Newboy's learning curve

[RobF]

Hi

About a year ago I decided I would like to have a go at some modelling, I bought a model airplane and built it and enjoyed it.

The second model I build came with a pilot - it was 48th scale and I thought I would paint him and put him in. Well he came out horribly and he got thrown back in the box

After the plane was finished I realised I was intrigued by the idea of painting figures so bought a few LOTR figures and had a go after reading what I could on the internet - for a first (proper) go I was happy enough ...

It obviously wasn't great but I was hooked

 

[RobF]

I bought a few GW figures and their book and started painting in a wargaming style ....

I especially hate this one ....

I liked this one more ...

and this guy

I wanted to try and paint something a little more realistic and thats where the trouble started

 

[Sambaman]

Rob, these gaming figures show REAL potential! I really like where they're headed. Keep up the good work!

Jay H.
Okc

 

[Guy]

I have to agree with Jay. Excellent work so far. I hope we can see more of your work in the future.

 

[RobF]

Thanks for the kind comments

Then I did a Dark Elf - again very wargamey

Then I tried a 72nd scale historical (ish) figure

 

[megroot]

Well Rob,
Congratulations. You stepped also in the darkside of modelling. What i see is that you have talented hands.
If you enjoy painting the mini's go for it. You are doing fine.
You also can try some 54mm. Maybe complicated but when i see your mini's its gonna turnout good.
Give it a try.

Marc

 

[RobF]

Thanks

I have been tempted by some larger models but I know they are going to show up my most weak area and that is faces. I am also a little worried about messing up an expensive figure and so far I have not liked metal figures that much - maybe I just tried the wrong ones.

I just ordered my first box of 35th scale figures (these are smaller than 54mm yes?) so I can start (hopefully) to improve

 

[Brent Fordham]

Those gaming figures are very well done.

 

[Jamie Stokes]

Rob,
you have picked up on the basics of shading and highlighting, and if you are using acrylics, layers too.

War game stuff tends towards higher contrasts, for two reasons
1- make figures stand out
2- because of their smaller scale, the contrasts are pushed to an exaggerated point.

If you have a friend stand still, then you walk away to a distance where you friend appears the same size as a mini at half arms length, it will become apparent quickly that contrasts on a figure need to be exaggerated that much more to carry over the idea.

As you scale up in figures, the need for contrast decreases in proportion also.

Faces;
You are heading in the right direction, hunt the net for face painting tutorials (no, not kids or Indian face paint )or even a model mag.

There may even be a sbs on here, try the search function.

You can always get some spare heads from somewhere, just make sure they are sculpted and cast well. Practice, practice, post, get feedback, practice some more....

Cheers