Completed Shea Brennan 1883

[MalcC]

I've finally got the opportunity to make a start on my Shea Brennan bust.

After applying a base coat of Scale 75 basic flesh, I mixed up a palette of oils suitable for this bust.

Initially I applied varying tones to the face, the carefully blended them in.

Following this I began to add some highlights and strengthen the shadows to add to the contrast.

These again were carefully blended in to create a smooth graduation of the colours.

The head has now been to put aside to let the oils dry and settle, before adding the final details.


Malc

 

[MalcC]

More photos to be added shortly, thanks to Nap.

Malc

 

[Nap]

Hi Malc

Photos added mate for you

Very nicely done , liking the look of this

Out of interest can you post pics if possible of the oils you've used please

Following with interest

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[clubcat]

some good flesh tones there Malc
Like nap I would be interested in the palette of colours you've used.

 

[SUPER ANTO]

Excellent paint job. Awaiting updates....

 

[MalcC]

Thank you for your interest in the palette, and I'll do my best to explain how I produce it.
Nap is going to add the photo of it shortly. ( Thanks Nap)

To begin with I cut two sizes from a roll of greaseproof paper. One larger than the other.

The smaller piece is used for mixing the oils.

For the oils itself, I use the Old Holland brand, they're a very good quality and provide a nice smooth finish.

For the odd colour here and there Winsor and Newton are used.

Firstly equal amounts of Burnt Siena and Golden Ochre are set out.

Then some Titanium White, Cadmium Red Light, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Umber, Naples Yellow and finally a very small amount of Viridian.

Mix both the Burnt Siena together with the Golden Ochre, then to this add a very small amount of Viridian.
This helps to kill off any orangey tones that the Burnt Siena can produce.

To the mix then add a a little Cadmium Red Light, again not too much or it will produce a pinky tone.

Now add some Titanium White to this to produce the first Flesh tone. ( See photo for a guide)

Then to a section of this add some more white to create the mid tone, and the repeat this process with the mid tone to produce the highlight tone.

For the shadow tones, mix a little Alizarin Crimson and Burnt Umber together.

Finally for the top highlight, mix a little Naples yellow to some Titanium White.

To keep the palette usable, I place the larger sheet of greaseproof paper over the top, Flatten it down ,and fold it up, and then store in a sealed pot.

This should remain useable for a couple of weeks.

I hope this helps if you have any more questions, please ask.

Malc

 

[MalcC]

My thanks again to Nap, who is going to add the photos shortly......click on pics for larger images

After letting the oils dry and settle, I've deepened the shadows where necessary and pushed the highlights a little further.

Some fine detail was added.

I'm going to see if any more detail needs adding, before going on to the next stage.

Malc

 

[Wayneb]

Flesh tones look very good so far.......Keep it going......

Wayne

 

[NigelR]

Very nice flesh work. Although I am committed to using acrylics now, every time I see lovely work in oils like this I am tempted to go back to them. Stop tempting me!

 

[Larsen E. Whipsnade]

Looks great!
Rick

 

[Viking Bob]

That's a great start, love the flesh tones. I have just started to watch 1883, loving it.

 

[frog]

Outstanding work Malc looking forward to seeing this finished

Dave

 

[MalcC]

Very nice flesh work. Although I am committed to using acrylics now, every time I see lovely work in oils like this I am tempted to go back to them. Stop tempting me!

I'll do my best not to tempt you, as I use acrylics more then oils nowadays, but in this instance I thought oils would prove a better option on this scale.
Although you're concentrating on acrylics, don't forget you can still use oils to enhance your work, for instance a wash of burnt umber over a brown leather belt/strap can add some vibrancy to your subject.

Malc

 

[Jimbo]

Looks great, superb flesh tones Malc,
Cheers
Jim

 

[MalcC]

Today I've painted in the eyes and began work on his hair moustache and of course his eyebrows.
These have all be done with Scale 75 paints, and then a thin was of Sepia oils to flow into the recesses.
I'll build up the detail in my next session.
The hat at this stage is purely the base colour.
Again my thanks to Nap is kindly going to add the photos for me.
I have to add, that I'm really enjoying painting this bust, it's the first time I've worked on this scale.

Malc



The pics ...click on for larger images

Nap

 

[Steve Ski]

This is looking really good. I use wax paper for my oil pallete, too.

 

[NigelR]

Eyes are looking good. There's no hiding place in such a large scale, I would be wary of doing such a large scale figure or bust. You're doing very well here IMO.

 

[MalcC]

Eyes are looking good. There's no hiding place in such a large scale, I would be wary of doing such a large scale figure or bust. You're doing very well here IMO.

Nigel
From what I've seen of your artwork, I think you're more then capable of painting this scale.

Malc

 

[marco14]

Today I've painted in the eyes and began work on his hair moustache and of course his eyebrows.
These have all be done with Scale 75 paints, and then a thin was of Sepia oils to flow into the recesses.
I'll build up the detail in my next session.
The hat at this stage is purely the base colour.
Again my thanks to Nap is kindly going to add the photos for me.
I have to add, that I'm really enjoying painting this bust, it's the first time I've worked on this scale.

Malc

View attachment 464266 View attachment 464267 View attachment 464268

The pics ...click on for larger images

Nap

damn,that looking fantastic,just real keep it going
Mario

 

[Ferris]

Very realistic and smooth painting!

Adrian