Sergeant,23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers.AWI.

[swralph]

Hello friend's.
Here is my latest.
This is the 120mm Stormtrooper Miniature's kit.
Painted with oils and acrylics.
I keep trying to get more dirt into my figure's and I know I definitely need more practice.
What I would like, are some pointers as to how I can do better than this.
All the best.
Ralph.

 

[winfield]

Great red! About the dirt, Bill Horan has a method I have used for a while. When you mix up the color for the uniform part, add a "dirt" color to the paint when you get to his knees, elbows, or bottom. Then the dirt will be already "ground into the cloth". This muddy mix goes only where you want it; the rest of the uniform is as clean as you need. Once all that has dried you can put "fresh" dirt on top. This creates the appearance of new dirt on top of old. I like the results of this method a lot. 'Luck!

 

[valiant]

Hi Ralph - nice job! I can recommend ground up chalk pastels, dusted on with a dry brush - works for me!

 

[swralph]

Great red! About the dirt, Bill Horan has a method I have used for a while. When you mix up the color for the uniform part, add a "dirt" color to the paint when you get to his knees, elbows, or bottom. Then the dirt will be already "ground into the cloth". This muddy mix goes only where you want it; the rest of the uniform is as clean as you need. Once all that has dried you can put "fresh" dirt on top. This creates the appearance of new dirt on top of old. I like the results of this method a lot. 'Luck!

Thanks Winfield.
I've been painting for years and I still struggle at times to get a convincing dirty look with certain colours.
I will certainly try the way you have explained.
Ralph.

 

[swralph]

Hi Ralph - nice job! I can recommend ground up chalk pastels, dusted on with a dry brush - works for me!

Thanks Steve.
I did use pastels on this figure I guess I should try using a bit more.

 

[billyturnip]

Thanks Steve.
I did use pastels on this figure I guess I should try using a bit more.

I think that's the secret Ralph, just build the them up gradually as it's easy to over do. Best err on the side of caution I think.... unless of course your painting someone in the Ypres salient c.1917.
I can understand your caution on such a nicely painted figure.

 

[swralph]

I think that's the secret Ralph, just build the them up gradually as it's easy to over do. Best err on the side of caution I think.... unless of course your painting someone in the Ypres salient c.1917.
I can understand your caution on such a nicely painted figure.

Thanks for the kind words Roger.
I guess I just need to practice more.

 

[billyturnip]

I guess I just need to practice more.

I think that goes for most of us here Ralph but that's half the fun.

 

[John Bowery]

Very nicel ydone and nice base to show him off on.
Cheers
John

 

[clrsgt]

Nicely done

 

[Nap]

Ralph ,

That looks great mate lovely job on the Reds

Its always good to see your work

Nap

 

[Blind Pew]

For me, the highlight of this one is your treatment of stuff like the cartridge pouch and water bottle. Very well rendered indeed, and often overlooked or rushed.

 

[swralph]

Very nicel ydone and nice base to show him off on.
Cheers
John

Cheers John.

 

[swralph]

Nicely done

Thanks for the kind words.

 

[swralph]

Ralph ,

That looks great mate lovely job on the Reds

Its always good to see your work

Nap

Cheers Nap,glad you like it.

 

[swralph]

For me, the highlight of this one is your treatment of stuff like the cartridge pouch and water bottle. Very well rendered indeed, and often overlooked or rushed.

Thanks for the kind comments Blind.

 

[Viking Bob]

Nice paint work Ralph. Its a lovely piece all round.

 

[swralph]

Nice paint work Ralph. Its a lovely piece all round.

Thanks for the kind comments Bob.

 

[smudger1960]

Brilliant Ralph,great piece of work mate

 

[swralph]

Brilliant Ralph,great piece of work mate

Thanks for the nice comments Brian.