W.I.P. Greek Thespian Hoplite at Thermopylae

[paulyrichard]

Thanks dudes.

This is jus' a small update on the interior of the shield, regardin' the rope loops created with liquid putty. Mr. Dissolved Liquid Putty, get some soon!

 

[periklis_sale]

WOOOOOW!!!! Very nice my friend!!!! I would preffer to see the rope with a bit of a slack and not so tight!!! But it looks very nice!!!!

 

[paulyrichard]

Periklis, i'm unsure of the colour of this guys armour. Should I go for the blackened Gunmetal look, or the straight bronze?!

Any help by anyone would be much appreciated.

 

[paulyrichard]

I've finished the shield. The symbol is that of Artemis, Goddess of the Moon, they're patron goddess. I painted this free-hand usin' very thin paint, once I had the symmetry right I then slightly thickened the paint and blocked it in. Then I tidied up the outside of the design with thinned black paint.

For the bronze edges of the shield, I gave them a pin wash by first coatin' the bronze colour with Johnson's (future) Klear, a vinyl floor gloss varnish, with a brush. This was used as a seal or barrier to stop the bronze acrylic paint from soakin' up the wash and leavin' hard edges. We all know that acrylic paint is very porous. Then Burnt Sienna mixed with Lamp Black oil paint and water, was used for the wash.

 

[Jeff T]

.

Paul, the shield looks awesome!

As you say, this figure is a test of painting black, it gets hard to keep trying to vary it, but you are doing a great job so far.


Cheers,
Jeff.

 

[periklis_sale]

Paul i would tell you if you mean the metal parts only ok? to go for bronze as i dont have any reference of gun metal!!!!

 

[paulyrichard]

Thanks Jeff, thanks Periklis.

Periklis, that is what I intended on doin', goin' for straight bronze. I cannot rationalise Gunmetal coloured armour in an 'age of bronze', can you?! Thanks man.

 

[paulyrichard]

Here, i've made a start on the armour. I chose a straight bronze colour 'cos I jus' couldn't rationalise the theory of these guys havin' blackened gunmetal armour. I suppose I maybe proved wrong, but I don't care 'cos i'm totally down and at home with what i've done.

I used Vallejo alcohol based metallics, and these are the mutt's nuts! They're so smooth, dry instantly without any buildup and they're totally in scale with no suspended out of scale flake effects, that so many acrylic paints have. The metallic look is jus' so sublime and definitive, I cannot reccommend these enough!

 

[billyturnip]

Very nice indeed Paul. Crickets rained off so you might as well paint.
Thanks for the tip about Vallejo metallic paints I currently use the games workshop ones but might give Vallejo a try.

Roger

 

[paulyrichard]

The armour paintin' is now completed.

For the helmet and greaves I used Vallejo 794 'Red Gold' as a basecoat, then 791 'Gold' was used for a highlight and final coat, this colour is jus' a slightly natural shade lighter and was drybrushed. These paints are so smooth, they drybrush so well with no noticeable transition, they jus' naturally blend in as long as you don't pick too much of a contrasty shade. Then for the edged decoration on his helmet 796 'White Gold' was used.

 

[eissteban]

i'm in love with this figure

 

[paulyrichard]

Thanks a lot, Sebastien. I'm glad to see I still have your interest with this figure. Cheers man.

 

[paulyrichard]

I've got the flesh painted in on this, now. For that I used Vallejo 876 Brown Sand. Burnt Sienna mixed with Lamp Black was used for the shadin', while Cadmium Dark Red mixed with Naples Yellow Hue was used for the highlights. The only thing left now, is the kopis.

 

[megroot]

Paul,
Somewhere i missed this treat. Now i'm in and will follow it very close. Your approach is excellent. What a great painted figure.
And one cell brained Paris is still in jaill?? If so, ( i don't follow the story of here life) you won the trofee.

marc

 

[Jeff T]

.

Paul, this is looking great!!!

Beautiful work on the flesh tones mate, its really coming to life now.

Excellent.

Cheers,
Jeff.

 

[Roc]

Paul, looks fantastic, looking forwaqrd to your next step.
Keep up the good work.

Cheers
Roc

 

[paulyrichard]

Thanks a lot guys, thanks for your interest.

Thanks to Costas for suggestin' the 'Brown Sand' colour for the flesh. I was a little bewildered as to what the ideal colour maybe for a Greek Hoplite. So thanks, man.

 

[paulyrichard]

Ths is the figure finally finished. On with the base work, now.

 

[billyturnip]

Paul this is simply beautiful. I've got to say your photography skills are pretty darn good too!

Roger

 

[eissteban]

hi Paul
i repeat my words : What a beautiful figure
You have done a really pure beauty !
I'm very interesting by the colours used for the flesh, all are acrylics ?

Seb.