WIP Athena

[BRAN]

Seeing the shot of the original has reminded me of how much you've done even before you can start painting. As for the painting itself I will refrain from comment as I could not contribute meaningfully to the conversation, other than to say that I am in awe.

Thank you very much for your kind words Merryweather. I'm glad you like my work.

 

[Nap]

Hi Bran

I agree with Adrian ref the shield arm and also under the upper right arm ...but the flesh over all is coming along well

Looking forward to seeing how you progress with this ...every post is a learning time for me

Have fun

Nap

 

[BRAN]

Hi Bran

I agree with Adrian ref the shield arm and also under the upper right arm ...but the flesh over all is coming along well

Looking forward to seeing how you progress with this ...every post is a learning time for me

Have fun

Nap

Hi Nap,
I lightened the skin overall slightly so I could add some light to the arm that carries the shield.

 

[BRAN]

The arm under the shield is giving me some trouble. I've lightened it and, more importantly, reworked the transitions to achieve a smoother look. A comparison photo shows the difference in brightness.

I don't think I can go much further with an arm that's still in shadow. (The shield's design isn't finalized yet. I need to improve the blue and correct some "waves" that aren't very regular).

Unfortunately, once the shield is in place, shooting without added light so as not to distort reality, the arm doesn't appear as "bright" as in Arnau's version. Should I then make this arm lighter than the one holding the spear in order to achieve an interesting shade once it's in place?

​

The photo is taken slightly from below to show the shaded areas on the skin. From the front with the helmet on, these are not very visible.

 

[clubcat]

Hi Bran,
I believe you are overthinking it. I feel that as the surrounding colours are developed the arm will change it's colour too. This is already apparent with the shield in white and with the blue added. I love those waves and I would be hard pressed to point out any inconsistency.
Excellent work.
Melanie

 

[Merryweather]

Oh I so agree with you Melanie

I wish I hadn't said that now..... I don't really feel that my opinion is worth anything to you experts

 

[kempie]

Love the way this is going. Bran, what colour is the tunic going to be? Is that likely to brighten up that area down around the left arm ( or darken it and bring the arm up in contrast)?

Just a poorly worded thought.

Cheers, kempie

 

[Malkie]

I would follow your heart and eyes and not make any rash decisions what you have achieved this far is bordering on the awesome.

Malkie

 

[NigelR]

It's looking really good. The other version clearly has a few forced highlights on the front of the shield arm. Maybe wait until you have more of the paintwork done before you make a final decision? Like Melanie says, things will change as you paint more.....

 

[BRAN]

Hi Bran,
I believe you are overthinking it. I feel that as the surrounding colours are developed the arm will change it's colour too. This is already apparent with the shield in white and with the blue added. I love those waves and I would be hard pressed to point out any inconsistency.
Excellent work.
Melanie

I have to agree, Melanie, that I do indeed always think a little too much. It's probably because I don't have any artistic qualities. I'm more of a person who tries to leave as little room as possible for improvisation and I try to plan as many things as possible to reassure myself.... I'm going to follow your advice, move forward with other elements and see how things interact with each other.... Thank you Melanie for your comment which helps me a lot !!

 

[BRAN]

Oh I so agree with you Melanie

I wish I hadn't said that now..... I don't really feel that my opinion is worth anything to you experts

Don't believe that, Merryweather. For me, all opinions are always welcome and always give me keys to resolving my hesitations. Thank you very much for following my work, it makes me happy.

 

[BRAN]

Love the way this is going. Bran, what colour is the tunic going to be? Is that likely to brighten up that area down around the left arm ( or darken it and bring the arm up in contrast)?

Just a poorly worded thought.

Cheers, kempie

The tunic will be white with probably very pale shades of blue so as not to have a too bland surface. It will not be a bright white which risks attracting too much attention to the detriment of the face, I will have to manage the right dosage to obtain an interesting result.

 

[BRAN]

I would follow your heart and eyes and not make any rash decisions what you have achieved this far is bordering on the awesome.

Malkie

Thank you very much Malkie, I will try to let myself be carried away by the sculpture and not think too much....

 

[BRAN]

It's looking really good. The other version clearly has a few forced highlights on the front of the shield arm. Maybe wait until you have more of the paintwork done before you make a final decision? Like Melanie says, things will change as you paint more.....

Yes, I think that's the best solution. Thanks, Nigel.

 

[Steve Ski]

Awesome progress, Bran, love the sumptuous lips, btw! Not being an acrylic addict, but an oiler, I see what you're talking about as far as shading the left arm behind the shield, but you have handled it very well. Awesome shield work, too, and the flesh tones are coming together smoothly, great contrast, tonal variations, beautifully done.

I see Arnau's work as incredibly impressive, but that "bling" appearance is over the top for my taste as I personally prefer a more life-like natural appearance. Now that's just me, but I've noticed a lot of acrylic addicts over exaggerate tonal definitions and shadows/highlights, to almost a cartoonish appearance. They look astounding at first glance, but lose my interest by the lack of realism. I don't see your work in that vein at all, Bran, so I already know this will be superb when finished. Sorry, I just had to give you kudos, and did I mention great progress?

Ruck On!