competition entry from reapercon

[MathewBaich]

hey guys! I am seeking criticism on this guy I entered for reapercon. got an honorable mention with him and I am seeking some advice on how to improve for next time.

voting link

 

[green stuff]

I think the cape could have benefited from deeper shades for the shadows (mixes of brown, green, and purple in various amounts).

In a lesser mesure, the metalics are also missing some slightly deeper shadows. Also, some scratches on it would have made for some more details.

Overall, good work .

 

[Dragonsreach]

Well I think He\'s nice, neat and clean, but to be honest I think that he\'s lacking a little in terms of strength of shadow and highlights.
I\'m not talking thick Blacklining up to Sparkling whites on everything but there is a need for some stronger segregation between areas.
One area that especially catches my eyes in the Axe Handle/Glove. The two colours are very similar in tone so separation of the two areas isn\'t very strong.

But that\'s just my two cents, anyway congrats on the Honourable Mention.

 

[Einion]

Deeper shading overall, slightly more highlighting as well.

With regard to darker shadows, I think it would help a lot if you just emphasised the edges of things - doesn\'t have to be as stark as blacklining, but IMO in minis (particularly in very small minis) there should be a very dark line between things, e.g. where the right hand grips the axe haft.

The metallics I like the look of; I\'d probably go a touch darker in a few spots but they\'re nice as they are too.

Unless it\'s just in the photo also aim for a more-uniform matt finish for the cloth.

Last thing I just spotted. Re. the mud on the hem of the cloak - less is more. You can certainly go that heavy but I think it would look better if you built it up more slowly, made more random marks with the brush, to get to a generally more \'organic\' effect.

Einion

 

[Thunderhawker]

I want to echo what the others have said. Further, I want to say that a large relatively flat-ish area like that cloak is practically screaming for some freehand work.

 

[MathewBaich]

yeah I would have put something but I couldn\'t think of anything suitable/do able lol

 

[sg2009]

??? what is an honorable mention ???

sam

 

[MathewBaich]

it\'s an entry that the judges had a hard time deciding on but ended up not placing in the end

 

[sg2009]

cheers great mini though love the metallics, i agree could have a bit of freehand on the cloak.

sam

 

[squidders]

I think it looks great and if pushed can only think of two areas for improvement aside from lavishing freehand on it.

It could use some more contrast generally, deeper deeps and lighter lights.

Dirt on the cape looks ok to me but not next to the really clean shoes, it\'s the only dirty bit on the mini and for me that\'s why it\'s looking a bit odd.

But I really like it and an honourable mention in the company of other great painters isn\'t really a negative as I see it.

 

[arogers907]

Some good commentary already on the contrast. You\'ve obviously got some talent so you\'ll be able to pull off some nice effects following that advice.

One thing that grabs me is the rust (or blood? some fantasy oxidation?) on the axe. It\'s a wonderful blending job. Personally, however, I\'d like to see an aging effect like that seem more rough... not quite so pretty. Just my opinion, but that\'s what I\'d be going on if I were judging.

The mud effect on the cape is better, but could benefit from some contrast and some continuation of the effect on his other parts and pieces.

Lastly, I\'d slap some dull coat on this feller. Maybe it\'s just the photos, but he\'s got a fair bit of shine going for anyone behind him. =)

You\'ve got wonderful blending skills. Push \'em a bit!

-Andy

 

[MathewBaich]

thanks all! yeah I asked some of the judges there and they said the same things. Thanks for the input!

 

[Manus]

all of the above is good advice, but if I should pick one simle thing that would improve the mini it would be some dark washes on the metal -I think that in it self would do a lot.