Hello all,

This is my second attempt at figure painting. This is a Verlinden 200mm Bust of a US Civil War figure. All in all I am not too unhappy with it but would like some honest opinions and suggestions. It is very glossy right now because it is wet. Of course he has no eyebrows at this point.






Thanks for any help you can provide and don't hold back if you see something wrong. I want to learn.

Looks pretty good to me mate, nice work

Nothing wrong so far .... looking good actually. Hard to critic it at this stage, as when depeth and colour are added it will look totally different. Nice start Albert.

More progress. I think my camera is washing out some of the contrast. It's hard to know when to call it done. Any suggestions?

This is a very good basic flesh formula...what did you use, if you don't mind me asking?? Two ways to cut down on the gloss: 1) Dorlands Wax Medium...use a small bit in your paints and it will cut the sheen dramatically...you will have to experiment with the amount depending on how much paint youyuse in a session - it also tends to dry oils quicker than without it mixed in...another way is to bake it - incovered - in a crockpot overnight (on the LOWEST heat)...but NEVER, NEVER use BOTH Dorlands & the heat method at the same time...BTW - are you a Garand Collector??? I noted your handle...I belong to the GCA and have for the past few years..FOUR beers this time - I had FOUR Large beers yesterday at the Lantana Oktoberfest...I'm still payin' for it...

CB in FL

CB,

Thanks for the comments. My mix is W&N Artists' Burt Sienna, Gold Ochre and Titanium White. I was having trouble with it looking muddy but it toned down with more white highlights.

I have my figure in a heavy cardboard box with a light on top right now. That seems to work pretty well.

I only have one Garand. It's a late (1955) Springfield that I got from CMP. Also have an IMB Carbine that dates to 1942. Both are great shooters. I may add a wartime Garand to the collection at some point.

So far so good, nothing there that needs pickin out , Youv'e got the eyes in well which is always the stumbling block on faces . Keep it up
mistermagoo

Gordon,

This is the same figure that I have been trying to get the blue uniform correct on. While the face is far from perfect It's my best so far and I don't want to destroy it to remove the blue paint on the uniform. I will consider what I have done with the Prussion Blue to be the base coat and work from there. If it gets to be a big mess I will start over. Oils seem to be pretty easy to rescue from problems.

Al