Back in June a friend sent me a 54mm St. Petersberg figure (Roman aquilifer), and I was instantly mesmerized. I've read history and historical fiction for years, and did not even realize that this hobby existed (miniature figure modeling and painting) until my buddy introduced me. I have never thought of myself as a painter, but have found it to be extremely relaxing and enjoyable. I've only been painting for about 4 months, so I have a lot to learn. The attached is a rendition of Pegaso's 54mm Knight w/ Axe, 13th C., which I painted using my Duncan family heraldry (Scottish standard and shield).

I am really looking for some good, honest feedback, if anyone has the time.





Thanks a lot.

Just learning in Minnesota,

Kyle D.

Kyle, what happened to the picture?

Nice having you here.

Cheers
Roc.

welcome to the forum. everyone here is very receptive, and i hope you enjoy looking at their art as much as i do. much to learn from everyones great skill around here

I'm not sure what happened to my second image. I used the image cruncher and it uploaded the "back view" (shield only) just fine, but not the full view from the front. It said something like "Cannot upload this type of image." Any suggestions (otherwise, all you're seeing is a big fat shield!)

Thanks for any help me as I learn the ropes....

send me the images and I'll help you out Kyle and insert them into your post.

guy@planetfigure.com

Very good painting for only 4 months into the hobby. Concentrate on doing more contrast with your colors with the highlighting and shadowing. This will take time and you should see a gradual improvement in each figure as you paint them.

Great work Kyle...........I hope to see many more of your figures posted here. If I can be of any help always feel free to email me.

btw........there is a show comming up in February in your area. It would be a good idea if you could attend. It helps to look at other's work and feel free to ask them questions too.

i still cant see the pics.

Thanks, Guy, for the encouragement. I would love to attend a show. I almost got down to Chicago in Sept.... Do you know where it is in Feb? I've tried to find info but can't....

I just sent off an email to get the information for you and other members who may want to attend. I'll post it as soon as it arrives.

Guy

Kyle, Well done and welcome to the hobby. It's a learning process that is ever ongoing.~Gary

Hi Kyle

Welcome to Planet Figure.

Neat work there mate, you are certainly on the right track. Are you using oils?

May I ask what you are using as a base coat for the figure. I find if primed in Humrol matt white and after 24 hrs the relevant areas primed in an acrylic colour close to the finished colour-this helps reduce the sheen from the oils. Also try to apply as little oil paint as possible. There are no short cuts Im afraid but if you add the paint a little bit at a time-and I mean very small amounts, this will reduce build up and again the sheen.

I generally lay in the base colour and shadows-in the relevant areas only-and blend the edges of the two slowly together. This way you will not get a muddying of colours. You can then highlight.

The colours can be subdued more aswell by adding shadow and highlights. The shield for example can be given life by adding shadows on the lower edges blending to the red on the uppermost edge. Imagine the lighting on a snooker ball-its basically that concept. The details on the shield then follow the same principles.

I hope that helps a little.

Happy to answer any questions and good luck-keep it up.

Best wishes

Graham

Hi Graham,

Thanks--your input is quite helpful.

Here's the "short history" on this little fellow. My nephew (10) has a fairly sweet collection of vintage Tradition of London high-gloss lead and metal soldiers given to him by a family friend. He found out I had started painting figures, and riddled me with a thousand questions. So...for Christmas I painted him this 13th c. knight but applied our family's armoria - this is one of the Duncan family arms, dating to roughly the 15th C. (I took a little poetic license with the time periods). The standard is the Clan standard, as Duncan is a sept of Robertson from the Pitlochry/Struan area in Perthshire.

So...I used a high gloss finish over my acrylics-painted piece to give it the look my nephew likes. For pieces in the future, I believe DullCote is the ticket (if I am not mistaken.) But I am very new, and I am finding that shading, layering, blending and feathering are the real fun as I learn more and more about them.\

Thanks for your input about shading, particularly on the shield. I will try that in the future!

Cheers,
Kyle

very nice painting for 4 months only in the hobby.

upload more if you can.

keep painting mate!!!!!!!!!!