johnbrewer
A Fixture
Very, very cool work
Maximus, Painted by Alex Castro
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Johan
A Fixture
... There you go; I had a gut feeling when I said "let's give Alex a chance" 
Alex, your method of painting the inside of a man's mouth, teeth etc., is absolutely realistic. It would be VERY useful for the rest of us if you could give us a method to do that on a 90mm or 120mm figure - I suppose your Maximus is 1/6 or something, but it would be good to know a method for doing that on a smaller figure (since most of us paint in what you'd call "small scale") - is it possible Alex, to create this effect on a smaller figure?
Thank you,
Johan
Alex, your method of painting the inside of a man's mouth, teeth etc., is absolutely realistic. It would be VERY useful for the rest of us if you could give us a method to do that on a 90mm or 120mm figure - I suppose your Maximus is 1/6 or something, but it would be good to know a method for doing that on a smaller figure (since most of us paint in what you'd call "small scale") - is it possible Alex, to create this effect on a smaller figure?
Thank you,
Johan
Johan
A Fixture
Oops, guess we posted on exactly the same moment.
Teutoburger Wald
Teutoburger Wald, 54mm, from Time Machine work-in - progress by, Alex Castro
Johan,
The very reason I am displaying so many large scales is so that the techniques could be seen clearly by all. In reference to your question, yes, these techniques can easily be translated to the smaller ones like 54mm, 90mm, 120mm! The essence of my system is that it work in the full range of miniature scales.
I prefer to demonstrate on large figures because everything is exposed and out in the open. One should never fear scales, large or small. I don't create techniques for every size but I do have concepts and techniques that work across the divide of scales.
Happy Painting
Alex
P.S. I will cover this in my Chapter called "It's a Matter of Scale " in my up coming book!
Teutoburger Wald, 54mm, from Time Machine work-in - progress by, Alex Castro
Johan,
The very reason I am displaying so many large scales is so that the techniques could be seen clearly by all. In reference to your question, yes, these techniques can easily be translated to the smaller ones like 54mm, 90mm, 120mm! The essence of my system is that it work in the full range of miniature scales.
I prefer to demonstrate on large figures because everything is exposed and out in the open. One should never fear scales, large or small. I don't create techniques for every size but I do have concepts and techniques that work across the divide of scales.
Happy Painting
Alex
P.S. I will cover this in my Chapter called "It's a Matter of Scale " in my up coming book!
Guy
A Fixture
Very well done Alex.............my favorite period of History. I look forward to seeing more of this as you complete it.
guy
guy
I have held my tongue. I really like pF. But sometimes...
It may just be me, but I do not like your "style" Alex. I think that you do little research on your subjects. Those garish colors on the Time Machine diorama are really off base. It looks like the Simpsons gone on safari.
Your painting of metals is very poor. The "dry stroke" thing made me spit me drink out in a fit of laughter. That orange and green skin tone...man, yuck.
One more item (I suppose I will get my a** kicked out of pF...) you spout about shifting the paradigm of figure painting. I see nothing revolutionary...quite the contrary, you look to be dragging the hobby back in my estimation.
The one figure I really like is the dude crawling from his grave. That is excellent!
I will purchase your book out of curiosity. Enjoy your profit, I will see if it is fair or folly on my part.
Paint for fun, call it "art", do serious, scholarly work, paint from the box art. I work hard to develop my skills. I do nothing revolutionary. I just enjoy it and don't bang my own drum. Don't patronize me with the paradigm shift. You may want to back off that whole line.
If this is my last post, I want to thank Gordy for having a really excellent site. I check in here daily. You guys have a good thing...enjoy it, but please, be honest with one another.
Tom Riddle
It may just be me, but I do not like your "style" Alex. I think that you do little research on your subjects. Those garish colors on the Time Machine diorama are really off base. It looks like the Simpsons gone on safari.
Your painting of metals is very poor. The "dry stroke" thing made me spit me drink out in a fit of laughter. That orange and green skin tone...man, yuck.
One more item (I suppose I will get my a** kicked out of pF...) you spout about shifting the paradigm of figure painting. I see nothing revolutionary...quite the contrary, you look to be dragging the hobby back in my estimation.
The one figure I really like is the dude crawling from his grave. That is excellent!
I will purchase your book out of curiosity. Enjoy your profit, I will see if it is fair or folly on my part.
Paint for fun, call it "art", do serious, scholarly work, paint from the box art. I work hard to develop my skills. I do nothing revolutionary. I just enjoy it and don't bang my own drum. Don't patronize me with the paradigm shift. You may want to back off that whole line.
If this is my last post, I want to thank Gordy for having a really excellent site. I check in here daily. You guys have a good thing...enjoy it, but please, be honest with one another.
Tom Riddle
quang
A Fixture
Tom,
I don't know why this should be your last post.
It was straight to the point, honest and devoid of malice. I appreciated it very much. I guess Gordy and the other members did too.
Quang
I don't know why this should be your last post.
It was straight to the point, honest and devoid of malice. I appreciated it very much. I guess Gordy and the other members did too.
Quang
Lou Masses
A Fixture
Tom,
I don't know why you'd get canned. That's your opinion and you're entitled to it.
It isn't just you, I can certainly see where you are coming from-I too have questioned much of the "technique" presented in the manner presented. I have no issue with fresh ideas, I think you know me well enough to know that I encourage experimentation and change in every aspect of our passion and all of us sharing ideas is how we become better but I just don't see the back up and results either.
. I too saw good results in the larger garage kit stuff, but in the 120mm and down, the concept didn't translate well. While not bad, by any means, not exactly "Earth Shattering" or "Paradigm shifting".
I would never, ever come out and demean someone's work, but when you postulate, preach and talk to us as though you are Leonardo DaVinci and the work just doesn't live up to the hype, I'm afraid you open yourself up for what comes.
I admire your candor Tom.
Lou
I don't know why you'd get canned. That's your opinion and you're entitled to it.
It isn't just you, I can certainly see where you are coming from-I too have questioned much of the "technique" presented in the manner presented. I have no issue with fresh ideas, I think you know me well enough to know that I encourage experimentation and change in every aspect of our passion and all of us sharing ideas is how we become better but I just don't see the back up and results either.
. I too saw good results in the larger garage kit stuff, but in the 120mm and down, the concept didn't translate well. While not bad, by any means, not exactly "Earth Shattering" or "Paradigm shifting". I would never, ever come out and demean someone's work, but when you postulate, preach and talk to us as though you are Leonardo DaVinci and the work just doesn't live up to the hype, I'm afraid you open yourself up for what comes.
I admire your candor Tom.
Lou
Tom
I certainly appreciate your comments here.
I hope you don't leave on account of speaking your mind.
I agree with a number of your points but Alex has certainly made us review the way we approach our hobby (whether that be a rethink or a 'yes I think I'm doing ok') and he's certainly made a major contribution to this site. His work on the garage kits is outstanding and as said elsewhere, this site is not a 54mm - 120mm military modelling site (although I do little else)
I agree with you Lou, the concept doesn't translate well in the smaller scales. Which is what a lot of are used to. although there are lessons to be learnt, as with everything contributed to pF.
we need a 'peace' emiticon
Rob
I certainly appreciate your comments here.
I hope you don't leave on account of speaking your mind.
I agree with a number of your points but Alex has certainly made us review the way we approach our hobby (whether that be a rethink or a 'yes I think I'm doing ok') and he's certainly made a major contribution to this site. His work on the garage kits is outstanding and as said elsewhere, this site is not a 54mm - 120mm military modelling site (although I do little else)
I agree with you Lou, the concept doesn't translate well in the smaller scales. Which is what a lot of are used to. although there are lessons to be learnt, as with everything contributed to pF.
we need a 'peace' emiticon
Rob
Paul Kelly
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- Feb 18, 2004
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Lou and Tom,
Bravo!
If I may add my two cents. Mr. Castro, while I greatly admire your enthusiasm and your willingness to share your techniques, I find nothing earth shattering or revolutionary in your techniques at all. I agree with Lou. When you do preach, postulate, and just come across as the 'be all and end all' in this hobby, you leave yourself open to honest critisicm.
Although I find your overall painting nice, your fleshtones are very weak, and decals for the eyes? I won't even get into that one.
Take this post for what you will. It is just MY open and honest opinion.
Bravo!
If I may add my two cents. Mr. Castro, while I greatly admire your enthusiasm and your willingness to share your techniques, I find nothing earth shattering or revolutionary in your techniques at all. I agree with Lou. When you do preach, postulate, and just come across as the 'be all and end all' in this hobby, you leave yourself open to honest critisicm.
Although I find your overall painting nice, your fleshtones are very weak, and decals for the eyes? I won't even get into that one.
Take this post for what you will. It is just MY open and honest opinion.
gordy
A Fixture
indeed, Rob you get it
Pete_H
A Fixture
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2003
- Messages
- 1,157
Tom,
Why would you get canned? I haven't been canned yet
Dude, your posting was honest, straight-forward, and a true critique - albeit not the one that some want to hear. I would like to use your commentary as my basis for a tangent to this discussion: true critiques.
I must be completely honest and blunt: the only true critiques I've seen on this forum come from three members. Beyond those, all we read is "wow, good job, best work ever" when there's clearly room for improvement. But why don't we be honest with each other and talk about what's "wrong" with a figure, a paintjob, etc? Afterall, we do learn from our mistakes, don't we? If we don't, then it's because we won't allow ourselves to do so. If I post a picture of my latest, I WANT to be told what I can improve upon so I can become a better painter. All the rah-rah stuff isn't going to do my skills any good.
Great job, Tom (if for a bandcamp sailor ).
P.S - does this mean I'm not getting on the "autographed book list" ? :lol:
Why would you get canned? I haven't been canned yet
Dude, your posting was honest, straight-forward, and a true critique - albeit not the one that some want to hear. I would like to use your commentary as my basis for a tangent to this discussion: true critiques. I must be completely honest and blunt: the only true critiques I've seen on this forum come from three members. Beyond those, all we read is "wow, good job, best work ever" when there's clearly room for improvement. But why don't we be honest with each other and talk about what's "wrong" with a figure, a paintjob, etc? Afterall, we do learn from our mistakes, don't we? If we don't, then it's because we won't allow ourselves to do so. If I post a picture of my latest, I WANT to be told what I can improve upon so I can become a better painter. All the rah-rah stuff isn't going to do my skills any good.
Great job, Tom (if for a bandcamp sailor ).
P.S - does this mean I'm not getting on the "autographed book list" ? :lol:
John Long
A Fixture
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2003
- Messages
- 1,500
Pete, I agree to a point. I have gotten some very honest critiques here. Quang is especially helpful in this area, as is Gary Dombrowski. We do leave ourselves a little vulnerable to nitpicking if honesty is taken too far. It's also difficult to be critical of someone you don't know from Adam, and gauge that criticism to the ability of the painter/sculptor of the work under scrutiny. Afterall, we may be asking that someone do something that is just not in their ability. This should probably be made it's own topic.
btavis
A Fixture
I agree, John. I always feel some quandry between praising for the sake of encouragement and honest critiquing for the sake of a fellow modeler's growth. By the same token I would really hate it if all I got were mutual admiration society type laudatory comments when in reality folks are holding back some truthful insight that may really help me more than the encouragement. It is difficult with people you do not really know other than the Internet context. That is a crucial factor I think.
I remember at a show a few years ago some guy asking Rick Rutter I believe it was, for an honest appraisal which Rick provided spending a great deal of time articulating some very salient points about strengths AND weaknesses in the guy's pieces. The whole time the guy was defending why he did what he did missing the whole point of why anyone would ask a fellow modeler that you hold in esteem to criticize your work. This is a closed minded or defensive mentality that could be ego or insecurity driven but in any case serves to stifle growth.
Here is a Zen story which is one of my favorites.
A young man hears of a great Zen Monk living in his country so he decides to sell all of his worldly possessions to study with this monk. He renounces his friends and family and makes the trek of several weeks to the Master's house.
He finds the Master inside a courtyard behind a gate where he is raking leaves. He introduces himself stating that he has renounced all worldly things to devote his life to studying with the Master and he will do anything the master says.
The Master tells the young man that he already has enough disciples and that he cannot take anymore so he must go away.
The young man pleads with the monk and again the monk refuses and tells him his request is impossible and he must go away. The young man then says that since he has no home, no family, no friends or worldly possessions and the Master will not accept him then he will kill himself for life will have no further purpose.
The Master stops raking leaves and says to the young man, "I cannot have you killing yourself over this so you may become one of my disciples."
The young man is overjoyed and tells the Master how he will not regret this.
The Monk looks at the young man and says, "you realize you must do everything I say if you are to attain enlightenment." The young man agrees and says that he is willing to do anything the Master says.
The Master goes back to raking leaves and says, "Good, Now go away."
When we can accept a Master's wisdom we may find it is not quite what we expected.
I remember at a show a few years ago some guy asking Rick Rutter I believe it was, for an honest appraisal which Rick provided spending a great deal of time articulating some very salient points about strengths AND weaknesses in the guy's pieces. The whole time the guy was defending why he did what he did missing the whole point of why anyone would ask a fellow modeler that you hold in esteem to criticize your work. This is a closed minded or defensive mentality that could be ego or insecurity driven but in any case serves to stifle growth.
Here is a Zen story which is one of my favorites.
A young man hears of a great Zen Monk living in his country so he decides to sell all of his worldly possessions to study with this monk. He renounces his friends and family and makes the trek of several weeks to the Master's house.
He finds the Master inside a courtyard behind a gate where he is raking leaves. He introduces himself stating that he has renounced all worldly things to devote his life to studying with the Master and he will do anything the master says.
The Master tells the young man that he already has enough disciples and that he cannot take anymore so he must go away.
The young man pleads with the monk and again the monk refuses and tells him his request is impossible and he must go away. The young man then says that since he has no home, no family, no friends or worldly possessions and the Master will not accept him then he will kill himself for life will have no further purpose.
The Master stops raking leaves and says to the young man, "I cannot have you killing yourself over this so you may become one of my disciples."
The young man is overjoyed and tells the Master how he will not regret this.
The Monk looks at the young man and says, "you realize you must do everything I say if you are to attain enlightenment." The young man agrees and says that he is willing to do anything the Master says.
The Master goes back to raking leaves and says, "Good, Now go away."
When we can accept a Master's wisdom we may find it is not quite what we expected.
gordy
A Fixture
If the poster asks for it, and not taking it for granted every painter wants to be who you think they aspire to be.
A
Alan
Guest
"If the poster asks for it, and not taking it for granted every painter wants to be who YOU THINK they aspire to be."
Now that is a very good point ............something to bear in mind when discussing a piece and which is often forgotten.
Now that is a very good point ............something to bear in mind when discussing a piece and which is often forgotten.
Pete_H
A Fixture
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2003
- Messages
- 1,157
Ringo,
Very nicely said. By the way, what's with your avatar? It looks like you've been in a marijuana sauna for the last 48 hours. What goes on in Switzerland anyway?! See you in under 48 hours, my friend!!!
Robin,
You're along the tracks of what I was talking about. If figure modelers can't take the candor, then they'll never improve. So why don't we see more honest and open critiques here? 90% of what we see is "gee whiz, it's the best figure I've ever seen" when it clearly it is not. I mean, even a blind man can see that blending is needed, that putty-lumps don't complement a conversion, that the "dry-stroke method" is something best left for a lonely Friday night, that decals aren't the best and most convincing methods, or that "the great pumpkin Charlie Brown fleshtones" don't yield realistic results. So why not call it as we see it? Afterall, if we're all truly "open-mindend" then we can learn from the critiques we ask for. Right?
Very nicely said. By the way, what's with your avatar? It looks like you've been in a marijuana sauna for the last 48 hours. What goes on in Switzerland anyway?! See you in under 48 hours, my friend!!!
Robin,
You're along the tracks of what I was talking about. If figure modelers can't take the candor, then they'll never improve. So why don't we see more honest and open critiques here? 90% of what we see is "gee whiz, it's the best figure I've ever seen" when it clearly it is not. I mean, even a blind man can see that blending is needed, that putty-lumps don't complement a conversion, that the "dry-stroke method" is something best left for a lonely Friday night, that decals aren't the best and most convincing methods, or that "the great pumpkin Charlie Brown fleshtones" don't yield realistic results. So why not call it as we see it? Afterall, if we're all truly "open-mindend" then we can learn from the critiques we ask for. Right?
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