Under the Mountain

As mentioned in a previous post, I found this model in a bargain bin at a local shop, and purchased it purely to serve as a means to experiment with bold, opaque layers similar to the impasto techniques of the French Impressionists.  After laying down the base coat of paint, however, I became enamored with the “dancerly” pose and contours of the muscles.  This led to a change in plans for the model, and I instead used it to experiment with a skin formula comprised of a deep blue that highlights up to a rosy pink.

Sadly, my troubles with lighting persist, and very little of what I achieved is represented by these photos.  One day I’ll resolve this issue, but likely not until I’m settled in a more permanent residence with space for a small studio tucked away in a corner of the house <fingers crossed>.  In the meantime, I’m enjoying the process of it all.

Here’s the formula:

Skin

• Base with VMC 868 Dark Seagreen
• Highlight with VMC 904 Dark Blue Grey
• Highlight extremes with VMC 944 Old Rose

Mouth

• Base with VGC 065 Terracotta
• Wash with GW Badab Black

Teeth

• Base with VGC 062 Earth
• Highlight with VGC 034 Bone White

Eyes

• Base with VGC 061 Khaki
• Wash with VGC 011 Gory Red
• Highlight with VGC 034 Bone White

Pole

• AC Black 2^nd Shadow

Blade (silver)

• Base with VMC 994 Dark Grey
• Highlight first with VGC 050 Cold Grey
• Highlight tops with VGC 049 Stonewall Grey
• Highlight tips and very edges with VGC 001 Dead White

Blade (gold)

• VGC 040 Cobra Leather
• Add a soft wash of VGC 043 Beasty Brown
• Add a general highlight with VGC 039 Plague Brown
• Highlight next with VGC 036 Bronze Fleshtone
• Final highlight of tips and edges is with a mix of VGC 036 Bronze Fleshtone + VGC 001 Dead White

Bangles

• VGC 040 Cobra Leather
• Add a soft wash of VGC 043 Beasty Brown
• Add a general highlight with VGC 039 Plague Brown
• Highlight next with VGC 036 Bronze Fleshtone
• Final highlight of tips and edges is with a mix of VGC 036 Bronze Fleshtone + VGC 001 Dead White

Thorns

• VGC 062 Earth
• VGC 051 Khaki
• VGC 034 Bone White
• Highlight tips with a mix of VGC 034 Bone White + VGC 001 Dead White

Belt

• VGC 040 Cobra Leather
• Add a soft wash of VGC 043 Beasty Brown
• Add a general highlight with VGC 039 Plague Brown
• Highlight next with VGC 036 Bronze Fleshtone
• Final highlight of tips and edges is with a mix of VGC 036 Bronze Fleshtone + VGC 001 Dead White

Skirt

• Base with VMC 982 Cavalry Brown
• Highlight with VMC 829 Purpleheart Red

Rock

• Base with VMC 876 Brown Sand
• Wash with VGC 045 Charred Brown
• Highlight with VMC 8876 Brown Sand
• Highlight edges with VGC 061 Khaki

Grass

• MiniNatur 727-23 S, late summer/approaching autumn
• Highlight tips with VGC 061 Khaki

I spent some time working on the VOR deathdancer this evening.  My original intent was to use this model as the basis for an experiment in three-tone opaque painting, but in the process I’ve developed a greater appreciation for the sculpt.  I’m using all my powers for this one.  Anyway, here’s an update; this will take longer to finish than planned, hopefully for the better.