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Von Polenz Cuirassers, ca. 1733: Let the Clean-up Begin. . .

 

The squadron after a couple of early morning sessions today to carefully trim in the GW 'Goblin Green' (my preferred old school base color) around the highlighted hooves.  And just a single misplaced blotch with the new #6 round!  You tend to forget in the heat of battle -- or at least I do -- how easy it is to apply and direct the paint onto and around the miniatures with a brand new brush that has an excellent point. 

You would think I'd have internalized this key piece of painting wisdom after 40+ years of applying brush to figures.  About as sharp as a mashed potato sandwich here as my much missed maternal grandparents used to kid family members in moments of, shall we say, less than stellar judgement.

But what's next with these cavalry?  Well, while I wait for the set of special dry-brushing brushes to arrive (for the horse highlights), I'll clean up a few edges and touch up a few other areas here and there before moving to detailing the saddle cloths. Decent progress so far overall.  You might remember that I was a bit dismayed with the early brushwork a few days back, but mounts and men are starting to look a little better as things progress.  

Giddy up!

-- Stokes 

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