Here's my version of the TGB Soviet Officer bust.
Tried some new techniques on this one.
Primed in black and the original method I was shown for painting the face.
Burnt Sienna all over, wiped off and then blending up to the highlights with other colors.
Plus, I really tried pushing my contrasts (although the photos may now show this too well).
Really appreciate any constructive criticism here.
Thanks.
Craig

Looks really good, Craig. I like this figure and you did it justice.

Personally, I don't like giving figures too much contrast, it just tooks funny to me when looking at the figure in person. The camera however kill most of the contrast and the pieces look much better in photos. I have to say I liked your style and, although it is always nice to learn new techniques, I still prefer your older figures.

Mario

Hi Mario :-)
Thanks for commenting. As you know, I usually lean towards less contrast. But I wanted to push it and this piece seemed perfect for the experiment.
Not all figures lend themselves to this so I'm not abandoning my usual methods. Just having some fun. Actually, this figure is a rare one for me in that I did not strip it even once! Very unusual!

Craig,

Great to see work from you again! I hope all is well with you.

Overall I really like this piece. I've always liked your painting style.

I see where you tried pushing the contrast a bit, but it doesn't seem overly jarring to me. The only line that seems a bit heavy-handed to me is the first crease to the right (as I'm looking at it) side of his mouth. That could just be shadow too from the lighting depending on how prominent the crease is on the model. It doesn't detract from the piece though.

As always, your flesh tones are really nice. You inspire me to pull out a bust and start painting again.

Take care my friend,

John

Hi John!
Long time no see (my fault).
Thanks for the comments. I see the fold you mention. I thought that one was a bit heavy on the sculpt but in looking around, I've seen the same fold on 1:1 scale references so...
It's heavy enough in the sculpt that it required a but more contrast in it but it's not too bad when the piece is viewed at a different angle.
Yes, grab your favorite bust and get too it!
Take care buddy.
Craig

hi bud,just catching up,good to see you are still throwing paint aroun,and as good as ever
Arthur

Wow Craig. That's sure beautiful. Nice work! Wow! Valley Forge here you come!

Arthur! So nice to hear from you again. Hope all is well.
Thanks for the kind words
Yes, still painting here. Not much in the way of posting to the figure sites anymore but I do still visit every day. Just feel I ran out of anything intelligent to add

Thanks John.
Yep, he'll go to MFCA this year.
He's already made it to the DC figure show last September.