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Time for a Painting Breather. . .

Another couple of steps completed on the first five carts and wagons.

The Humbrol fumes seem to have abated somewhat here in Zum Stollenkeller.  My friend the 6' rabbit pokes his large head less frequently through the wall to my left at least.  The oil glazes have now been applied to the ox, horse teams, and mule as have the alkyd oil fleshtone and black to the hats, heavy riding boots, and a few pairs of shoes.  Time to let everything dry out a bit before painting the human clothing, and picking out various other details.

 As usual, I have tinkered a bit with my painting approach, this batch of figures being no different.  For the black areas this time, I undercoated with an acrylic gray before applying Winsor and Newton Alkyd Oil black this morning, thinned liberally with Liquin Original.  As Peter Gilder suggested many, many years ago in one of those Military Modelling guide booklets, it looks pretty darn good already.  Highlighting and shadows accomplished in one fell swoop.  Previously, I skipped the gray step, and the results look reasonably good, but I always have felt like those black areas were just a bit too washed out if you know what I mean.  Add the gray undercoat before applying the runny black over it, and things look just right.  

Little by little, it seems (I hope) the look of my figures is edging ever closer to the appearance of all of those scrumptious large units of Napoleonic figures in Mr. Gilder's collection at the original Wargames Holiday Centre, featured so often all those years ago in early issues of Miniature Wargames and later Wargames Illustrated.  That has always been my painting touchstone and aim, but it has taken me this many years to come anywhere remotely close to it myself.  Well, the fun comes in trying at any rate.

Time for another mug of coffee methinks!

-- Stokes

Comments

Unknown said…
Carts, wagons, oxen, vivandieres... I do like the extra paraphernalia (strewth, that took a few goes to get right!) of armies and they are looking pretty good so far.

I have always done horses by undercoating them in a suitable enamel colour, as you do, then apply oil paint and after a short wait wipe it off with a piece of sponge. The harder you wipe the more oil paint you take off. Hey presto, horse painted and shaded in one go. Off course the rider cannot be attached; well I suppose he could, but it would be awkward taking the oil paint off.

You know when you're in trouble when the rabbit starts to talk to you...then it's time for a stiff drink!!

Best regards,

Simon
5:11 PM
CelticCurmudgeon said…
My Dear Heinz Ulrich,

As my sister has often pointed out, this is a hobby - not life and death. At the moment it becomes burdensome, a stop is called for. This is just the need of a person to take a deep breath, deal with life's details (like accepting cards and gifts for Father's Day), and then return when you want to.

Perhaps, you can return slowly taking on some of the civilians you've added to your collection. Or think about a squadron of Baronial Guard Cavalry mounted on valiant white chargers....

Anyway, enjoy Father's Day!

Your friend,
Gerardus Magnus
Archbishop Emeritus
11:29 AM
CelticCurmudgeon said…
My Dear Heinz Ulrich,

While a bit incapacitated with the results of a congenital back disorder, it occured to me that it would be interesting to hear what figures you find most appealing for this period. Would you be willing to take a bit of time to discuss these figures and perhaps indicate what has drawn your attention to them?

My best to you and the royal family,

Gerardus Magnus
Archbishop Emeritus
7:20 AM
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