Frustration

[terp47]

I have been painting figure in ernest, for about seven years. I go to the annual show in Valley Forge, PA. I have bought many books showing how to paint in oils, acrylics, and enamels. I have a DVD from Andrea on how to paint figures.

I have been practicing and have painted numerous figures (about 36 to date). I placed some pictures of my figures on these pages and I thought they were pretty good. Folks indicated that there were numerous problems with the figures and I appreciated their candor.

Does anyone know if there might be the chance of having a painting demonstration at the Valley Forge show? I think I've gotten about all I can from the various books and articles on painting. I'm probably just venting here but I simply want to get better at this. Thanks for listening.

Brian

 

[Guy]

Hello Brian,
Back when I lived in Maryland and Delaware I traveled to the Washington club meetings and attended their shows as well. Not knowing exactly where you live, it might be a good idea to contact them to see where and when their meetings are held. Many of their members are also members here and may be able to help you. Your frustration is not held by you alone. After 30 plus years in this hobby I still get frustrated and always want to do better on my figures. If you email me I can put you in touch with their members.

[email protected]

Guy

 

[Mongo Mel]

Hi Brian,
I've gone to the MFCA show in Philadelphia every year for a while now and I don't remember hearing of any painting demos. Same with the show in DC. Do you go there too? It's usually in late sumer or the fall.
Have you tried hooking up with any other figure painters in your area? Something like that can do wonders for your painting. It really helped me out a lot.
Can I ask..what do you think is your biggest problem doing figures? Are you trying things that are maybe too advanced and then getting frustrated by them?
Maybe trying a different (bigger) scale might help. I love painting busts myself. I can't handle much of anything under 70mm scale. Busts give a bigger pallet to paint on and that can be an advantage. Might be worth a try.
I wrote an article for Armorama describing some of the basics of painting with oils. We even managed to get 2 short videos in it . If you're interested, let me know and I'll post a link to it for you. Or if you have any specific questions, post them and I'll be happy to try and help if I can.
Best of luck,
Craig

 

[terp47]

Craig,

My problem seems to be in blending the different shades. I simply can't get the faces to look right as far as the blending. Actually, it's the same story with the clothing - Blending. I like the 54mm size because they are easier for me to display. When I use oils, then try to blend, they seem to run together. Would it be better to let the paint dry a little bit before trying to blend? I would be interested in any articles or videos you know of that might help. Thank you.


Brian

 

[Mongo Mel]

Hi Brian,
Here are links to all three articles I wrote for ArmoramA.
The first is all about different mixes I've used for painting faces....
Faces
The second is the one for basics on using oil paints. it's the one with the videos...
Basics
The third is a list of various mixes I've used over the years...
Mixes

About your blending problem, do you use your oils straight from the tube or do you thin them first? I prefer to use mine straight from the tube. When they're thicker, there's no problem with them running into places I don't want them to go.
But that's just how I prefer to use them. The basics article talks more about this and how I go about doing my blending for shadows and highlights. I hope they help you out. Any other questions you have, feel free to ask
Good luck,
Craig

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I work with Humbrol, blending was my biggest problem, I read articles and books about it without fully understanding the method.

Mike Blank showed me for 5-10 minutes and then I understood completly what I had done wrong.

So, one can only learn a certain amount by reading it need some practise and viewing others work as well.

Cheers

 

[btavis]

Originally posted by terp47@Dec 21 2005, 10:12 PM
Craig,

My problem seems to be in blending the different shades. I simply can't get the faces to look right as far as the blending. Actually, it's the same story with the clothing - Blending. I like the 54mm size because they are easier for me to display. When I use oils, then try to blend, they seem to run together. Would it be better to let the paint dry a little bit before trying to blend? I would be interested in any articles or videos you know of that might help. Thank you.


Brian

I suspect you are over working the paints. Blending is a specific technique used to create the illusion of two colors seemlessly melding into each other. In 54mm scale that effect is best created by ONLY blending where the colors meet.

Consider the following two examples. In the first the colors have been blended together by back and foth brushing motion causing the two colors to almost nuetralize each other. Continued brushing would cause the colors to obliterate and you would end up with an even gray field.

In the second example only the edges where the two colors meet have been blended allowing for a subtle transition without destroying the original colors. I think this is what you need to try and emulate regarldess of whether it is oil or acrylics.

 

[Jim Patrick]

Brian, like all the others before me, I too feel your frustration. It is difficult to improve or get over that "hump" when there are no or very little like minded people around you. As Guy suggested, I recommend you make a road trip and visit the Washington Club. Even if it is too far, make a road trip. You don't have to attend every meeting, just about 4 a year? Get in contact with them first, tell them what you're looking for and ask for a demo. Bring your supplies and a figure. I feel pretty confident that this will get you over that "hump". Nothing can replace seeing it first hand. I too have numerous books/ magazine articles and very few actually taught me everything I wanted to know. In short, don't try to get too far with your frustration (sound advice for myself! :lol: ), find someone who can help you. You'll get there Brian. Just give it time

Jim Patrick

 

[thegoodsgt]

My biggest gripe with most conventions/contests/shows across all of the modeling genres is the lack of hands-on demonstrations. While I appreciate the effort that goes into a nice slide show, nothing is better than a live show-and-tell. Unfortunately many show organizers cite "logistical challenges" in doing demonstrations. Bah!

Look for my private message.

 

[terp47]

Thank you all for your suggestions and encouragement. I take it from the suggestions about blending that simply blending where the colors meet is doable on a 54mm figure. It seems when I attempt this, I get more than the edges belnded. What is a good tool to use when blending at this scale? Thanks.

 

[terp47]

Steve,

Thanks for your input. Where would I find your private message?

Brian

 

[KeithP]

Here is an article from the BMSS that you may find helpful. I did as it shows some of the basic positioning of flesh shades as well as some technique descriptions of blending.

Also, on 54 mm I have to confess that I typically use a 000 and sometimes a 5/0. For all that d___ white trim and braid on the highlander in my bench I was using a 15/0 I got from Dick Blick.

Keith

http://www.btinternet.com/~model.soldiers/page38.html

 

[Einion]

Hi Brian, I understand your frustration and it's quite true that it can be hard, if not darn near impossible, to explain a technique in words - even with accompanying pictures. I've often remarked that you might spend half an hour typing four paragraphs to get across something that would take less than a minute or so to demonstrate in the flesh (and even with that you won't be nearly as successful).

Getting there on your own, as most painters have had to to some extent, will come down to practice and dedication on your part; examine your own work critically, compare how it looks against something you admire and try with each new piece to get smoother, thinner paint with no visible brushmarks, better contrast, more realistic colour or whatever it is you're particularly aiming at.

I don't think it can be emphasised enough that in general for art/craft pursuits there's nothing better than simply getting through projects and moving on to the next one, each time striving to get a little closer to your goals; this is particularly true for many of us where modelling is our sole artistic outlet so we don't get practice doing something else.

Einion

 

[thegoodsgt]

Brian, check your regular email. I sent a message to you that way. If it's lost in space, let me know.

 

[PJ Deluhery]

Hi Brian,

Most of us here understand your frustration and have been there ourselves. Simply put, there is nothing that replaces hands-on tutoring.

There were some acrylic demos at MFCA a few years back when acrylics were new; but these were not terrribly helpful, though better than a book or picture. You couldn't see all that well, and while helpful, I was still left with a lot of questions.

Perhaps the best advice I can offer is to find an experienced painter that lives nearby that might be willing to "mentor" you. I have seen painters make great leaps in a short period of time with proper mentoring, but it's a special relationship. You want to continue to go to MFCA, but also look for more local shows - maybe IPMS or other shows having figures but not centered on figures - and at all these shows try to meet people who live near you and can offer advice. Perhaps if you can find enough local painters you might even form a small club. At these shows, track down the "senior" painters and ask them to critique your work and offer some advice. (Just be respectful of their time, of course). Most of these guys (and gals!)are very willing to help.

In my case, my closest friends are all painters, and if I need advice or "another set of eyes" I can get this pretty easily. I count myself very lucky, and sometimes there's really no other way to learn.

One last thought. At one point, Neil Daas, of Sentinel Miniatures, was doing painting classes. I went to several and they were quite good. I don't know if he is still doing this, but it might be worth a call to him. Neil is an accomplished painter and taught me a lot when I was learning. I still swap techniques with him, and have been a loyal customer and friend for many years.

Good luck.

 

[EasyOff]

I feel your pain Brain and your 32 figures ahead of me.

 

[PeteC]

I seldom chime in here, mostly because I hardly ever have useful advice, but I might be able to add something this time.

I think many of us concentrate too much on the physical process of applying paint to a figure, rather than the mental work that should preceed it. Problems with blending may have nothing to do with the way you work the brush but rather the value of the two shades you are trying to blend. If the values are too far apart (one too light and one too dark) you will tend to over blend in an effort to get them to look right and end up with mud. If the values are closer together, a simple tickling of edge where the shades meet might be all you need.

 

[John Long]

Pete, that's some terrific advice you've just given us. With high contrast being in vogue among figure painters these days, I think many times we are pushing the limits of our pallette too far. Excellent input.

 

[terp47]

Thank you all again for your great suggestions. I don't often post questions or comments. I am continually impressed with the willingness to help others.

Brian