Morning one and all 
Although I pretty much exclusively work and paint 54 mm figures I think it's a good idea to occasionally try something different and outside your comfort zone. IMO this can stimulate and re-invigorate the old artistic juices.
Anyway enough of the pre-amble and especially for Kev (Nap) here's a few pictures of my first attempt at a bust. It's a fabulous figure from H&V (1:12th) I removed all the cast in stand/plinth first and drilled for the brass tube then washed and primed using a Citadel black spray-can and dived in with my usual acrylics starting with the eyes for a change! After getting these done I blocked in the main colours and started to build up the contrasts trying to use the brush strokes to add texture to cloth of the toga. After a few weeks sitting around I decided that I wasn't happy with the smoothness of the skin transitions and used a few coats of oil paint which worked okay apart from adding too much gloss and blurring all the lovely details I'd painted.
Cue another couple of months waiting around to make sure the oil was fully dry and then I was able to go back and redefine some of the lost work.
I emphasised the old scar over the left eye whilst painting (Not sure if this was there on the original casting or I damaged it myself whilst cleaning it up, but I liked it and decided that here was an experienced campaigner who knew his way around a battle)
Anyway although it turned into a bit of a drawn out saga I'd plenty of other stuff to be getting along with so didn't lose any sleep over it and am pleased with the finished result.
C & C welcome
Toodlepip
Paul
Although I pretty much exclusively work and paint 54 mm figures I think it's a good idea to occasionally try something different and outside your comfort zone. IMO this can stimulate and re-invigorate the old artistic juices.
Anyway enough of the pre-amble and especially for Kev (Nap) here's a few pictures of my first attempt at a bust. It's a fabulous figure from H&V (1:12th) I removed all the cast in stand/plinth first and drilled for the brass tube then washed and primed using a Citadel black spray-can and dived in with my usual acrylics starting with the eyes for a change! After getting these done I blocked in the main colours and started to build up the contrasts trying to use the brush strokes to add texture to cloth of the toga. After a few weeks sitting around I decided that I wasn't happy with the smoothness of the skin transitions and used a few coats of oil paint which worked okay apart from adding too much gloss and blurring all the lovely details I'd painted.
Cue another couple of months waiting around to make sure the oil was fully dry and then I was able to go back and redefine some of the lost work.
I emphasised the old scar over the left eye whilst painting (Not sure if this was there on the original casting or I damaged it myself whilst cleaning it up, but I liked it and decided that here was an experienced campaigner who knew his way around a battle)
Anyway although it turned into a bit of a drawn out saga I'd plenty of other stuff to be getting along with so didn't lose any sleep over it and am pleased with the finished result.
C & C welcome
Toodlepip
Paul
'Fraid so Martin - Quite strange to be working on something so big, although I missed creating a little scene I did enjoy it and have got a couple more on the cards . . .
