Hello you magnificent people,

My latest delve into the historical figures was Ruruik, prince of Holmgard. I was given this miniature by my friend Jan Soukup and I decided to paint it right away in the middle of my other paintings. I`ve decided to limit myself on this miniature, using acrylics from Scale 75 and a limited palette, which would be maybe more grounded and feel natural. I used a lot of yellow oxide, pink flesh, white, black, burnt sienna umber and mainly raw umber, which I`ve fallen in love with completely. Such a lovely colour!

The painting is OK. There are things, which I like - the realistic feeling skin tone, which is not blended as much and the colour harmony, which I`ve somehow managed to support by the limited palette. However, there are things I do not like and maybe will change, if I`ll take it co some competitions - the nmm lacks contrast and is horrendous, on the sword. Needs a lot of corrections. Then the fur on the shoulders is sculpted horribly and painted as ass. I understand that it looks well on the sculpt, but it is not enjoyable to paint. And finally, the eyes. The are very small and I repainted them like 6 times and then finally said that I have to move on. So I did. Oh, and the piece was heavily inspired by Marc MAsclans` version of this miniature. Beautiful rough stuff and so different from other versions painted, which have less "modern feel to it".

So, thanks for watching and if you feel like voting, vote, but don't vote gold. It`s not :D
  • Majesty

    You have a good expression
  • Rhiana, "Cyradis"

    You have a nice theme with it, and general good sense of where colors go and how to work with the figure. If you spent more time on finessing the metals, and hair, it would go a long way I think. Happy painting!! <3
    • Štěpán Tichý

      I think you are correct. The metals are very not polished and would deserve more work. Unfortunately, I did not manage to strike the correct colour balance or something. The hair I tried to highlight it was you would hair, but it is sculpted very firmly and maybe it got lost. On the shaven parts, I tried to create something like a stubble, but went too dark, I think. Anyway, thank you for the comment and critique! <3 Take care!
  • Roman LappatPLUS

    Like you say, there are many parts that work really nice. The overall feel and warmth is really good. The face works and stands out and the texture study is nicely done! Good work and I like how honestly you are talking about your learning and the bust. This is a character's gold from me on this page, where a lot of users just "circle masturbate" Gold to eachother! Well done! Keep on happy painting!
    • Štěpán Tichý

      Haha, you described it the best, Roman. I had a genuine laugh, it does feel like that. I do not see the value of having just writing gold and being like "this is great, even though it is not". I do not want to lie to myself and I want to learn and grow and valid criticism is very hard to find. And even a sentence of what another person likes in your piece does make me happier, than just clicking gold and shouting it to the world. Thank you for your comment, I am happy you looked at it. And thank you for your dedication to this page. I appreciate it!
  • Arronaks painters tale

    lovely nmm, gold
    • Štěpán Tichý

      Thank you for the comment and your vote! But as I mentioned, I do not think it is gold worthy :)
  • fabrizio1969PLUS

    gold
  • Fabrizio SchiragaPLUS

    Gold