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WIP Critique First attempt at Zenithal style.

Discussion in 'vBench (Works in Progress)' started by Lew J, Aug 22, 2011.

  1. Lew J Active Member

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Hi all.

    As the title suggests this is my first attempt at zenithal style painting on a 1/35 Verlinden figure.

    He's done in Vallejo acrylics.

    Hope you all like it thanks, Lew J.

    Attached Files:

    gordy likes this.
  2. Steve Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    What is zenithal style? I have only been at this a while. Thanks!
  3. Lew J Active Member

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Hi Steve, zenithal is the idea that there's a constant halo of light above the miniature highlighting all the raised and pronounced areas.
    This gives the miniature a greater level of contrast and enhances the shadows.

    It's not my normal style, but just thought I would give it a try as apparently it gives miniatures a better look from afar as well as close.
  4. Steve Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    Ah. The way I have always done it. I just did not know it had a name. THANKS!
  5. gordy Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    Works well Lewis (y) thanks for sharing!
  6. Einion Well-Known Member

    Zenithal highlighting/shading is a bit different from the general topside lightsource we mostly use - much more directional. Think of the shadows if the guy were standing in noon sunlight, or directly under a spotlight.

    ...

    Lew, what you've done so far looks okay to me but it doesn't really look like zenithal shading yet. If you want to go full-on with it then all the verticals need to be a little darker - this includes the planes of the cheek, the side of the nose, even the temples.

    Some more highlighting in key areas to really sell the light direction also, e.g. top of the bridge of the nose, eyebrow ridges, upper curve of the chin, the catchlight area just inside the eyes.

    On the colouring, I don't know if it's just the photos but the colour on the cheeks and nose is a little dull for me. Yes they should be ruddy to show the weather, but I'd suggest it would look better more pinkish than this.

    Einion
  7. Lew J Active Member

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Thanks for the comments guys.

    @Einion I'm still in my infancy with this sort of painting, as I always find that I almost lack the confidence to go so bold with the lights and shadows but think I'm slowly getting there (practice practice practice).

    About the cheek colour, I took a picture of my Brother after he had finished work for a reference as he works in a freezer and he had more of a redish purple colour to his cheeks.

    Thanks Lew J.
  8. combatartist Active Member

    Country:
    United-States
    You guys have got to be kidding - how can a figure at 1/35th scale be evaluated except through close up photography? I admit I'm new to this, but I have gone to a few competitions and only see crappy fluorescent hotel conference room lighting. Do the judges use a flashlight to determine if it was done with the Zenithal method in mind? I'm serious, I'd like to know how these figures are judged...

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