At Jaxcon today, an interesting discussion came up.
Seems there is a belief in some that Vallejo paints have a certain reflective quality about them and if a figure is painted using these (or a vehicle) that the “glow” or reflective quality under mercury or fluorescent lights (typicly used in convention centers, hotels, etc where these events are held) may make them stand out more to judges or make them more attractive. The phrase “they pop more” than pieces using the other paints was used by more than one person.
While possible I didn’t seem to see this, but then again who knows, I tend to miss lay my car keys alot or sunglasses or reading glasses on my head so… but I couldn’t see any significant difference if any.
[?]Does anyone see any validity in this?
[?]Does it make a difference?
[?]Despite the obvious “judging tricks” i.e. tall pedastals, big bases, complementary base colors to enhance the subject, subject matter to draw attention etc. is this another judging trick? Real or otherwise a discovered aspect?
[?]Does it matter to you?
Have judged IPMS contests and non-IPMS contests. I have found that most models eliminate themselves with poor quality of ‘clean-up’ of moulding seam-lines, ejector pin markings and a ‘bad’ paint job. Meaning orange-peel in the paint or some other defect in the paint itself (dirt, fingerprints, glue, etc) that was not intended to be seen. Somehow I think that this ‘glow’ would not help the model out as most likely other flaws would eliminate it from any ribbon contention. If the model was in contention for a ribbon it’s hard to say how the judging crew would take to this ‘glow’? Seems to me that a well contructed model will not need the help of any ‘paint glow’, but will stand out on it’s quality of craftsmanship! My two cents!
Thanks Glenn, and I agree with you. The position I took was the same. That the quality of the construction and the paint job, regardless of “color” would ultimately decide. I personaly find it difficult to belive that a judge, looking more at the way something is painted and who ultimately is looking for flaws would be swayed by what ever trick of reflective light. Although if this supposed effect does exist, I suppose it would add to the initial notice a piece got. And may get an entry a second glance. As it might be more attractive to the minds eye.
Certainly, a judges eye may be drawn to such an effect, but in my experience as a judge at some local and regional IPMS events, the paint never becomes an issue. I’ve never gotten beyond problems in basic construction. The guys I’ve judged with have been very objective in their assessments, and haven’t viewed special paint or paint jobs as anything worthy of special attention.
Gip Winecoff
Vallejo paints have become most popular in the figure community. The color selection and quality of the paint is tremendous. Techniques are being developed by many of the modelers that rival the use of oil paints. Many figure painters are using these paints because of some of the traits you mentiond above. when propery applied the do give “life” to a subject. Clothes are very realistic because the paint is ,for the most part, dead flat.
People often try to paint in the same light that a figure will be displayed or juged it. If you show yor models under light different than what they were painted under, color shifts can occur athat may create some weird results. This is especially true in flesh tones.
Hope this helps, try the Vellejos, I think you will like them.