"How do you Paint those Turbans?" Topic

Whenever I paint a new period or a new type of figure (in this case both!), I usually paint a test figure to work out the colors and how I want the unit to look. Since I was working on a Sikh cavalry squadron of the 3rd Regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry for The Men Who Would be Kings. I thought to myself, "Self, while you document the colors in your handy dandy notebook, why not use the camera on your phone to capture the steps of how you painted the figure?"

link

Thanks! I had wondered how you painted the narrow stripes on the turbans!

As to what your turban looks like from above, your best bet is probably to visit a library that has back issues of the Illustrated London News and flip through the issues dealing with the Malakand Field Force or the 2nd Afghan War. The artists usually have the subjects doing something, as opposed to standing at attention, and you can usually find somebody on a lower level, or bending over, or lying there dead.

Grelber

Whenever I paint narrow striping on things like this, my rule of thumb, which is very basic, is to paint from the outside in. And also to use the rule of "it's easier to paint up to the edge of something and leave a narrow stripe than to paint something that's a narrow stripe to begin with." And use a second touch-up coat to smooth out any ragged edges left from your initial efforts.

For example -- on the picture above, if I were trying to copy that turban, on that left side to the viewer, I'd begin
with the yellow all over; then paint a broad blue band; then paint over that a broad white band that left a thin blue edge on either side; then I'd paint a narrow blue band over the center of that white band. Afterward, use a very fine brush to even-out any unsatisfactory bits, where the lines are uneven or too wavy or bulging.

Thanks for the tips and recommendations!

Actually, on closer look, I think I missed a step! In the broad white band is a thinner blue stripe and over that another thin white stripe.? Maybe? My eyes are seeing different stripes every time I look!

Good process Piper 909. I used a similar approach in my painting days.

Interesting about the sky blue base layer.

Your painted turbans are superb.

79th PA- thanks!

Great looking turbans indeed! Well done sir.

All great suggestions and techniques!