- Conversion of boots to riding boots, thereby eliminating mail chausses. Add spurs.
- Elimination of shield fittings molded on figure.
- Sculpt missing portions of cloak.
- Repositioning of hands to depict gripping a staff.
- Sculpt a new scabbarded sword or work with kit-provided pieces.
- Rework surcoat to a more suitable tunic-style garment--including the addition of sleeves.
- Remove all in-situ religious items.
06 February 2010
Halbarad Dúnadan: Planning the Conversion
With less than a fortnight to go before the Show, and since I am unable to spend any productive time at the bench today, I thought I would get a head-start on planning the major issues to be addressed in converting Pegaso's 90mm Templar Sergeant, 1240 (90-38) to Halbarad Dúnadan.
31 January 2010
"Der Vampyrjäger"-PAINTING: To date. . .
As I will not be able to set-up my photography niche until later this week, I thought I would provide an introductory summary of what has been done (or nearly so) to date.
Prior to resumption of project:
The balance of the gross figure should go quickly; but the devils are in the details, and there are many of these to exorcise in the days ahead. . .
Back to the bench!
UPDATE
The resin groundwork has been permanently attached to the display base, and expanded as needed. There are probably 1 or 2 more bench sessions ahead of me to integrate everything and then the painting can begin!
05.02.10--UPDATE
The groundwork has been completed and primed. It is now sitting under the lamps to fast-dry the mist coat of primer: I should be able to have it undercoated before calling it a night. BTW, for those who are wondering, I am at least a week away from being able to set-up my photography niche. . .
Prior to resumption of project:
- Boots
- Face
- Buffcoat
- All armour "undercoated" in G-S Mr. Metal lacquers
- Cuirass (blackened)
- Bridle Gauntlet (russetted)
- Breeches
- UPDATE 05.02.10--Groundwork u/c'ed
- UPDATE 07.02.10--Right forearm: all but the mail; Sword grip
- UPDATE 07.02.10--Boot hose
- UPDATE 07.02.10--Cuirass belt
The balance of the gross figure should go quickly; but the devils are in the details, and there are many of these to exorcise in the days ahead. . .
Back to the bench!
UPDATE
The resin groundwork has been permanently attached to the display base, and expanded as needed. There are probably 1 or 2 more bench sessions ahead of me to integrate everything and then the painting can begin!
05.02.10--UPDATE
The groundwork has been completed and primed. It is now sitting under the lamps to fast-dry the mist coat of primer: I should be able to have it undercoated before calling it a night. BTW, for those who are wondering, I am at least a week away from being able to set-up my photography niche. . .
29 January 2010
"Der Vampyrjäger"-PAINTING: Resumption
I would refer those of you unfamiliar with this work to:
http://forums.delphiforums.com/eph2/messages/?msg=508.1
For now, happy reading. The ip work has been moved to the painting table, and I will hopefully be able to get some--albeit limited--quality time in over the weekend. As I mentioned in my last posting, I am unable to engage in any photography at the moment, but hopefully this will change within a week or so.
Until then. . .
FOLLOW-UP
When I received my sample of the kit, it was essentially "OEM"; thus, the "spiky" elements (2 spurs and the terminal spike of the aspergillum) were not included. I have just concluded making these missing elements: the spurs from resin rod, and the terminal spike from bamboo. Though the original mythology called for a solid silver aspergillum, I felt that a wooden spike would not only add chromatic interest, but be truer to the title of the work. Keep in mind that whether silver, wood--or iron, the spike was interchangeable in keeping with the nature of the quarry.
The kit is now complete. . .
http://forums.delphiforums.com/eph2/messages/?msg=508.1
For now, happy reading. The ip work has been moved to the painting table, and I will hopefully be able to get some--albeit limited--quality time in over the weekend. As I mentioned in my last posting, I am unable to engage in any photography at the moment, but hopefully this will change within a week or so.
Until then. . .
FOLLOW-UP
When I received my sample of the kit, it was essentially "OEM"; thus, the "spiky" elements (2 spurs and the terminal spike of the aspergillum) were not included. I have just concluded making these missing elements: the spurs from resin rod, and the terminal spike from bamboo. Though the original mythology called for a solid silver aspergillum, I felt that a wooden spike would not only add chromatic interest, but be truer to the title of the work. Keep in mind that whether silver, wood--or iron, the spike was interchangeable in keeping with the nature of the quarry.
The kit is now complete. . .
25 January 2010
Nosferatu 2: GEOmetric Design's Micro-Mania
With but one or two bench-sessions away from wrapping-up my first "monster model" in over 40 years, I must admit that the subject of Nosferatu is highly contagious, a vector for seemingly endless affinity. Though the Monarch kit is my first full figure of Nosferatu, it is my third venture with the subject.
Murnau's classic film provides near-limitless inspiration for potential vignettes and dioramas, and indeed a number of these have made it to commercial, albeit relatively limited, release. But while suffering under this "contagion", I wanted to explore something "new" and "unique"--and in a smaller scale.
Smaller scale? Well, this narrows the casting, no pun intended, dramatically. Sadly, there really are no good candidates out there, but one is significantly better than the other, if only in unfulfilled--and accessible--potential.
I am of course referring to GEOmetric Design's Nosferatu, the Vampyre (RMM03) in their Micro Mania line, sculpted by T[im]. Holter Bruckner, and released in 1998. Bruckner sculpted the first six releases in the Micro Mania series, of which this was the third.
Before continuing, I should point out that while the Micro-Mania offerings are advertised as 1/25th scale (~75mm), this piece is anything but. Nosferatu measures 93mm from soles of feet to top of head, 88mm to the eyes. While certainly not a typically robust 90, this is more of a "75 on steroids with a splash of growth hormone". This is not the only inconsistency to be found in this offering. . .
The kit is comprised of 3 pieces, plus a sizable "circular" plinth that is all-but-useless--to be kind. The figure itself is essentially cast in one-piece in a softish white resin, with two white-metal hands provided separately. While the latter are very nicely cast, they do not convey the gnarled ancient menace of the subject.
The casting is average: the upper half of the body is VG+; the lower half, fair at best. There was significant mold shift along the legs, which would be disconcerting if I had not already decided to rework the legs--why are Orlok's legs so difficult to render convincingly?
Which brings me to the sculpture itself. Tim Bruckner's portfolio without a doubt evinces mastery of his art and craft. Having said that, his rendition of Nosferatu leaves much to be desired. It is stiffly and two-dimensionally posed; and with regard to the likeness, I have to posit that Mr. Bruckner abandoned all referencing of the film very early on in the sculpting process. The frock is nothing like it was in the movie (too long; too fitted; too many braids); and spatial relationships are completely off the mark. The face can best be described as a "generic" Nosferatu, but it bears little, if any, resemblance to Schreck. While we have all experienced the "downgrading" of a master sculpt by the licensor for inexplicable reasons, AFAIK, Nosferatu and the character of Graf Orlok were then, if not currently(?), in the public domain.
I will add to this review as needed, but it will hopefully establish the baseline from which I will launch this project. Photos will eventually illustrate much of the above, but I am currently incapable of taking any photographs.
To be continued. . .
Murnau's classic film provides near-limitless inspiration for potential vignettes and dioramas, and indeed a number of these have made it to commercial, albeit relatively limited, release. But while suffering under this "contagion", I wanted to explore something "new" and "unique"--and in a smaller scale.
Smaller scale? Well, this narrows the casting, no pun intended, dramatically. Sadly, there really are no good candidates out there, but one is significantly better than the other, if only in unfulfilled--and accessible--potential.
I am of course referring to GEOmetric Design's Nosferatu, the Vampyre (RMM03) in their Micro Mania line, sculpted by T[im]. Holter Bruckner, and released in 1998. Bruckner sculpted the first six releases in the Micro Mania series, of which this was the third.
Before continuing, I should point out that while the Micro-Mania offerings are advertised as 1/25th scale (~75mm), this piece is anything but. Nosferatu measures 93mm from soles of feet to top of head, 88mm to the eyes. While certainly not a typically robust 90, this is more of a "75 on steroids with a splash of growth hormone". This is not the only inconsistency to be found in this offering. . .
The kit is comprised of 3 pieces, plus a sizable "circular" plinth that is all-but-useless--to be kind. The figure itself is essentially cast in one-piece in a softish white resin, with two white-metal hands provided separately. While the latter are very nicely cast, they do not convey the gnarled ancient menace of the subject.
The casting is average: the upper half of the body is VG+; the lower half, fair at best. There was significant mold shift along the legs, which would be disconcerting if I had not already decided to rework the legs--why are Orlok's legs so difficult to render convincingly?
Which brings me to the sculpture itself. Tim Bruckner's portfolio without a doubt evinces mastery of his art and craft. Having said that, his rendition of Nosferatu leaves much to be desired. It is stiffly and two-dimensionally posed; and with regard to the likeness, I have to posit that Mr. Bruckner abandoned all referencing of the film very early on in the sculpting process. The frock is nothing like it was in the movie (too long; too fitted; too many braids); and spatial relationships are completely off the mark. The face can best be described as a "generic" Nosferatu, but it bears little, if any, resemblance to Schreck. While we have all experienced the "downgrading" of a master sculpt by the licensor for inexplicable reasons, AFAIK, Nosferatu and the character of Graf Orlok were then, if not currently(?), in the public domain.
I will add to this review as needed, but it will hopefully establish the baseline from which I will launch this project. Photos will eventually illustrate much of the above, but I am currently incapable of taking any photographs.
To be continued. . .
19 January 2010
Nosferatu redux: the provenance
As we draw nigh to the completion of this project, I wish to share with you the provenance and inspiration for this "rework":
Yes, yes. . . I know: wouldn't it be great if there were a figure of Hutter. . . ? ;-)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the readership for their attentive viewing, and especially those who have been so generous with their comments. Any attempt at an sbs in a blog format is trying at best for all concerned, and your perseverance and patience is very much appreciated.
Back to the bench!
Augie
Yes, yes. . . I know: wouldn't it be great if there were a figure of Hutter. . . ? ;-)
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the readership for their attentive viewing, and especially those who have been so generous with their comments. Any attempt at an sbs in a blog format is trying at best for all concerned, and your perseverance and patience is very much appreciated.
Back to the bench!
Augie
Monarch Nosferatu--PAINTING--Workbench Interlude (II bis)
The baker's dozen was reduced to an even 12--one of the keys did not fit on the chain. . . and it's just as well as it is rather crowded, as intended--AND THE KEYS ARE DONE!!!
Made, painted, and mounted!!! Five were scratchbuilt from steel rod and copper tubing; 4 (originally 5) were modified from a set of Barbie keys (don't laugh--they worked splendidly!); and three were taken from the Nosferatu kit, though these were suitably modified.
They were all finished in Gunze-Sangyo Dark Iron, applied as an initial base coat, if you will, that was then stippled with thickened lacquer. Once dry (~24 hrs. under a lamp), each key was carefully buffed before mounting on the chain. My initial intent was to apply some measured "old" rust to the keys, but I've decided to wait until the hand is permanently attached and finished to see if what I have in mind "works".
Sometime in the next 48-72 hrs. I will permanently attach the hand, and begin tying-off any remaining loose ends.
Getting closer. . .
FOLLOW-UP
I now have before me the quasi-finished piece. I have just completed attaching the right hand with its "garland" of keys, and I am delighted! Once I am satisfied the glue has cured (24-48 hrs.), I will begin the final finishing and weathering. . .
Made, painted, and mounted!!! Five were scratchbuilt from steel rod and copper tubing; 4 (originally 5) were modified from a set of Barbie keys (don't laugh--they worked splendidly!); and three were taken from the Nosferatu kit, though these were suitably modified.
They were all finished in Gunze-Sangyo Dark Iron, applied as an initial base coat, if you will, that was then stippled with thickened lacquer. Once dry (~24 hrs. under a lamp), each key was carefully buffed before mounting on the chain. My initial intent was to apply some measured "old" rust to the keys, but I've decided to wait until the hand is permanently attached and finished to see if what I have in mind "works".
Sometime in the next 48-72 hrs. I will permanently attach the hand, and begin tying-off any remaining loose ends.
Getting closer. . .
FOLLOW-UP
I now have before me the quasi-finished piece. I have just completed attaching the right hand with its "garland" of keys, and I am delighted! Once I am satisfied the glue has cured (24-48 hrs.), I will begin the final finishing and weathering. . .
17 January 2010
Monarch Nosferatu--PAINTING--GRAPHIC UPDATE
Here are some "teasers" of the work to-date. There is still much to be done in terms of finishing, etc. (e.g., I haven't even glazed the eyes yet), but hopefully it will serve as an appetizer for what is to follow shortly.
UPDATE
Since the above was posted, I have glazed the eyes, re-glazed the flesh-tones, completed the buttons and lacing, and airbrushed the groundwork. . .
Definitely on the home stretch. . .
FOLLOW-UP
The figure has now been permanently transferred to its display base. Tomorrow, the keys. . .
UPDATE (2)
The left hand is now painted, which, save for the keys and the nightcap, just about concludes the brush work on this piece. The keys are next (yes, I've been putting it off). . .
Looking ahead in 2010. . .
As I've mentioned elsewhere, this type of posting has all the earmarks of a New Year's Resolution. Hardly. At best, it is an inkling of a plan, and that is the first step in any endeavor. . .
My typical modelling year can be divided into two parts: an all-too-short prologue culminating with the annual Atlanta Show in February; and the rest.
PART 1
1) Nosferatu
2) "Der Vampyrjäger"
Both of these are in-progress paints.
PART 2
3) The "Classic" Wolfman (i.e., 1941) {Polar Lights Bowen 1/8)
4) Karl Allmenröder (SK Miniatures 120mm)
5) Halbarad Dúnadan, Ranger of the North (Pegaso 90mm)
6) Nosferatu (2) (Geometric "Micro" 75mm)
As always, subject to change. The only definites at this point are the Wolfman and Allmenröder.
Hopefully, you will find something of interest in the above. I look forward to your comments and observations.
Here's to a productive year!
A~
My typical modelling year can be divided into two parts: an all-too-short prologue culminating with the annual Atlanta Show in February; and the rest.
PART 1
1) Nosferatu
2) "Der Vampyrjäger"
Both of these are in-progress paints.
PART 2
3) The "Classic" Wolfman (i.e., 1941) {Polar Lights Bowen 1/8)
4) Karl Allmenröder (SK Miniatures 120mm)
5) Halbarad Dúnadan, Ranger of the North (Pegaso 90mm)
6) Nosferatu (2) (Geometric "Micro" 75mm)
As always, subject to change. The only definites at this point are the Wolfman and Allmenröder.
Hopefully, you will find something of interest in the above. I look forward to your comments and observations.
Here's to a productive year!
A~
16 January 2010
Monarch Nosferatu--PAINTING (IV): Groundwork
My attention will now shift to the groundwork and the base. This is going to be a tricky one, but hopefully not too. I've so far roughed-in the groundwork that supports the figure. Once that is cured--and fit of figure-to-groundwork/base checked, I will proceed with the peripheral, "outer-ring" groundwork.
Almost there!
FOLLOW-UP
The basic groundwork is now done and curing. All that is left to do is sparingly add groundcover and some greenery, and it will be ready for the airbrush.
Moving right along. . .
Almost there!
FOLLOW-UP
The basic groundwork is now done and curing. All that is left to do is sparingly add groundcover and some greenery, and it will be ready for the airbrush.
Moving right along. . .
Monarch Nosferatu--PAINTING (III): Oils 4--Wrap-up (I)
As of this posting, this piece can be considered all-but-done. Still loads to do, but save for the hat (after mounting), the right hand and keys (detto), and the buttons and lacing/braiding, all the components of this piece can now be deemed completed. And yes, the head has been permanently attached!
Now for the fun part: tying it all in!
Now for the fun part: tying it all in!
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