Saxon Thane

[Chris Ribchester]

My last one completed, trying different things hopefully getting a bit better.
Started my next figure, full figure, mainly white a Dutch Grenedier , this will be interesting , haha

Chris
funny how you only see bits that need touching up after you've posted , typical.

 

[Babelfish]

Hi Chris,

The basics are all there but I would suggest that you work on your contrasts more (shading & highlighting). Even a simple dark wash of something like raw umber (for example) would make all the difference on the helmet and make the detail "pop" with more dimension. Ditto for the chainmail. The cloak looks very glossy, but if it's oil paints that could be because they're still wet.

The shield looks great, a simple enough design but getting the segments the same size and shape can be trickier than it looks! But again, it would benefit from more dimension, and a bit of "muckying up" around the edges!

Make no mistake though, you are on the right track. Thanks for the share.

- Steve

 

[billyturnip]

I thought the same as Steve when I looked at it too but it looks to me like you have used a flash when you have taken the photos and lost the contrasts.
I know from personal experience comments about photography can be a bit disheartening but to get useful critique it's best not to use a flash.
If this isn't the case follow Steve's advice, either way you're on the right track.

 

[Babelfish]

Just having another look at this Chris and in the second pic I'm seeing a bit of white (presumably primer?) between his beard and the chainmail.

A useful tip there would be to run a thin, dark partition line between the two. In this case I'd suggest a very dark brown such as Vandyke Brown. Ditto under the bottom edge of the cloak (in fact all such "border areas" can benefit fron this).

If as I suspect you are painting in oils, you can then gently feather it in to create a smooth and subtle transition, yet still preserving a nice sharp dark "border" line right against the very edge to give the whole thing more depth and simulate very dark shadow (also a good technique for the undercuts of pockets, belts, trouser flys etc.)

- Steve

 

[swralph]

Nice work Chris.
Go with what Steve and Roger said.
Here is a great video which I think is good for beginners,it's in German with English subtitles.

 

[Viking Bob]

Well done for this one, nice clean painting.

 

[peedee]

Nice one Chris.

It's about time we bumped into each other again pal

Paul.

 

[Chris Ribchester]

Thanks all, believe or not i'm using acrylics , yes the flash is coming on, will turn it off for next pic's.
It's first time I've tried this amount of highlights , at this stage I was reasonably happy with outcome
but will take on board the tips made on the next one I try, will watch the video when I get a bit of quiet time.

Paul , Intending to get to Telford on the Sunday ?, it's just before my birthday so I should have a bit of money to spend,
if you are going to be there will watch out for you.

Chris