Hi guys

For the past six months my wife and I have been travelling around the world having adventures. I’ve had no time for modelling but now I’m home.

Started this bust last night and I’m clearly a bit rusty, but it feels great to be painting again.

Inspired by our recent two week adventure in New Zealand (Middle Earth) I thought this was an appropriate comeback subject.

As always I welcome any constructive comments.

Nice work, especially after a long time not painting.
perhaps you can attempt to bring a different texture to the cloak? At the moment it is not clear to me what the cloak is made out of.
Also, the actor always had that twinkle in his eye - even when he played Gandalf exposing his greater powers. A small light reflection in the eye could do wonders.
Just my 2c worth, and because you asked for comments (I am always seeking to improve myself, so feel free to comment on my work as well - as long as it is constructive)

p.s. I always wanted this bust, but can't find it. Where did you get it?

Hi LH, it’s a limited edition release by Greg Girault on Facebook.

I’ve covered Gandalf’s cloak with Jo Sonja texture paste, and will bring out some of that texture when I start painting the cloak. I’ve only just started on this bust and there’s much still to do but I appreciate your comments and suggestions. Thanks.

I wish I can paint like that when I'm rusty, a great start.

Thanks guys,

Another happy session with the hairy sticks tonight.

Still working on the eyes and the skin, and the hair.
Haven’t started on the cloak, hand or pipe yet.

getting quit lifelike to me

Very nice work Tony.
The eyes look particularly good for the age of the character.

Cheers,
Andrew

Thanks guys

I’m still tweaking the skin tones and starting to texture the cloak.

After a long break, I decided to keep working on this bust of Gandalf. I wasn’t happy with the way I left him, especially the face. A couple of hours of tweaking later and I’m happier, but still more work required.
Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Now he really looks like Ian McKellen - brilliant paintwork.

that's a lovely piece tony,i had the privaledge to meet Ian McKellen on his visit to Northampton last year

Looks very nice Tony! The sculpting looks very much like a wood carving.

Cheers,
Ken