I painted this figure getting on for 20 years ago. (See last photo.) He's Andrea's John Wayne bust, but I gave him a moustache and carved off his braces.
Since working with Mike Butler I've been struck by the flecks of colour that he creates texture with and paints realistic skin. I have a long way to go before reaching Mike's standard but I've added some seams to his jacket, tried to get texture in his hat and tried to give him a weather-beaten look to his face. I've given his cheeks some rosiness and highlighted some flecks over his face. He's not quite finished, but he's getting there.
Andy


Here's how he looked before I started work on him again this week.

Here's the texture on his hat.

Wow, that looks really great!

I remember this one Andy. The texturing is looking terrific. It was great before, but your revisions are putting it into another class.

Wow that looks fantastic

That’s really making a difference mate.
Like subtler flesh tones, clearly giving him more character.
Be wary of clothing - tendency can be to focus on highlight areas & need to incorporate texture detail into shadows too.
Also when weathering consider the story & context behind each spot or splatter.
How did this get there? What caused this effect?
Liking hat & jacket edging too - this all fits your narrative.
Keep it coming!
MikeTheKiwi

Excellent paint work!

Superb work, Andy.

Thanks for your constructive advice Mike. I guess my weathering is a bit random and his jacket could have some more texture. I’ll look at the shadows too.
It’s good to have an interest in painting once more. I’ve not had any for months.
Andy

Looks great!

That's brilliant painting and I like the textures.
Great advice which I have taken onboard too.

Beautiful work Andy and a marvellous technique.

Cheers,
Ken

I'm looking forward to getting Mike's book to learn even more from him. I've had the privilege of helping him through it but it will be so much better to have the images with the text to learn from.
One of the things I found hard with this one is where to put the dirt. On my trench figures I knew to put it on their elbows, bums, knees and feet but a bust model has none of these!!

Sorry Nap, I won't be entering this to FOTM. For starters he's not finished and secondly, I don't like competing. I don't like the stress and disappointment that it brings, so avoid it whenever I can.
Andy

Nice work
Gordon

Thats looking superb.

A little progress on my bust. I fell down garden steps on Sunday and may have broken a rib and whacked my knee! I went down head first and have osteoporosis, so got off lightly! I only worked 3 days this week where I do my painting, during lunch time.
I've tried to create texture on his jacket and been tinkering all round. I'm not sure whether I've finished as I've been too busy to check him over much. My daughter gave birth yesterday.
Andy

CONGRATULATIONS Andy!!!
On your wee addition.
Sorry to hear you’ve been in the wars again mate,
trust you recover quickly.
Ref bust - come out very well indeed.
Weathered, texture of tunic looking like trooper on patrol.
It has a more homogenous look to the fading & dust.
Especially like neckerchief - fine lines & lightness about it.
You should be proud of getting outside your comfort zone.
Rest up & keep experimenting.
MikeTheKiwi

It looks good life size and stands some magnification. I'm sure that I'll never achieve the standard you manage Mike, which astounds me. I'm enjoying trying and will continue to practice!
Andy

Congratulations Granddad, and many commiserations on your fall - steady there. Hope you are OK.

The bust looks stunning - you are creating an incredibly realistic look - I wouldn't be surprised to see him move.