Tomoe Gozen

[Lou Masses]

These are early pics I had posted elsewhere, but she's almost done and I wanted to show a sort of "Before and After". This pic is from her "make up" being applied.
As my wife always says, I can't do two things at once, so there's a big gap in photos and steps here.

 

[garyjd]

About time we saw something from you Lou. lol. I can't wait for the "after" pics. That's a neat piece.~Gary

 

[Guy]

*Spectacular* Lou................anxious to see the next step.

guy

 

[gordy]

Wow! Gorgeous work on the eyes, i'd swear it was a real photo if not for the primered headdress

 

[Joe Hudson]

Lou,

I have to agree, very nice and I am also looking forward to seeing more pictures!

Joe

 

[Lou Masses]

Thanks Guys,

Gary- I find it virtually impossible to paint, stop, take pictures, etc. I suck at photography on top of that. I usually don't paint for months and then do marathons of 5 hours per night for 2 weeks. So that's another reason I don't post "in progress" because you'll see the face and then nothing for 6 months <_<

I'm not crazy about the way the crown is coming out. It was difficult to drill out all of the little holes in it without breaking parts and then to paint it in metallic without having the metal clump. On the finished piece you'll see what I mean.

Although I typically don't like to do it, because of the scale I'll be using real cord for the cords which attach her armor plates to her torso. The kit didn't come with anything to replicate that.

Overall, the composition of the kit is fantastic. Her pose, expression, the armor all very good. A little bit of filler here and there and most issues are worked out.

Thanks for the comments. SHe should be done soon.

 

[KeithP]

This is quite lovely Lou. The composition of the eyes pupil, iris and catchlight is well done.

I emphathize with your photography statements. For me, if I am taking photo's I ain't working on the figure. Not enough time for everything...

So, share your progress photo's when you can.

Keith

 

[Guy]

hey Lou,
I had a hard time at first painting and taking pics too. You'll notice most of my in-progress shots are taken with no backdrop, just right on the bench as I am working. It took a little while to get used to but is not too bad now. I re-size and touch up the pics sometimes hours later and post. I don't worry too much about the final quality until the last shots of the finished work. It, like everything else, just takes some getting used to. I know alot of painters who haven't painted as long as you and I would really enjoy the progress shots as well.

guy

 

[Lou Masses]

Thanks again all,

Part of the problem I have with photogrpahy is that it's digital now and you really don't see what you're getting until it's up on the screen. The little 1 1/2 screen on the camera is deceiving and what looks ok there ends up blurry in reality.
The other issue is focus. WHile I'm painting I get so focused, that to stop and take a pic throws me off.

Maybe the next figure I'll try. Or maybe I'll train my 5 year old to take pictures.

 

[Lou Masses]

Well she is done. Here she is......

More when I can get that photobucket up and running.Thanks GOrdy!

 

[Guy]

WOW..................absolutely beautiful Lou...............whew.....I hope you post some more pics of the rest of her,

guy

 

[John Long]

Realy nice Lou. I like the way the pattern changes at the edge to compensate for the corded edge.

 

[TomRiddle]

Stunning Lou!

Maybe next time you could try this...

Might get some interesting results.

Tom

 

[Lou Masses]

Let's see how this photobucket works....

 

[Lou Masses]

Ok, mnow I understand. I have to link each one. Sorry....

Please note that the base is not complete. Still need to "fix" where the kit supplied base meets the final base and add the nameplate. I intend to add the name in Japanese.

More will be posted in my gallery.

PLease let me know if you have any questions..

Lou

 

[gordy]

Stunning! The detail work is phenomenal

 

[Kreston]

Great work, Lou. You have done an excellent job in replicating the different textures of the armor (and it's lacing), metallics, and silk.

 

[Roc]

Hey lou,

Nice work.
Keep it up.
Roc.

 

[fsdesimone]

Wow Lou, that's truly impressive.

How did you do the metallics?

Francesca

 

[Lou Masses]

Thanks.

The pictures are too big. She looks like shite to me. You can't see any highlighting and shading.

Francesca, the are well, metallics. Renn. Gold, Antique gold and brass from the Rose powders and gunze sangyo gold. The pwders were mixed with Japan drier and blended and mixed and bleneded just like any other color. The gunze sangyo gold was used on the arm plates (on her left arm) to differentiate that armor from the "lace" armor. It was buffed when done.