Hi Folks,
This bust is in the very early stages of work on pF's Jim 'Jimbo' Edwards' Royal Artillery Sergeant.
I started this 'mini paint as it is' project as my introduction to acrylic paint.
After a number of attempts it is now a paint as it is project with no mention of acrylic paint.
So this is now painted in the tried and trusted oils. Sorry for the white reflections but being in oil the paint will not be dry for another 12 weeks .
I hope you like him so far.
Cheers,
Keith

Hi Keith , Nice work on the bust, I see that you switched back to oils! I'm not sure that using Acrylics for the first time on a bust is the best way to start. Covering large areas in acrylic is difficult and I usually resort to an airbrush for my acrylic base coats. It might be easier to start with experimenting on a 120mm head or even a small figure to get the hang of handling the transitions.
I probably have some spare heads knocking around if you PM me.

Keith

Hello Keith,
Yes the switch back was after 3 attempts with Acrylics. I have used them on canvas with some success but on resin just would not play ball.
I use tubed acrylics by Daler Rowney system 3, are these ok?
I totally agree that more practic on 120 mm or similar figures is needed. I do have loads in my dust covered grey army but many thanks for your very kind offer.
I will not give up on this medium so keep an eye out for my return
All the very best,
Keith

Hi Keith,
Oils rule mate! Good to see you starting this one
Cheers
Jim

Cheers Jim.
The pleasure is all mine Mate.
ATB,
Keith

Hi Kevin,
Yes, Sorry, I succumbed to the oil god after 3 attempts with acrylics for the first time on a figure. As Keith Davidson says more practice on lesser figures is needed.
Thanks for looking in Kev, its always good to hear from you.
All the best,
Keith

Hello to all.
With major interventions from house renovation and springtime 'farming' work, I think that I am all but there with Jim's Royal Artillery Sergeant 1854. All that's left is a dulling down of the jacket and cap navy blue. It is not too noticable until I put the photographic lights on and it glows then.
Great character in this piece and I hope that I have done justice to Jims fine work.
Cheers,
Keith.

That's a great piece of painting Keith. I like the darker, richer tone of the jacket now,and removing the sheen will be the cherry on top.

Hi Tony,
Thank you for looking in. Navy blue is one of my main sticking points which is so often too light, so you have made my day saying that you like it.
Knowing your work; your comments are really meaningful to me. Thank you.
All the best,
Keith

Keith - sorry you got frustrated with the acrylics but this looks really nice so no harm done. I use both media and they are very different no doubt. If you are going to have another go, pick up some Vallejos. I have tried artisits' acrylcis out of a tube and out of a bottle and I will never master either except for certain effects. I am sure some can do great things with them but they are too shiny and plastic for my liking. Vallejo-type paints (including Andrea) are the way to go.

Colin

Hi Colin,
Thanks for looking in Mate,
I wondered if it was the tubed paint that was dificult to work with. I must say that I do like the way that you mix and match media to good effect. I will get some Vallejos and have another try. So many years with oils has got me into a rut,
Thank you for your good advice.
All the best,
Keith

Just be aware that there is a learning curve there too but there are a lot of possibilities and lots of folk who can and will guide you. The key is to heavily dilute but not to overdilute and to have a decent mattte base coat that will take the paint. Don't over-invest until you decide you like them. My advice is to choose some facial colours (flesh, red, browns etc) to dabble with rather than a whole selection of colours.

Cheers

Colin

Thanks. Colin'
I will follow your good advice.
Cheers'
Keith

As for the work on the homestead I'll be done tomorrow too and back to modelling
cheers
Richie

Very nice work Keith and fair play for trying out something new mate

Steve

Hi Guys,
Many thanks for your very kind comments.

Richie, Thanks for the executive chimp's view I know hes a tough cookie to please.
I hope the finale carpet laying doesn't remove too much paint from the skirting boards.
Looking forward to your next move on one of the WIP's

Kevin, I would not say for a moment that it is better than your piece. For me the additions that you made; peaked cap, RSM rank not to mention the medals, really set yours apart Mate. I will post a photo of the matted down version once mounted. I rather like Del's metal foil name plates but there are no Chinkies around here, so I have been on the lookout for a suitable alternative......May be the foil from a champaign bottle. That sounds and tast like a good idea.
Anyway we oilies are not too bad (deep down).

Steve, Thanks Mate, I do not think that this was the piece to try something so far away from my normal medium. I never imagined that it would so different. That said it's the only way to learn.....with a load of great advice from my friends here. Acrylics, they will return.
Cheers Lads,
Have a great week end,
Keith