I start the ammo box by mixing up some paint. It is always interesting to me to see the colors and values on the palette of what will become a painting. Most shocking for me is the realization of how dull most colors really are. Very rarely do I use the full intensity of the tubed paint. A neutral grey or brown is often needed to tame most tubed paint to match reality.
Here is a quick and easy way to transfer letters to a painting. First I print out a photo reference to scale of the painting and rub the back with graphite - you can also use white charcoal if necessary. Then I tape it where I want it and transfer the graphite to the painting's surface with pressure from the tip of a pencil. Excess graphite can be cleaned up with a kneaded eraser.
These raised, embossed letters take some time. Not only do I have get the shape of the letter right, but they need to be rendered in 3D.
These raised, embossed letters take some time. Not only do I have get the shape of the letter right, but they need to be rendered in 3D.
The highlights are applied very smoothly for the second layer; much more slick than reality. I will need to rough them up a bit in the final layer of paint when I add all the little scratches and specks of rust to the metal ammo box.
