Help for newbie: fire dragon in progress

[the.hedge.wizards]

I thought maybe if any of you had a chance you could input help before I even think of sealer.
You all helped on the water dragon so much I redesigned base and head and it looked so much better. I am working on the base the dragon is removable from it and it was suggested to put vegatation in front of the dragon to make it look as if the steps create fire behind.
comments on black or white background would also help. Thanks in advance for any input. I have no ego so please feel free to honestly help.
Fire Dragon

 

[Lurch]

To be honest, the base does not do anything for me. Is he supposed to be standing on a lake of fire?
Lava?
What is it supposed to be?

Also, You might want to use some black in your flames as well. It will create some shadowing AND make your yellows really pop out.
For instance, check out Victorias flames here:
http://www.coolminiornot.com/?id=13697
Notice how the black is used on the tips to and how it makes the brighter colors pop out.

Or depending on what the base is supposed to be, Saxon Angel did a great job with the Lava on her Sophi miniature:
http://www.coolminiornot.com/?id=35228
Notice again how the dark, or \"cooled Lava makes the \"hot lava really stand out.
Hoipe this helps..

 

[Dragonsreach]

I don\'t recognise this mini. Is it a self sculpt?
If so you have a lot more talent than I.
The one thing I think looks a little wrong is the right arm/foreleg, it seems too straight, and could do with a curve at elbow and wrist as well as an adjust ment at the shoulder.
As to the colours they are a good contrast, but I believe that they could do with some strenghtening darker shades in the recesses.
I would also suggest that the eye\'s need to be emphasised, by a darker socket surround.
Hope it helps.

 

[the.hedge.wizards]

Oh yes, your input it will help

Thank you for the right input . I am working on it again tonight and I oh so agree about the flames. The black in the pic is the way it should be. I read the article in the annual and I will review it again now that I need to.
I am going to try to put the leafy matter in front of the dragon on the base and make it look like the dragon is setting fire to it as it walks. I had to wait for the base gesso to dry before I could do much but I will also match the flames to what you suggested. Many light years before I can match Saxon or you but if I keep trying and hope you all don\'t get sick of me
I know you time is worth plenty

I shall continue to strive.

Thankyou again for the time you took to help.

 

[the.hedge.wizards]

The model is

It is an old RAFM. No talent accept to bid well on ebay and spend. I saw an auction 4 months ago from a professor at univ. with alot of old school dragons and spent far to much. I was going to sell when done but I have only seen this at one other site Jenovas web linked to and the painter did not like the mold from the byline under it. I also purchased a Water dragon & leaf dragon from the same era that matches my gardening profession.
I will darken flames tonite I get caught in the process and lose track of the needs this helps so much.
Thanks

 

[the.hedge.wizards]

Improved or worse?

I got the Annual out and tried... please help if you can?
There is glare from the lights but am I getting the right idea? I am going to try the photo like article under photography here advises, take by north window etc. but it is night in Fl. Yet there is more black in the fire and good lord no gloss seal is here yet it looks as though it is. May be sand with ink to tone it down?
Fire again

 

[Nelson]

Hmm, I can\'t honestly say that I can notice that much of a difference. Try these links, I\'m suprised that nobody gave you them, because it\'s the best example of flame I\'ve seen, and it\'s even a fire dragon.

Laszlo\'s lava dragon

And check out his gallery too, cause there\'s lots more examples there. Notice that Laszlo highlights the innermost areas white, as they are the hottest parts, while the tips slowly darken to black. Looks damn convincing.

 

[the.hedge.wizards]

Thank you

I have been to this web site and love the info but was too dumb to look at the gallery I read alot of info.
I have studied pictures and am back to work.
Maybe progress will be made.
:idea:

 

[Valander]

This is looking pretty good overall, but I think the single biggest thing that may be causing problems is that you\'re doing the flames backwards.

The reference to Laszlo\'s fire dragon is a perfect example of how flames should be. The main thing is that they should be lighter on the inside (where it\'s hotter) than on the outside. This is exactly the opposite of \"normal\" painting mode, where you want the recesses dark and the ridges light. Here, you want exactly the opposite.

IMHO, I don\'t like the \"black\" edges of flames that so many seem to feel the need to add. Fire doesn\'t go black. Ever. Smoke goes black, yes, but not actual flame. If the model had more of a smokey sculpt in those flames, then black would work.

 

[the.hedge.wizards]

Your help is appreciated so much

I am really a gamer it shows. My painting leaves much to be desired,my gaming ability is pretty good.
If I asked by my GM why this many colors I would respond

OK I found a dragon in a lake of
Strontium nitrate causing red flame,barium nitrate inducing blue flame,copper chloride creating green flame, calcium chloride causing orange flame,copper sulphate making the blue flame and lithium chloride to cover any violet flames I would quickly add.
I hit the dragon with the flaming sword and poof,
I made pine cones to color fires for extra christmas money one year the above is true.
I debated the black in the flames I had stared at a candle and did not see black in the flame but, tried it, I tried the yellow white this eve and I did not do to well with it. I am thinking I should begin a different project before I take the hammer approach. I am glad my income does not depend on the paint brush.

I can not thank you all enough for you help, your honesty and your time. I revere many of your paintings and someday hope to be a small shadow in your light.

The best regards to you all.

 

[the.hedge.wizards]

I just could not give up. I am a human donkey in all respects.

Dragonsreach I bent the arm at the elbow and wrist I was scared for the arm and wing are one piece but no problems arose.
Valander I flipped it flame wise.
Nelson I studied and I put a ruddy red tip at the back end of the flames and behiind the dragon.My theory is he is going to toss a fireball spell at the hands and behind him would be colling off.
I don\'t know if it has improved but I think it may have and I owe it to you all.

My humble Thanks
Tracy

Fire Dragon third try

 

[airhead]

Getting much better. A touch too white. Look back at that lava dragon again.

 

[the.hedge.wizards]

I Linked new pictures with more yellow added for you airhead. Is it enough?
I reposted the new pic but what do I do with the picture that already has votes should I delete it or keep both online? What is the coolmini way?
Brush fire

 

[airhead]

Like the last look best. Post it for scores. In fact, since they are different paint jobs, post them all.

 

[House of Dexter]

More oranges...less red...

check out forest fires for how fire looks...when burning...

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/partnersites/eicc/clarkfire/