 |
| Where did that goldurnded mule get off to? |
The last day of the month means it's time for the latest episode of the Helping Hand Challenge. July's subject is the mule handler. The mule seems to have wandered off but with a little luck he'll turn up in time for next month's installment.
The excellent work of the other participants can be seen at Duke of the Blood Keep and Deviant Designs Deeds.
 |
| With stitching... |
 |
| and without |
The conical (comical?) hat featured on this mini seemed a good place to play around with some freehand painting. I first removed the prominent stitching detail to provide a clear area to work on. It took two attempts but I wound up with a pattern that mirrors the shield borne by the camera-shy mule.
Having settled on a gaudy hat that reflects his employer's coat of arms, it seemed appropriate to keep everything else subdued and grubby.
 |
| Coasters put to good use. |
 |
| Tall base = long pin. |
The bases mark my first attempt at using cork. A very useful material it seems. Also my first use of gesso (black in this case) which did an admirable job of preparing the cork to receive acrylic paint.
It's late, I'm tired, and I'm quickly running out of July. So, without further ado... some pictures:
Excellent subdued colours, Looks like the hat is his pride and joy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ant Master. Hopefully the hat stands out next to the rest of his clothing.
DeleteOutstanding in every aspect! I just love what you have done with this, really impressive work.
ReplyDeleteThat is fantastically well done sir! Love it he is a very characterful looking chap.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Simon. The sculpt has a dejected, down-in-the-dumps quality that I really like.
DeleteGreat work Finch. Looking forward to seeing what you do with his mule.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chris. I put the mule-handler aside for a bit to work on the mule, so things are pretty far along on the livestock front.
DeleteI really love this piece ... as you know I am a fan of pastels. I am curious though ... what made you go for the checkered hat? Was it just purely the challenge of doing some freehand?
ReplyDeleteThank you, FourEyedMonster.
DeleteI'm hoping to use the challenge to try out some new things and improve on techniques that I'm a bit shaky with. I've done freehand before but I'm not sure I've done it well.
What's seen here is the second version of the hat. The first wasn't terrible, but it wasn't especially good either. As I felt I was spinning my wheels somewhat, I put the piece aside and worked on the mule. The round shield that is part of the mule's burden wound up white and green. It looked good IMO and it occurred to me that painting the hat similarly would tie the two together.