WIP Critique 'Chosen Man' - Carl Reid

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Hi all, I've been working on this figure from Carl Reid's set of 95th Rifles in the Napoleonic war. Painting so far has been an interesting experience, the sculpt is unlike most others I've attempted, the eyes in particular were rustic and angular, I ended up trying to resculpt them a bit myself which is very much beyond my skill level. The face is proving difficult to paint, I think I'm going to have to start going back and forth with glazes at this point and 'trust the process' a bit.

The uniform is interesting, I am currently working on bringing out the shadow in the green more and generally pushing for a darker colour. I think part of the issue for me is that the green and black colouring is a bit uninteresting to my eyes and that makes it hard to know what to do next. I think maybe when I've got the buttons and neck cloth painted it will change that.

Overall though I really like the pose and the ground work that comes with it, it's really pushing me out of my comfort zone though.

 

[Larsen E. Whipsnade]

Coming along nicely. Adding a little red to the green will produce a good shadow color for green.
Rick

 

[MalcC]

Good start.

Malc

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Thanks all.

Coming along nicely. Adding a little red to the green will produce a good shadow color for green.
Rick

That’s a great idea, I hadn’t thought of that, thanks.


I made a bit of progress this evening, it’s amazing how much difference painting the details makes

 

[Briggsy]

Wow this has come a long way quickly, you are right adding the detail really makes a lot of difference. Along with using red to shade use yellow mixed with your green to highlight, never use white it makes a right mess. He is looking good, it's good to step outside the comfort zone sometimes.

Cheers Simon

 

[Nap]

Hi Dave

Nice updates on this figure , the uniform colour isn’t the easiest but your getting there , as Simon says adding the details brings the a already nice sculpt to life

Looking forward to seeing more

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Wow this has come a long way quickly, you are right adding the detail really makes a lot of difference. Along with using red to shade use yellow mixed with your green to highlight, never use white it makes a right mess. He is looking good, it's good to step outside the comfort zone sometimes.

Cheers Simon

Thanks Simon, good idea about the yellow, I wonder if an ink would work. Highlights are going to be a challenge because the original uniform colour is very very dark.

 

[Briggsy]

Thanks Simon, good idea about the yellow, I wonder if an ink would work. Highlights are going to be a challenge because the original uniform colour is very very dark.

Not sure about inks as I rarely use them but a slow build up of a lighter green will help.

Cheers Simon

 

[NigelR]

This is starting to come to life, the face is full of character.

Don't be tempted to overhighlight dark uniforms, that's a trap I often fall into. Take it steady.......

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Thanks Nigel, good advice. I've had a play with highlights, I added a little yellow ink to the base. It just tweaks the tone and, used sparingly, I think it does the job. I'll get some better pictures to share tonight.

 

[Briggsy]

Sounds good.

Cheers Simon

 

[MalcC]

I'd be careful of using inks, they can leave a sheen, which is something you don't want on a uniform.

Malc

 

[Briggsy]

I'd be careful of using inks, they can leave a sheen, which is something you don't want on a uniform.

Malc

This is very true but using Mig or AK matt varnish should sort that out fairly easily, I now thin my paints with them rather than just water works well.

Cheers Simon

 

[Rob]

He is looking good, I am not a fan of Carl Reid's sculpting style but you have made a good start to what I think is a very "messy" figure. Period Rifle Green was a non-permanent vegetable dye that tended to fade to dull olive brown rather than a yellow tone so do not go too bright/saturated on the highlights. An ochre Yellow rather than Cadmium or Sodium yellow will be better.

 

[MalcC]

I've got Migs Matt Varnish, but it doesn't always work.

Malc

 

[Briggsy]

I've got Migs Matt Varnish, but it doesn't always work.

Malc

Sorry slight tangent hope nobody minds, these are the varnishes I use to be fair the AK is better than the Mig.

I'll shut up and go away now.

Cheers Simon

 

[MalcC]

I'll keep an eye out for the AK, cheers.

Malc

 

[Waterlooman]

Just popping my ten pence worth - I too have had inconsistent results with mig ammo lucky super matt, its seems to airbrush on fine but not brushed on.

W.

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

I use VMS varnish which has the benefit of being both super flat and fool proof

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

He is looking good, I am not a fan of Carl Reid's sculpting style but you have made a good start to what I think is a very "messy" figure. Period Rifle Green was a non-permanent vegetable dye that tended to fade to dull olive brown rather than a yellow tone so do not go too bright/saturated on the highlights. An ochre Yellow rather than Cadmium or Sodium yellow will be better.

Thanks, I’ll have a play. I’ve only gone for very gentle highlights but I’m wondering about stippling on an olive-brown around the elbows and knees to suggest wear.

I’m really like some of Carl Reid’s work, I’ve got a bust of his and it’s lovely. I’m not sold on this figure though, the sculpt is lovely but stylistically it doesn’t really suit being painted, at least not without some tweaks. It would make a lovely bronze though.