WIP Critique 7th Cavalry, 1876

[Jim Patrick]

Ok, I'm working on this figure now. This is my first SERIOUS attempt at painting in about 5 or 6 years. It looked a lot better in my mind than it's turning out to look . I am so tempted to strip it and start it all over again but....I suck and such is life. The pants were repainted because I accidently invented a new color. Faded Levi’s. After the repaint, I ended up with slightly faded Levi's. Not at all the color I was trying to get. The shirt color I wanted, while grey, was supposed to turn out a dirty grey. Again, not the color I was trying to. Regardless, like I said, I suck now but with a little time, I will get better. I hope!

Oh yeah, the photography sucks as well but I'm doing the best I can when you consider I'm living in a barracks room on post at the moment.

Here are the pictures. Tell me what you think please.

Jim Patrick

 

[marco55]

You shouldn't put yourself down so much.It looks fine.Give yourself some time.
Mark

 

[Colin_Fraser]

You are way too hard on yourself Jim. The mind's eye always provides an unattainable goal for us. BTW - what do your cohabitants in barracks think of your efforts. Bet they think its awesome.

Colin

 

[Guy]

After a 5 to 6 year absence he looks great Jim. Keep going with him and forget the stripping. I hate to see a good paint job stripped. Thanks for the telephone call tonight.

 

[gordy]

Stop sucking and buck up!

Looks great man, better than I can do!

It's about time ya got of yer rump and got some paints out!

 

[outrunthedogs]

Looks great to me Jim, dont change a thing!

 

[trooper]

We are always prone to criticize ourselves unjustly. So knock it off and get on with it. It looks great.

 

[Andrew Craft]

I had a day of painting like that a few days ago, nothing was doing what I wanted it to, very frustrating but it's only paint. I bet that trooper would have been the envy of everyone in his faded Levis.
I think he's heading in the right direction though Jim, he's not looking too bad at all for a six year break.

 

[DaveG]

Agreed with the others. think he is looking great so far and biggest problem appears to be too many unpainted parts. :lol:

Seriously, looks off to a good start. I loved painting this figure and am tempted to get another one for future days. Dunno.

DG

 

[kiwi45]

Keep on it, it looks great. what scale and company is it please. Les

 

[Babelfish]

Nothing wrong with that from where I'm sitting.

- Steve

 

[meizi]

Great work!

 

[combatartist]

Looks great to me. As a professional artist I've had days where things didn't work so well, but I HAD to make it right-I was getting paid to. Remember, this is a hobby for most of us, kids won't go hungry and nobody will die if the figure goes badly (hobby=relaxation) if it doesn't, what's the point?

 

[Trep]

WOW, you are off to a great start and I look forward to seeing the finished figure. Very nice work so far.

 

[Dennis]

Jim, well done on two counts, one for painting in a barracks, I can remember what that is like, and two for producing a great effort after such a long break, keep going. I really enjoyed painting this figure myself, if you have convinced yourself that what you have just painted is rubbish hold the figure up to a mirror and it is like looking at some one else's work, I learned this from a fellow club member, I hope this helps.
Good luck
Dennis

 

[rheath]

I think it's souperb old friend !!-Gotta remember those cavalry blues were not ideal for the dust of the plains and in fact got impregnated after a while with fine dust which made them weather quicker with washing-you will see it all come together when you've got his shirt blouse completed and the leathers,boots rifle and a good old tan. I envisage a very neat project here. Keep it up old boy and keep us posted.

 

[Tommi]

Great start my friend, keep pressing on with it I am sure it will turn out fine. Dont rush it, lots of attention to detail. Looking good so far, just keep going

Tommi

 

[housecarl]

As everyone else has said Jim, there's nothing wrong with it. You've got the weather beaten worn look off to a tee.
Carl.

 

[megroot]

There's nothing wrong with it.
If I can made some suggestions.
You wanted a dirty grey: use white with a little sepia or a little burnt umber. If you want more dirt on the white I use a litte naples yellow into the mix.
Some wornout Levi blue: Maybe a Paynes grey with some blue and a touch of white will give the faded Levi.
But if I was you i should go to the next figure and project. If you stripped you never finish a figure.


Marc

 

[Mike Stevens]

Hi Jim,

Like the title says its a WIP. Keep pushing your boundaries and it will turn out fine.

Best of luck