discussion Tarp painting, shadows, etc

[pjgtech]

Today I had a try at painting a folded tarp, the sort you would find strapped to a tank, or lorry, etc.
Having watched many YT vids, the basic process seems to be once primed and painted, to highlight the folded areas to accentuate the folds and shadows.
For the areas in the shadows, eg: the recesses of folds, etc, you tend to paint with darker colours, so if the tarp is a mid blue, then do the shadows in a darker blue.
For the areas in the light, eg: the more prominent edges on top of each fold, etc, you tend to paint with a lighter colour, so in the example above a lighter blue.
It was my first attempt, and did not come out too bad IMHO.
Pic, sorry not best photo!

 

[Jim R]

You're doing exactly the right process. Your tarp looks very good. Looks gloss in the photo so maybe benefit from a matt varnish.

 

[pjgtech]

Yep, it has not had a matt coat yet, cheers.

 

[scottie3158]

That is the way to do it. Agree with Jim a matt varnish as a final finish.

 

[Geoffers]

That looks very good Peter, if you hadn’t said I would not have thought it was your first attempt

Geoff.

 

[PaulTRose]

Looks good to me

I tend to give them a darker wash to get in the crannies then dry brush the top edges with something lighter

 

[Mickc1440]

When it get its matt coat it will look great. As a figure painter after the initial base coat has been applied I put on a darker wash. I then re introduce the initial colour on the flat surfaces staying away from the folds where the colour is darker, a lighter version of the base colour is then added to the high points like the ridges of the folds. I also use wet blending.