Not discouraged yet... Thor

[typhoonken]

I tried working on another figure after I was less than enthused by my first attempt. My new method was to jump in and not plan too much.

Marvel comic fans will probably recognize this paint scheme. The helmet wings are replacements. I wish I could say my kit came with only one, but I know I lost it after fumbling with the packaging. I asked my favorite jeweler (girlfriend's father) if he could make me something that resembled wings, using the remaining kit part as a template. And I asked for the least expensive material he could find. Why he chose silver over white metal I'll never understand.

Ken

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Ken,

I think you're being a bit hard on yourself mate. For a second effort that's pretty damn good. I know plenty of experienced figure modellers who'd be happy to produce a figure like that.

Most newbies struggle to achieve satisfying results in their first couple of efforts, and we've all been there. So long as it's fun and you feel that you're learning and improving with each figure, you'll gain confidence and the results will become more satisfying.

The key to becoming a better figure modeller, as in life, is to keep at it and don't judge yourself against others, but against your own expectations.

Looking at your pics I would suggest you spend a bit more time learning how to shade and highlight your figure, and really try to understand the principles of zenithal lighting effects.

In basic terms it means you're trying to replicate the effect of light falling on your figure from a single source immediately above the figure. Those areas of the figure that are exposed to full light from above will receive the highlights. Those areas that do not catch any light at all from above, receive the shadows.

Those areas in between will reflect the base colour you've chosen to paint and will be formed by a combination of shadows, highlights and base colours.

The trick is to try and make the transitions between highlights, shadows and the base colour as smooth and subtle as possible. If you take the time to read the hundreds of articles posted here in pF on this subject, you'll realise two things.

1. Everyone has their own unique approach to creating smooth, subtle transitions, and
2. We all struggle to perfect this process.

Good luck and keep at it.

 

[megroot]

Looking very good.
Further i can only echo Tony.

Marc

 

[mil-mart]

Ken, nice version of the son of Odin and a great base.

Chers Ken

 

[housecarl]

I think you've done a great job, as for the ground work superb.
Keep at it Ken,
Carl.

 

[typhoonken]

Thank you very much for looking, guys. I appreciate your comments and critiques.

I freely admit I'm too subtle with the shading and highlighting. The blue leg area is three shades of blue, while the cape is actually five shades of red.

But I make no excuses: I'd like to be bolder with the colors. I just gotta get used to it.

Thanks again.

Ken