Ahhhhhhh, thats coming along nicely now, nice choice
Ben

Cheers Ben

I've started the ta moko this weekend. I've chosen to paint the moko of an ahupiri,and so far done the wairua (area below the lower lip) and taitoto (area around the angle of the jaw). Still some work to do on the ngakaipikirau and ngunga (areas above the eyebrows and forehead).

Each area of the face has special significance and meaning and denote an aspect of the persons rank, occupation and status within their tribe. The ahupiri is a chief and tribal leader who represents his people at council.

I'll post some pics on Monday.

Hi Tony,

Looking good so far mate. Colour mixing sure can be a nightmare but your Moari looks a good colour to me. Good luck with the Moko - most of the ones I've seen on this bust have left something to be desired in terms of nearing acuracy.

Regards Callum.

Hi Callum,

Thanks for your comments mate. I'm still using some of the reference materials you sent me when I painted your 120mm Maori Warrior a few years ago. They've become very useful again.

Here are the first series of progress pics on the ta moko.

I haven't done any touch ups or highlights and shading on the moko yet, so its a bit rough in parts. Most of the versions of this bust that I've seen are painted in moko schemes that are less than authentic, and in some case completely fanciful. This is one authentic and based on an actual person.

There's still a fair bit of work to be done, primarily on both cheeks and along the jaw line.

Wow he looks real - congrats Tony.

Colin

Wow ! Lovely fleshtones. Can't wait for the completed bust

Great work , Tony...well on the way to becoming a superb piece.

Tony superb painting and a great SBS, following with interest.

Cheers Ken

Great work Tony.
That close up head shot is totally awesome.
I cannot praise you enough for your brush work and colour choise here.
All the best,
Keith

+1 Awesome!!

And always good to see someone put in real research too!!

Cheers
Jamie

Fabulous work

Outstanding.
Like the skincolor very much.

marc

I love it Tony! Extremely realistic face.

Adrian

Hi Colin,

Thanks mate, realism is my goal.

Cheers Rompy, I appreciate your comments, thank you.

G'day Mark, thanks mate. I'm quietly stoked with how this one is turning out but don't want to get too far ahead of myself.

Thanks Ken, I'm certainly being challenged on this bust and I'm enjoying it. Thanks mate.

Cheers Keith, thank you for your comments mate. The colour choices, as you know, were selected on the basis of a lot of help and advice from fellow Planeteers who elected to provide not only whether the skin tones were too dark or light, but also to provide suggestions for paint colours. It's difficult not to be inspired when you have such great support around you.

Thanks Carl, I greatly appreciate your comments, as always.