WIP 1st Minnesota, The Lincoln Guard's 1861

[MalcC]

Hi Guys

This is my current project at the moment, one of the very popular Fer ACW busts, which are a real treat to paint.
I've been giving the acrylics a go, as I usually use oils, however this is a mix of both.
The face and black leather straps are oils, while everything else is in acrylics.

Thanks for looking.

Malc

 

[Nap]

Nice Malc how are you finding Acrylics?

What's the mixes for the Reds and the neck cloth ?

Nap

 

[MalcC]

Hi Nap

I'm trying out the Scale 75 range and not finding them too bad, still need a lot more practice though to master them.
The red was an initial coat of Antares Red, then I began building up the lighter areas with Aldebaran Red.
Top highlights Aldebaran Red with Mars Orange added. For the shadow areas, I added some Black Forest Green to Antares Red.
Rainy Gray was used for the neck cloth, and then I used White to lighten, before going in with some deeper shadows.
To thin the acrylics I used Scale 75 thinner, which I find better than using water, which is what I used to use.

Hope that helps.

Malc

 

[Nap]

Cheers Malc

Might give that Scale 75 thinner a go

Enjoy the painting

Nap

 

[MalcC]

Hi Nap
It's worth giving it a try, it made quite a difference. I would also recommend using a matt medium too.

Malc

 

[Viking Bob]

This is a period I love and these busts are superb. You are doing a great job on this one. Great colour's by the way.
Just one tiny thing the strap's across the top of the Knapsack are black leather and the knapsack is painted canvas, It would have been a semi gloss.
have a look here
http://acwknapsacks.com/Double Bag.html

 

[MalcC]

Cheers Bob.

I appreciate the feedback.

Malc

 

[Viking Bob]

Hope it helps, are you planning on doing the other's?

 

[MalcC]

Hi Bob

I've a couple more in the grey army.

Malc

 

[peedee]

Great painting Malc, nice tips Bob.

Paul.

 

[MalcC]

Hi Bob

Thanks for the info, and my apologies I must have missed the latter part of your post. Ooooops
I have photos of the knapsack showing tan leather straps, as also this is shown on the box art, so I have followed that colour scheme.
I've already added two thinned coats of a satin varnish, but its still too matt as you've noted. I'll continue to build this up gradually, as I don't want it to become too glossy.

Malc

 

[Viking Bob]

It's more like a satin sheen, I seem to remember that to waterproof the canvas boiled linseed oil and lamp black paint was used

 

[REMOVED]

That sure is a good looking piece of work. Perhaps acrylics will come into their own, and it's a matter of mastering the stuff...of course the term is such a catch all for many different products whereas oils tend to be oils etc...I find the look slightly softer in tone than with oils? Maybe that's my imagination...

 

[MalcC]

It's more like a satin sheen, I seem to remember that to waterproof the canvas boiled linseed oil and lamp black paint was used

Cheers Bob

That's the finish I want to achieve, at the same time trying to end up with a different texture from the straps.
Hopefully I'll get there in the end.

Malc

 

[MalcC]

Hi Johnny

I hope in time to master using acrylics alongside oils. You can get some great finishes with both mediums.
As you say you can get some nice tones with acrylics, so its not your imagination.

Malc

 

[smudger1960]

These a great little busts Malcolm,looking nice this one

 

[MalcC]

Cheers Brian

Its good to be painting again.


Malc

 

[arj]

These appear to be very popular busts, and your painting is certainly bringing this one to life.

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[MalcC]

Cheers Andrew

Your comment is much appreciated.

Malc

 

[MalcC]

I done a little more tidying up on the bust and given the knapsack a few thin coats of satin varnish to try and create the effect of the painted canvas.
I've made a start on the Springfield rifle, but I'm quite tempted to leave it off as I like the bust as it is.
Of course I need to carry out a few alterations first. Decisions,decisions.

Malc