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Review modelling and painting ww1 allied figures by Mike Butler

Discussion in 'Reviews , Video Reviews and Open Book' started by grasshopper, Oct 16, 2022.

  1. grasshopper A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    Recently published by Crowood Press in UK, Mike Butler, aka Kiwi Mike is well known in the PF community and needs little introduction. I consider him a master of the craft with a signature style.

    ‘The book is a nice format and size for use on any hobby bench: 208 pages; 8.5X11”, can be folded open without pages coming loose..it’s made to be used and I know my copy with end up with pink tabs and page ends folded to mark especially interesting bits. It’s quality kit.

    CE30A1C0-6348-44D8-A3BD-33442F287201.jpeg
    Henk, callmehobbes, MCPWilk and 2 others like this.
  2. grasshopper A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    simply laid out, this book is more than a how to, or aide memoire, it’s a story on its own, beginning with dedication and images of family members who fought in the Great War, and their stories ..reading which renders redundant any further need to explain the hell these enzeds went thru..it’s only later in the war they became known as Anzac’s …Mike speaks to the historical context, and gives references from film, images from living history..leading into his way of naming each figure he works. The beauty of this is that while focussed on a period and specific individuals the take away is that any period, any subject can be approached the same way- research into detail, research into actual movements- tossing a grenade, protecting one’s important bits…I relate to the naming idea because I find myself digging deeper when I connect to a piece..

    All the usual headline topics are addressed, focussed on Mikes signature style- his brush technique : stibbling, stabbing and such…for Mike paint is but one added layer in sculpting and he effectively pricks and pokes at paint to get his desired effects…he isn’t hyping any brand of paint or tool, rather shows experimentation to see what works
    When I think of Mike’s work- it’s texture, and realistic personality and both are illustrated from fairly basic steps on up..
    9FBCEFD7-4832-47A0-A8E0-E053D0373D5D.jpeg
    Nap and Mike - The Kiwi like this.
  3. grasshopper A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    Mike’s professional background is in process management and improvement which as he has explained began with WW2 and American need to rapidly train those “Rosie The Riveters” so key to the Allied effort..so the layout breaks things down into logical steps…again: these may be developed using his WW1 pieces, but the process is generic- giving a face a tired look with bags under the eyes, and one eye a bit bloodshot- that’s universal..and gives his work the natural emotions that transcend exaggerated almost theatrical poses often seen in our hobby
    155C39E5-B9FE-40E9-86BA-01B86090421C.jpeg
    Nap and Mike - The Kiwi like this.
  4. grasshopper A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
  5. Mike - The Kiwi A Fixture

    Country:
    New_Zealand
    … reply below :)
    grasshopper likes this.
  6. grasshopper A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    This book stands alongside Shep Paine, Kirill Kanaev..James Gurney..it’s a keeper for me…and full value..I can’t think of a more genuine, honest representative of our hobby than Mike or one more generous of himself in supporting and helping others..moreover purchase up into November qualify for a draw to win a finished bust…what more can anyone want?

    the book is available from Crowood Press- same as Andy Belseys book…and now a US source, Lost Cavalry ..I ordered from Crowood and things were delayed a few days due UK postal hissy fits, but all worked out well- solidly packed..reasonably priced shipping…

    I drank the koolaide ..this book is a benchmark.
  7. Mike - The Kiwi A Fixture

    Country:
    New_Zealand
    Thanks Grasshopper for taking time to share your kind & insightful observations here. Continue to be grateful for all the support my book has received. I’m particularly happy to see people are using it as a practical guide that can be used on the bench & not just a bookshelf filler. That’s really reassuring it could encourage other modellers, so hoping it also makes it into the hands of some younger modellers like Yannick Olivères who was really helpful with his passion for Poilus, plus a talented young artist.

    Here’s another followup on David Wilson’s review of my book:
    https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=12594.msg248915#msg248915
    Maki, Nap and Andrew Belsey like this.
  8. grasshopper A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
  9. yellowcat A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    Great review.
    I have checked Last Cavalry, price is US$35 and the shipping cost is US$30. Amazon US price is US$34.95 and Amazon Canada price is $45.95 CAD. Both indicates pre-order only it will be released on April 1, 2023?
    Mike - The Kiwi likes this.
  10. grasshopper A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    Yes I understand will becoming to Amazon in due course
    Francisco likes this.
  11. grasshopper A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    It’s C$49 shipped to me in bc from crowood now
    Mike - The Kiwi likes this.
  12. Nap Moderator

    Country:
    England
    Hi Grasshopper

    Thanks for the look at Mikes book , I will 100% echo your comments as you rightly say ...

    "THIS BOOK IS THE BENCHMARK"

    Masses of advice , explanations and really good pictures highlighting what's written well

    A must for any modeller ...even if WW1 isn't your period of interest

    Nap
  13. Maki Active Member

    Country:
    Croatia
    I've been a fan of your style for a long time Mike. I found the book at Blackwells and will be getting my copy soon.

    Well done and thank you again for what seems to be a magnificent book,
    Mario
    Mike - The Kiwi likes this.
  14. callmehobbes Active Member

    Country:
    England
    That's one for the Christmas list. I can look at Kiwi Mike's work for hours.
    Nap and Mike - The Kiwi like this.
  15. John Rosengrant A Fixture

    Mike I'll have to pick that one up :)
    Mike - The Kiwi, Nap and grasshopper like this.
  16. Mike - The Kiwi A Fixture

    Country:
    New_Zealand
    Grateful for ongoing encouragement Nap & Hobbes too.
    Do suggest ordering copy before Xmas so you can go in draw for “Henry” - NZMR bust.

    Very nice to hear from you Mario & to get your support with posting on Armorama - certainly intended to have book a universal reference to help wide range of figure modellers so
    thank you for helping spread the word.
    Do share your impressions when you have copy in your hands.
    MikeTheKiwi
  17. Mike - The Kiwi A Fixture

    Country:
    New_Zealand
    grasshopper likes this.
  18. ometz Well-Known Member

    Country:
    United-States
    Bought mine through Book Depository (bargain price). Having just received the book, skimming through it, I think it's one of the most user friendly modelling/painting volumes I have seen. Full of needed details, especially on the various painting techniques. As well, Mr. Butler is very encouraging, stressing that practice makes, maybe not, perfect but eventual comfort if not mastery over the approach to painting, posing, et al. Highest recommendation.
  19. Mike - The Kiwi A Fixture

    Country:
    New_Zealand
    Thanks Ometz for kind comments & support.
    Especially pleased to read your reference to “encouraging” with supportive text, this was a tone I was keen to have, as its most important to help others to have a go!
    If you’d like to go in draw for “Henry” NZMR bust, pop though details to enter.
    MikeTheKiwi
    Andrew Belsey, Nap and grasshopper like this.
  20. grasshopper A Fixture

    Country:
    Canada
    Small bit of positive experience- Mike suggests liquin with printers inks..I’ve always used white spirits…well, tried liquin fine detail and I like the result- white spirits destroy paint rims and I’ve found the dried surface finishes almost chalky..liquin works nice;y and seems to allow a bit more shading and the like…book is paying for itself

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