Mitches 200mm Ivan Kozhedub Bust

[Guest]

Hello all.

To keep my self sane (see Viking thread), I thought I'd have a go at a 200mm Mitches bust of Ivan Kozhedub, the Soviet fighter ace. This is a two part piece, beautifully sculpted by Pavel Ovecka for the 'V' bust range. There are two other Soviet subjects in the series, one of Victor Kuskov the naval hero, and one titled 'Unknown Hero' though there's no doubt that it is meant to depict Vasily Zaytsev. I've attempted the last before and given up on it (very odd face), but I have also bought the first.

Ivan's face is more or less done:



Quite challenging painting in the current heat wave - paint drying almost as soon as it leaves the palette - but this was lovely to work on (good clean detail and an excellent casting). The helmet is just primed in black for now.

This is the torso:



As you can see, lots of lovely detail to work on without being too OTT. The helmet and goggles next.

[Guest]

just sorted out the eyes a bit more:



I'll leave the face alone now.

[Tim Marlow]

Not letting the grass grow under your feet are you LOL....
Glad this one has worked out for you...
Cheers
Tim

[Guest]

The unknown soldier isn’t Vasily, but is no longer unknown, just can’t remember who he is.

[JR]

Peter.
Great choice, front row as normal .
John.

[Guest]

Tim - I always get into a panic after a failed project and find I need to crack on and try to build up my confidence again.

Jay - Perhaps it's this bloke:



Victor Zavalin, Hero of the Soviet Union.

John - Welcome . Thought you might like this one. I've done a wee bit more to the face, adding detail, lightening some of the shadows etc. Really must leave it alone now.

[Guest]

That’s him

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Peter
I know mate, just trying to lighten your mood a little :tongue-out:

[JR]

Be pleased Peter when you paint his hat, as I have just done mine and it looks the wrong colour.:loudly-crying:
John.

[Guest]

Tim - :thumb2:

John - Don't worry too much about colour. The Russians used a wide range of materials, in many different colours - whatever was available when needed. Leather caps could go from black to light tan, ditto fur caps.

[JR]

Cheers Peter.
I shall leave it alone , just the star to do .
John.

[monica]

very nice work there ,Peter,liking it a lot ,:thumb2::smiling:

[Guest]

That's the way John.

Cheers Monica.

[Guest]

Helmet and goggles done:



The helmet was fun to work on with all of that detail. The perspex in Sovet goggles was clear, so I've painted it as though the helmet is showing through, then given it a coat of gloss varnish to suggest shine.

[Jim R]

Hi Peter
Thought I had already commented
That is a superb head. Helmet is stunning.
Jim