WIP Critique New to the site - 120mm Coldstream Guardsman

[Andy007]

Hi all,
I'm new to the site, though not to modelling been around the traps a bit doing 1/35 armour, dios and the odd 120mm figure a few years ago, then life (i.e. University and work) got in the way.
Recently got bitten by the bug again and purchased Martin Corry's 120mm Coldstream Guardsman. Excellent figure and have got the base colour down on the trousers, first layer on the jacket and basic highlighting on the face.
All comments welcome

 

[Mariner]

Hi Andrew, this guy's going to be wonderful when you're done. Love his face
Welcome to PF, the people here are fantastic; my painting is improving rapidly and it's thanks to their support.
Mary

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Andrew - this is a very cool figure. I have him on my desk right now. What paint are you using? I can't tell from your pix. Looks like your oxford blue pants are right on.

Colin

 

[megroot]

Andrew, great that you started again. It's alot more fun then lay in front of the TV.
If i see it right you are using acrylic as underlayer and oil for the painting???
The face looks good. If it is possible (it's a 120mm) you can rework the eyes a little more. First stay away from the white for the eyeball but use a lighter skincolor. When dry, paint a black dot for 3/4 of the eye. When this is dry paint the iris into the color that you like.
If this is dry paint a small pupil.
After this is all into the right place's, line off the eye with a dark brown on the upper eyelid, and a lighter brown on the lower eyelid. If you dare you can put a small highlight at the lower eyelid on the outside of the eye.
Above that you can mix a red with some black at a color of good red wine, and dilute it alot. With a small pointed brush you can put this paint into the corner of the eye at the nose, and if you like it at the outside of the eyeball.
Look at a picture of a human eye.
Good luck with your next step.

marc

 

[Andy007]

Mary - Thank you for the Welcome, it looks like everyone is very helpful and friendly!

Colin - I agree, he is a great figure. I am using a mix of Vallejo, Lifecolor, Tamiya and art shop acrylics. The trousers are painted with Vallejo Luftwaffe uniform darkened with black and lightened each layer.

Marc - I am just using acrylics, no oils. Thank you very much for the eye painting tips, it is one area I am hesitant about but will give your tip a go.

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Andrew - it looks to me like you undercoat may not have enough "tooth" (i.e. it may be too shiny). I use Citadel white spray becuase it leaves a very matte and slightly rough surface that captures the paint, even when applied thinly. Your red looks like its sliding a bit on the undercoat, but perhaps it just a diluted first coat? Aso, I would be wary of mixing too many different manufacturer's paints together. In my limtied experience with acrylics I find its better to stay with one or two for the most part.

Colin

 

[Andy007]

Hi Colin thank you for the comments,
I am using an universal auto primer, which is a satin finish which could be the cause of the sheen. In the past a final matt coat seems to sort the sheen out.
The red is a very diluted coat, was just seeing how it would dry as it is a fairly "bright" red.
"Mix" was probably the wrong word to use in that sentence lol. I am using the different brand acrylics but only mixing within a brand or mixing two brands, but no more than that.