Major of the Imperial Guard WIP

[theseeker]

I just started this bust and I would appreciate any and all comments. I am using oils for the face and these pics represent the base coat, first shadows and highlights. Let me know of you if think I am on the right track!
The moustache, eyebrows and hair are a base of flat black. Obviously, much needs to be done. I truly want to get better so all comments and suggestions are welcome.

 

[Guy]

I like your flesh tones Rocky. Much better than mine when I try to paint a lite skinned caucasian. Once you have highlighted the hair and moustashe it should really enhance the skin tones even more.

You are definetly on the right track.

 

[theseeker]

Thanks Guy. I always appreciate your comments.
Now, if only Jay will chime in regarding the contrast!

 

[IIICorps]

This Old Grumbler is looking pretty good. Who makes this bust?

 

[theseeker]

This Old Grumbler is looking pretty good. Who makes this bust?

Thanks. It is made by Andrea.

 

[dinovision79]

Hi Rocky,

the fleshtones look very natural, excellent!
Look forward to see the progress on him

Denes

 

[Christos]

Looks very nice so far,I like the flesh tones!!!
christos

 

[Sambaman]

Rocky,
looking good mate! The hint of 5'Oclock shadow is great. The only place I would suggest pushing your shadows a bit harder would be, behind the ears at the hair line, definitely down where the collar meets the neck, and possibly at the corners of the nose and under the brow above the eyes. Right at the end, a punch of you highest highlight on the laugh lines beside the nose, and tops of the cheeks and your in serious business here! Keep it up!

Jay H.
OKC

 

[theseeker]

Denes, Christos and Jay,

Thanks for the compliments and advice. I am trying!

Rocky

 

[unknown01]

This is a good start.
Flesh color is quite natural.
I'm looking forward to development of your work.

 

[theseeker]

Hikaru,

Thanks for the compliment. I have to give credit Craig and Danilo for the flesh tones. Craig's articles and Danilo's book have helped me immensely. I hope to get some more work done on him today.

Rocky

 

[Marcel]

Great start Rocky, keep us posted with your progress!!

 

[theseeker]

The Next Step

I have done a little more work on the Major. I have added a few more shadows and started to highlight his moustache and sideburns.
Please let me know what you think, positive or negative.

Jay, thanks for your advice. I am truly trying to learn and I really appreciate eveyones input!

Rocky

 

[theseeker]

BTW, the eyes are not finished.

 

[Guy]

Looks good so far Rocky. Its hard to find anything negative with so much not finished. When you finish the areas around the face (collar, bearskin, sideburns ) it will give the flesh a different look. So its kinda early to be constructive for me. If it were mine at this point I would be very happy with the results so far. You're on the right track.

 

[theseeker]

Guy,

Thanks for the compliments. The shako has been the hardest part of this figure so far. I knew that it could not be done in oils, at least until the finishing stages. I have to give Andrea credit, that bearskin has been sculpted with great care. What you see is five coats of a mixture of flat black and dark leather. Every time I put it down I could see two or three little tiny areas that I had missed. Based upon my limited experience, I would have to say that this is one outstanding piece. I have been experimenting with a few Verlinden busts and this bust is beyond words, at least for me.
I would really enjoy seeing one you PRO's painting it!

Rocky

 

[theseeker]

Update

I started the highlighting on the Shako and a few other items. Let me know what you think. As always, any comments positive or negative are welcome!

 

[megroot]

He is looking good.
Good painting so far.

Marc

 

[theseeker]

Thanks Marc,

I think that he looks much better in person. My wife's new 12MP camera is a bit difficult use! He should be about 90% done by tomorrow. Now I am just trying to decide what start next! I have too many kits to choose from.

Rocky

 

[Marcel]

Great progress Rocky, keep up the good work!!