Step 6.4 The Devil Is in the Details. . .

The entire regiment formed up for inspection.

Sparkly buttons and braid too really bring the figures to life. Gotta hold off on the coffee though.

And a view of several figures turned to show their aiguillettes.

The last couple of days, as and when time has permitted, as usual, I have taken a somewhat unorthodox approach and started to paint in numerous small details (stirrup leathers, shoulder aiguillettes in scarlet and gold, white highlights to gloves, and some metallic buttons, of which there are many on these 36 figures). You sometimes have to roll in whatever direction the fickle painting muse sends you, and lately, it is the myriad of small details on these figures that have captured my attention. Far easier to wrap everything up by returning to the few fairly large areas in need of highlights once other small items have been seen to.

By the way, for most of the detail work I've been using Winsor & Newton 'Cotman' #1 round -- my preferred brand for several years now -- with a very good point. I dare say that after 35 plus years of figure painting, I just might be getting the hang of fine detailing. Just barely touch the tip of the brush to the tiny feature of the the figures, and an equally minute bit of paint with almost magically move from the bristles to just where you need it. Of course, bright light, a steady hand, and just the right paint consistency help.

So too do eyeglasses perched on the tip of one's nose. . . For those of us on the wrong side of 50. As the character 'Leonard' remarked in an early episode of the Carla Lane TV dramedy Butterflies, from the late 1970s-early 1980s, "I feel 17. It's just the rest of me that refuses to cooperate."

-- Stokes

Here's an RSM Painting Update

Here's a picture illustrating my (S-L-O-W) progress with the second company of Stollen's Leib (Grand Duchess Sonja's Own) Grenadiers. You can see I'm doing things a bit differently this time, altering the painting process to keep it interesting basically. This evening, I'll do the white gaiters and, if that goes reasonably quickly, and time allows, the red breeches. Still lots to do, but I like the way these fine fellows are shaping up along side the completed 1st company that's standing in formation just off camera, to the left here. Until tonight then!

Presenting the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere!!!

Here they are, with the rearmost nine figures still drying, three squadrons of the Anspach-Bayreuth Kuirassiere, now in the service of the Grand Duchy of Stollen. And now, it's onto that artillery!

Having a "No Day". . .

F or the almost 20 years that she lived in Mexico, one of my late mother's Irish friends frequently mentioned having a "No Day." A day with no social obligations, chores, tasks, or other work that interfered with whatever personal interests took one's fancy on the day in question. Since today -- a gray and chilly Saturday -- is Mom's birthday, the Grand Duchess is out with friends, and the Young Master is ensconced on the sofa in the TV room with a cold, yours truly is taking his own such No Day. I think Mom would approve of my decision to make the world go away, as the old Eddie Arnold song intoned, even if only for a little while. So, I will spend Saturday afternoon focused on that first squadron and small regimental staff of Eureka Saxon cuirassiers. These have stood waiting untouched over on the painting table for almost three weeks while we skied and otherwise gadded about with snowy, winter outdoor activities. I hope to share a painting update Sunday...

The Grand Duchy of Stollen

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