Hi Mike,
Thanks for your comments mate and thanks for inspiring me to go the extra mile in terms of detailing textures into my bust.
In regards to the balance between artistic expression and historical accuracy, I have no fixed position on this subject; my thoughts swing between the two extremes and often are contradictory.
Certainly when it comes to contemporary military subjects there is no excuse for inaccurate uniforms and colour schemes as almost every item of equipment, uniform and weaponry is available in high definition colour photos or video on Google Images or YouTube. The only reason you would compromise in this regard is to illustrate a dramatic or artistic point, or where the subject is open to your own personal expression (such as the camouflage scheme I painted the SR25 on this bust).
As per my previous comment, for me the artistic goal of any military figure or bust is to try to reveal something about the character of the fighting man, and to reveal his character through his facial expressions, weathering and other effects. You can do this perfectly well, even if the uniform isn't entirely accurate, and still do justice to the subject.
I can't help project some of my own experiences into the painting of these military subjects, and try to interpret the experience of these miniature soldiers through my own eyes, and then try to paint them as the men actually were, rather than some kind of heroic, romantic, stereotype version of themselves. To me this is a more honest way to honour the service and sacrifice of the men themselves. I see you doing the same thing with your Charlie bust, which is one of the reasons why I think its such a powerful piece of artistic expression, as well as a damn fine piece of technical brilliance.
