Help is needed

[lisaastrup]

Hi there.

I'm going to try to paint this creature, and I need to know how
I paint the skin so it looks "see trough", I can't figure out how to do that :confused:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/12-Jan-2008/79005-praying-mantid-dark-eyed-1280x1024.jpg

[Clothyard]

I would try doing it with glazes. Underpaint the greens then use Zinc White (not Titanium) with a gloss glazing medium to go over the lights. Experiment on a scrap board or canvas until you get the look you want.

[lisaastrup]

Hi.

I was thinking of using acrylics...

[Linee]

Glaze is a medium that you can add to the acylic paint to make it transparent. It allows for gradual shift in color without opacity. I use Liquitex's Glazing Medium. Experimenting is a good idea.

[dreamz]

To expand on Linda's comment... glaze is a clear medium thats often labeled as glaze/varnish and you can tint it with various amounts of color from your palette.
You allow to dry between applications and gradually build up to the color you want.
Concerning the picture your want to do, I would suggest using the gloss glaze medium as opposed to matte

[loobyteacher]

great advice one and all, that is what I would do as well. Best wishes on your interesting piece.

[LavenderFrost]

My approach is just to paint what I see. The position of highlights, shadows, and reflections will make things look transparent.

[lisaastrup]

Thanks for all advice, here is how my painting came out:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/13-Jan-2008/79005-mantid.jpg

comments on improvement would be fine :)

[amotwell]

What an interesting creature! What is it? (Or should I be afraid to ask?)

You've done a great job here. If you want more of the "see through" effect, you might try darkening the highlights you already have just a little and then painting the bright, sharp edged highlights that you can see in the photo, especially between the antennae and at the tip of the . . . nose?

You've done a better job than I could. I am also not brave enough to try something like this in the first place!

[lisaastrup]

Hi Amotwell.

Thanks for your kind comments and advice, I'll try that.

Yes, its an interesting creature, its a kneeling Mantid :)