Well , here's the last bit. Painting. Not much to say , but keep it thin , build up the colours and take it slow.
Sorry but I was pretty well finished the mermaid before I realised I wasn't taking progress pics. Like I said though , not much to tell.
Start with the colours in the deepest recesses and work your way out , so you don't mess up the work you've already done. As well, keep in mind that it's easier to paint a dark colour over a light , and a bugger to do the opposite. I paint my carvings with the same technique you would a canvas. Set up base coat colour, then add shading and highlights to add depth. Really makes it stand out. Also keep in mind we will be top coating this and the colours will get darker and muted.
The tail of the Mermaid was painted using green mixed with metallic gold. This gives it a bit of shimmer like scales. Add coats of progressively darker paint starting at the edges and feathering it in to nothing in the middle.This not only adds depth, but creates an iridescent effect. I think I caught it with the camera ,but if I didn't ,it changes colour as you move it. Her's the pics.