My First Bust

[ghamilt1]

I wanted to share with you all my very first attempt at painting a bust. Some of you may recognize this as Spartan Miniatures 1/9 scale George A. Custer. I painted him using Humbrol enamels and Windsor and Newton artists oils. The only addition was the cord, which I rolled out of Magic Sculp putty. I don't know why I waited so long to try one, but I am kicking myself for not doing a bust earlier. He was a lot of fun to paint and I managed to complete this in much less time compared to a full figure. Well, here he is, and your comments and criticisms will only serve to help me improve, so keep them coming.

 

[Guy]

Beautiful work Glenn.............a nice touch with the added cords. I like the blues you have done too.

 

[ghamilt1]

Thanks Guy. I was most worried about getting the face right. But as I said, I'm pretty happy with the result for a first time effort. I've got Pilipili's "Sitting Bull" bust on the work bench right now, so hopefully I'm on the right track.

 

[megroot]

Glenn,

I have no comments for you. I'm totally agree with Guy,

Marc

 

[Kisifer]

Nicely done there Glenn. Your flesh tones along with the blues look pretty nice. Keep it up.

 

[Roy]

Hi Glenn, I think you made a lovely job of this bust..the flesh tones look very soft and realistic...great job.
In the first picture he reminds me of a certain actor, hiding behind that big ol' moustache..just can't put a name to him.

All the best...and good luck with PiliPili's Sitting Bull.

Roy.

 

[nagashino]

In the first picture he reminds me of a certain actor

Hey Roy, how about Danny Kaye?

Nice work Glenn. I agree the facial tones are nice and subtle and you have handled the blue very well too. Judging by the size of his 'tash, the injuns could've got two scalps off him! :lol:

Good stuff!

Phil

 

[ghamilt1]

Thanks everyone. I can't think of an actor, but according to the instructions, this bust was based on a portrait of Custer taken when he was a Major. Perhaps early in the American Civil war? I remember seeing the picture in a book somewhere, and it does look alot like him. With that 'stash, I didn't have to worry about highlites on his chin and lips. Thanks again for the feedback guys.

 

[jaime]

Excellent work. I particulary like the flesh tones.
Best regards.

Jaime

 

[dArtagnan]

Great paintjob, Glenn! Very smooth fleshtones!
You have a touch for great scale figures. I like it very much,

Eddy

 

[godfather]

I liek teh flesh tones and the blue is very nice the highlighting especially. What mixes did you use for the flesh and blue?

 

[ghamilt1]

I used a combination of Humbrol enamels for a base coat, followed by artists oils for shadows and highlites. For the blue, I used Humbrol flat blue #104. After that dried for 24 hours, I used lamp black oil paint for the shadows and Titanium white with a pinch of pale blue for highlights. For the face, I base coated with Humbrol Matt Flesh #61, and shadowed with Burnt Sienna and a touch of Burnt Umber for darker tones. Highlites were added with Titanium White. I always stipple these with an old brush, so they blend in with the base colour. I added a small touch of scarlet for some extra colour in the cheeks, but that was about it. Hope this helps.

 

[milminwh]

Greetings,
According to the manufacturer, the bust is based on a photograph taken of Custer in 1876 (would have then been a Col.), wearing an 1872 pattern uniform.
Regards,
John

 

[garyjd]

Gleen, Very nice. I especially like the coat and your handling of his shoulder epaulets (sp?). Yellow is not the easiest color to paint.~Gary

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Nice job! I like busts as they have all the most interesting bits of a figure - the head, chest and epaulettes - all the cool stuff to paint. I always lose interest when I get to his arms and legs so bring on the busts.

I think you've done a great job at all aspects of this model.

Colin