United States M4A3 (late) Sherman

I painted up one of my US M4A3 Shermans that came in the "Tanks" box this weekend.  Part of what I wanted to do this year with the Lords of War Hobby Challenge was to push my self with the level of my painting.  I have not really changed or tried any new techniques in years.

I picked up the Battlefront Miniatures "Colours of War" when it first came out.  It is a very nice book.  So for this tank I wanted to try a different brush skill, layering.  Usually when I paint I do the same procedure; I base coat in a darker shade, add a wash to create some contrast, then 2-3 highlight layers (usually by adding a white or bone colour to the base coat colour).

With the layering technique that is instructed in the "Colours of War", you first paint a base coat.  Then instead of building up your highlights by mixing two paints, you go straight to the brighter colour.  However you add lots of water to it.  Now with the pigment very diluted you apply multiple thin layers, working your way up to the highest part of the model where the light would be hitting it.  The trick is multiple coats, with small brush strokes.

I definitely have to try it more to make it a bit smoother.  I did a final solid grey highlight on the edges after I was finished with the layering.  I found the contrast not as transitional as I wanted in the end, so I applied a thin coat of Agrax Earthshade mixed with Biel-Tan Green wash.

Over all I am happy with the result.  I am looking forward to practicing this technique more.

Here is the US Sherman next to one of my drybrushed/washed Canadian Shermans

Kevin