Painting Figures With Acrylics

[Jim Patrick]

Saw this a few weeks ago when Andrea emailed out their monthly flyer and I have to admit, I was kind of anxious to see this announced. I saw it tonight on Andrea's website.

http://www.andrea-miniatures.com/marketUsa/AspsProductos/Detalle.asp?IdProductoDetalle=1592

Hopefully this book will be just what so many newcomers in this hobby need.

Jim Patrick

 

[S1LVERBACK]

I have the Painting Horses and The Golden West books in these series and I have to say, although very inspiring and nice books to have, it wasn't elaborate enough to my taste to be usefull in actually teaching me techniques. This may very well be diffrent for others so in that aspect it's just my personal opinion. That doesn't mean I don't like the books either. I Acctualy like them a lot.

 

[Babelfish]

Try as I might (and God knows I've tried!) I just can't seem to get the hang of painting only with acrylics. So invariably I find myself going back to oils over acrylics.

I do like a nice book though, so I might just pick one up anyway. But in terms of improving my acrylics-only painting technique, I think I'll stand more of a chance if I shake hands with Messrs Ruina and Cartacci at Euromil and hope that some of the 'magic dust' rubs off!

- Steve

 

[toy4x4]

Nice find! The figure I have up next in my "To Do" list is Olfo "Fast Feet" who is on the cover!

 

[Jim Patrick]

I have the Painting Horses and The Golden West books in these series and I have to say, although very inspiring and nice books to have, it wasn't elaborate enough to my taste to be usefull in actually teaching me techniques. This may very well be diffrent for others so in that aspect it's just my personal opinion. That doesn't mean I don't like the books either. I Acctualy like them a lot.

I agree with you on some of their books Eric. I have most of the Andrea books and I have to admit I do find some inspiration here and there. I guess I just like to collect books . Some of the things we have to consider is:

1- The language. It's not easy writing a book in your native tounge and then having it translated.

2- There probably will never be a "know all, do all" book or article done. There's just too many areas open for interpatation and individual styles. Although Shep Paines' books and the acrylic article by Mario Fuents are VERY close to this.

I don't think Andrea plays "I have a secret" but at times the SBS included in their books leaves something to be desired.

I will buy this book without a doubt and give it a try. So? We will see.....

Jim Patrick

 

[Jim Patrick]

Try as I might (and God knows I've tried!) I just can't seem to get the hang of painting only with acrylics. So invariably I find myself going back to oils over acrylics.

I do like a nice book though, so I might just pick one up anyway. But in terms of improving my acrylics-only painting technique, I think I'll stand more of a chance if I shake hands with Messrs Ruina and Cartacci at Euromil and hope that some of the 'magic dust' rubs off!

- Steve

Steve? I say stick with what works for you! In no way shape, form or fashion should ANYONE in this hobby do something a certian way just because someone else does it this way. That's what makes this art form so much fun. Learn something here and there with the intention of tweaking your own style. But to change something that we are comfortable with? I say no way! Stick with what works for you.

Like you though, I am always interested in a good book and for $20 maybe this one isn't so bad. Hey, there are a lot worse things out there to spend $20 on.......

Jim Patrick

 

[Anders Heintz]

I'm sure this one will be better then the golden west book. That book never claimed to be much of a learning tool, just a cool book wig cowboys and Indians and a few tips here and there.

This one explicitly states it is a guide and as such I would imagine it to do just that. Any book on the subject of figures is welcomed and I'll also be picking up a copy when available.

As for the language, I know for a fact that this has been addressed and you will find that newer Andrea publications be better written in their English titles. Now I can't vouch for this one but I know it is coming.

 

[Babelfish]

Steve? I say stick with what works for you! In no way shape, form or fashion should ANYONE in this hobby do something a certian way just because someone else does it this way. That's what makes this art form so much fun. Learn something here and there with the intention of tweaking your own style. But to change something that we are comfortable with? I say no way! Stick with what works for you.

Like you though, I am always interested in a good book and for $20 maybe this one isn't so bad. Hey, there are a lot worse things out there to spend $20 on.......

Jim Patrick

I agree entirely Jim, there is no single "right" way and it's the end result that counts.

But while on the one hand I know I'll never reach the dizzy heights achieved by the top guys in the hobby or even that of many of the guys who post regularly here, their techniques and the results that they achieve still inspire me to take a pop at emulating their methods as well sometimes, to see what happens. Which it can be challenging, inspiring and depressing all at the same time!

I think you've nailed it though, i.e. learn from others to fine-tune your own style. And if I can notice a modicum of improvement from one figure to the next, I'm a happy camper.

- Steve

 

[Jazz]

I agree with Steve Riley. For me acrylics are used as an undercoat for oils or for small pieces like boots and shoes, and metallic objects. Try as I might I just can't seem to get the effect I want with acrylics. They just look too flat. For me oils give a figure (or bust) life, so I guess that I am an Oily.

 

[mcsneed17]

first where can i buy this in the usa and i do have a lot of painting but right now i value the acrylic books because the paint does have the tonic fumes like enamels and oils.

 

[skeeterbuck]

Well...I states on the cover "The complete guide for basic to advanced figure painters", so I would hope that it would be a good step by step guide. I guess we'll just have to wait until someone gets the book and does a review to know for sure.

I look at it this way, if I learn several new techniques to help with my painting, it would be money well spent.

 

[Jim Patrick]

first where can i buy this in the usa and i do have a lot of painting but right now i value the acrylic books because the paint does have the tonic fumes like enamels and oils.

In the states you can buy it direct from Andrea Depot, down in Texas.


http://www.andrea-miniatures.com/marketUsa/AspsInicio/inicio.asp

Jim Patrick

 

[toy4x4]

Already ordered along with the Norse Blacksmith!

 

[Jim Patrick]

Sweet Terry, let us know what you think when it arrives.

Jim Patrick

 

[toy4x4]

Even better, I'll let you know my impressions and bring it to the workshop.

 

[megroot]

I agree with Steve Riley. For me acrylics are used as an undercoat for oils or for small pieces like boots and shoes, and metallic objects. Try as I might I just can't seem to get the effect I want with acrylics. They just look too flat. For me oils give a figure (or bust) life, so I guess that I am an Oily.

I agree,
The same here.

Marc