Paint & reflections
Give broad panels shape and a little shine.
Give a panel shape
Use your practice area or a spare sheet to try the method before working on a favourite illustration.
01. Decide where the light is
Choose one broad direction for the light. Keep the same idea across the machine so neighbouring surfaces feel connected.
02. Reserve the highlight
Leave a slim area of paper white on a curved tank or body panel. Let it follow the shape rather than running across it at random.
03. Build the middle colour
Lay down the main paint colour gently. Deepen it away from the highlight and near a panel edge that turns away from the light.
04. Keep the background quieter
A restrained background can help a bright vehicle stand out. It is fine to leave parts of the scenery uncoloured.
Too many bright highlights can flatten the effect. Choose a few useful places to leave white.
Try it on a favourite.
Choose an illustration from the book collections and begin with a small area.