WIP Critique Sumothay - Barbarian Warrior

[Bailey]

After seeing all of the fantastic work at the 2012 MFCA show, especially in the fantasy/sci-fi category, I got inspired to try another non-historical figure. I'm making a real effort with this figure to improve the quality of my painting. I'm going to try and post pictures of this model as I go, sharing what I'm doing and my paint mixes, so the vBench seemed like the right place for this. However, I would like it if anyone commenting would also treat this as if it were in the "Brutal Honesty" section. While encouragement is always appreciated, I'm really trying to push myself so feel free to be as honest as you can.

The model is Sumothay from Engima miniatures, sort of a barbarian looking figure. The scale is 54mm, though his body is quite tall so he's probably closer 60mm. My painting is done entirely in acrylics.

PART I: The Face
I tried to increase the range in the highlights and shadows from what I normally do, while still getting a nice transition. I also tried to bring out the character in the face. Overall I'm happy with the face, but I'm wondering if the highlights on his cheeks and nose might need to go a little lighter.

For the eyes I used Vallejo's deck tan (986) for the whites, a mix of dark Prussian blue (899) and dark blue grey (904) for the irises, and black for the pupils.
For the skin I used Reaper Master Series Tanned Shadow (9043) mixed with Andrea's Red (1st Shadow) in about an 4 to 1 or 9 to 1 mix for the basic shadows. For the darker recesses like the inner side of the eyes, under the cheeks, and under the chin, I mixed that with Vallejo's Hull Red (985) in about a one to one mix. From the basic shadow I mixed in Reaper's Tanned Skin (9044) until I was at pure tanned skin. Then I mixed in tanned highlight (9045) until I worked up to pure tanned highlight. I tend to paint from shadows up to the highlights as opposed to painting from the mid tone out.
For the tip of the nose I used the same basic process, but this time mixed Andrea's Red (1st highlight) into the tanned skin and tanned highlight in about an 4-1 or 9-1 (skin to red) ratio.
I opted against doing any stubble, preferring the clean shaven look. I also did not paint the lips, feeling that his expression seems to be hiding them.

The hair is still a work in progress. I'm happy with the start, but I'd like to go more dramatic with the shadows and the highlights. The mix I'm using here is Vallejo's German cam black brown (822) to chocolate brown (872) and then mixing in some tanned skin for the highlights.

Thank you for taking a look!

 

[Meehan34]

I have always loved this figure. He has a lot going on with his uniform so you will have lots to experiment on. I like the face a lot and really don't think it has to have higher highlites but it wouldn't hurt becaue he has some pronounced facial features that could benefit from them. The hair is a nice start and I like the paint colors you are using.

 

[Bailey]

Thanks, Mike. I was a little surprised I haven't seen you paint this one yet. You're right about his uniform. It was one of the things that really drew me to this figure. I'm still trying to plan out the colors for all the components, but I think I'm going to try out NMM for the first time with this one. Here's hoping I can pull it off.

 

[salonikios]

this is a great figure and it is also in my painting list. I have it from Lattorre company i dont know if something has changed. Good work in the face, maybe it needs some more highlighting in the face and little more red but it's my point of view , keep on the good work i'll keep watch it

 

[Edward]

The face looks very good to me!

 

[bagelman1952]

A very good start

 

[housecarl]

Excellent start.
As you asked, I'd increase the facial highlights, add a touch of a red hue to the nose and cheeks, and darken the beard areas.
These comments are purely subjective, and not those of an expert,
Carl.

 

[SPrimeau]

Nice start David. The painting looks very clean and precise. I would also go a bit higher on those spots you noted...at least to the level you have on the top chin where it looks high enough. Just my observation. Nice work!
Scott

 

[megroot]

Very good work so far.
If i whas painting this i should go for a little bit lighter on the cheeks and nose.
Try to paint a lighter line just above the shadow on the fold that runs from his nostrils downwards the cheek.

Marc

 

[FigureLover]

I think that I wouldnt touch the face until you have finished the hair, I take it you have just to add a few highlights to the hair? After this you would see if you need to add any extra highlights to the face. Maybe a bit of 5 o'clock shadow is all I would add.
Ben