Thanks Rubbermonster, I started retopologizing, once that’s done I’ll take that break. I need a good facial geometry to move the face in any way, it’s a great exercise.
I’ve read about the rodeo clown, so fascinating, I’d really like to know more. He left school and started working in rodeos at 12, which was 1931, full depression era, so I guess it’s quite possible that it was only partially a choice, more a necessity.
[[attach=158305]retopo-4-head-shots-thumb.jpg[/attach]]
I started the retopology of Slim Pickens. So far I’ve done the head, I really tried my best on this because if I have to us it to study expressions it’s got to be a proper topology. Quite some complications because of the lack of symmetry but I think I found some good solutions and shifted all the problem areas on the scalp, which will not be visible at all.
For the flow I’m using Nick Zuccarello’s model as a reference, trying to apply the same solutions to my model of Slim Pickens. To retopologize I’m using 3d Coat.
[[attach=158306]retopo-4-head-shots.jpg[/attach]]
Yeah, posing is one of the last things I do. I keep my models symmetrical as long as I can to make things easier on myself. Sometimes I’ll store a morph and pose on the morph, cause I know I can always switch back.
If you want to save multiple poses, I think you can also store them on 3D layers. That way you can keep your t-pose. Correct me if I’m wrong on that.
Yes, layers is surely one way to go. It’s a pity that you can only apply them to one subdivison level though, it would be nice to be able to do larger deformations as well as more detailed deformations and be able to keep both on layers.
But I guess that one can export the posed model and then re-import it as a morph target, that way you can store as many as you want.
Check this, not a classic but way off the scale of wierdness.
Yeah, that there sheriff sure has a way of getting down to the bare facts.
Interesting shorthand, too. 
What a nice update, Max. Great progress! The head looks already amazing. I did a search with google 
and I have to say – great likeness.
Thanks Moni, he’s a tough face to get right I discovered.
I see how you may easily not have known of him, anyway, essential viewing are Dr Strangelove and Blazing Saddles.
I am really enjoying studying Nick Zuccarello’s topology flow today, I hope to have it finished tonight and then it’s all the fun of trying to pull out his faces.
[[attach=158379]retopo-full-thumb.jpg[/attach]]
Here’s the full retopo.
Since the head was not symmetrical but the body was I’ve done the head and half of the body in 3d Coat, opened that in Modo, duplicated, deleted the head on one mesh, the body on the other, mirrored the half body and then connected with the head. Imported as Obj in Zbrush, subdivided a couple of times, appended to the old one and applied reproject all.
[[attach=158380]retopo-full.jpg[/attach]]
Love this, love Slim…awesome.
[[attach=160486]Slim-tex-thumb.jpg[/attach]]
Thanks Jay.
Here’s an update, I’ve started texturing. Only head, and no hair yet, but here is Slim with some skin looking stuff over him.
[[attach=160485]Slim-tex-1-comp-page.jpg[/attach]]
Hahalove the last one man.going great with texturing.
Nice work so far. He was a great character in life, your doing him justice. Look forward to more.
Yep, great character in life and also sculpted! 
Good work on everything so far. The textures are beautiful and lifelike, and the sculpt has lots of character. The a-symmetrical forms really make this feel organic and kinda creepy too . Anyway, just came across the thread and wanted to subscribe. Keep it coming
I think his success as one of America’s most beloved character actors was how expressive he was – fifty emotions or movements would cross his face in a shot. This was s unique in a genre where most of the actors were very still. I bet his family would love this. It’s wonderful. Did you complete the work?
Hi AmyLulu, no, I haven’t progressed with this. I really should. I’m now looking at old stuff that remained half-way there and this is a strong candidtate for going further. I’m just back to using Zbrush after a period during other stuff, lots of technical discoveries and new workflows. And thanks for the supportive message.