OSL help needed!

[Kalidane]

Hey gang

So after a recent RPG session involving a few run-ins with skeletons underground, I got to wondering why I should be painting skellies as though they were strolling downtown at midday. What they really should look like is as though they are approaching out of the gloom and nearing the only source of light - a flaming brand/torch/whateva carried by one of the characters.

While the first try for this effect hasn't been a complete disaster, it is still some way giving the impression I want. Any feedback much appreciated (other than how awesome I am with GIMP lol). I'm thinking reduce the surface area being lit and transition the lit area with glazes, fade to black styles. Eyes and the odd metal glint will be added - this is all pretty rough at this stage. Looking to pump out 10-20 of them so this isn't top of the pops.


View attachment 22451




View attachment 22452

Edit: Actually, it's more properly zenithal lighting, with a small fire directly in front being the light source instead of an overhead sun/moon/thing

 

[Chrispy]

Okay, two things are happening here that's futzing with your OSL: first, you're assuming every surface has the same reflectiveness. What you have is the correct OSL if everything was white, but metal is a different surface from friable bones and leather. Metal wouldn't really turn a flat color like that. If you have a candle in front of a mirror, it doesn't turn the whole surface one color. Another thing I think most people grapple with in OSL is they think the light has to be uniform. It's true fire will cast colors at certain distances, but the color is not as bright as people think. It's more like the difference between incandescent light vs. fluorescent. With the old light bulbs, they usually had a soft yellow-orange light to them, but you could still differentiate colors. But if you put on a fluorescent light in the same room you'd see blues and purples much better.
Well, hope this helps!

 

[Kalidane]

Yeah I realised as I was applying the light that I'd wholly ignored the different materials (and numerous other aspects lol).

I've a few ideas for the next one. I sense a lot of glazing in my future... I think I can keep it simple enough to work on a large-ish number of models.

Cheers dude

 

[Kalidane]

Okay so this guy is closer. Only at the underpainting stage here.



View attachment 22469

I've run out of time for today, but what I'm thinking is subtle-ish burnt orange spot highlights on the brown fabrics and wood, and a yellowish glaze on the bone (the bone being clean but not polished - what kind of necro would have time for such a thing!). I might have to see if I can fade out the lit areas more rapidly - it not being a very strong light source and contrast is having to play a huge role in this.