Hey folks,

I'm just about to start this piece with a view to entering it into my local IPMS club's Christmas comp.



It is, of course, the fabulous 54mm mini-diorama from Beneito entitled "Rorkes Drift 1879". At this point I'd like to thank Jose Hidalgo for not only providing a fantastic model but for sending me a pm, totally out of the blue, offering to replace the rifle after I mentioned in another thread that I had snapped the bayonet off in my usual ham-fisted approach to modelling. He sent the new rifle, free of charge from Spain, which I received within a few days. A true gent who has restored my faith in human nature, thanks Jose

So, anyhoo, back to the model. I haven't done much so far, its still very much in the prep stage. I've cleaned up the parts, glued some of the major bits together, I did some minor filling and got some primer onto the base. I'm trying a black primer for the first time, I usually use white or grey. So here's where he's at for now:



I also already have a title plate ready to go onto the base once its done (thanks to Name-It):



And, in a vain attempt to get organised, I decided to spend a bit of time premixing the main colours which will then be stored in the fridge/freezer. I spent about half an hour getting the main uniform colours ready this morning and I'll probably tackle some flesh tones and some grey/white values this afternoon. I've shown the colours used so far and also one of the nifty home-made palettes that I've cobbled together from a sandwich box and a cheap tile (I'm actually quite proud of them /sniff).



Thanks for tuning in. Comments and critique are welcomed, as always

I will watch this , looking forward to it. A favourite period.

Definitely will follow your progress on this one. This has been on my wish list since it came out. Just a heads up that I'm sure you already know, The tunic colors will be darker with the black primer. I made a vignette with the 75mm figures of Lts Bromhead, Chard and Color Sgt Borne. Bromhead I painted first as a stand alone figure and primed him in white. Then I got the other two and primed them in black and thought they would make a nice scene together. I stupidly believed there wouldn't be that much of a difference. That won't be an issue here but I did learn what should have been a common sense lesson.

Tom

Yes sir, I'll be keeping track of this little project!

Joe

This looks fantastic mate I cant wait to see progress

Hi Billy,
I can only echo your sentiments about Jose. Now then, down to business mate, I'm looking forward to watching this one develop. I love your title for this piece, very fitting.
cheers
Richie

lovely figure, looking foward to seeing your progress
Paul

Following...

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement guys

@Tony - I'll probably only use the black primer on the base, too many bright tones on the figure.

@ Richie - nice to see you looking in mate but I now have that weird feeling you get when the boss turns up unexpectedly, no pressure then

Hi Billy,
I'm with the Chimp on this one, it's an excellent piece. The combination of the well sculpted figure and the diorama once painted will really be a lovely looking model. Will be enjoying watching it's progression.
Regards
Chris.

Looking forward to this Billy.

I did a bit more premixing last night while watching the telly, flesh tones and greys:



And the colours used to mix them. First the flesh tones:



and the greys:



I'm hoping to get some primer on the figure today and make a start on the base while that cures.

I will come bye, sit here, read and drink a beer, keep us updated.

On its own blue black is a dangerous colour Billy , might want to mix in a little Ivory or Mars black with it

A cracking piece Billy.
As you know I am an advocate of limited colours to 5 on the pallet and look forward to following your progress with your colour choice.
More great paint on the back of your last piece Mate and I wish you well.
Keith

Thanks for the heads up Ron

I tend to use it as a (very) muted blue rather than a black to be fair. I don't actually own a black oil paint (except for whatever is in the blue-black, a bit of Ivory black I think).

Cheers Keith,

Only eight paints used (so far), although you may have noticed that I have sneaked a new colour into my box. I won't tell you what it is, I'll see if you can spot it

Good question Billy..........
I know that you chose Paynes Grey to avoid Black but I cannot see either.
On the blues the Blue/Black is an interesting selection, not an easy one to work with. I think that the Ultramarine is the new addition?
You have quite a range of 'reds' Scarlet, Venetian and Burnt Umber.
Yellows, Windsor and Ochre.
Plus White is the eight.
For me I have a dark blue, black, scarlet, yellow (ochre) and white. It takes a bit of time to get the colour you want sometimes though.
For all that I think that your mix's are superb and you are a brave man to put them in the fridge.
All the best Mate,
Keith

I used Paynes Grey in my water-mixable oil box, I'm using blue-black instead after switching to "real" oils as the blueness is similar to the Artisan PG.

My new addition is Venetian Red, I bought it a few weeks ago and this will be the first time its used in anger. Initial impressions are good, it is very opaque so (I'm hoping) it'll make a good base for the red tunic It also behaves well in mixes, I especially like the flesh tones - on the palette at least, we'll see how they look when transferred to the figure

My "limited" palette is stealthily growing into an "unlimited" palette under my nose. I need to get over my addiction to earth colours I think and try mixing my own (or try a limited earth palette...now there's an idea )

Wow you have a lot going on away from the figures Billy. I love it.
There are some great painters and sculptors here who's work is instantly recognisable, this is through years of establishing a style or base colour pallet. I have and most likely never will establish either of these. I enjoy trying to do at least one thing using a different method on every thing I do. I have this 'dream' that one day it will all come together and I will sculpt and paint an amazing figure then I will call it a day. I am close to calling it a day but after more than fifty years I am still learning.
I am interested in your earth pallet and look forward to seeing how it works when you use it to the full.
Cheers,
Keith