I have a cake due this Saturday for which I would like to try hand painting to achieve the client/artist's signature painting. I'm pretty comfortable with 'real' painting and pretty comfortable with using dye/alcohol to "paint" on fondant (I've done a few cakes with some of this, but never an actual scene).

What I'm wondering is: how does one paint with food dyes and *not* get that shiny look? I don't want it to be too shiny, as things usually are when you paint on fondant. I want more of a look like this:

http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2050364

KWIM?

Thanks!

After it all dries you can lightly dust it with cornstarch to remove the shine.

You could try using powder food colors.