1/9 Wellington 'v' bust

[Dave Ward]

OK, I think I'm gradually getting into the methodology of this, I realise that earlier attempts, I'd used too much difference between tints, and not really used the oil paints to their proper degree....................


It needs a lot more work, but I think the basics are now there. I'm still having trouble keeping my hands still, even though I've used a wrist rest - maybe a little less coffee.....................
Dave

[rtfoe]

That's the ticket Dave. :thumb2:

I like the way this guy paints. Although he uses acrylics, the technique and how he uses the brush and strokes is what I use. Perhaps you could have a look Here

Cheers,
Richard

[Guest]

Looking good that man. I think the way is to build up the differences in tone gradually, as you say.

[Dave Ward]

Rich,
looked at the YouTube video - very impressive - Not only the speed, but the size of brush he was using, it looked almost like a 1, I've been using mainly a 00. I may have a go at that bigger brush tomorrow - I like the use of acrylics, but I'm going to stay with oils on this feller - I even have some acrylic retarder in the paintbox - maybe I'll use that on the 1/16 Viking
Dave

[Guest]

When you have never painted anything like this it is daunting.
But trying new things is fun and that is all that matters.
Keep up the good work.

[Dave Ward]

Just a bit more work - I'm still not happy about the eyes

It takes much more time than I anticipated - touching up after every session, then, going over the same areas...............
Dave

[rtfoe]

Hi Dave, I think it's not bad and yes it takes time. That's the enjoyment of figure painting...no cutting, sanding or gluing or any worries of alignment or a tail sitter.:smiling2:

With oil paints you might need some time in between different shades of colors especially the eyes. Oils aren't very opaque so that's why eyes are done first and then you paint out either that or you wait till the layer has cured. The other thing I found out in art school was with oils we often use spatulas and coarse brushes for application with strong broad strokes often leaving a rough texture on the canvas.
To counter this heavy texture on figure painting we take advantage of the translucent nature of oils by preparing the base with acrylics in it's intended color for instants pale yellow for skin and white for the eyes. The oils are then layered thinly and blended with a separate clean brush.

Cheers,
Richard

[Dave Ward]

Richard,
I've stopped using oils for the eyes, and now am using acrylics, it seems to work better in a tightly defined area - the same thing for the metallics of the braids & decorations. I'm suffering from a case of the shakes at the moment - after about 2 or 3 minutes of concentration, I can't keep my hands steady, so no benchtime at the moment
Dave

[rtfoe]

A good rest in between is also advisable. Take your time Dave.

Cheers,
Richard

[Dave Ward]

A little more work, and I couldn't resist trying his head to his body....................

At this rate, I may finish this by next year! ( hmmm those eyebrows look really bad in close up! )
Dave

[Guest]

It's all good fun Dave :smiling3:.
Keep at it.

[Guest]

Looking good Dave.

Don't forget that the photos show everything about ten times as big.

[Dave Ward]

Painted the plinth, a cut down knitting needle will be the mount, just need to get the right height - it's a bit too long at the moment

Those decorations need detail painting................................

The head, well, I'm getting to the stage, whether I continue tweaking, or leave alone, just a few places to touch up

So far, I've learnt a lot from this, it's quite a change, just siting at the desk with paints & a palette, no glues, or fillers. I've had to acquire new paint brushes, and found that my existing ( cheap ) oil paints aren't the best quality. After using no smell acrylics, I can smell the oils!
Dave

[Jim R]

Hi Dave
Just caught up with this. You're a man of many talents. I reckon that's looking good - well done. Peter is right that blowing up photos to 10x size doesn't do models any favours.
Jim

[Dave Ward]

I've reached the stage now, where I think tinkering & tweaking will just frustrate me, and not add anything more to the bust. I'm going to do a few light washes on the Dukes decorations, then I'm going to attack it with varnish, matt & satin for the decorations & braid. I've already painted the back of the torso black, and adjusted the height of the mount post................
No pictures today, the next will appear in the 'completed' section
Dave