I'm having a break from trench warfare after completing my book and have been working on one of the figures from my stash. This is a Seil Models Viking in 54mm.

I managed to find a second hand Celtic cross on Ebay that wasn't too expensive. The figure is looking to the heavens and in a crucifix pose, so I thought of putting a cross behind him. The moulding was riddled with air bubbles so took quite a while to fix but the end result is worth the effort.

I carved a rocky edge into polyurethane for my base, which will eventually be covered by grass.
I've been painting the figure for several weeks now and nearly there. I am presently working on his fur cloak and have his sword and dagger/purse to paint still. It's nice to get the urge for painting back which I had lost. Having listened to Mike the Kiwi's videos, I have learnt a few tips which have really helped and inspired. I will never be as good as Mike but I'm enjoying figure painting once more and am happy with that.

Seil's artwork which I am virtually copying.

My Celtic cross. found on Ebay. I added the base plinth and after repairing all the air bubbles I did a mixture of spray painting and hand painting to achieve the stony look.

My rocky base edge carved into polyurethane.

Paper template made to mark out my shield art.

Almost there but not quite. i burnished all his metal work and added a dark brown wash.


Just dry fitted on his base.
Andy

Lovin' it so far Andy

(I saw this figure came up on FleaBay recently, but missed the finish of it)

Cheers
Paul

Love it so far. The cross is a great idea. Really makes the figure pose work.

Very nice work Andy and I like the symbolism of Christianity versus paganism in the piece. Regards Pete.

Superb painting, and liking the base work. Nice idea with the template for the shield.

Yes, I think that this guy thinks that the Christian God is pretty pathetic, after slaughtering a few monks. Eventually they did become Christians themselves, but for political reasons. As a Christian myself, I wanted him crying out to Jehovah rather than Thor. Aggression was eventually won over. (I know plenty have used Christianity for aggression, but they weren’t following Jesus’ teachings.)
Andy

You can do not only trenches...............

Well. I've painted his last weapons and tinkered with his cloak fur. I painted his boots and think that he's finished? So back to the base. I added some grass made from old carpet underlay. I give it a wash of green after laying it. I'm now adding some plants and I've made some discarded Bibles - he only wants the jewel encrusted covers, which I will make next. This Viking has no interest in the Christian God obviously, He's wearing a Thor hammer necklace. He reckons Thor is more powerful than Jehovah after killing a few priests and grabbing their gold!

You will find how I laid the grass, made the books and plants in my book - Modelling WW1 Trench Warfare (Which also promotes this forum.)
Nearly there!
Andy

I've added some poppies, tall grasses and a little blood to one of the Bibles. I'm now working on his hoard of gold.

This Bible was gained with a struggle. He will have the jewel encrusted covers by his feet and he has tossed away the unwanted books.

This is one of the Bible covers. The silicone dots will be painted as jewels.

This is his hoard that I am now painting.

I'm calling this guy Harald, after Harald Klak, the first Viking convert to Christianity. After him it all got a bit nasty with 'forced' conversions! (Not following Jesus' teaching!!)
Andy

Harald is completed, having painted his hoard. He's tossed away the Gospels/Bibles and kept their covers but this guy is questioning what he's just done? Love did win over aggression eventually.
It's good to be enjoying painting again - which I haven't for a while!
Andy

Incredible work Andy. Superb modelling as usual, and first class paintwork. Couldn't be any better.

Outstanding work! All the extra details tie the scene together even more

Excellent piece with a great back story!

Nice work Andy mate & so good to see you finish a new project.
This one is such a nice little piece with lots of drama, plus telling a tale that means much to you too.
Thanks for sharing all the details.
MikeTheKiwi

I really like the result of the scene, good job.
Santi.