Monday, June 3, 2013

First Try at Object Sourced Lighting


by Novus


Seeing as I've gotten a new IG Valkyrie, I thought I'd try some different painting techniques.  This is my first try at Object Sourced Lighting (OSL).  I'd seen this same technique for a Valkyries cockpit done on another blog months ago.  I thought it was cool so I gave it a shot.

OSL is, at it's core, highlighting a model based on which parts of the model are generating light and where that generated light falls on the model.  For example, the screen and dials in the Valkyrie cockpit emit light.  That light will highlight and tint the pilots' faces, hands, and helmets from the direction of the instrument panels.



What I did was a basic paint and wash of the pilots.  After that, I painted the screen and dials in the brightest green I have (GW Scorpion Green) and lowlighted the edges with the next shade down (Snot Green).

Then, I loaded my airbrush with the Scorpion Green, set the meter on the brush for a minimal flow, and shot the pilots in the face and arms with it.  Very light coats is the key.  I sprayed the paint more heavily onto the bits that are closest to the light sources, like the hands and the visor edges.


I may have overdone it as most of the painting I did on the pilots was obliterated by the OSL.  But, it does look like the meters and screens are glowing.  I need to work on this technique a bit more, I think.  It came out OK, though.




5 comments:

  1. It's very good for a first attempt. Keep it sparse unless the object is super bright. You can also tone it down by mixing a bit of the base color you are applying the light to into the light color and just increase the ratio as you get closer to the light source. IE flesh + green 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, pure green, green + white 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, pure white etc...

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    1. That's a good tip, Zab. Not sure how I'd pull that off here, though. There's a lot of different colors very close together. I just went too heavy in this case. Total noob move. :)

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    2. Yeah it's a ton of work for gaming pieces. A wash and dry brush/ wet brush is usually good for table top. I really don't think you over did it. It's very diffuse and glowy and the colours show through underneath.

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  2. looks great man one day ill be paying you yo paint my stuff lol

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the compliment, Tim! I don't think I could do this for money... then it's "work." If I wanna feel pressured, I'll just think about my real job.

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