interactive Figures range:
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Light Flesh (AK11402)
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Highlight Flesh (AK11403)
To create the base, I thin Light Flesh with AK Interactive Drying Retarder in about a 60/40 ratio (paint to retarder). The retarder helps extend drying time and keeps the paint smooth.
Apply this mix in thin layers. The first coat will look patchy—don’t worry. After a couple of layers, you’ll have an even, opaque base that’s ready for highlighting.
Building Up the Highlights
Next, mix Light Flesh and Highlight Flesh 50/50. Use this to pick out the raised features—the nose, cheeks, chin, and brow. Try to cover about 60–80% of the face. This subtle layering builds the transition that makes the face come alive.
Now, switch to pure Highlight Flesh for the final highlights. Focus on the most prominent points: the tip of the nose, tops of the cheeks, chin, and brow ridge. Avoid completely covering your previous layer—you’re aiming for contrast and definition.
Adding Depth with a Wash
To tie everything together and add warmth, I use Pro Acryl Flesh Wash mixed 50/50 with Pro Acryl Glaze Medium. Apply this over the entire face, letting it flow into the recesses. Be careful not to let it pool on the raised areas—we want to deepen the shadows, not darken the highlights.
Finishing Touches
For that final pop, go back with a small amount of Highlight Flesh and add the tiniest strokes to the highest points of the face. Think of it as catching the light—less is more here. This final step really makes the features stand out.
Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to blogging Shawn, nice start on your blog
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