First post since Girona

[ghamilt1]

Hello everyone;
Welcome to my first post-WE2008 figure project! I hope to have applied a few of the lessons learned from attending that show to this figure. Actually, this is the third figure I've done since getting back, but this was the first one I managed to get pictures of, so there you have it. Of course you probably recognize this as Pegaso's latest offering in 75mm, which I picked up from the Pegaso booth in Girona. There were so many beautiful figures to choose from and not enough Euros in my wallet. I've been watching the posts here and was a little surprised not to have seen at least a few versions of this Greek warrior, but I'm sure more will show up in the weeks to come. So allow me to lead the charge and I would welcome whatever feedback you would care to give.

As always, I find that my photography has managed to wash out some of the colour, and made the whites seem brighter. This is especially annoying to me as I look at the ruined column, which actually has a lot of contrast to it. You'd never know it from these pictures! Cheers and thanks for looking.
-Glenn

 

[vergilius]

looks like you've learned your lessons well

 

[tonydawe]

Seems the Spanish climate (and possibly the beer) agrees with you Glenn, you've obviously been inspired at Girona and it really shows in this piece. Well done mate and good luck with your next effort. You've set the bar a fair bit higher now!!!

 

[Roc]

Good work on a very beautiful figure, my compliments.

Cheers
Roc

 

[Wendy]

Looks good Glenn! Nice detail on the shield, especially. What did you use for the weeds on the groundwork?

 

[ghamilt1]

Thanks everyone; I was truely inspired at Girona, as I thought the standard there was far above anything I had previously encountered. I'll keep practicing and be back in three years. Wendy, the weeds are made from some moss I picked up from Micheal's Craft and Art supplies (not sure if you have this store in your neck of the woods). It came in a huge bag and I think it was meant for filler in potted plants. Sorry I can't be more specific, but I'm replying from work this morning, and don't have the bag in front of me.

 

[Hardy]

Superb work, is the shield design freehand? Hardy

 

[ghamilt1]

Thanks Hardy. Yes I painted the shield free hand and almost went blind in the attempt.

 

[megroot]

stunning work, on the figure and on the shield.
congratulations.

marc

 

[davidmitchell]

Great work Glenn ,im sure there will be a lot of these appear in the next few months.

David

 

[Hardy]

Then Im even more impressed Glenn. Hardy

 

[John Bowery]

Glenn,
Nicely done and lessons well learned.
Cheers
John

 

[ghamilt1]

Thanks Hardy, praise from an artist of your calibre means a lot to me, and I do appreciate it.
John; thanks and I think sometimes learning those lessons is worth the price of attending shows like the WE.
Marc; Thank you very much for your words of encouragement
David; I agree that this is bound to be one of Pegaso's more popular figures, and would go nicely with the Spartan warrior in 90 mm they released as well. Just remember though, you saw it here first!

 

[Gary D]

Nice work Glen. Could you please share how to did the bronze?

Thanks,

Gary D

 

[ghamilt1]

Thanks Gary. I began by using Vallejo Model Color acrylics burnt umber (70941) with a touch of black grey (70862) as an undercoat. After this has dried thoroughly, I switched mediums to humbrol matt bronze, which I applied in a stipling motion taking special care to concentrate on the areas of the figure that would catch the light. After that, I used a touch of the humbrol metalic gold for further high-lighting, using the same stipling technique. I then went back in with artists oil's (Winsor &Newton) and touched up any shadows with burnt sienna and burnt umber, deepening the seams with thin washes of these colours and some lamp black (a very small amount). I hope that explains it, but please don't hesitiate to ask for clarification.

 

[Gary D]

Very well explained Glen. Thanks. Just one question though. You mention that you apply a stipling motion to the areas that catch light with the matt bronze. Are these the only sections that see the bronze or are these sections stippled and the rest of the areas are "swipe" painted with bronze. (forgive my ignorance as I am a beginner).

Thanks again,

Gary

 

[Marcel]

Superb paintjob on this beauty! For the pictures I think you have to much direct light washing out the colors.

 

[ghamilt1]

Marcel; I think you are correct, and I will try to take some more pictures with less direct light to see if that helps and I'm sure it will.

Gary; I applied the bronze paint at the top of the helmet or breastplate, and then while the paint was still wet, dabbed at it with an old soft brush right where the bronze paint met the acrylic undercoat. This blends the bronze into the dark brown undercoat. I think you may be describing "drybrushing" if I interpret your meaning correctly, and I can't say that I did any drybrushing in the purest sense. But I suppose it almost works the same way. However, stipling does serve to eliminate the brush strokes that sometimes become evident with drybrushing, and stipling can also be used to create textures that can enhance the look of the figure. It really just takes practice to get the feel for your particular paint medium and brushes.

 

[Wendy]

Thanks everyone; I was truely inspired at Girona, as I thought the standard there was far above anything I had previously encountered. I'll keep practicing and be back in three years. Wendy, the weeds are made from some moss I picked up from Micheal's Craft and Art supplies (not sure if you have this store in your neck of the woods). It came in a huge bag and I think it was meant for filler in potted plants. Sorry I can't be more specific, but I'm replying from work this morning, and don't have the bag in front of me.

Thanks Glenn. Yup, we do have Michael's around here. I'll have to pop over there sometime.

 

[Glen]

Very nice! I like the cuirass and leg armor. I always find shows inspire me to raise the bar as well. I don't know what light you are using, but perhaps a defuser would help?

Glen