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Hi there,
I'm posting here the first few miniatures I've finished in quite some time. I have a perfectionist tendency, and far from having high standards, I often feel that things are never "good enough", and this has held be back. I'm planning to end this cycle and maybe with your help?

I appreciate all comments, constructive criticism, pointers, tips and advice...I'm looking to vastly improve myself and with so many fine painters I'm hoping you'll let me know what you think. Thanks for looking.

Narly

Excellent, i think you nailed them.

Excellent brushwork but the entire look of both is hugely subdued and seems entirely black/green. The first guy has a green shield and what appears to be a greenish stone on the base.

Had you considered a couple of brass/gold/colour elements to break up the monotony of the colour scheme?

They just scream "we need a little tiny bit of colour, somewhere". Doesn't have to be bright and obnoxious but something.

Great Work

 Elbows wrote:
Excellent brushwork but the entire look of both is hugely subdued and seems entirely black/green. The first guy has a green shield and what appears to be a greenish stone on the base.

Had you considered a couple of brass/gold/colour elements to break up the monotony of the colour scheme?

They just scream "we need a little tiny bit of colour, somewhere". Doesn't have to be bright and obnoxious but something.

I think you're definitely right. They do feel a bit too much duo-tone. I used reds/purples in the shadows hoping it would give some colour contrast, but I feel it probably wasn't enough. Maybe I should have used the elements like the shield, leather straps and cloth to push that contrast?

Thank you for your observations though. Extremely helpful.

Think you've done a cracking job on the texture and colour of the skin. It looks like you'd be afraid to touch the miniature because of how it would feel, so definitely a pass there.

As the miniature is painted in quite flat/muted colours, perhaps a more contrasting colour for the background might help a bit?

I actually like them as they are. The subdued tones give it a sense of realism; the leather and metal look worn and well used, and the skin looks well textured. If you want to make it look more "fantasy", or photogenic, then contrasting colours and brighter highlights will help, but they are looking good as they are.

 JamesY wrote:
I actually like them as they are. The subdued tones give it a sense of realism; the leather and metal look worn and well used, and the skin looks well textured. If you want to make it look more "fantasy", or photogenic, then contrasting colours and brighter highlights will help, but they are looking good as they are.

Thank you. My intent was to subdued and desaturated. More "realistic' if you will. So it's good to hear this is noticeable.

Looks good, I especially love the metals!

Simply superb, the monochromatic look is wonderful and the textures across the whole set on the skin, the metal, the wood, all comes to life so well. No need for anything else, I say! In fact, I think adding in a contrasting spot colour would detract from the great effect you've achieved here.

 Paradigm wrote:
Simply superb, the monochromatic look is wonderful and the textures across the whole set on the skin, the metal, the wood, all comes to life so well. No need for anything else, I say! In fact, I think adding in a contrasting spot colour would detract from the great effect you've achieved here.

Wow, thank you. I'm particularly happy with the metals. Well the larger pieces anyway. The cleaver of the first one is my favourite. However I can't help picking apart my work every time i look at them. I'm think more variation across the skin. But I am pleased they get an overall positive reaction. It's very encouraging, so thank you again all commenters!

I think they look excellent as they are, trolls would naturally blend into their natural element for camouflage.

The only thing I would have changed is the shields on the first troll by doing a different colour instead of green.