Monday 9 February 2015

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!

http://shireworks.blogspot.com/https://www.facebook.com/shire.works

22 comments:

  1. Your doing beautiful work here! No matter how you feel about your level of expertise.

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    1. Thanks Bob, you are very kind. I am a bit of a perfectionist which can be a pain in the arse for others at times ... heck nearly all the time.

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  2. Great paint i love the hair !
    Cheers

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    1. Thank Vincent, I am still toying with the idea of giving her hair even brighter highlights.

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  3. Wouaouh! So sexy, so beautiful...excellent paint work...and model!

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    1. Yep, this is definitely one of my favourite sculpts of all time. She is indeed very beautifully sculpted.

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  4. Use of color here is really nice. I like how the skin tones are look as well so far!

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    1. Thanks, I suppose the skin could use brighter highlights and darker shadows but I am afraid if I add any more touches I might just bring the whole house of cards down on me.

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    2. I know that feeling exactly. Have you thought about sealing the miniature, then proceeding? It would give you the ability to undo the next layer if you didn't like how it was working out.

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    3. I have heard of such a technique but I'm not too sure how it all works to be honest. For example, would sealers such as the Reaper Master Series ones work and if they did, how would one even begin to undo a layer without affecting the sealer? Worth researching I suppose. Thanks for the info! :)

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  5. There is nothing wrong with your paint level. Masterpiece and very nice colors !
    Love the skin , hair , everything !
    Greetings

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    1. You are very kind too Mario, many thanks for your vote of confidence.

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  6. your level of painting is wonderful: you are too strict with yourself as always!
    anyway, everyone is own's best judge, so i'll wait for your even more improved skills to see your even more wonderful projects!
    bye

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    1. Thank you very much luca. I honestly hope I still have it in me to improve. I am secretly dreading the moment when I can no longer improve.

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  7. WOw that is a really nice palette and such smooth work too!

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    1. Thanks, the relative smoothness in the skin is all due to the Vallejo Model Color acrylic paints I used. I love my Vallejos. ^_^

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  8. Wooow, wonderful, wonderful effects!! I love your work!!

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    1. Many thanks Suber. Hopefully she will look better once I get the details on her face done up.

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  9. On such a little scale I think you have done great. Tight and smooth transitions of colour. Light placement is 99% and an attractive pallette.

    Burn out is common I need a break after every display mini at the mo because I try so hard to do better than before. It's nice to have a play to boost your skill and make sure you enjoy what you're doing. Paint on :)

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    1. Your kind comments are much appreciated Theren. I get what you mean on trying to better your previous effort. And you are right, it should remain fun and enjoyable or else what's the point.

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  10. Don't be too grave with yourself, you're doing a very good job on a so detailed mini. Il looks beautiful and most of all I love her hair and her dress, I like very much the palette you used too!

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    1. Thanks Fed. ^_^ I will try not to be too hard on myself but sometimes I look at what I painted after a while and wonder why I was so proud of it earlier.

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