"Painting figures illuminated by firelight" Topic

Can anyone steer me toward a guide/tutorial on painting minis as if illuminated by a campfire, torch, lantern etc. I'm looking for that bright contrast of the firelight and the darkened surroundings. I hope I've explained it well enough.
Any help with or links to would be appreciated.

KvH

I can't say for sure, having never attempted it, but two artistic principles would be that;

1 – one narrow area would be clearly lit, with a lot of highlight to the highest points, that would quickly fall off as one move around the figure to produce very deep large areas of shadow.

2 – The white light (kelvin) would be very warm, the effect of which is a yellowing rather than a blueing, probably something that an Army Painter strong tone polyurethane would produce.

I see your greatest challenge as being correctly painted figures being set into a normal bright background / gameboard. for the eye to be convinced that it is looking at a campfire scene, the whole scene needs dark etc.

For a trial, illuminate a friend in a dark room with a lantern, you will see a face (over- exagerated), then a half lit front of body and then …. Nothing, as everything quickly falls away to darkness.

If you Google 'art picture campfire' and then select images, you will get a good idea of the representation needed,

What you're referring to is called OSL (Object Source Lighting). Just do a Google search to find tutorials, videos, etc. Here's a link to one of the best OSL dioramas I've seen, done by Victoria Lamb:

link

Scroll to the bottom and check out The Rescue Of Sister Joan--awesome OSL. There are much sharper/clearer images of it and also different angled views if you do a pic search for it. 👍🏼

Thanks normsmith and 53Punisher. At least now I know what to search for. 53Punisher, I remember having seen "The Rescue…" but didn't know the name or artist. I don.t know if I'll ever have the skills to pull off OSL/
Thanks to both of you for taking the time to reply and help.

Karl (Carl)

You're very welcome, best of luck in your painting!

Karl, found something else on OSL that may be helpful for a beginner:

link

Very Helpful article 53P. Thanks for the help.

Karl (AKA Carl)