Just had a re-read of this thread. Great work, Gav.
You're at that exciting point in your figure painting journey where you can fairly easily make some massive leaps forward - the improvements you've made to this figure are dramatic, for example, and the smaller scale work you've done since is likewise much improved.
I've been down a similar path myself over the last year or so. From my experience you'll discover a new technique (like the graduated flesh tones you've added to this figure) that totally changes the resulting finish - with
out needing a ton of practice! The challenge then is to recognise that that new technique offers huge scope for refinement - and that you've just added a whole new layer of complexity to your painting!
That's when the practising makes all the difference. Each technique can then be worked on to improve the outcome.
I don't think you've done any "Under construction" threads for your figures. Give it a try. I found doing this enormously helpful, as it means I can ask questions as the project progresses. On here, you'll get the answers you need, when you need them, in real time, rather than after the event, as happens with 'Completed figures' threads.
What equipment do you use? I see you're transitioning away from
Tamiya paints towards Vallejo, and have been gently guided away from the "tiny details require minuscule brushes" approach - both good ideas. But what else?
From my experience I'd suggest improvements in equipment in the following areas can all potentially yield big improvements. These will ensure your practice time is spent to best advantage:
- Quality sable brushes
- Good brush hygiene and storage
- A wet palette
- Mediums (not psychic ones, but glaze medium, flow improver, thinner, retarder)
- Good lighting
- Magnification
I got great advice on here on most of these topics, mainly from the redoubtable Tim Marlow.
Really good to see your smaller scale figures, too. Moving back and forth between different scales can help refine techniques, as they bring different challenges to their application.
Keep up the good work!