WIP Critique "Welcome The Dawn", Rorkes Drift 1879

[Eludia]

Hey folks,

I'm just about to start this piece with a view to entering it into my local IPMS club's Christmas comp.



It is, of course, the fabulous 54mm mini-diorama from Beneito entitled "Rorkes Drift 1879". At this point I'd like to thank Jose Hidalgo for not only providing a fantastic model but for sending me a pm, totally out of the blue, offering to replace the rifle after I mentioned in another thread that I had snapped the bayonet off in my usual ham-fisted approach to modelling. He sent the new rifle, free of charge from Spain, which I received within a few days. A true gent who has restored my faith in human nature, thanks Jose

So, anyhoo, back to the model. I haven't done much so far, its still very much in the prep stage. I've cleaned up the parts, glued some of the major bits together, I did some minor filling and got some primer onto the base. I'm trying a black primer for the first time, I usually use white or grey. So here's where he's at for now:



I also already have a title plate ready to go onto the base once its done (thanks to Name-It):



And, in a vain attempt to get organised, I decided to spend a bit of time premixing the main colours which will then be stored in the fridge/freezer. I spent about half an hour getting the main uniform colours ready this morning and I'll probably tackle some flesh tones and some grey/white values this afternoon. I've shown the colours used so far and also one of the nifty home-made palettes that I've cobbled together from a sandwich box and a cheap tile (I'm actually quite proud of them /sniff).



Thanks for tuning in. Comments and critique are welcomed, as always

 

[Viking Bob]

I will watch this , looking forward to it. A favourite period.

 

[T-34/85]

Definitely will follow your progress on this one. This has been on my wish list since it came out. Just a heads up that I'm sure you already know, The tunic colors will be darker with the black primer. I made a vignette with the 75mm figures of Lts Bromhead, Chard and Color Sgt Borne. Bromhead I painted first as a stand alone figure and primed him in white. Then I got the other two and primed them in black and thought they would make a nice scene together. I stupidly believed there wouldn't be that much of a difference. That won't be an issue here but I did learn what should have been a common sense lesson.

Tom

 

[Joe55]

Yes sir, I'll be keeping track of this little project!

Joe

 

[Andyfettes]

This looks fantastic mate I cant wait to see progress

 

[Richie]

Hi Billy,
I can only echo your sentiments about Jose. Now then, down to business mate, I'm looking forward to watching this one develop. I love your title for this piece, very fitting.
cheers
Richie

 

[peedee]

lovely figure, looking foward to seeing your progress
Paul

 

[maxag]

Following...

 

[Eludia]

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement guys

@Tony - I'll probably only use the black primer on the base, too many bright tones on the figure.

@ Richie - nice to see you looking in mate but I now have that weird feeling you get when the boss turns up unexpectedly, no pressure then

 

[Ybrossculpts]

Hi Billy,
I'm with the Chimp on this one, it's an excellent piece. The combination of the well sculpted figure and the diorama once painted will really be a lovely looking model. Will be enjoying watching it's progression.
Regards
Chris.

 

[swralph]

Looking forward to this Billy.

 

[Eludia]

I did a bit more premixing last night while watching the telly, flesh tones and greys:



And the colours used to mix them. First the flesh tones:



and the greys:



I'm hoping to get some primer on the figure today and make a start on the base while that cures.

 

[Stephan]

I will come bye, sit here, read and drink a beer, keep us updated.

 

[Ron Tamburrini]

Hey folks,

I'm just about to start this piece with a view to entering it into my local IPMS club's Christmas comp.

View attachment 209943

It is, of course, the fabulous 54mm mini-diorama from Beneito entitled "Rorkes Drift 1879". At this point I'd like to thank Jose Hidalgo for not only providing a fantastic model but for sending me a pm, totally out of the blue, offering to replace the rifle after I mentioned in another thread that I had snapped the bayonet off in my usual ham-fisted approach to modelling. He sent the new rifle, free of charge from Spain, which I received within a few days. A true gent who has restored my faith in human nature, thanks Jose

So, anyhoo, back to the model. I haven't done much so far, its still very much in the prep stage. I've cleaned up the parts, glued some of the major bits together, I did some minor filling and got some primer onto the base. I'm trying a black primer for the first time, I usually use white or grey. So here's where he's at for now:

View attachment 209944 View attachment 209945

I also already have a title plate ready to go onto the base once its done (thanks to Name-It):

View attachment 209946

And, in a vain attempt to get organised, I decided to spend a bit of time premixing the main colours which will then be stored in the fridge/freezer. I spent about half an hour getting the main uniform colours ready this morning and I'll probably tackle some flesh tones and some grey/white values this afternoon. I've shown the colours used so far and also one of the nifty home-made palettes that I've cobbled together from a sandwich box and a cheap tile (I'm actually quite proud of them /sniff).

View attachment 209947 View attachment 209948

Thanks for tuning in. Comments and critique are welcomed, as always

On its own blue black is a dangerous colour Billy , might want to mix in a little Ivory or Mars black with it

 

[Wings5797]

A cracking piece Billy.
As you know I am an advocate of limited colours to 5 on the pallet and look forward to following your progress with your colour choice.
More great paint on the back of your last piece Mate and I wish you well.
Keith

 

[Eludia]

On its own blue black is a dangerous colour Billy , might want to mix in a little Ivory or Mars black with it

Thanks for the heads up Ron

I tend to use it as a (very) muted blue rather than a black to be fair. I don't actually own a black oil paint (except for whatever is in the blue-black, a bit of Ivory black I think).

 

[Eludia]

A cracking piece Billy.
As you know I am an advocate of limited colours to 5 on the pallet and look forward to following your progress with your colour choice.
More great paint on the back of your last piece Mate and I wish you well.
Keith

Cheers Keith,

Only eight paints used (so far), although you may have noticed that I have sneaked a new colour into my box. I won't tell you what it is, I'll see if you can spot it

 

[Wings5797]

Cheers Keith,

Only eight paints used (so far), although you may have noticed that I have sneaked a new colour into my box. I won't tell you what it is, I'll see if you can spot it

Good question Billy..........
I know that you chose Paynes Grey to avoid Black but I cannot see either.
On the blues the Blue/Black is an interesting selection, not an easy one to work with. I think that the Ultramarine is the new addition?
You have quite a range of 'reds' Scarlet, Venetian and Burnt Umber.
Yellows, Windsor and Ochre.
Plus White is the eight.
For me I have a dark blue, black, scarlet, yellow (ochre) and white. It takes a bit of time to get the colour you want sometimes though.
For all that I think that your mix's are superb and you are a brave man to put them in the fridge.
All the best Mate,
Keith

 

[Eludia]

I used Paynes Grey in my water-mixable oil box, I'm using blue-black instead after switching to "real" oils as the blueness is similar to the Artisan PG.

My new addition is Venetian Red, I bought it a few weeks ago and this will be the first time its used in anger. Initial impressions are good, it is very opaque so (I'm hoping) it'll make a good base for the red tunic It also behaves well in mixes, I especially like the flesh tones - on the palette at least, we'll see how they look when transferred to the figure

My "limited" palette is stealthily growing into an "unlimited" palette under my nose. I need to get over my addiction to earth colours I think and try mixing my own (or try a limited earth palette...now there's an idea )

 

[Wings5797]

Wow you have a lot going on away from the figures Billy. I love it.
There are some great painters and sculptors here who's work is instantly recognisable, this is through years of establishing a style or base colour pallet. I have and most likely never will establish either of these. I enjoy trying to do at least one thing using a different method on every thing I do. I have this 'dream' that one day it will all come together and I will sculpt and paint an amazing figure then I will call it a day. I am close to calling it a day but after more than fifty years I am still learning.
I am interested in your earth pallet and look forward to seeing how it works when you use it to the full.
Cheers,
Keith