Painting Black Hair

[Valander]

Ok, I know this one\'s probably been asked, but I\'m lazy and my search-fu isn\'t the greatest (still need more coffee).

Anyway, I\'m working on a figure that I want to have black hair. I haven\'t done black hair in a while, so I\'m kind of at a loss on how to make it match in terms of depth with the rest of the model.???

So, what are your recipes for black hair? I kind of don\'t want to highlight with gray, since I feel that will make him look old, and I don\'t want brown as a highlight, either. Suggestions?

 

[Albert Moreto Font]

I asked the very best historical painters (which are specialised just in this, realism) and they told me to add red to the black and get a very very dark color, very close to black, but not black on its own (which will be used for shading) and then, just go adding flesh (bronzed/elf flesh if Citadel or sunny skintone from Vallejo) to this original mixture of black+ a little bit of red! Let\'s see how it works!

 

[Astonia]

Thanks Albert! I read this just as I was about to paint black hair, so I tried it and I have to say it worked very well.

 

[Valander]

Indeed, that sounds interesting. I\'ll have to give it a try.

 

[Grumb]

Originally posted by Albert Moretó Font
I asked the very best historical painters (which are specialised just in this, realism) and they told me to add red to the black and get a very very dark color, very close to black, but not black on its own (which will be used for shading) and then, just go adding flesh (bronzed/elf flesh if Citadel or sunny skintone from Vallejo) to this original mixture of black+ a little bit of red! Let\'s see how it works!

OK, I think I missed something here. IS black the base color, or is the black/red mix the base color and then it is highlighted by adding flesh to the mix?

The formula that I have used in the past that I liked was to basecoat a dark brown, wash with black, then hightlight up with black / brown mix. I\'ve also used the black base coat with grey highlights and a dark-blue wash as well. Not sure which I like better and would like to try Albert\'s if I understood it. ???

Cheers,
Grumb

 

[Astonia]

Yup Grumb, you understood it. I mixed black and Red Gore to a very very dark mix and used that as basecoat. Then I added Elf Flesh to the mix for highlights and black washes for shadows. I don\'t know how it will photograph yet though...

 

[Grumb]

Good

Originally posted by Astonia
Yup Grumb, you understood it. I mixed black and Red Gore to a very very dark mix and used that as basecoat. Then I added Elf Flesh to the mix for highlights and black washes for shadows. I don\'t know how it will photograph yet though...

OK, so I did understand... lol

Look forward to seeing your results, let us know when you get a psot up.

Thanks,
G

 

[Frustrated Father]

Sounds interesting and I\'m curious to see the outcome of this as my last miniature that I did black hair on I didn\'t much care for and actually ended up doing the \'slightest\' of white transparent glaze over the whole thing. Worked a bit, but something better would be appreciated.

Pictures Anja, pictures!

 

[praetorian0_1]

For the extremly lazy- black/red then minwax walnut wash worked for me. Then dulcote it to get the shine off.

Now come to think of it- that took way too much time:duh: but, I was doing assembly line.

 

[Legacy Account]

Similar to Albert, but add blue. Looks cool on elves and goth-girlies.....

 

[praetorian0_1]

Yes, I love that superman/conan traditional look. Very nice.

 

[Astonia]

Originally posted by Frustrated Father
Pictures Anja, pictures!

I\'ll have pics tonight, or maybe tomorrow.

 

[Drake Farstrider]

I would think that you could use purple instead of red as well. That might give it that dark goth feel.

 

[praetorian0_1]

Ahh, my old friend Anja, I see you have returned to our arena. Welcome, muuhahaaha

You know- I may just have to bring a little paint kit for my breaks in the back room where no one sees me. This makes me long to be painting with all this talk.

 

[Albert Moreto Font]

im working on a rackham model right now, most of it is black, I\'ll post a WIP this weekend adding blue sounds cool especially for the elves! in fact, mixing red is if you want a \"warm\" black, and if you want a \"cold\" black, then mix green (but I prefer the red either for warm or cold!)

 

[Astonia]

Originally posted by praetorian0_1
Ahh, my old friend Anja, I see you have returned to our arena. Welcome, muuhahaaha

You know- I may just have to bring a little paint kit for my breaks in the back room where no one sees me. This makes me long to be painting with all this talk.

Yes, yes, paint more, post less, give us a chance man! lol

 

[praetorian0_1]

Can\'t paint where I\'m at- just a compy here muhahahaha

 

[Astonia]

As promised, a picture of black hair. Unfortunately it\'s rather blurry.