Young Miniatures Gladiator Bust

[Guest]

Another Young Miniatures bust and it's back to ancient Rome.

The kit comes in seven parts including the pedestal:



As you can see, there are two head options, one for wearing the helmet and the other in all his follically challenged glory (which I know something about!).

I'm going to go for the bare head as it would be a real shame to cover it, missing eye and all. I'll probably mount the helmet as though he's holding it, as I've seen someone else has done, though it seems a shame not to be able to use the alternative head for something. I'll have a think.

[Peter Gillson]

Good morning Peter

Nice to see a return to ancients.

This looks a fairly simple bust, but I suspect all of that flesh will be a challenge - one that you will no doubt relish.

Peter

[Guest]

Hi Peter

Yes, I only just thought about all of that flesh.....

[Jim R]

Hi Peter
Looks nice. Not a lot to contrast against all that flesh. Just a few straps and the shoulder armour.
Jim

[papa 695]

Another one to watch, to pickup some tips

[Guest]

Hi Jim - I think this one is all about the flesh (dammit!).

Hi Ian - You're more likely to pick up bad habits from me.

Here's the result of today's work:



The damaged eye was difficult - lots of creases and folds to get to grips with. I found that the more I painted it, the more detail kept coming to light, like the suture marks along the scar. I've given him a shaven head with classic male pattern baldness (copied from the mirror) - about time we had some baldies on the site.

[Steve Jones]

Did JR get cramp posing for this bust??:smiling5:

[Guest]

I'll leave the Wing Commander to respond to that one Steve.

[JR]

OK I see ! Take the Micky out of the cursed !
When I read that post above Steve's I thought I'll get a mention before long :thumb2: Nice one mate , made me chuckle. :smiling2::smiling2:. Matron is coming to tuck you in !!
Peter,
Looking good, not easy to paint all that skin I'm sure.
John.

[Guest]

He's a cheeky monkey John!

OK, I've had a bash at the front of the torso:



The harness is just blocked in for now.

This was really, really difficult. Blending acrylics when painting flesh is a bit of a tall order, and I modified my technique somewhat rather than try to do it wet-on-wet. That meant applying the paint in thin layers over under-painted darker tones. It got slightly easier as I went along, but it wasn't until all of the surfaces had been covered that I was able to judge the tones and try to balance them out. I'm sure to fiddle with it some more.....

[JR]

Peter.
I can see your point, any large expanse of flesh ( for me an arm ) becomes like an pair of overalls, its all then in the shading. This where you excel. I expect it will look the dogs when done, mind you its not far of that now.
John .

[Guest]

Hi John

It's like painting fabrics but without the folds and creased to animate the surface. Instead it's an exercise in blending.

[JR]

Pm sent .about painting fabric.
John.

[SteveH]

Morning Peter

Great work on the"flesh" uniform.

There are some interesting "adjustments" to the bust in the web site gallery, Colombo's done some really good leather paintwork, with the leather protective strips on the right shoulder.

I am sure there is a "proper" gladiator name for than leather work!

Your paintwork is far superior to the sunburnt, flushed, "beer tan" look on the box art, and I know you will be too far too modest to accept such praise, but its delivered.

It will be good to see your finished piece with all the leather and bronze.

Have a good day with the slight heatwave!

Its doubled in temperature up here!

Regards

Steve H

[Guest]

Hi Steve

I've seen some pretty amazing completed examples of this bust on the internet. A lot of people have gone for the gore, but that's not really my thing. I'm not particularly happy with the flesh, but I think it's the best I can do at this stage.

Nice that there's some warmer weather, bur doesn't 23 degrees seem coll by comparison with the heatwave?