WIP Natal Native Pioneer bust.

[Geoff Charman]

I was offered at a very reasonable price a 1/10th bust that a PF member sculpted of a Natal Native Pioneer from the Boer War period. Thank you Jimbo.

The bust was nicely sculpted and went together well, after a bit of the usual cleaning up and washing.

I do like the pick-axe over his shoulder.

He was primed using rattle-cans of Humbrol Matt Black and then a dusting of Halfords white car primer to bring out the detail.



I made my usual start with his eyes using Vallejo Acrylics and when dry they were given a good coat of acrylic gloss varnish.



Next was painting the flesh on the face and hand, for this I used Artist's oils, this turned out to be quite a challenge as I haven't painted an African coloured skin before but I am happy with the result as a first attempt. Please don't ask how I got to that colour as I have no idea, just added the browns, greys and a small amount of black at various times is all I can say.

Uniform and hat colours blocked in and crease colour wash added, and lighter red wash then over the whole uniform, a bit more to do here.
The bag strap was painted in a light sand colour, more work to do here as well



The only illustration I could find of the uniform was from an Osprey book on the web, which one I do not know.



Certainly an interesting subject and thanks Jimbo for thinking of me.

Geoff

TBC

 

[mick3272]

The Eye's have it.
Nice looking bust, not run of the mill.
watching.
Mick

 

[Wings5797]

Splendid start Geoff.
Flesh tones are perfect for this guy.
Keith

 

[Osebor]

Very nice work!

 

[Jimbo]

Hi Geoff
He's coming along nicely, I did have intentions to convert this bust as it was just an odd one left over after selling the master to Richie here on PF but something I wouldn't get around to,
if anyone wants a copy best contact Richie aka chimp and I'm sure he'll be happy to oblige
Cheers
Jim

 

[Geoff Charman]

Many thanks Guys, and thanks Keith pleased the flesh colour is OK.

Geoff

 

[Nap]

Hi Geoff

Looking good mate , eyes looks fine but if I might suggest taking the eye surround colour back a little

Certainly worked good on the flesh colour by "adding colours at various times"

Happy painting mate

Nap

 

[Geoff Charman]

Hi Geoff

Looking good mate , eyes looks fine but if I might suggest taking the eye surround colour back a little

Certainly worked good on the flesh colour by "adding colours at various times"

Happy painting mate

Nap

Thanks Nap, I will have a go with your suggestion.

Geoff

 

[Nap]

Geoff

It might look fine with you mate you have it in front of you ..either way it's going to look good

Nap

 

[Richie]

Hi Geoff,
Nice work so far, I really enjoyed painting this this also. You can get a lot of enjoyment painting African skin tones and you look like you are enjoying this one.
The Natal Native Pioneer in question is actually from the Zulu war and not the Boer war period.
I have one of these on the bench of shame, I am converting it in Simeon Kambula Natal Native Horse, the only African soldier during the Zulu war to be decorated with a distinguished conduct medal. If he had been white it would have been a V.C.
If you want to view my version, it's on my vbench.
cheers
Richie

 

[Grod]

Nice work on an interesting topic Geoff
Gordon

 

[Geoff Charman]

Thanks all, and thanks for the correction Richie.

 

[Geoff Charman]

More work on him, tunic given some highlights, pick-axe painted and the metal head worked on with a mix of paint, Gunmetal, Black and Track Colour then the points and edges picked out with pearl effect and then with a 6B pencil which was then rubbed over with a tissue, then fixed into position.
The eye surrounds were repainted and they do look better, thanks Nap.
Bust fixed to base, label added and pleased with the result.



I think that's him done, but that depends on you guys.

Geoff

 

[mick3272]

Looks Done to me Geoff,
Cracking Bust and a job well done.
Mick

 

[Nap]

Hi Geoff

This looks fine to me , eyes look good , nice work on the pick axe

Another one for the display there mate ....

And next n one is ...........

Nap

 

[Geoff Charman]

Thanks Mick and Nap, I enjoyed him, the next one Nap will have legs I'm afraid so I shall be continuing "Roll Call" pt 1 from Gordon at MMM, I have painted one of them before I started the above but not posted anything yet so watch for my next thread.

Thanks to you all again
Geoff

 

[Nap]

Hi Geoff

Glad you enjoyed it .looking forward to seeing the 1st of the Roll Call grouping ..certainly going to be very impressive all done .

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[Wings5797]

A great finish and presentation Geoff .
Keith