WIP La Garde Recule - Waterloo 1815

[Colin_Fraser]

Love this Smudger. But I would be very careful of composition. Your grouping shown above puts me in mind of a very small rallying group (e.g. these guys only) because some are facing backward and I can't really see an Old Guard eagle being in such a small group based on what I know of the end of the battle. Have you considered facing them all more forward to show a small portion of a larger battalion square? Just one guy's opinion so feel free to ignore it.

Colin

 

[smudger1960]

So atmospheric in just this primed form. I'm intrigued how you will handle the basing. Those chaps are full of character --- the painting's going to be quite a challenge, but then, that's why we do it Really looking forward to seeing the end result now.

Alan

Many thanks Alan,I don't want the base to be overwhelming so I really need to think this through now,I want to have it sorted before the painting process begins

 

[smudger1960]

Love this Smudger. But I would be very careful of composition. Your grouping shown above puts me in mind of a very small rallying group (e.g. these guys only) because some are facing backward and I can't really see an Old Guard eagle being in such a small group based on what I know of the end of the battle. Have you considered facing them all more forward to show a small portion of a larger battalion square? Just one guy's opinion so feel free to ignore it.

Colin

Hi colin,I have tried many different compositions for this piece,I understand your point but to have them all facing forward means a larger base and I really need to keep the base size to a minimum,it's still in the planning stage yet so this is by no means the final setting for the piece.
I'm glad your enjoying it and thanks for your comments,much appriciated

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Hi colin,I have tried many different compositions for this piece,I understand your point but to have them all facing forward means a larger base and I really need to keep the base size to a minimum,it's still in the planning stage yet so this is by no means the final setting for the piece.
I'm glad your enjoying it and thanks for your comments,much appriciated

Thanks for taking it in the spirit it was meant. It will look just fine as you show it. I am a bit of a Waterloo realism freak.

Can't wait for the paint to start landing on these guys.

Colin

 

[smudger1960]

Thanks for taking it in the spirit it was meant. It will look just fine as you show it. I am a bit of a Waterloo realism freak.

Can't wait for the paint to start landing on these guys.

Colin

Hi colin,the base thing will be important as I need to consider transportation to shows as well,that's why I'm trying to work out different options,glad you liked it anyway

 

[tonydawe]

Brian,

I really like the idea of having all the busts facing outwards as if they are the last remnant of a larger force and have rallied around the Eagle for a final stand.

It may not be entirely realistic to the history of the battle, but if you think about it, most of the men fighting at Waterloo had legs, so realism isn't really the issue here.

Keep them close together on a small base and the impact of the piece is enhanced and the drama becomes more easily understood.

 

[smudger1960]

Brian,

I really like the idea of having all the busts facing outwards as if they are the last remnant of a larger force and have rallied around the Eagle for a final stand.

It may not be entirely realistic to the history of the battle, but if you think about it, most of the men fighting at Waterloo had legs, so realism isn't really the issue here.

Keep them close together on a small base and the impact of the piece is enhanced and the drama becomes more easily understood.

I love that about the legs ,it's going to be a case of trial and error,but I have the sort of final scene I want to portray in my mind,thanks for your comments mate

 

[kagemusha]

Whilst I can see what Colin is saying regards 'realism'....for me personally...the outward facing aspect...allows the viewer to see the drama from any angle....and increases the enjoyment value of the whole piece.
As you say Brian....the final composition is yet to be set....and I look forward to it....but first comes the paint....and I can't wait for it to begin.....
You have realised a superb undertaking mate....even in the primer....a stunning piece to behold....bravo mate.

Ron

 

[megroot]

I like how it is. I Imagine that the Eagle is in the middle of the caree and therefore the faces are not all into the same direction.
For me it make sense, and you can go to the painting proces.

Marc

 

[OldTaff]

Get on with it, Brian! Can't you see we're all waiting?......... No pressure,then........

Alan

 

[swralph]

Superb work,coming along really well.
Ralph.

 

[yoshi]

Very challencing project. The painting of all these figures will be a challenge too.

 

[smudger1960]

Whilst I can see what Colin is saying regards 'realism'....for me personally...the outward facing aspect...allows the viewer to see the drama from any angle....and increases the enjoyment value of the whole piece.
As you say Brian....the final composition is yet to be set....and I look forward to it....but first comes the paint....and I can't wait for it to begin.....
You have realised a superb undertaking mate....even in the primer....a stunning piece to behold....bravo mate.

Ron

Many thanks Ron,I thought about it again today and I just don't like all the busts facing forward,it just doesn't work for me,I'm trying to capture something like this image

 

[smudger1960]

Get on with it, Brian! Can't you see we're all waiting?......... No pressure,then........

Alan

It's coming Alan,just started to prime 2 busts today,be patient mate

 

[smudger1960]

Superb work,coming along really well.
Ralph.

Many thanks for your kind comments Ralph,much appriciated mate

 

[smudger1960]

Very challencing project. The painting of all these figures will be a challenge too.

Many thanks Yoshi,it will be a big challenge and I'm confident I can pull it off

 

[kagemusha]

That is a superb image....and supports your interpretation well Brian.....a very dramatic piece.....the very essence of what you are working towards mate

 

[smudger1960]

That is a superb image....and supports your interpretation well Brian.....a very dramatic piece.....the very essence of what you are working towards mate

Many thanks mate,I know the image doesn't show the eagle,but it was this sort of scene I wanted to capture

 

[BarrieHynd]

Brian, this is looking sweet with them all rallied around the colour. Really looking forward to the paint now.
As for the basing issue, have you thought about a round one with a slight slope to the front.

Barrie.

 

[yoshi]

I just finished this buste. Maybe you can use it