Masterclass Series: Realistic Miniature Face and Figure Painting Techniques
Service Opportunity:
User Need: The user mentions, "I need to work on my figures and faces," suggesting they want to get better at painting miniature figures, especially for 1/35 scale models. This is a common hurdle for modelers, especially those new to the scale or figure painting in general.
Product Suggestion: A detailed video tutorial series or masterclass specifically focused on "Painting Realistic 1/35 Scale Figures and Faces for Beginners to Intermediates."
Content Outline:
- Module 1: Foundations:
- Selecting the right figures (resin, plastic).
- Essential tools and materials (brushes, paints - acrylics, oils, enamels).
- Figure preparation: cleaning, assembly, priming.
- Basic color theory for uniforms and skin tones.
- Module 2: Painting Uniforms & Equipment:
- Base coating techniques.
- Highlighting and shading for fabric folds and depth.
- Detailing straps, buttons, and accessories.
- Weathering uniforms and equipment (dust, mud, wear and tear) to match vehicles.
- Module 3: Mastering Faces (The Core Focus):
- Step-by-step guide to painting realistic skin tones (base, shadows, highlights).
- Techniques for painting eyes (often the most challenging part).
- Adding expression and character (stubble, age lines).
- Painting different hair types and colors.
- Module 4: Advanced Techniques & Integration:
- Using oil paints for blending and subtle effects on faces and uniforms.
- Creating realistic dirt, grime, and battle wear on figures.
- Posing figures naturally.
- Integrating painted figures seamlessly into dioramas and vehicle displays.
Expected Benefit:
- Significant Skill Improvement: Users will learn specific, actionable techniques to dramatically improve the realism and quality of their painted figures, especially faces.
- Enhanced Model Presentation: Well-painted figures bring model vehicles and dioramas to life, making the overall presentation much more compelling and impressive.
- Increased Hobby Enjoyment & Confidence: Overcoming the challenge of figure painting leads to greater satisfaction and confidence in the hobby.
- Time Savings: A structured course can help avoid common mistakes and reduce the trial-and-error period for learning these skills.
- Community Recognition: Improved figure painting skills often garner positive feedback and recognition within the modeling community.
Origin Reddit Post
r/modelmakers
First Tank
Posted by u/No-Alternative-3888•06/01/2025
Just recently got into 1/35 and weathering.
May need to tone down some of the pigments
Still need to work on my figures and faces.
Top Comments
u/Luster-Purge
For a first tank, that's incredible!
u/Odd_Username_Choice
Nice work. Note the starboard tracks are on backwards.
u/MaturinsSlothh
I just recently finished this kit myself!
u/Delaunay-B-N
Is the face in front a decal?
u/eagledog
It looks really nice, especially as a first tank
u/tuituidang
Look great
u/No-Alternative-3888
Thank you!
u/No-Alternative-3888
Thanks! Ive been doing scale models for close to two years now but mostly car models up until this year.
u/No-Alternative-3888
Yes, the facial features are decals over red paint. Was easier than I thought it would be.
u/tuituidang
Look great
u/No-Alternative-3888
Thanks, it's Tamiya olive drab mixed with desert yellow, no set ratio. I did prime in black, and shaded areas in white before putting on the base coat.
There are some pigments on top that ma
u/Crooked_Snowman
Lovely work!
u/Khorne-flakes
Looks amazing, I'm working on a Sherman myself. What paints did you use for your olive drab?
u/Angry_Shved
Good work!
u/eagledog
It looks really nice, especially as a first tank
u/Moonfighter85
Nice job 👌
u/Luster-Purge
For a first tank, that's incredible!
u/Odd_Username_Choice
Nice work. Note the starboard tracks are on backwards.
u/wheelspinner1968
https://preview.redd.it/7w2n2w9e6a4f1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47e134ba508d2c62943804026026c44f78bd5e19
I did the 1/16th version
u/No-Alternative-3888
Very cool, makes me realize I need to try a 1/16 tank next
u/No-Alternative-3888
Lol thank you! I would never have realized. Luckily I think that will still be an easy fix at this time.
u/Angry_Shved
Good work!
u/Moonfighter85
Nice job 👌
u/Crooked_Snowman
Haha, I love it! Down the rabbit hole he goes!