Painting problem- How would you paint this? (1 Viewer)

[Hazebrouck]

I have Valiant Miniatures Mysore Transport Corps officer figure on the paint table at the moment.

The figure has a cummerbund and a sash dropping on his right side. The figure is said to be modelled on an A.C Lovett image.

The sash has an intricate pattern on it. Any thoughts on how to paint this pattern?

Scott

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Scott - nice figure!

As with anything small and complicated - I always begin by attempting to draw what I'm trying to paint - and then colour my drawing - on a piece of paper, probably several times. Due to scale, you usually have to simplify any design, somewhat.

After a few attempts, I usually have my head around what I'm trying to achieve - and how I'm going to tackle it. I begin with the background colour ( looks like predominantly shades of red here) - and then work by overlaying the next colours on my patern, once the previous laid colours are dry ( unless I want to merge them). Continue developing it until complete.

When finished with that part - I would then usually varnish that part of the figure - if I wanted to continue with painting anything else on it ( to stop fine detail; being either smudged - or rubbed off by my hands. Or else, I would leave that part until last. I also use fine-line permanent ink pens sometimes, to deliniate parts of the design - or suggest shadows on it ( using black - or maybe grey). Fine-line Permanent artists pens in various colours, can be found in good art shops. They are frequently easier to control than brushes with small parts of the design.

As with anything tactile - it's always more difficult to explain with mere words - and easier to show - but hope that helps a bit - as that is how I tackle such things! ^&grin

Best of luck with him - jb.

 

[Toy Soldier Brigade]

Mail it to Russia

 

[DMNamiot]

I happen to have that book so here is a copy and enlargement of the Officer. Hope it helps you figure out the best way to deal with the painting of this sash.

Dave

 

[Obee]

Scott,

I have to agree with the comments made by JB (see below) as that's the same approach that I take in as far as the painting. I don't draw the pattern first, I just look at what is needed as the basic form and paint that onto the figure.

Have a look at some Paisley Prints, that's the name of that sort of pattern, and then try to follow the shape.

This is what I have done with some of the Indian Troops:

And I used a similar technique to get the pattern on the dress

I hope that helps,

John

 

[Hazebrouck]

Mail it to Russia

I like that but what would I learn

Thanks Johns. I will have a good think about it now and then have a go at it. Think Paisley I guess.

Dave,

I have that image of the print and have been using it. It shows the cummerbund and sash to be orange and have been using it as more of a guide than the image of the Valiant figure which has light blue pants.

Scott

 

[Obee]

I have that image of the print and have been using it. It shows the cummerbund and sash to be orange and have been using it as more of a guide than the image of the Valiant figure which has light blue pants.

Scott

Yes, you will be right to follow the print by Lovatt and the image in the 1st Post, with light blue trousers, but I think the base colour for the sash is more of a red, than an orange!

John

 

[trooper]

John is right, the base colour is definitely red. The attached image might show the basic design a little more clearly. The central device looks like two elongated teardrops with the narrow end turned over, paint these in dark blue, and then go round the interior and exterior lines with multi coloured dots of green, white, blue, black and yellow. There is no particular pattern so just continue until it looks right. Isolate the pattern with a horizontal line both above and below the pattern. Hope this is of help. Trooper

 

[Hazebrouck]

Thanks trooper.

You are right about the elongated teardrop shapes within the pattern. I have been looking at images of paisley and think I have it worked out.

I picked up some artists fine paint markers as John B suggested. Will sit down in the week and have a go at it.

Scott

 

[theBaron]

I second both Johns, though I'd also do as John O'B does, and just paint the design freehand, without drawing it on. But I do not deny the benefit of that method, too, I just haven't done that, myself.

I look forward to seeing your piece in progress and finished!

Prost!
Brad

 

[Hazebrouck]

Hmmmmm...

Making some progress but may have to rethink this one. The paint markers are OK to apply but the colour fades into any colour below applied before it. The red marker teardrop shapes I started with have faded into the orange.

If anything it will be colourful.

Scott

 

[Mirof]

A very good source for Indian Army Uniforms

http://traditionoflondonshop.com/pr...azine_SPECIAL_INDIAN_CAVALRY_ISSUE_Reproduced

Still available

 

[johnnybach]

Hmmmmm...

Making some progress but may have to rethink this one. The paint markers are OK to apply but the colour fades into any colour below applied before it. The red marker teardrop shapes I started with have faded into the orange.

If anything it will be colourful.

Scott

I guess that it depends on what markers you have - and what you use for the base paint job. If the marker has faded - maybe try a further application??

When I try anything new - paints/markers etc - I usually do a dummy run with a margarine tub lid ( white plastic inside). Then, if there are any unforseen problems - I can correct them before painting/lining the figure. I also DON'T draw on the figure itself, that's done freehand too. BUT you can practice drawing on paper - and painting on tub-lid.

I just find that all of this prep, helps me get the design into my head, before I actually paint the figure - usually quite quickly and spontaneously. I hate having to stop/start halfway through - as it always shows! jb

 

[Hazebrouck]

Haven't done much painting lately. Added some gold into the pattern to tone it down a bit. Still very bright with some Glosscote but can live with it.

I may strip the paint off and try this one again at a later stage.

Scott

 

[Obee]

Scott,

looks good, well done, especially the fine lines on the turbans

John

 

[Hazebrouck]

Thanks John.

Indian Army are a favourite painting subject of mine.

Scott