I am just wondering how to do this for future cakes.

Alot of people use what's called the One Stroke type of painting. They offer these classes at craft stores. HTH!

I am wondering if you use icing gels,like for small details...

I don't know what others do but for my first this march, I traced a pattern on to paper. Then using the pin prick method traced the pattern onto the cake. Then I traced the pattern with edible marker. For paints, I used my food colour diluted with water and used that to paint directly on the cake. The stonger the coour the less water I used.

Hopes this helps.

Robin

There are several different painting styles out there such as onestroke, airbrush, cocoa, impasto etc....... I suggest you purchase this book:

Painting on Sugar (Sugarcraft Skill Series) by Lesly Herbert and Jean Hodgkinson

Or check out these cakes and find one you like and PM the artist.
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1027083

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=300113

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=191513

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=138163

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=88390

HTH

When I think painting on cake this immediately comes to mind. If you're thinking about pm'ing any memebrs here's a good one

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=36559

Thanks ladies ,you have been very helpful.I will definately have to buy this book...

You can use your regular buttercream colors. You dilute them with vodka and get variations in the same color the more vodka you add the lighter. If you want a stronger base you add some white color to it.
Edna