I hope you don't mind me being so exact, but do you mean you paint three layers of the same colour for each stage, or three stages, shade, mid and highlight?
Basically, most descriptions of painting say things like: I painted the face first with a dark skin tone. I then applied a medium skin tone to all but the areas that would be in deep shadow. Finally, I highlighted with light skin tone concentrating on the highest spots of the cheekbone, nose and forehead.
While this is technically correct, what they don't often mention is that the medium skin tone and light skin tone--generic terms I'm using instead of paint names--required 2-3 coats for proper coverage. This leads to three outcomes:
1) Painter follows instructions to the letter, including previous section on thinning paint. Final result is somewhat blotchy and not as bright and crisp as what he was trying to emulate.
2) Painter realizes coverage issue and responds by thinning paint less. It's a good paint, so he gets coverage without using too-thick paint, but he's able to do each step in one coat with smooth coverage. The end result has harsher transitions than what was expected.
3) Painter realizes coverage issue, makes several passes and is rewarded with a "proper" paint job but is dismayed that it took him three times as long as it should have.
That being said, I'd love a super-closeup of some of your miniatures, specifically one done in your current dip/wash style, and another done with just layered.
I know if may not be possible, but it'd really help me to understand. That and a high quality uncompressed properly focused video of you painting a miniature. Also, could you come to Canada and demonstrate for me? I'm sending you a box of miniatures for a 1:1 scale Waterloo diorama, do you think you can have those done by April?
Joking aside, I'd also love to hear your feedback on this thread:
http://www.leagueofaugsburg.com/fightin ... php?t=2129
