WIP Critique How not to do it...

[Ferris]

Instead of showing my progress on a 54mm Roman figure from Soldiers I thought I'd show (for once) how things not always turn out the way they are intended.

I wanted to paint the legionnair's shield to look worn and grubby. It had to look something like the old battered shield found in the Dura Europos excavations (the dirt, not the design). However, after painstakingly painting the freehand design for a couple of hours I went too far with the weathering....

Crap.

Well anyway. I'll redo the shield when I get the chance. We learn from our mistakes...

Cheers,
Adrian

 

[housecarl]

I think it looks well Adrian, but if you ain't happy mate.

 

[captnenglish]

Maybe it is the photo, but your shield looks fine to me.

 

[Ferris]

Thanks for the comforting words, but let me post another picture then....

 

[swralph]

looks fine to me also

 

[Babelfish]

First pic looks good, second pic looks even better.

Maybe the photos don't properly show something you're seeing with your eyes.

- Steve

 

[tiberius57]

Looks good to me too, Adrian. Has all ingredients for a used and worn roman shield. But if you are not happy with the result then...
BTW, beautiful freehand! You did awesome work painting all those details!
Cheers,
Zeno

 

[DEL]

Have to agree with the others..... but if you're not happy and have a particular look in mind.
IMO If anything you could take it further and give it a 'campaign' look.
You could try to fade the whole thing down before you strip it.
Make up a wash using Raw Umber oils and cover in layers.
This should mute the contrasts particularly between the red background and what I suppose are impact marks.
I'd bring the dried mud up a bit higher and make sure it's replicated on the figure.
Keen to see finished result.
Cheers
Derek

 

[Oldironsides]

I agree with the other responders Adrian, the shield looks very good to my eyes.

Also, thank you for also introducing me to the finds at Dura Europos. I've just spent some time on Google finding out about the excavations there.

Mark

 

[Funky50]

I think I would be more than happy with that. But I do like things to have a weathered look but as I say looks fine to me

 

[Ferris]

Hm, now I'm confused.

Maybe I'll be tinkering a bit more with it and see how it turns out.

I don't like paint stripping so anything to postpone it....

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Adrian

 

[Babelfish]

Trouble is Adrian, we figure painters are always our own biggest critics!

- Steve

 

[Redcap]

Adrian. Whatever the 'problem' is your seeing, the rest of us think this looks just like a well used battle shield. Please don't strip is as many of us mere painting mortals would be delighted with such a result....deliberate or otherwise!
Gary

 

[Joe55]

Perhaps if you tell us what specifically you don't like about it, we can then discuss it. For now though, I'm like the rest. Looks pretty darn good to me!

Joe

 

[Nap]

Adrian ,


No stripping please shiled looks good to me ..... , possibly as Del say bring the dirt up a bit more .

Great painting on the design

Why not put it with the figure and see how you feel ...weather that as well !!!!

Nap

 

[baronband]

Good god, i just wish i could paint one that well!!!

 

[Ferris]

Now Ii'm starting to feel embarrassed as well, all of you liking it the way it is. Am I too ctitical...?

Maybe the problem (well, my problem) is something not captured by the pictures. First, the shield has gained an unpleasamt glossy sheen. Most importantly, it doesnt fit with the figure anymore. The figure is also rather worn and dirty, but in a more subtle way. And the dirt of the shield has removed the minimal contrast with the figure itself. I'll try and take some pictures over the next days to show what I mean.

Until then, thanks again for your feedback. Something for me to think about...

Cheers,
Adrian

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Thanks for the comforting words, but let me post another picture then....

a few longer scrapes or scores ,a bit of weathering powder and and there would be nowt wrong with it Adrian

ron

 

[Jimbo]

Got to agree with everybody else, it looks good
Cheers
Jim

 

[Mike Stevens]

I agree, I'd be happy if my free hand were that good.