About a year ago I bought a super fine illustrator's needle so that some day I could have a way to make those spiffy squiggle camo jobs, but have been reluctant to use it. ...Until today.

After seeing Argrillion's Kilo, I wanted my Kilo to have that exposed and worn look as well. So, I thought maybe I could use the new needle to achieve that streaked/mottled look. So, what do you think? Is it subtle enough or too much over the top?


I'll apply the decals, (after a gloss coat) and then I'll hit evrything with flat again. and then dry brush the high spots and the large flat surfaces with a lighter shade. And fix the overspray in the red.





I thought about using "Lamp Black" oil paint and go back and do a wash on the panel lines, anyone have some words of wisdom? I've never used oils before or a wash for that matter. So a walk-through would be much appreciated.

See ya guys
Steve

Steve,

I'll give you my completely airbrush inexperienced euro 0.02.

I think that for what I think you are trying to portray, it looks excellent. Certainly as far as the colors and shades are concerned.

The only thing is that to me (I do not have any images of an original example) the streaks look to be in a too regular pattern on the top picture. I assume these "stripes"are caused by water?

Good luck with the next steps,

Harm.

Harm, to be honest, I'm not sure what causes it on the real thing. I've assumed that it is the result of runoff in the same area and a slow build up of salt residue stains and fade....

Maybe I should make them more narrow or only along the hull seams....

Heck I don't know.

However, thanks for the comments. Maybe this will come together yet.

Steven, I love the streaks you have on your Kilo. After looking at your sub, I am tempted to start another sub with different painting style.

I recently obtained this picture of two subs at dock that might be of help to you.



Here in this small picture you can see the rust streaks and fading sheet panels. My Kilo reflected most of these elements but the fading was too spotty. You might want to try irregular fading spots on each panel of your Kilo. Then, add on some rust and salt streaks like you see in the picture after you have applied the decal.

Perhaps a few scratches and weathering on the sub underside would help to break the monotonous red.

Ahoy there!

First of all, I have to say you have a steady hand! You're able to control it very well!
Second I like the effect - and as Argrillion mentioned with a few breakdown's of the red and some salty spots you've got an excellent Kilo!

About the lamp black oil wash, I would try to controle it only on the recessed panel lines, otherwise it may spoil your work on the streacks

Keep up Mate

Skipper

I should add a disclaimer.

Guys, just so you know, I don't know what the hell I'm doing. This is, truly an experiment for me. I have no clear cut method for doing this, I'm just guessing.

I guess what I'm trying to replicate is the irregular shades of black you see on subs that have been at sea for awhile that are made more noticable by salt and stains and fade.

Does anyone think I should add some even lighter streaks here and there to make the streaks seem more random? I plan to add some light and rust streaks under the vents along the lines as those seen in the photo Agrillion posted.

ok...so we'll start there.

see ya guys later
Steve

I'm not sure what is your problem. I think your sub looks great.

Hey Steve!

Don't be so hard on yourself!
You're trying a new method and IMHO it came out good!
If you're not completely satisfied with it, that's another issue.. And I'll help you making you happy about it!

Ok, so lets try another tech used a lot by armour guys:
Aply the decals using your favorite method seal them and let the varnish dry. You'll have to let it dry properly (I'll say a week, if it's on a 20ºC environmental, no moisture or damp) Even if it is acrilic (Future floor polish) make sure its REALLY DRYED!!!

Then using aritists oils (burnt sienna, titanium white, yellow ochre and lamp black) make small dots, using a toothpick. Spread them i a random way, but make kind of colour hues groups (for instance, near the vents white and yellow ochre with a point of burnt sienna, near the "waterline" where the red starts a genereous (compared with the rest) amount of white dots)... and so on!
Then, using turpentine on a damp flat brush (size 3 or 4) start smearing all those dots and the hull will start to have same very subtle shades of black/grey.
Smear all of them until no dots are visible, but several shades and hues are visible!
Put aside and let it dry (another week or so)

I don't know if this will satisfy your needs, Steve!
Let me know what you think

Skipper

EDIT: And as usual I forgot something!
After this smearing and hueing of colours you can seal the Kilo and after give a wash on the recessed panel lines

Give the rust and salt rime a go! after all you are just experimenting and ya might as we go all the way.

looks great just as it is too!

Sorry guys,

I know I'm overly critical with my stuff. I guess I want so badly to mirror the caliber of work that is accomplished here by everyone else and that I get a little.....nuts. I tend to over think this and second guess it. I should let it go and flow with it.

I'm happy with the results...don't get me wrong. I'm just concerned if it will be convincing enough..well, as can be expected to be....Or, look too contrived.

Thanks for all the encouragement and suggestions. I'll use bits of all of it.


Later Gents
Steve

It's Marguerita Night

Go out and don't let the Tornado catch you!

Skipper

Yeppers you're right Skip, it is!

Featuring, a Mariachi Band and post Happy Hour Karaoke. :-)

No worries about the tornadoes tonight, they were last night and to the south. No storms expected tonight.


May you always have fresh limes and a well salted glass.
Steve

END

CONVINCING!!!! I should be so lucky as to get mine that good. Sheeesh man ! I don't know much about art, but I know what I like!!! and I like. :-)

:-) :-) :-) Thank you...I appreciate that encouragement.

In fact I appreciate everyone's encouragement.

And what are you talking about? I saw nothing shabby in your gallery.

Are those Skipjacks?




Thanks, I have used them as an example as well as a photo of a Kilo bow thus far. I've also used the irregular fade as you and the Skip have suggested now if I can keep from overworking it, it might come out looking ok. The red is a problem and I am working with it to see if I can give it the worn look to compliment the upper surfaces.

Thanks guys
Steve