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To Paint or not to Paint

Discussion in 'vBench (Works in Progress)' started by mil-mart, Apr 4, 2009.

  1. mil-mart A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    That is the question :). Whilst looking through some old mags for sculpting inspiration I came across an article in Historical Miniature - issue 43 May/June 2004 written by Carson Van Osten entitled Faux Finishing a Figurine.
    He makes the point and I quote,
    " Where does it say that we have to paint every figure in full colour with light and shadow tints for each colour? You might see a figure that you would love to add to your collection but you don't think you're up to the challenge yet so you don't buy it.
    One solution would be to consider painting it to look like bronze or pewter and mount on a nice hardwood base."
    As my interest is mainly in sculpting and I have failed miserably at painting I decided to give it ago and try the Pewter effect.

    Attached Files:

  2. mil-mart A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Carson goes on to say " If you have never painted a figure before but would like to collect some of them, this could be the way to get started. It's a wonderful hobby to participate in and there's no rule that says you have to be a master painter to enjoy it. The more people who participate, the more companies will be encouraged to continue to produce exciting new kits, and that is great for everyone."
    On a personal note I'm pleased with the result, so for now and until I improve my painting skills - I'll have a pewter army instead of a grey one.:D

    It'll be interesting to hear your comments.

    Cheers Ken
  3. captnenglish Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    I've actually done a faux bronze finish on two pieces recently, here's pic of the first one

    Attached Files:

  4. Jason W. Active Member

    Country:
    United-States
    Cool work fellas! The faux finish is a great way to add something unique to a collection.

    Will you give us your mixes, Ken and Matt?

    Jason
  5. mil-mart A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Matthew,
    Looks great, I think I'll attempt bronze next .
    Perhaps the major competitions will have to introduce a separate category and judging will be on how subtle the patina has been added.:D:D

    Cheers Ken
  6. mil-mart A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Jason,
    Thanks for the comments, to make a pewter finish, paint 1st with oily steel or gunmetal grey acrylic, then a wash of black and dry brush with silver.
    I prefer a darker finish ,so I used a mix of black and gunmetal then a black wash and because I wanted it shiny in places , used acrylic gloss varnish.

    Cheers Ken
  7. gothicgeek A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    good idea and the coolminiornot article on the space marine! you could do them in flaked paint finishes! or cracked porcelain..... hmmmmmm

    interesting

    Mark
  8. mil-mart A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Thanks Mark,
    I also thought about the article on the space marine, but I was thinking more for the base. I think everyone who read that thread must of thought where and how can I use the 'salt method ' that's gotta be one of the coolest and most informative threads I've read to-date, and I'm not even into Fantasy Sci-fi.
    Does anyone know where you buy Johnson & Johnson's Klear floor cleaner in the uk. ?

    Cheers Ken
  9. gothicgeek A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    hi Ken

    yeah that was a very cool application of many wonderfull effects :)

    i got a bottle of klear from Yorkshire trading company .. dunno if you got them there? and Boyes carry it on occasion, again that may be a northern company ....

    and Wilkinsons carry it too

    Mark
  10. captnenglish Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    As soon as I can get to my WB I'd be glad to. Short answer for the moment, Citadel acrylics
  11. 1969 A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Ken i have to say i have thought of this for one of my sculpts in the past and your efforts with the pewter look fantastic, there are some figure which i believe look better without paint, I also like the bronze idea by Matthew.


    Steve
  12. mil-mart A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Many thanks Steve for your comments.

    Cheers Ken
  13. captnenglish Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    It's a cheat since I'm a crap painter
  14. Barke02 Active Member

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    I think you're spot on Ken.

    The monotone finish has tied all the parts together, so that the piece is judged on the quality of the extraordinary sculpting rather than the painting. Mediocre painting can make even the best sculpt look 'doll' like, where all the fine subtleties of the sculpting are lost.

    I've only ever once entered a sculpted figure into a model show; Gravesham many years ago. I wanted to enhance the sculpt so painted it flat grey with a black oil wash. I really thought people would be impressed, but then someone pointed out that it was a 'painting' competition...........and I felt such a prat! I've never entered a competition since!

    I empathize with you....will you be judged because you haven't painted the piece?

    I feel sometimes that the 'painters only' brigade don't appreciate that without the sculptors they'd have nothing to paint! Also the many, many hours and hard graft (and the many, many mistakes!) that goes into creating a figure.

    Some people in the hobby have suggested that the best examples of painting should be elevated to 'fine art' status.

    Maybe?

    But the best in sculpting is already in the fine tradition of the greatest sculptures and statues around the world.....and none of them are technicolour painted!

    Cheers,
    Jon.
  15. mil-mart A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    Jon,
    Ditto , I couldn't of said it better myself, no seriously I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF ;)
    Perhaps we could collect names and petition for a separate category for sculpting only.
    Wow only kidding, slight rush of blood to the brain, I need to keep taking the tablets.:D

    Many thanks for your comments Jon.
    Cheers Ken
  16. gothicgeek A Fixture

    Country:
    United-Kingdom
    This all ties into subject i've been a bit reluctant to broach as a "new" painter of figures.

    it's box-art!

    i love the fantastic paint jobs displayed on the box fronts but it's the reviews of whats in the box that sells me . i personally would like to see raw resin, grey or white primer and finally a painted version on manufacturers web sites and if space allows their boxes

    going back to the origional context of this post, i do try to paint non-camo versions of uniforms if i like the sculpt alot!

    hope this makes sense and does not offend anyone .... just a mini rant :)

    Mark

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