Miniart 1/16 Athenian Hoplite

[Guest]

Afternoon chaps.

Well it is a battle all right - painting these figures is never straightforward. As I mentioned above, not only does all the prep needed compromise the finish, but the surface is very rough anyway, throwing up l#all sorts of problems as you go along.

However, he hasn't hit the bin yet:



The cuirass was the easy part - simply done by dry-brushing Vallejo Bronze, then Old Gold over black. Black Brown was then used to define the details and consolidate the shadows. It will still need the separate clasps adding.

The arms took ages, not only was the surface quite rough, but there were a mass of veins and sinews to pick out (which hardly show in the photos - s*d's law).

[Guest]

And the cuirass skirts:

[Guest]

Coming along nicely Peter :smiling3:.
I thought it was a tattoo on his arm at first.

[Guest]

Cheers Ralph.

I decided to sand down the left bicep and tone down the veins a bit:

[Guest]

That's the lower half done:

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I started today by painting the tunic, for which I used Vallejo Emerald Green.

It was then on to the legs, which I found incredibly difficult. I've tried to keep with the idea of zenithal lighting, keeping the lower parts of the figure darker than the upper, but my natural instinct is to treat similar areas the same. The main problem though was trying to blend the flesh-tones, which took ages.

[Lee Drennen]

Nice progress Peter

[Guest]

looking real nice Peter :smiling3: .

[Guest]

Thanks Lee and Ralph.

I'm finding this much more challenging than I thought I would - trying to do a half decent job with a rough kit I suppose. One of these was actually my first ever attempt at a larger scale figure - amazing that it didn't put me off.

[scottie3158]

Peter,
Looking good the under crackers look very good indeed.

[SteveH]

Morning Peter

I feel a little jealous of your older figures physique, I must have had a misspent youth and mid life too LOL

Your metal work is superb, and just with dry brushing too, something to keep in mind for Maximus, when I get to paint him.

The expanse of flesh does look to be better modulated and your improvements do sit well with the overall look of a very physically developed figure.

Definitely better than the 1st time, you are getting used to this painting lark!

Its another grey wet day in paradise up North!

Have a good day with the paints

Regards

Steve H

[SteveH]

Morning Peter,

That was yesterday's reply, hummm must be getting old aged brain fog, as I hadn't hit the post reply button D'ohhh.

Still looking really good, do you still have the 1st version, or has he been recycled?

Thankfully the weekend is getting closer, and its the 3 day Saltaire Dragon boat festival in Roberts Park.

Its always a great weekend for enjoying alternative foods and drinks and all done for charity too.

Hopefully the forecast will stay positive with little chance of rain!

Have a good day finishing the shield and spear,

Whats next?

Regards

Steve H

right which button is it? LOL

[Guest]

Scottie - Undercrackers? He spent simply hours ironing those pleats into his chiton darling.

Steve - a senior moment is allowed - I'm having plenty at the moment. glad you like our chap. I still have the other two from the series in the cabinet; this was an attempt to complete the trio. I reckon at least two more days finishing (Granddaughter's here, so may be longer).

The dragon boat festival sounds fun. I once got to attend the Brisons sea race at Cape Cornwall where they end the day with a viking boat attack - the local kids are supplied with bags of flour to repel the invaders. mayhem.

[Guest]

Some progress made:



I was planning to put more colours onto the helmet crest, but it was so badly modelled that it became a damage-limitation exercise instead. I next painted and added the cuirass clasps, which were small and fiddly and needed to be bent to make them fit.

I then made a cord for the sword by twisting together some painted red and black cotton, then painted and added the sword.

[Guest]

And the spear:

[Mickc1440]

He's looking really nice Peter, a proper grizzled old warrior.