Don't bother asking friends and family for their opinion of your work. They have no concept or appreciation of what it takes to do what you do, or what it takes to do it.

Wayne

Whatever I show my wife, at whatever stage the work is in, the answer usually is, after careful inspection taking less than one second: ‘that’s nice’.
Less tolerant people just look surprised and say nothing, but their look betrays the thought: ‘and I thought he was normal...’.

It’s not for nothing we hide in our man caves...

Like Steve, I do AFVs and aircraft as well as figures. I have on the very odd occasion shown my efforts to friends and work colleagues, with predictable responses. Folk outside the hobby are by and large ignorant of what any of this represents in terms of skill, enjoyment and knowledge. The most common question is "what's that worth?" as people always confuse cost and value. I've also had "still playing with toys at your age?" (he was a five-star asshole in any case). On the other hand, my wife is very supportive and interested in much of what build/paint, which is a major bonus.

Phil

Depending on the subject, my better half is either genuinely interested (some of the fantasy/non military stuff), or shrugs and rolls her eyes (the military stuff ) . She does however appreciate the skill involved.
She's also very supportive, she reasons that even when I'm holed up in my room, we're still in close proximity, rather than me buggering of fishing/footballing/the pub etc..

On a positive note....... Keep on doing what makes you happy and content, it really doesn't matter what others may think.

Wayne

Amen to that Wayne

Right on Wayne. Fuck those people.


Steve

Paula and I would always encourage each other in our artistic hobbies.We would always help each other with colour and depth of colour,she would often say I need to do more highlighting/shading etc or even be blunt telling me "that's crap and you know you can do better".
Trouble is these days is that she is no longer here and I struggle to rest my mind when trying to paint,shaking doesn't help and last week I had another heart attack.
The last figure I finished was about 3 weeks ago(Beneito 54mm Death Hussar)and I am trying to get some enthusiasm to start another figure.I know it will come back as I am determined not to sit here and waste away but I am so drained and weak at the moment.
I have long gone past what people think when I tell them I make and paint miniature models.To be honest most think it is fascinating.The ones that get me are the "oh you make Airfix models like kids do"?...yeah yeah yeah in an I don't give a crap tone.

Support manufacturers,buy your model and paint it pink if you want to and sod what people think.

Gosh I sound bloody miserable..lol.
Happy New Year my fellow modellers.
Ralph.

Good to hear from you Ralph, keep plugging away mate
Steve

Cheers Steve.
I have managed to get a good bit painted on the Benieto Australian infantryman.

Dear friend

I know she is there behind you, pleased to see you painting, whispering in your ears ... more highlights, here, honey ...
I know because I feel some time the warmth of my wife breath on my neck, perhaps they met, there , where they are, and comment on both of us ....

All my best

Thanks for the kind words Mirofsoft,they mean a lot to me.
All the best.
Ralph.