Mortal vs Marco

The model is now done from my perspective. If I continue working on it I am more likely to make a mess than I am to make an improvement. I’ve pushed myself as far as I can on this one.

So was it worthwhile and what have I learned?

Firstly, there is no denying that this is now one of my best painted models. So it was definitely worth it. I couldn’t follow Marco step for step all the way through, but being able to follow along in the early stages, and then having his final result as a reference image, meant that I was able to finish the model to a decent standard.

For me, following tutorials can be a bit like using a SatNav. Brilliant when it all goes smoothly but, because you aren’t engaging your own brain, you are just as likely to drive into a lake if the guide goes awry.

When I gave up last year, I was teetering on the edge of that lake and I didn’t know how to stop myself from falling in. But I am really glad I re-engaged my own brain 15 months later and plotted a way out of trouble.

The other interesting thing was that I spent a lot of time looking at the model, especially towards the end, and thinking “is it good?”. When you’ve spent that much time zoomed in, trying to pick out brushstroke-level details you lose the ability to take in the whole effect. You really can’t see the wood for the trees.

Contrast that with how an artist works (and Marco certainly is that) and it becomes clear where their mastery lies. They start with big broad colours, shapes and patterns, looking for an overall effect and setting a mood. They then gradually tighten up the picture until everything is detailed and crisp. You don’t learn that easily. The technical skill to execute it is important, but the vision to work with colours and light to create a mood is pure art.

“Speed painting” to an artist just means that they stop at a certain level of “crispness”, but because they’ve set the mood etc the model still looks great. If you really zoom into Marco’s model you can see all kinds of artefacts and overspray (not as bad as mine was!) which have just been left. But you really don’t see them unless you go looking for them. The overall effect is there, and the ‘imperfections’ are almost a positive thing.

So whilst I may have got close-ish to a Marco result (as close as I can get it anyway), I now see how far I am away from his level of mastery. Firstly, mine took several multiples of the 4 hours he took! Also it has also shown me with greater clarity what that mastery actually involves and what it takes to achieve it. So that is educational but also inspirational. I know how I can get better, and specifically what I need to practice in order to do so.  I learned more from trying to do it myself than I’ve learned from all the Marco videos I’ve watched.  Theory only takes you so far.

So thank you Master Marco. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster but a very worthwhile one. I don’t intend to do it again any time soon, but I’ve taken a lot from the experience which will make me a better painter in the future!