Going from small to big, big to small or no similarity?

[Redfinger]

Let me explain my question.

I trying to improver skill and was thinking I might try some larger figures and busts to try and improve.

So when talking about skill, does what you do on a miniature translate to larger miniatures, or does it go in reverse? In other words practicing skills on larger scale, will that translate to smaller scale, OR is there no similarity?

 

[MAXXxxx]

it'll a bit, but there are a few differences too, that makes it harder to apply the skills than to learn them on the smaller one.

 

[Dragonsreach]

Going up to larger scale figures is a lot more demanding than people think. Bigger doesn't equate to easier in fact the larger the scale the greater the care on smoothness, blending and tonal change has to be.
While on 28mm scale figures we can get away with exaggerated contrast, busts (anywhere between 1/10 to 1/6 ) have to be far more subtle in the development of the definition.
Competitive painters I've spoken to at Euro-Militaire, who work in Busts, talk in terms of Months of work per figure.
I'd suggest looking up one or two of the picture threads I've done in the CMON Expo forum for examples.

 

[Bailey03]

I'm a fan of working on multiple scales. Going up to a large size can be a great way to work on your blending and shading. If your real interest is 28mm figures I probably wouldn't jump to a bust or something really large. But maybe try out a 54mm and see what you think.

 

[Zab]

I'm just working on my first larger scale figure now and all i can say is that my airbrush is my new best friend. I'm still gonna have to go back in with the bristles later. Bigger also means more detail and as mentioned by others, less ability to hide your mistakes. That said you are in the right place if you want to improve and the number one rule for that is: PAINT EVERYTHING. Scale, setting, style - paint everything!

 

[Dragonsreach]

http://Www.coolminiornot.com/357164

I've just approved a great example of the difference in skill sets needed with busts, hopefully I've got the link right above.
But if not look up Martina Shtey in the gallery.
That painters work is rather nice.

 

[Redfinger]

Thanks for all the info guys. I am familiar with working in varied scales. I originally got into painting working with WWII models. Here is an image of a recent project I am working on;

View attachment 27585

My goal with going to larger scale figs is to work on my color theory, and technique in hopes that it will improve my smaller scale skills. I decided to purchase a couple of busts;

http://www.young-miniatures.com/products/YH1833/YH1833-1.html

and

http://www.sockelandbases.de/shopneu/product_info.php?products_id=1496

and I am working on Industria Mechanika's Droid Sniper as well

View attachment 27586

So I have got some bigger stuff in the works hoping that it will boil back down to better painted miniatures in the future.

@Dragonsreach, I will definitely check that article out.

A.

 

[Zab]

Ah, that is nice work. Now I think you may want to check out what Mr. Lee is doing over on his blog with a huge alien bust that looks similar to the flesh areas of that mini you have...
http://mrleespaintingemporium.blogspot.com/

Hope that helps. Cheers