Been a while since I have posted any work on here due to life's little jokes etc., but this piece seemed like a good subject for an SBS.
I purchased these for an old friend and wifey as an anniversary present as, like me, they really liked the themes of these pieces when they were first released.
We had talked about combining pieces to create a different scene, and these two lend themselves nicely to that idea.

We had said that the Humanoid and dog of the original set told a story all of their own so, in using the hand and base set, it allowed for the other to be blended into a new scene much more easily.

more to come.......

Ron

In looking to create a new scene, it was obviously all about creating a new 'story' with an old kit.
With this in mind, and with so many details to work with, the composition kind of came together on its own. I had in mind a much used theme in the 'Terminator' films, of man against machine.
What I want to suggest is a scene from a battle long past, with lots of overgrown groundwork, as nature goes about reclaiming her territory.
With the parts in place, the story comes together nicely.
It was actually much easier too combine the elements than I expected. As usual with NP's kits, fit is very good with minimal clean and prep.
I will let the pics speak for themselves. Any thoughts or ideas welcomed.



Ron

Hi Ron,
I like the idea of nature reclaiming her territory. Are you going to let the nature side come over the base as well? Looking forward to this one.
cheers
Richie

Hi Richie,
whilst I want to have a very overgrown base, it will be quite difficult to get the balance right, as there are a lot of hidden details on the base itself.
If you look at these pics, you will find a lot of really clever details, which I don't want to lose.



Ron

Hi Ron,
I agree, sometimes less is more and as you say you don't want to obscure your detail. There are so many textures, surfaces and details that you can make aged and battle worn with just the right amount of strategically placed over growth. Looking forward to this so don't rush it mate.
cheers
Richie

A nice little scene in the making, some thing I have always liked but never got round too. Looking forward to more.

All wise words and true as usual mate

I do want the head and hand to look very old though which, again, is a balancing act.

Really pleased your on board for this one

Hi Bob,
nice to have you along mate

Ron

Like the combination a lot..takes two so so pieces and combined really work to add context and interest...am expecting the eye being caught from bit of distance, then drawn in towards detail..

It helped that it only needed minimal conversion of the main base section, and the addition of only a couple of pieces from the figure base to make it work.
As mentioned, there is such a lot of hidden detail to work with, that planning is the key element regards painting, and when adding the 'scenics' later.

Good to have you along John

Regards

Ron

After what seems a lifetime, I have finally found some free time to get back to this project
I started with the fallen Mecha head, simply because it's a nice size to work on.
I layered on the base colours with the airbrush in readiness for my usual 'scrub' coat technique.
I have modified my technique somewhat, and now use transparent shades of oils 98% of the time.
This means I don't lose the colours that I use for the underlying shades.




to be continued.........

That looks good Ron.......What did you use for the copper base ?

Wayne

P.S......Feb 28..?...............................Rip Vanwinkle ?

Hello mate....that's actually three shades of rust for the base coat....and a coat of 'Klear'

Rip van Winkle.....no mate....just life being a bitch as usual

Ron

Next stage was to add a dust coat of white to provide some fading that will show through the transparent oils. This was applied with a rattle can from above at about 30 cm.




to be continued........

Next up comes the oils. As said, I am using 'transparent' colours for the majority of my work these days, as I find them easier to get very thin layers, and can utilise the underlying colours to better effect.
I want a very 'faded' look, as if it was destroyed a long time ago.
These are just the basic colours faded out. I will add rust/oil and metal damage next.




to be continued...........

From the Peanuts cartoon..”you can always tell the true professional from the merely competent amateur”...

Yep...that's me....a competent amateur

Balls to that..you are the consummate professional...in this pursuit it takes an intersection of technical skill, control and selection of materials, and an artistic eye to bring it all together. And the experience of years that is the difference between serendipity and managed results...

So who you talking about now then

Love these NP kits and looking forward to seeing this develop Ron, Looking good so far.

Are these kits still available ?

Cheers
Steve