COMPLEMENTARY PRE-SHADING - Trying out a new pre-shading method

[Nikola]

Hi guys,

I am new on the forum and I am not sure if this fits here (I also posted on ISM Techniques and Tutorials) but I would like to share this with you:

I am trying out a new technique for pre-shading, which I borrowed from my experience in art, painting and colour theory, and which I call COMPLEMENTARY PRE-SHADING for now. Maybe someone has done this before and if so, please share your experience.

My guinnea pig for this one is Tamiya's older and somewhat simpler 1/48 Zeke.

I used complementary colours of the base colour to pre-shade, aiming at more interesting colour variation and contrast. The base colour in this case is IJN Ash Gray, so the complementary colour for pre-shading is purple, Tamiya X-16 to be precise. I also primed the model in Vallejo Dark Yellow primer, this being the complementary of the pre-shading color.

This is more of an artistic than realistic approach, but I like to try and balance both in my models. The colors are much better in reality, but you all know that excuse, haha. Will have to wait for "proper" photos in the end.

Below are the results. I like it so far, looks promising.
You be the judges.


Thanks for looking!

Best,
Nikola