WIP Critique Rider of Rohan

[John Ballard]

I have never done a fantasy figure before nor have I attempted a horse. So this project is a combination of both challenges. Sculpted at 75mm scale in Magic Sculpt with decorations added in Tamiya putty, wire and lead foil. I just have the reins and the stirrups to add when the rider is done.

John

 

[peedee]

Ohhhhhh John what a great subject

I watched the film at Easter and thought why are there not lots of these for us to paint?

It looks really nice and chunky, a proper grass fed warbeast, and not a posh skinny prancing pony.

Well done Mr Original.

Paul.

 

[Borek]

Hey John

I apologize in advance for my google-english ...

They did a lot of work, it is without debate. However, certainly you should focus on the following shortcomings:

The hind legs are too far apart and are unnaturally straight. In reality, the leg and the knee narrows the foot to the heel. Both heels of the horse are closer together.

Chest horse is narrower (much narrower than butt).

In this low-rearing horse would not have front legs so badly bent. So that the front legs so well, it would be horse high up the raise.

The seat is shifted too far; pommel should be above the withers of the horse.

The neck is too short.

+ other minor flaws.

Definitely I highly recommend to you the excellent free e-book by Sergey Zlobov here on PF
(here: http://www.planetfigure.com/threads/free-e-book-modelsculpt-sbs-great-tutorial.65302/ )

I also recommend (due to large scale), more elaborate detail. They are too rough, it wanted to soften and smooth.

Definitely a great job however (if this is your first horse). You should have seen my first .

Cheers Borek

 

[John Ballard]

Paul Thanks for the encouragement.

Borek You are right about the many errors in detail, I will add though that this is designed to be a heavy horse, such as a Percheron etc. It therefore has a different physiognomy than the magnificent Arabian sculpted in the book. It is also a fantasy subject which allows more digression from strict anatomical accuracy. The object is to go for something that conveys the weight and strength of these heavy horses, I did use a reference photo for the basic pose and the angles of the forelegs match that fairly closely. I think every starting sculptor has trouble smoothing out very fine detail so any tricks that you know of to help in that regard would be much appreciated.

John

 

[Borek]

Paul Thanks for the encouragement.

Borek You are right about the many errors in detail, I will add though that this is designed to be a heavy horse, such as a Percheron etc. It therefore has a different physiognomy than the magnificent Arabian sculpted in the book. It is also a fantasy subject which allows more digression from strict anatomical accuracy. The object is to go for something that conveys the weight and strength of these heavy horses, I did use a reference photo for the basic pose and the angles of the forelegs match that fairly closely. I think every starting sculptor has trouble smoothing out very fine detail so any tricks that you know of to help in that regard would be much appreciated.

John

Hi John

I'm afraid that the only trick is ... great care. Some experienced sculptors make difficult and complex details "in one go", but for a beginner it is much better to do the basics, after hardening finish or smooth scalpel first, afterwards sandpaper (fine), and then modeled additional layers of detail. It's tedious and exacting, but it come to this hobby simply belongs. It pays to care.

Regarding anatomy, although in different breeds of horses will differ in many details, the basic skeleton structure quadrupedal mammals have very similar aspects (see perhaps the hind legs or the chest width or length of the neck).It's a question of the final impression of the figure, it will always be better if you keep the basic usage. Alter the anatomy, such as creating fantastic animals or fantastic variations on existing species, it is the high level of sculpting (and art in general). Especially when you start, it's good to absorb basic knowledge of anatomy, learn to apply them to sculptwork, and only when you have a lot of experience with this basic level areas then it is good to move on and start (based on basic knowledge) to create anatomical variations and differences .

Please do not take this as an attack, I like your work and I'm just trying to help and guide you, if it'll happen.

Keep it up. As I said, if you'd seen my first horse, you would not hold out laughing: D.

Have a nice day

Cheers Borek