Hi Jamie, thanks mate. Glad you like my progress so far. I must admit on a project like this, I find the research to be almost as enjoyable as painting the bust itself. I love to immerse myself in the subjects I paint, and in this case, I've been watching YouTube clips of All Black Hakas before I go into the hobby room as a way of psyching myself up for the moko painting.

Thanks Ken, I appreciate your comments mate.

Hi Marc, thanks for your comments. I'm glad you like the skin colours. Thanks again for your help with that.

Hi Adrian, thanks very much for your comments. I hope it continues to look real as I continue working on it.

Hi guys,

Last night I sat down to paint the moko on the right side of the face. This particular moko pattern involves several very complex three-line swirl patterns on the cheeks and a number of smaller patterns that represent un-opened fern fronds. These shapes represent death and re-birth of life within the family and have special significance in relation to deceased ancestors. There are few a few blemishes where my brushwork wasn't as neat and steady as I would have wanted, which I intend to fix when I start painting the touch ups and the highlights and shading of the moko.

The next step will be to paint the left side of the face, which I may do tonight. Depends what's on the telly tonight!! Sorry about the quality of the pics.

Hi Tony,im just catching up on some of the works in progress,what a great job you have done on this bust,the skin tones look great,it really looks like he is tanned being from a hot climate,the fase tattoo's are awesome and beautifully done,this has to be one of my favourites from you,i notice there is a hole in his ear lobe,is that for an ear-ring?
Congratulations mate

Hi Tony

Neat work mate. You seem to be growing in confidence with every step here.

I'm in the process of embarking on a moko project at present & you're inspiring me to try to achieve what you've done here.

Keep it coming!

Mike

At a future point in time, I'm going to have to get myself over to Perth to learn how to do oils for skin tones.....

And who knows, maybe after a few hundred hours, I might be half as good as Tony

Cheers
Jamie

Moko look excellent Tony

Einion

Me think is good too Tony

Just been reading the whole post Tony and I think it looks amazing.
What a huge jump in him once the Moka went on. Very nice work indeed.

Don

Hi Tony,

Looking very good mate.

Callum.

Hi Nap, yes nerve wracking to paint the first brush stroke of moko onto virgin skin, but once you get going its just a matter of keeping calm and breathing every once and a while. I've read quite a few books on Maori Ta Moko and I think the consensus view of most scholars is that certain designs or patterns were very specific and clear messages relating to status, occupation and other important elements, while other design elements were more symbolic. The unfurled fern frond is an example of a very specific and metaphorical design element that denotes death and re-birth. The meaning behind some of the other design elements on this particlar moko are unknown to me. Wasn't able to complete any more painting last night. One of my favourite movies "Patton" was on, and I'm a sucker for a good WW2 movie.

G'day Brian, thanks for your comments mate, I always welcome your feedback and I'm pleased you like my progress so far. Yes the ear lobe is pierced and will have an ear piece attached later. The focus for the the moment is to complete the moko, then move on the the comb and feathers in the hair, the tiki around his neck and the ear piece. For a small bust, there's so much to do.

Kia Ora Mike, I can't wait to see your effort at moko. I'm sure it will blow everyone away. Imagine what you could do on one of those 1/6th scale Khkaki Army figures?? Are you prepared to share some insights into what type of project you're working on?

Jamie, flattery will get you everywhere.

Seriously though, your expertise in nipple painting far outweighs my own and in this area you are the master.

You're welcome in Perth anytime mate.

Einion, me like you speaking

Mark, you long range sniper.

Hi Don, thanks mate. The moko certainly changes the look of the face enormously. Once the moko is finished, there's still plenty to do before the bust is completed.