Tut's underpainting - finally done!

Well, now the underpainting is finally done... The main creases have been painted in, and some metallic shine added to Tut's kilt and Ankhesenamun's dress. Once this is dry, finally come the color layers!

Tut's underpainting - all fields blocked

I just blocked the last fields of underpainting today and that sash sure took some work! Had to count each little speck of light that represented a jewl or golden bead. I still think I may have a few beads too many or too few - the reference photo didn't quite release its secrets...

But here is the painting now: background "wrinkles" (wrinkled gold foil) still not done, and the balancing of dark colors need to be done (Ankhesenamun, the table, the pectoral above the table, the details under the chair) once this is dry enough to touch. About 100 hours into this so far.

Then underpainting stage nearing its end

I have been horrified with the news of how people out of sheer ignorance have been destroying the cultural heritage of Egypt. Archaeological sites robbed, destroyed artifacts and tombs... Horrible...

Still, I felt the need to paint Tutankhamon's throne some more - as a friend said: painting this was alsos preserving our cultural heritage.

The underpainting stage nears its end, soon it is turn for color.

Tut's Throne - Ankhesenamun's dress

And here is Ankhesenamun again - I painted her hands, feet and the basic form of the dress. Will have to add details once the paint has dried. I think the ancient artists did a great job at showing the sheer transparent linen dress and I hope my painting shows the same effect.

Tut's Throne - closeup of Ankhesenamun

And here is a closeup of her:

Tut's Throne - Ankhesenamun

I've now done the underpainting of Ankhesenamun's crown, wig, face and collar.

Tutankhamo's belt and kilt

I worked on the belt and the kilt of the pharaoh today. I'll leave the sash to another day - it is full of tiny precious stones and will be quite a job to paint. Next I think I'll start on Ankhesenamun so that Tut will have time to dry. Wouldn't want to smudge my work by accident if I now tried to paint the sash...