This is my first attempt at a full scale, stand alone figure. All my other figures have been 1/35 to compliment my armor builds. I will admit I'm pleased with everything but the face. For the life of me, no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to do facial features. Oh well, I'll get it eventually.
The figure is by Verlinden and is made of resin, with a white plaster base. I carved the title into the base with a dental pick, the name came from a friend when he suggested it, since it's one of my favorite Latin poems, (I used to sing it as we drove through Iraq, long story ).
I give you "O Fortuna"....(cue the heralds...)
Please, feel free to give criticism, good or bad, I would love to feel more comfortable building these guys! There's so many I want to do!
Doing a 120mm Legionare myself atm, I know how hard it is to get a pretty good result. So please dont get me wrong if I have some CC for you (that isnt supposed to be a "mine is better than yours" thing - were all learning from each other, right?! )
-I miss some depth, especially for the armor plates
-His skin tone is a bit dark (but hey, maybe its the pictures or maybe he stood too long in the sun)
On the other hand, its always a good idea to divert some tools from their intended use! Great idea to scratch the title in the base. Is that a deals on his shield? If yes: Did you use clear coat underneath it? If not - handpainted??? How the heck...!
And youre a step ahead, my figure is still incomplete.
"Did you really pay a big amount of money for only half a figure?!"
Thanks Tigrazor, I'm ALWAYS open to CC! Another, indifferent, set of eyes is how I learn and grow, especially when it comes from a fantastic figure painter!
First I'll address the shield, it it the supplied Verlinden decal/sticker. I painted the shield first in the same Model Master British Crimson that I painted the tunic in. I wanted to make sure that, if the decal was thin, it wouldn't be noticed, due to the red base underneath. The only issue I had, really, was centering it on the shield. A design like that would most certainly be noticible, if crooked.
Secondly, I totally agree with you on both points about the skin tone and the armor plates. Two things I did, (and one I didn't) do, I believe, are where the problem lies. Please, feel free to give me pointers.
-I didn't paint each armor plate with a highlight and shadow. I think, what I should have done, was painted my base color in the center of each plate, then lightened and darkened each plate, according to light, as appropriate, then blending. As I did on the tunic.
-I did attempt to shadow and highlight the skin. After much trail, and mostly error, I gave up in fear of making things worse. This is where I think I made my biggest mistake. By then, my skin tones had become too dark. I should have stripped it and redone it properly.
-I gave the whole figure a thin black wash. However, unlike armor, figures aren't flat, so the was doesn't work the same. I had a very difficult time with the wash, and have since deduced that most all of a figure's color variations must be done with the paint itself, not washes.
Never fear of offending me, or my work. I only strive to get better, and can only get better if others are honest.
I can't wait to see yours and hope you'll show me how to paint plated armor!
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