Hi guys,

I started painting this Maori warrior bust on the weekend and have got to the point where I need some advice. I'm concerned that the skin colour and tone may be slightly too dark, and would appreciate some feedback before I proceed to much further.

Thanks in advance. All comments welcome.

I don't think it's too dark,Tony. It looks fine to me.
Have you done this one before?..or perhaps I'm thinking of the 120mm figure.

Thanks Mark,

First time for this particularly bust but have done a couple of Maori figures before. The last one was a 120mm figure sculpted by Callum Talbot and I think I went too orange with the skin colours. Rather than paint on the ta moko facial tattoos I scared them into the face, which was probably a brave and stupid thing to do. I certainly wouldn't do it that way again.

This bust is a real challenge for a painter and I want to get it right. I've spent lots of time on researching the tattoos to ensure they are accurate and realistic, but it will be all for nothing if the skin colour is wrong. I'm glad you think I'm on the right track, but I still have some reservations.

Hi Tony, I don't think the skin tones are too dark. At first I thought they might be slightly too orange, but after double-checking on google I actually think you've got it right.

Can't wait to see how you tackle the facial tattoos mate. Seeya soon.

Not too dark Tony .You could go darker in my opinion.There is quite a variation in the skin tone of Maori people , just like Asian and African people. You should google Goldie Maori portraits. Good luck with the moku.

Neil

Thanks Neil,

I've just Googled Goldie Maori portraits as you suggested and found several very useful and historically interesting images to use for inspiration. Thanks for the tip. More importantly, I'm now happy with the colour of the skin and the skin tones of my bust, which seems to match many of the images on the screen. That's a relief.

Now I can move onto the eyes and hair, and then the moko painting can start.

Hi Tony

I'd go darker mate this is more olive. I'd get heavier with Raw Umber & try Raw Sienna to highlight - this was my basis of my approach.

Mike

For a Maori it looks to pale for me. If i see pictures of Maori they are more to the African skintone then to the European pale.
This is Maori Council co-chair Maanu Paul,

I think he has the original color, if not, I apoligize.

Here is a good article about skintones
http://www.coolminiornot.com/articles/1310-ethnic-skintones

Marc

Was going to say the same thing myself.

Judging from period photos just as with Native Americans some Maori got very dark with exposure to the sun.

Einion

Wrong ethnic group Marc!

Einion

Thanks everyone. Mike, I value your input on this question as you clearly have far greater knowledge and experience on this subject than I do. I'll use the colours you suggested and darken the skin tones a little bit.

Marc, the photos you supplied are of Australian aboriginal people, not Maori. Huge difference. Maori people are Polynesian and their skin colours can range from very dark brown to quite olive/ pale in tone.

"Wrong ethnic group Marc!"

Einion

There is a reference to Maori skin tone on the link Marc supplied. It covers all skin types all over the world.
It's a very interesting page Marc.

Tony maybe it looks no dark but light....

Regards
Pedro

Love the subtle skin tones.Looks good to me Tony.
Brian

Sorry Marc I didn't look at the link, just the pics attached to your post. Thanks for your help and for the link

Sorry,
selected the wrong picture from the HD>....
Correct it.

marc

Hi! Tony.
Great skin tone.
I am looking forward to the progress.

Mitsutaka

Cant go wrong with Mike-the Kiwi's advise, Raw Umber is a definate for that more olive shade. Maori's from an earlier time period would definately have a darker skin tone due to being more outdoor orientated in their day to day life, modern Maori's are generally lighter due to different living conditions and inter racial breeding over the years since European's coming to NZ
Great start though Tony
Ben

Thanks for all the suggestions and help guys. That's why pF is such a great site for figure modellers.

I spent a few hours last night working on the eyes and darkening the skin tones in line with the general comments.

Still some way to go before I get started on the moko tattoos on the face, but I'm happy with the direction things are going in so far.

Looking really good Tony,
Skin tones look great for what's to come Mate.
Cheers,
Keith