Painting Mannequins (By Request!)

[airborne_steve]

By the way that is a good looking water pattern jacket!

Steve

[JK1945]

Mark just had a look at at a paint conversion chart and the colors aren't much of a match at all, i might give it one more go and if it doesn't work then i might just give in and switch to enamels... was only trying to save money as i had some tamiya acrylic paints sitting in the shed

Regards

[Lenny W]

love this cap i would be glad to give a new home

[NZMark]

Mark just had a look at at a paint conversion chart and the colors aren't much of a match at all, i might give it one more go and if it doesn't work then i might just give in and switch to enamels... was only trying to save money as i had some tamiya acrylic paints sitting in the shed

Regards

Jeremy,
That'll be what the problem is. The red I use has an orange tint to it - not like a post office red which is dark, which would effect the whole colourization from the get/go. But, if you add a touch of blue and brown it might take the magenta out of it?
Really, at the end of the day, if you are happy with the skin tone, that's all that matters. My mix is just my process which works for me - yours could well be different.
I've never used Tamya's acrylics - what are like like to work with
Lenny - NO! That stays here.
Mark.

[NZMark]

By the way that is a good looking water pattern jacket!

Steve

It's a bit more tired than the photos suggest, but an old veteran, nonetheless.
Mark.

[JK1945]

Hi Mark yeah i tried mixing the red to no avail, i think if i just get the Numbers you use i would be saving myself a lot of hassle and at least be in a better position than i am now.

As for the Tamiya Paints i cant remember why i initially bought them as i always used humbrol. They were probably cheaper at the time. I havent used them for about 7 years! On a good note i did find a Chev LRDG truck still in its box that i forgot i even had, so i might have a crack at that this year...

[NZMark]

Hey Steve,
Do not panic - I will stay true to my core interest. I think he looks better in this cap, don't you?
Cheers All
Mark.

[Erwin L]

Hello Mark

In my opinion the difference between the light and dark tint in the face is a bit too much and has a less natural look. The light tint has to be made darker to give a smooth accent. Now they are high lighted while it are the deeper parts in the skin

Regards Erwin

[NZMark]

Hi Erwin,
It's all personal taste which makes this hobby so varied.
Please show us your painting techniques so we can learn from that as well? What do you use - acrylics or enamels?
Best Regards,
Mark.

[Erwin L]

Hello Mark

I know it is a personal taste it was only my opinion. Don't read it wrong. I really like what your make .

I use acrylics. The reason is, that this paint dries faster and that it doesn't smell bad. I prefer doing it outside because I use an airbrush. This in combination with dry brush. Also the light is better outside.

The problem is that it is winter now and to cold to paint outside with acrylics, so i have to wait a few months.

I have now 3 mannequins which look great already but in the spring/summer i will going to customize them.

Cheerio Erwin

[NZMark]

Hi Erwin,
No offence taken at all! Love your collection - real quality items
I paint with enamels due to the speed of drying and the reliability of the paint thickness. I have tried airbrushing mannequins but found the effect too flat and the contrast between light and dark areas far too subtle for my tastes.
As my mannequins are seen in outdoor or stadium displays I find it a real advantage to add a slightly more dramatic appearance due to variable lighting - and the fact that the public are viewing the mannequins from quite some distance - there needs to be an accentuation of the skin tones. Too subtle and people will just see a pink face from any more than 3 metres
Here's a good example - same head, different light situations.
First, natural diffused lighting.

[NZMark]

And secondly low key natural lighting which enriches the flesh tones. Quite different.
Regards to all!
Mark.

[Erwin L]

Hello Mark

Ok . Thanks for the compliment i appreciate it very much

Indeed with this pictures it is a lot difference. I think when a mannequin has a lot expression in his face then it is a good start. It has only to be detailed with some colour.

You're probably right that a lot of persons don't see the difference from 3 meter but i guess we will see it inmediately .

I use the airbrush to paint the bigger parts and use the brush to detail. My former mannequins had no expression and it was difficult to give them any so now the are on vacation and i chance my locks.

When i'm finnished and am satisfied i use varnish which is not so glossy. I mix 50% matt varnish with 50% satin varnish.



regards Erwin

[Ostfries]

fancy,

I really fancy this guy and his hat Mark.

[Ostfries]

face,

What do you think of this face, didn’t painted my self because I’m born with two left hands and unfortunately are right-handed.