Go with what pleases you; if you want a realistic look use subdued tones and dirty washes. If you want something more colorful go bright. The painting and modeling section has tons of back posts with images of completed figures to draw inspiration. I would be particularly drawn to a series that seems to have a seasonal theme-some subltle genius posted his figs there and they are worthy of the Louvre.
If you figures don't make you happy; they certainly won't make anyone else happy.