Mike's Gallipoli Digger Bust

[Mariobusta]

Mike , that looks ridiculously real , every time you post something new I am surprised at how bloody good it is ! brilliant!

 

[Wayneb]

Pure unadulterated insanity and some serious talent.

Wayne

 

[arj]

My 'gast' has never been so 'flabbered'!
Absolutely amazing brushwork, requiring multiple WOWs.

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[Chrisr]

Is this the work of a master figure painter of the first order or not?

Other than those who paint flats, we work on sculpts in 3D, Mike adds another layer of 3D with his unique, photographic painting technique. Absolutely fabulous work.

Had the pleasure of having lunch with him yesterday, then salivating over the busts and models in his cabinet. He was kind enough to demonstrate his technique, and the result was truly amazing. No pointed brush (an old No 2), an incredibly light hand, and deft work. This man has lifted figure painting to a new level. Hats off to him.

Truly exceptional work Mike, and thank you for the tips and demonstration - it was a day to remember.

Chris

 

[Joe55]

What the ? .............

...................Ah screw it, I'm gonna burn my brushes and ask my woman how she knits them bathroom rugs!

Joe

 

[phil_h]

I really don't think there is anything I can really add here - just stunning work, and incredibly impressive

Phil

 

[peedee]

.....

..



Can't speak !

P

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

You know you're right Mike

I will second the WOW]

A M A Z I N G
R E A L L Y !!!!
Cheers Borek

Impressive

Fan bloody tactic Mate.
Love it Keith

Stunning work, especially when you realise that photo is a big enlargement of the actual scale!
-Rich

I will 3rd that ....STUNNING
Nap

wow mike, can you stop posting pictures of yourself and show the figure:whistle
seriously though, absolutely jaw dropping painting.
tony

I'll go with a double WOW!!!

You've got my share of the talent Mike,can I have it back please! Simply amazing. Stunning.
Peter.

Top work !

Simply perfect Mike!
Thanks for sharing! Denes

Pure unadulterated insanity and some serious talent.
Wayne

My 'gast' has never been so 'flabbered'!
Absolutely amazing brushwork, requiring multiple WOWs.
Cheers, Andrew

I really don't think there is anything I can really add here - just stunning work, and incredibly impressive (y
Phil

.....
..
Can't speak !
P

Geez guys your comment & compliments have taken me aback.
Surprised to see the enthusiasm this section has stirred
Thanks heaps! Glad you like this little section of my bust.

Well done. Guy looks like he is played out, beat! I like the way you pulled this off. Clothes look grubby, well worn. How did you do it?
Best of Everything, Terry Martin-member of the Atlanta Miniature Figure Society

Hi Terry, appreciate kind comments especially as this effect is what I was trying to capture. This effect is done using JoSonja acrylics. Base colour is Warm White mixed with Raw Sienna & Raw Umber, with Payne's Gray for shadow. Various tones are achieved with these colours mixed in various tones using Vallejo Glazing Medium to blend. Trust this helps.

I really like your style Mike,with the excellent weathering etc,etc, A very unique style of painting which is outstanding,as it's a very realistic style.
Brian

Really value your feedback Brian. We've both come a long way since we first met at MedRom Forum back in the 00's. I reckon our conversations about photography back then were important way of using this tool to better understand & develop our own styles.

Looking good so far but I'll reserve judgment until I see his face. You might make a real hash of it.
Cheers Mike.

Come on Mike.....Show us the face!!!!!I want it all!!!!Amazing artwork buddy....Bravo x 100000000
Regards
Pete

Hi Scotty & Pete, glad you like this part.
Trust you'll think it complements face & other details.
More photos once my client gives the OK.

Mike, stunning detail work. The more I study it the harder it is to believe what you've achieved.
Cheers Ken

Tx! Ken - Nice to think this small section has value in helping others in their painting.

Mike , that looks ridiculously real , every time you post something new I am surprised at how bloody good it is ! brilliant!

Neat to hear from you Neil mate.
I've been reflecting on our experiments back in the day to copy others styles & approaches. Can now get a sense of what worked & didn't work so have begun penning an article on this learning. Will be interested to hear what you think of it.
Hope all well with you, family & work.

What the ? .............
...................Ah screw it, I'm gonna burn my brushes and ask my woman how she knits them bathroom rugs!
Joe

Sounds a bit drastic Joe!
You could always try using the brush handles to do that knitting instead ;-)
Seriously thanks! Enjoy seeing your work, what's on bench at present?

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Is this the work of a master figure painter of the first order or not?
Other than those who paint flats, we work on sculpts in 3D, Mike adds another layer of 3D with his unique, photographic painting technique. Absolutely fabulous work.
Had the pleasure of having lunch with him yesterday, then salivating over the busts and models in his cabinet. He was kind enough to demonstrate his technique, and the result was truly amazing. No pointed brush (an old No 2), an incredibly light hand, and deft work. This man has lifted figure painting to a new level. Hats off to him.
Truly exceptional work Mike, and thank you for the tips and demonstration - it was a day to remember.
Chris

An absolute honour to host you Chris.
Value your experience & learning with you. Don't have many visitors down under so good to share thoughts on how we paint.
Also grateful for your preread on my concept article for FigureMentors - hope to get it finished over next month or so.
Travel safely.
Mike

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

For those interested in getting a sense of this young fellow's face...

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Delete - posted in error...

 

[Viking Bob]

...............................................speechless........................

 

[anstontyke]

wow,

 

[peedee]

What the flipitty heck....Mike, I genuinely believe this technique puts you so out there ahead of the rest of us....and it's a brave claim, but I think you are the greatest painter in our hobby.

Flawless.

Paul

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Delete - posted in error...

wow,

What the flipitty heck....Mike, I genuinely believe this technique puts you so out there ahead of the rest of us....and it's a brave claim, but I think you are the greatest painter in our hobby.
Flawless.
Paul

Thanks as always Bob, Tony & Paul for taking the time to comment.
Always value the impression folk get from these photos, pleasing to bear others find them interesting & useful.
Wonder how this would translate to seeing the busts in the flesh, where smaller size of bust may disappoint a little.
All being well this bust should be released & featured on trade stand at WorldExpo in a month's time.
In meantime will begin on a partner bust which I hope get face done as concept for
it's release too at show.
-MjB

 

[Mariobusta]

Looks fantastic !

 

[Viking Bob]

Thanks as always Bob, Tony & Paul for taking the time to comment.
Always value the impression folk get from these photos, pleasing to bear others find them interesting & useful.
Wonder how this would translate to seeing the busts in the flesh, where smaller size of bust may disappoint a little.
All being well this bust should be released & featured on trade stand at WorldExpo in a month's time.
In meantime will begin on a partner bust which I hope get face done as concept for
it's release too at show.
-MjB

Wot ya mean, its not life size. I don't think I would be disappointed, I would still say how the hell do you paint that, with all that detail.

 

[Tony Dawe]

Mike, you're a shocking tease. Glimpses of a masterpiece in the making. I'm waiting impatiently for the full reveal so I can hand over my credit card and buy the bust.

 

[Chrisr]

What the flipitty heck....Mike, I genuinely believe this technique puts you so out there ahead of the rest of us....and it's a brave claim, but I think you are the greatest painter in our hobby.

Flawless.

Paul

Seconded without reservation.

Not a brave claim, just stating the truth. This is truly amazing work. A master Master Painter.

Chris

 

[Richie]

Hi Mike,
Only one question........."does he sit and talk to you on your work bench as well". Realism exemplified again.

Thank you for categorically showing the Chimp where he stands on the painting ladder.

cheers
Richie