This is an example of how I start off with solid, dark paint on the base and then add layers to enhance it. It really helps to tone the work and create a sense of atmosphere. Read about it in more detail on my blog The sculpture is Creative Paperclay over a wire armature. Ears are reinforced with internal wire mesh. All hand-sculpted.The base layer is Liquitex spray in raw umber.Then various layers of Golden heavy body acrylics mixed with Golden soft gel (gloss) are built up. The gel medium is key and allows me to control transparency between layers.Now the paint will be left to cure for a week before I add some other elements.