[T.A.Sharps]

Are there any good sources for learning how to skin well?

I've recently got really into modding my own skins for flying. I would really like to create some Naval schemes, but looking at other nice work, I have no clue how to make a basic skin color lay out that would be realistic. Right now I just take an existing skin and add my own markings and images.

I got them worked out to look pretty good, but I would love to be able to lay down a full paint job that is real looking and not just one dimensional "paint".

I hope the only way to do this isn't by painting with single pixels?

Also,
I'm not able to fly online right now, are you able to use custom skins online?