Reply To: [unofficial weekender] It’s downhill from here

[zoidpinhead 12776xp 3]

Sad news about Ozzy.  What a fantastic sound they made on those early records.

I can’t seem to manage good skin tones with Speedpaints, any tips you’d like to share?

@jeffersonpowers In answer to your question I use a zenithed undercoat.  Where there is a lot of skin to paint I zenith with white over grey rather than black because the Crusader Skin, which is my go-to Speedpaint for skintones, doesn’t show up over black.  I use it neat, there is little point thinning it because the tone is already quite subtle.  When applying the paint I put quite a lot on, not Nuln Oil wash levels of lots but certainly much more paint than with regular acrylics.  This allows the Speedpaint to settle properly into the recesses as, like a wash, it finds its level.  The pigment will show more strongly where there are recessed details, like between the pecs and abs on the chests.  When it first goes on it looks very pale, over the top zenithed layer (like on top of a bald head) you barely notice it is there.  When it dries you get a much stronger tone appear.  I think it works best in one thicker layer, rather than multiple applications as this can start to look patchy.  You need to find a couple of skintones to patch or highlight afterwards if you want a smooth finish.  I use Vallejo Tan for the darker areas which is where I can have a problem if my undercoat is too dark.  This I do thin down to help blend with the Speedpainted areas.
Did that help?  I should probably shoot a bit of video on doing this, my mates often ask me how certain effects are done and showing is much easier than describing.

Well done on getting 150 finished so far this year.  That’s an excellent level of output.