A rmed with a second cup of fresh, strong coffee, I messed around a bit this morning with artlist.io using its image to image function in an attempt to convert my hand-drawn map from September 2006 to something that more resembles an old map from the mid-18th century. And just like my experiments with Ninja AI in June, the results are mixed. The above map is pretty good, but Artlist keeps fouling up the place names and has trouble putting a faint overlay of hexes across the entire area. Hexes, admittedly, are not likely to be found on any genuine maps from the era in question, but there we are. Frankly, I prefer the appearance of the Ninja map, but there were problems getting it to correct its errors. Grrrr. As is the case with so much having to do with the various AI's out there now, the output generated is a direct result of the prompts entered. For text alone, and when you develop a lengthy, highly detailed prompt, it is...
Taking a pause from the RSM grenadiers this (Monday) evening. Instead, I cut out 80 lozenge-shaped card bases and glued them to the 80 Revell Austrian SYW figures, comprising the next painting project. These bases give the plastic figures better stability and also call to mind, albeit, unintentionally, the bases of Spencer Smith infantry, helped by the pose of this particular figure -- marching with the musket resting on the left shoulder. Tomorrow evening, I’ll start back on the RSM’s, beginning with the faces and hands of Company C. . . and perhaps the white wigs if those first two tasks go quickly.
Comments
Donald~
-- Jeff
Allan (Wittenberg)
I used 7 boxes of Revell SYW Austrain infantry for the 69 infantry figures with musket on the left shoulder, representing enlisted men, four company sergeants, and an RSM. Five officers on foot, four drummers, and mounted colonel, and a MiniFig ensign round out the regimental compliment.
As for keeping the paint from peeling due to handling: a coat of artist's acrylic gesso for the basecoat, followed by an undercoat of black Liquitex acrylic. Both flex amazingly well. Then the normal painting using Games Workshop and Ral Partha acrylic paints.
For the musket barrels and baynets, officers' halberd tips, etc. I use Windsor & Newton artist's silver oil color. Oils wear like iron and maintian their flexibility. PLus, you can't beat the brilliance of oil colors and, in the case of metallics, the fine consistency of the pigment.
Finally, I follow this with a couple of coats of Future acrylic floor polish. That should do it.
Cross you fingers,
Stokes