ROUND5 "Allahu akbar" - arggghh Ambush vs Disarmed in Algeria

[Ray Rivers]

In fact several nice pairs.

Funny... boobs have never influenced folks voting patterns before... 

[Keith]

You think? For me it's the only part of that entry that doesn't really work, though everything else about it is fantastic.

Its a brave attempt though IMO

[Alex_Nay]

Ups, really difficult vote, this two pictures are terrible amazing, very inspiring and the really esential of this great hobby, thanks for this works mates, im thinking no vote this time!!! i need two votes this time!!!   

[jamesmanto]

both really top drawer entries but the harem scene has some really exquisite brush work.

[Dr Mathias]

Thanks for the comments all, very much appreciated!

@Valleyboy- Really nice entry, I love the color combination and the mass of figures. Black fabric is quite a challenge and you handled it beautifully, and wonderful greens as well.

The translucency on the woman's trousers is very well done.

You think? For me it's the only part of that entry that doesn't really work, though everything else about it is fantastic.

I was wondering if you'd be wiling to elaborate Plynkes- do you mean to say that the translucency isn't done well enough (which I will admit is a reasonable assessment- there certainly could have been a softer transition), or rather that the attempt at sheer fabric need not have been attempted at all?

Please forgive me if entering into a dialogue about one's entry is bad form or otherwise unacceptable- I figure now's the time to ask!

[Plynkes]

I would never criticise someone for trying something ambitious. You are certainly to be applauded for going for it.

What can I say? The effect just doesn't quite come off for me, that's all. I wouldn't have thought it worth mentioning but for the fact that Keith singled it out for particular praise, which drew my attention to it. I certainly couldn't do any better. I don't have the technical skills to even attempt it, and wouldn't know where to start.

[dampfpanzerwagon]

Both are fantastic - so, so hard to pick a winner.

Very well done to both.

Tony
http://dampfpanzerwagon.blogspot.com/

[Dr Mathias]

Plynkes (and Bezzo), thank you for your comments, I appreciate the specifics you provided. I agree with you guys that there's room for improvement in producing the effect I was looking for, I'm just not sure how to pull it off with African skin yet

[valleyboy]

Thanks for all the kind comments Gents
To date I've been checking my matches on a very regular basis, but with this one I've been too afraid to look as I'm getting such a hding
I'm pleased with my Moors, the LPL African theme gave me the excuse to add a unit to my Arab army, I'll pick up another 8 at Saute I think to make them into a 24man decent sized unit.

@ Doc Mathias - it has been a pleasure to be matched on the same page as your entry. Not only is the disarmed idea a clever one, it has been backed up by a background that is excellent and figure painting that is from the top drawer. I doff my hat to you sir and slip quietly away to lick my wounds. Very well done indeed

[Dr Mathias]

I am a fan of maritime art and have a book with  a painting of a ship looming out of the mist. In his description of how he acheved this the artist (Chris Mayger) said he painted the fog first and then painted in as much of the ship as he wanted.

That's a great analogy for the technique needed to get the effect I think- although the harem guard might take offense if I liken her thigh to a looming ship 

[ugsome]

Really, really good painting in the first picture, but the second is overall even better.
I think the ladies and Franks lion hunt is the best ones this round.

[Heldrak]

I was wondering if you'd be wiling to elaborate Plynkes- do you mean to say that the translucency isn't done well enough (which I will admit is a reasonable assessment- there certainly could have been a softer transition), or rather that the attempt at sheer fabric need not have been attempted at all?

Please forgive me if entering into a dialogue about one's entry is bad form or otherwise unacceptable- I figure now's the time to ask!

I agree with Plynkes about the translucent harem pants. A praise-worthy noble attempt, but problematic in the execution. For me, the issue is that the flesh-colored thigh/hip extends/bleeds too far out to the edge of the pants. A narrower thigh/hip with more fabric on either side might provide a more realistic effect (as it's only the high points of the thigh/hip that are contacting the fabric of the baggy pants and thus showing through). Also, perhaps just a little more lighter over-painting of the thigh area with a very thin amount of the lighter color (for more of a "misty" effect).

All the flesh tones work very well and you have some exquisite detail.

Both top-notch entries with beautiful staging and some excellent details.  

[Andym]

Sorry, I'd just like to say that no matter what anybody else thinks,Dr Mathias thats a brilliant piece of painting by any standards. Keep it up!

[argsilverson]

Both are great entries. No more I can say.
OK boobs and see-through pants always attract attention but....

one of the best arab unit I've ever seen. I imagine that the whole Army is also fantastic. I would like some photo,too. (BTW some suitably posed arabs could also work for harem/palace guards, too.

the zouaves are also excellent. Also a nice addition would have been  palace/harem guard making his last effort to stop the brave zouaves before they ....
 

[Argonor]

That'll teach him to keep his hand(s) to himself