AK Book AK525 FAQ 2 Fantasy Figures Painting Techniques User Manual

2.1. Key Factors in Figure Painting

The book emphasizes several critical elements that influence the final appearance of a painted figure. Understanding these factors allows for more deliberate and impactful artistic choices.

Figure 2.1: A page spread from the book illustrating the "Key Factors" section. This visual includes examples of painted fantasy figures and accompanying text discussing fundamental aspects such as color, technique, and volumetric interpretation.

• The Color: Discusses color theory, selection, and application to achieve desired moods and realism. Proper color choice is fundamental to bringing a figure to life.
• The Technique: Explores various painting techniques, including brushwork, layering, blending, and glazing, and how to apply them effectively to different surfaces and details.
• Volumetric Interpretation: Focuses on understanding light and shadow to create the illusion of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. This involves careful consideration of light sources and how they interact with the figure's form.
• Peculiarities of the Piece Itself: Addresses how the unique characteristics of each miniature, such as its sculpt, texture, and intended narrative, should influence the painting approach.

3.1. The Sketch

The book introduces the concept of "the sketch" as a preliminary stage in figure painting. This involves planning the composition, color scheme, and overall mood before applying detailed paint layers. It is a crucial step for establishing a strong foundation and avoiding rework.

Figure 3.1: A visual representation of the "The Sketch" section from the book. This image displays various painted figures, demonstrating how initial planning and color blocking contribute to the final detailed work, emphasizing the importance of early conceptualization.

Key aspects of sketching include:

• Establishing primary light sources and shadow areas.
• Blocking in main colors to define the overall palette.
• Identifying areas that require more detail versus those that can remain simpler.
• Using the sketch to guide subsequent layers and ensure a cohesive final piece.

3.2. Painting Metals (Non-Metallic Metal - NMM)

The book provides in-depth instruction on painting metallic surfaces using the Non-Metallic Metal (NMM) technique. NMM aims to simulate the appearance of metal using only non-metallic paints, relying on precise light reflection and shadow placement to create the illusion of shine and reflectivity.

Figure 3.2: An example page from the book's "Metals in Figures (NMM)" section. This image showcases various fantasy figures painted with the Non-Metallic Metal technique, demonstrating how light and shadow are manipulated with non-metallic paints to achieve a realistic metallic effect.

Key principles of NMM include:

• Understanding how light interacts with reflective surfaces.
• Creating sharp contrasts between highlights and shadows.
• Using smooth blends to transition between tones.
• Considering environmental reflections to enhance realism.