3 years of art school majoring in traditional illustration. then took what i learned from that and started to work on statues.
you can check out my you tube channel got a lot of videos on there about tips and tricks, supplies, paints, airbrushes, compresor etc.
enamels are strong, but tough,
acrylics are better but not as tough, i only use acrylics, enamels are just to strong for me.
check into shows like jersyefest and wonderfest next year. they offer classes, seminars all weekend and lots of supplies and such for the hobbiest.
good paints from garagekits
http://www.garagekitsuscolors.com
this link will give you a idea on what they offer and more or less what you will need to get started
http://www.garagekitsuscolors.com/paintfest-classes/