Automaton

hello everyone, I am very sorry to post my comments in English! If someone wishes to translate, and edit this post, that is fine. Well done to all the contestants in this competition, and thanks to Landreth for asking me to take part in the judging. -sebastian :D 1. score 6 : There is good contrast between the details - the result is a very 'readable' figure, with each part clearly defined to the eye. However, some parts of the figure could use some improvement. Parts of the clothing, such as the blue cape, mask, flesh areas, are a little flat. The kind of 'sharp' highlights work well for certain elements, such as the black boots and gloves, because it gives them a more glossy appearance. But when it comes to the cloak, I think a different, more 'soft' approach would work well, and also serve to distinguish the difference between the clothing materials present on the figure. 2. score 9 : Very good control of the details, and great technique, very smooth painting. The flesh colour is very rich, with good lighting. The metals look excellent also, as does the detailed work on the bottles, skulls and other equipment - I really appreciate the effort and work here. Perhaps the back of the figure, the dark fur and the brown cloth, could use a little more light or colour, to make it a bit more lively and create some more interest. And I think maybe the base could use a little more work: some more complexity might be nice, to create a stronger scene to reinforce the atmosphere of the figure. 3. score 7 : An interesting approach and use of colour. The 'glowing in the dark' effect is quite nice, and I think it is good to try to be creative and experimental like this. However, I think the figure suffers from a little lack of focus. So many colours are used in each surface, that the result is a figure that looks a bit 'the same all over', with no clear focus of for the eye of the viewer. This creates a slightly confusing appearance. Using a lot of colour is good, but sometimes it can work better if the colour is used more selectively and purposefully, in order to create a more focused colour contrast or colour relationship between the different elements of the figure. 4. score 5 : Not bad, but the painting is a little rough in places. Also, I feel that the lighting lacks a little life and direction: places such as the straps on the hammer handle, and the brown belts and straps on his armour, are quite dark, lacking some light contrast, and the detail is therefore difficult to 'read'. The red colouring of the cape also lacks a bit of 'life' in the lighting. There is a good amount of contrast on the metals, which is positive; perhaps the reflections could be a little more concentrated, and painted in a way that is more conscious of lighting direction. 5. score 10 : A fantastic dark atmosphere on this one...a very strong sense of the dark scene has been created. Very good technique, great metals - the contrast and lighting on the metal is excellent. I very much like the sharp highlights on the hair, which creates an excellent focus point on the face by drawing the eye's attention. And the strong lighting on the left hand is also a nice touch, to create another point of focus here. If I was to offer a criticism, I would say that the black parts of the armour - the parts held within the gold filigree - are perhaps a little roughly treated. But this is a minor point. Well done. 6. score 8 : Excellent technique, very smooth painting everywhere. Good contrast and lighting - great work. The criticism I have concerns colour and 'focus'. The colour palette used is very limited; this is not necessarily a problem, but if such a limited palette is used, it is very important to use the colours and lighting in a careful way to create a strong focus on the most important parts of the figure. At the moment, the light and colour is very similar all over the figure, and as a result, the eye is unsure where to 'settle'. This means that some of the drama and impact is lost. By establishing some clear points of focus for the eye, using colour contrast, or enhanced lighting etc., a stronger impact and presence can be created, which gives a stronger visual 'experience' for the viewer. 7. score 6 : An interesting subject, and some nice little details, like the tartan cloth, which looks excellent. A good balance of colour, between cool and warm, also. Some of the technique is a little rough - I think the painting of the metals could be a little more controlled, for example. And the lighting also appears a little 'flat' in places; enhancing the light could help to make the details stand out more. I think the base could use some more careful treatment also: a simple base is not a bad thing, but if you want to do this, a bit more careful effort is good to make the most of the idea and support the figure. 8. score 8.5 : Great technique – smooth painting, good contrast and balance between the different elements of the figure, well done. I feel like something is missing from the flag – the open, blank side is a little distracting, it 'feels' like something should appear on this part of the flag. Such a big space of light colour pulls the eye too much up towards this part of the figure, I think. The base is a little big in my opinion, and a little 'loose'. What I mean, is that there is a large area of ground present, but there has not been much done to use this space, to justify its existence. It can often be better to use a smaller base, and really focus carefully on the details and layout, rather than a large base, which can look rushed and a bit messy unless it is treated very carefully with a lot of effort. 9. score 8 : Nice metals on the body, the armour plates and chainmail, gloves etc., look really excellent. Perhaps the sword is lacking a bit of the final 'glint' or sharp reflection to make the metal really come alive. Apart from that, I think the figure lacks a little life – some little touches of stronger colour here and there might make it seem more alive, and make it more interesting, give more presence. Some extra light and colour on the head/face, especially, would create a great focus. The little seeds on the base are cool, but maybe the rest is just a little rough. 10. score 5 : Nice work on the red and green diamonds, they look great. And an interesting idea with the base also. I think the problem here is that there is a lack of coherence between the colours: the red and green do not have much of a relation to the blue and grey colours used on the rest of the figure, and this causes a slightly unpleasant colour clash. If strong colours are used like this, I think it is important to consider the way in which they will work together on the figure, and to try to form a stronger relationship and balance between them. 11. score 7 : Quite a good analogous colour scheme, I think the warm earth tones work well for the subject of this figure, balanced with the touches of cool blue-grey. Good work on details like the beard, wood parts...nice work on the green tunic also, I like the red-brown nuances you have used in the shadows. I think the figure lacks a little 'impact' though: the intensity of the colour and light is very similar all over. Maybe some bolder, stronger use of colour on certain parts might help to create a more dramatic result; similarly, stronger lighting might help to create a stronger presence for the figure. Thanks again friends!