Wood Elf Goddess v.1 [WIP - Arm supports and staff]

One key reason I have not made any further progress on the Wood Elf Goddess, until now, is that I honestly don't think I can do justice to this fantastic piece of sculpture from Dark Sword Miniatures. In recent weeks, I have felt my miniature painting skills somewhat stagnate and seemingly plateau at what to me is still an unacceptable level of 'expertise'. It could just be plain burnout (the alternative would be unimaginable) so I am taking steps to ensure I continue to improve and learn in this hobby. 

Wood Elf Goddess, version one with light skin tone, work-in-progress

Work remains to be done on her eyes, tiara, necklace, leg armour and base

Painting the level of detail inherent in a miniature of such small scale - repeated ad nauseam - is very difficult and a tough ask from someone of my skill level. But I eventually started to paint the Wood Elf Goddess again as I felt the only way to improve was to make mistakes and learn from them. So rather reluctantly, I proceeded to paint her arm supports and the staff she holds in her left hand.

Purple arm supports were toned down using green washes, and yellow-green leaves added for contrast

Back view of Wood Elf Goddess, light skin version, work-in-progress

For the arm supports, I used a purple-yellow green colour scheme. Initially the purples looked too bright so I used a olive green wash to dull it down. Meanwhile, painting the leaves on the arm support a yellow green hue gave it a nice contrast overall. Her staff was more run-of-the-mill with shades of brown for the wood, some green leaves and a very bright yellow gem-like light source at the tip.

Brighter highlights were added to the red hair but I am thinking even brighter ones will be needed

Going back to what I said in the beginning of this post, about a possibility of a 'hobby burnout', I have decide to go back to the basics and resume learning about miniature painting techniques from painters that I admire, after a rather long period of practice and self-discovery. This means lots of online research and viewing of resources I have collected over the years. Inevitably that will mean an even lower output from me painting wise. But assuming I am going through a burnout phase, I also plan to start drawing more with graphite pencils and learn how to draw with inks. So hopefully, in the end my output in terms of blog posts can be maintained or even improved to at least twice a week.   

Dark Sword's Wood Elf Goddess has a magnificent pose truly befitting the subject matter

Speaking of learning, I leave you with this wonderful pair of mottos from the Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge and Royal Society of New South Wales namely Nullius in verba (Take nobody's word for it) and Omnia quaerite (Question everything). I look in horror at our times when conservative bigots seem to outshout and outnumber open minded moderate liberals. It's sadly easier for most people in the world to hate and let others do the thinking for them. Peace out!