Of course it’s deserved….and you not thinking it is deserved is the mind set that is pushing your work right up there with the best. Compare your paint job with the box art….… you are selling the sculpt far more successfully than the manufacturer.Thanks for the very kind comments, one and all.
Tim, that's a VERY kind compliment indeed - and I'm far from convinced it's in any way deserved!
But I really do appreciate your thoughtful comments about the shield. I agree she looks best in that three-quarter view - I think it may be because her eye sockets (and the bridge of her nose) look darker in the other shots. I have wondered whether I should lighten these areas a touch? But then, in the three-quarter shot the colouration is fine, and in the flesh she looks good from all angles too. Again, I must emphasise - to myself as much as anyone else! - that I'm painting this to be viewed for real, not on camera.
Re. the shield - I'm definitely not going to use much metallic paint on it, and try to keep my palette relatively pale to contrast with her dark face. Still undecided on actual colours though. Omit it? I don't think so, although I can decided once it's painted up.
Thanks again for your interest, folks.
I think the reason I’m not sure on the shield is that I can’t think what colour I would paint it myself Too dark and you lose the shape of the head and the undeniable impact that has. On the other hand, too light and it will pull your attention away from her face and dilute the over all impact. Perhaps a mid green grey stonework effect might work best? It would frame the figure, like your backdrop does, and bring out the skin tones? Your model, your rules, of course, and you haven’t put a foot wrong yet……so I am looking forward to your choice.