Mista' J - Painting I: UCing

The iconic purple/violet evening suit is now curing in the oven. . .

The trousers were painted in Andrea Violet. The tailcoat was painted in Polly-S Eyestalk Violet, a lighter and cooler tint of the Andrea Violet. 

I primed the face in white, so in theory the undercoating is already done.

All that remains to be done--at this time--is the shirt and the vest. Hopefully these will be com- pleted before day's end. . .  DONE The vest is in gold (Polly-S Kirin Yellow/Gold and Bugbear Fur, mixed to taste); and the shirt is black. Fortunately, the canon is rather flexible. . .

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Mista' J - Painting: Benchnotes

To belabour the obvious, at some point in every project, there is the matter of palette selection. Some select as they go along; others take a break at some point in the early stages--or late during prep--to pull their palette. 

I prefer to do it just before priming. But in this case, given the three distinct sub-asssemblies, I waited until all the primed pieces were before me. While my palette is comprised of the usual trimumvirate--Reaper, Vallejo, and Andrea, they were joined by three stalwart colours from the long-defunct Polly-S Fantasy range: Kirin Yellow/Gold, Bugbear Fur, and Eyestalk Violet. 

For those of you not familiar with Polly-S, they were the first mainstream hobby acrylics. Back in the day, some still undercoated with enamels, but the impermeability of acrylics and the satura- tion of pigment made them the medium of choice as the UC for oils. Polly-S was manufactured by the Floquil Polly-S Color Corp.

Floquil/Polly-S was acquired by Testor's, if memory serves, sometime around the turn of the century: that was the beginning of the end. In 2013, the re-formulated Floquil/Polly-S lines were dropped from Testor's product line, and an era had come to an unequivocal end. . . 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Mista' J - Painting 0: Priming

The Clown Prince of Crime is now primed!

By way of full disclosure, this piece will be painted in sub-assemblies. I have primed the head, torso and legs--each piece is on its own workbase; the arms and Miss Harley (the latter is comprised of 3 pieces) will be primed at a later date. Please note that given the prepwork undertaken, I do not foresee having to tweak or adjust any piece in the course of assembly: simply paint and attach!

Let the fun begin!!! 

FOLLOW-UP. . . The left arm is primed.

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Mista' J - Prepwork: Intermezzo 2

In all haste, a quick note. . . 

I am VERY glad that I pre-primed the sub-assemblies for a final once-over! While this should come as no surprise given the manufacturer, pre-priming IS A MUST!!! Unless of course you want to spend considerable additional time correcting all the surface flaws on the primed castings. . . 

It's not as bad as I have seen on other castings by KM. That being said, it's entirely unaccepta- ble as a canvas for a "show-quality" figure. . . hell, ANY figure!

And I thought that I had addressed all the finish issues during the prep! Word to the wise. . . 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Mista' J - Prepwork V: Finishing

The time has come! With other projects on either bench approaching the final lap, it is time to start getting the Joker ready for priming. 

The legs are just about done. I have the inner seams to scribe DONE; but otherwise, I think the lower half of the body should be primed by this time next weekend. 

The torso is a little more involved; but this is offset by the reduced area to cover. Depending on the amount of refinishing remaining to be done, this could conceivably be ready for priming next weekend as well. 

Stay tuned!

UPDATE 25.04.17. . . The main components of the figure are ready for priming! The only areas remaining to be addressed are the seams of the tailcoat's sleeves. Barring any unforeseen developments, the figure should be on the painting bench by the end of the weekend!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting: Intermezzo - Basing

With the steady progress being made, I thought it was time to take a break, reassess, and start planning for the finish. . . 

First of all, the base. This is a rather difficult figure to base, given the amount of dead space generated by the pose. Fortunately, I had a round, walnut pedestal that should do quite nicely. The base has been tapped to accept the pegs and is now ready for the groundwork when the time comes.

As to what form the groundwork will take, that will require some thought. Even though the dead space has been minimized, the figure's open stance does not help. In short, presentation does not appear to have been a factor in the figure's design. If not for the flight-centred left forearm, I would seriously consider an urban setting; but overall setting is suggestive of a "scramble". . .

More to follow. . . 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting II: The Left Forearm

As those of you who have been following this project--or have the figure--know, the left forearm is a separate piece comprised of the gauntlet and flight helmet. This is the sole remaining piece to be attached to an otherwise assembled figure.

But first, the painting of the item! I decided at the outset that I would paint the bowl of the helmet as bare metal, a not-so-subtle allusion to the subject's nickname. I did this using a basecoat of GS Mr.Metal Iron over "polished" flat back, with highlights picked-out in Stainless Steel.

The balance of the helmet--and the piece!--will be done in varying tones of dyed and stained "leather". Once the cuff of the gauntlet and the left ear piece are done, I intend to permanently attach the piece to the figure, thus concluding assembly. 

Stay tuned!

UPDATE 23.04.17. . . The left forearm has been permanently attached. Figure assembly is now complete!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting II: Metallics, pt.2

This is more of an intermediary step to set the "tone" (pun intended)  for what is to follow. . . 

The metallics have now been "anodized" with Pthalo Blue and Dioxazine Purple. This will provide the foundation for the subsequent application of metallics (i.e., inks) and weathering.

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork: Intermezzo III (cont.)

Not much to report, actually. By way of advancing to the finishing stages, I have reworked the bottom edge of the jacket, and all-but-completed the pistol belt. While the detailing has barely commenced, it is time to start the finishing phase of the respective articles of clothing:

• Right Leg
• Left Leg
• Right Boot
• Left Boot
• Jacket

Once I am satisfied with the overall finish, I can then begin to focus on the myriad of buckles, snaps, zippers, and stitched seams that will bring this figure to life. . .

Back to the bench!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting II: Coat

With the uniform "settling down" nicely, it was time to move on. . . Rather than lose momentum with the left "forearm" as originally planned, I went straight for the flight coat--and Phase I is essentially done!

This was fun to do. I went for a warm light grey woolen effect that would be framed nicely by the black wool lining to follow. After blocking in my highlights and shadows, I then stippled the mid- tones with raw umber, and brought-up the highlights by stippling zinc white and Parchment--quite effective and convincing!

I will proceed with Phase II once the base application is dry-to-the-touch.

Stay tuned!

UPDATE 22.04.17. . . Phase II is now DONE!!! The remainder of the outer coat will be addressed during final finishing. . . In the meantime, I will begin to focus my attention on the "framing ele- ments" of the coat: the wool lining and the fur collar. To this end, I have basecoated the lining with successive washes of Van Dyke Brown.

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting II: Tunic

Taking advantage of the PG base mix I used to paint the breeches, I tackled the tunic this after- noon. I decided to paint the tunic in my favorite tint of Feldgrau: that with a distinct green bias. Not the WWII green undertone, but more at a dark-ish grigio-verde. 

My target hue was easily achieved adding Chrome Green Oxide to the PG base mix, and "level- ing" out the colour with Liquitex Parchment. While the tunic is now essentially done, this is definitely a Phase I application: I will punch-up the shadows, highlights, and details once the foundation is dry.

I intend to let the oils settle for the next few days while I play catch-up with the left "forearm": gauntlet and flight helmet. But, before closing, the leggings (see here) are now done!

Movin' right along. . .  

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting II: Breeches

While I wait for the leggings to dry another day (or two), I thought I'd work my way up and tackle the breeches. . . 

Feldgrau is not exactly the most exciting colour to paint--anymore than khaki is. But I think a lot of the "dullness" is due to the literally formulaic approach. Feldgrau is an umbrella term for a wide variety of colours, with virtually endless variability depending on the dyes, the dyeing process, the quality of the fabric, and the exposure to the elements. Most painters begin with Payne's Grey (PG) for any permutation of grey: I haven't used PG save as a targeted convenience since I can't remember when! Instead, I will revert to the original formulation of PG (Prussian Blue + Yellow Ochre + a "crimson") and modify accordingly. In this instance, I added Viridian Green to the mix! 

Your modifiers will largely be determined by the colours your Feldgrau will have to play off, and the chromatic flow you want to achieve. Formulae are irrelevant: knowledge of colour and your vision of the finished piece will determine your palette!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork: Intermezzo III

This intermezzo has been dedicated to finalizing form--and detailing. To date, I have roughed-in 2 of the 6 buckles to be redone; added the passants; roughed-in all (4) lapels; and added the pistol belt. . .  

Until next time. . . 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting II: Leggings

Planning for the steps to come, next in my sights will be the leather leggings. I had UCed the leggings in a blackish brown, but it was too 'cool' for what I had envisioned. I want to depict a rather scuffed and worn set of leggings; i.e., a warmish black with the underlying leather showing, to varying degrees, throughout. Hence, I lightly basecoated the leggings--in oils!--with a Raw Sienna and Raw Umber Light mix, spot shading with a Raw and Burnt Umber mix. Once that is completely dry, I will lightly glaze with Mars Black and/or a proprietary mix of black.

More to follow!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting II: Decorations

Phase I of the ribbon bar, the EK1, and the Luftstreitkräfte Pilot's Badge has been completed using primarily Ivory Black. I will probably repeat this step once the first application is dry, before proceeding with Phase II.

Stay tuned!

 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting II: Flesh

Phase I of the flesh areas of the figure (i.e., the face) are now done. 

As with Natalya, given the scale, I approached the eyes "old school": no distinct chromatic iris, and simple outlining. The face itself was executed using controlled layering (read: glazing) of a limited palette using minimal amounts linseed oil as my primary medium. A couple of more sessions to selectively "highlight" details ought to just about do it. . . 

Finally, I blocked-in (read: UCed) the hair with Raw Umber Light. . . 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork IIC: Lucille, pt. 3 - Barbed Wire!

I am going to give "Lucille" one more day to "relax" and settle into her new finish; but in the meantime, there is quite a bit of work to be done. . . 

As I indicated earlier, I settled for Hudson & Allen's barbed wire (HA9401). This is, quite simply, a SUPERB product! It is mixed-media: scale-thin 2-wire strands with interlaced "vinyl" barbs [As a sidebar note, the barbs are visually quite realistic--and safe. One could argue that, given time, a more realistic item could have been scratchbuilt, but my days of making mail quickly dispelled any such notion. . .  The bw is nicely finished in an earthy rust, which means that in most in- stances, it is ready to use right out of the package!

This is not one of those instances. Personally, I think the bw is depicted as a bit too clean on TWD. But, that is canon, and so it must be. So my first step after very gingerly unwinding a length of the wire, and straightening it out (which is when I discovered H&A used metal wire for the strands), was dropping it in the "bath" overnight. By this afternoon, the paint was easily removed with light scrubbing: the bw is now ready for application!

More to follow. . .  

UPDATE 14.04.17. . . "Lucille" is DONE!!! And I am very pleased! 

The whole process took less than 10 minutes--including unwrapping the wire a couple of times to tweak the flow of the coils! I will be the first to admit that the wire is slightly over-scaled; but, aes- thetically, it rocks! Especially once the blood, etc. is applied during final finishing. I may go back and trim some of the barbs ever-so-slightly to reduce the effective diameter of the barrel; but it is way too early to make that decision now.

BACK TO THE BENCH!!!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork VI: The Pants

With two out of three items of wear already "under the burr", it was time to throw the pants in the ring, as it were!

The pants are arguably the most poorly rendered of the three major articles of clothing. They are essentially featureless with virtually no volume to speak of. There is hardly any drapery, no flow of fabric--much less a hint of the underlying form. The pants require a total resculpt!

This afternoon, I roughed-in the enhanced volume, working carefully with what was provided as well as a half-dozen or so reference shots. With any luck at all, any putty-work going forward will be minor and a mere flow-refinement. . . 

More to follow. . . 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork IIB: Lucille, pt. 2

With the bat done and fitted, it was time to "make" Lucille. . . 

First step: staining. Again, research--and your eyes!--will be the ultimate arbiters of what you achieve. I decided to stain and seal using W&N Liquin as the carrier sealant and a proprietary mix of Orange Ochre, Transparent Orange Oxide, and Transparent Earth Red. I did some pre- liminary shading along the knob with Van Dyke Brown, but the bulk of the shading--the real staining--will be done once the Liquitex glaze is good and hard. 

Given the porosity of birch, I will probably repeat this first step, using a lighter tint of the glaze to increase the sheen of the wood. [note 12.04.17: it took three applications of Liquin-based stain to achieve the tonal depth and sheen I wanted.]

So far. . . so great. . . !

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork: Intermezzo II

Repositioning of the head has been finalized (nb: the head has not been permanently attached), and I have resculpted the scarf/neckwrap.

UPDATE 10.04.17 

• The fitting/position of Lucille has been finalized.  
• I've decided on Hudson & Allen barbed wire.
• The left arm has been permanently attached.

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork V: The Jacket

With the work on the boots progressing, I decided to begin working on the jacket so as to ensure a balanced perspective of the work. . . 

If the devil is in the details, then this garment belongs in the Celestial coatroom! We've already discussed the proportional "charlie-foxtrot" that required the removal of a 3-4mm section between the nipple-line and the navel. Then we have what appear to be lightly-scribed, absolutely flat lapels; omitted(!) passants; soft, ill-defined belt loops. . . and the list goes on. 

Unfortunately for some, this garment will require relatively-extensive research. Veteran cosplayers have been unable to associate it with a given commercial item--that means searching the Web for images, and watching the relevant episodes from S7. . . repeatedly! I really don't understand the aversion to research. . . 

The first step is to reassemble the sectioned torso (see here). Then one proceeds as one best sees fit. For myself, I first refitted the "new" Lucille to the left shoulder, and then started carving in the details such as seams and the passant. Then I began to rough-out the left lapels. . . 

That's pretty much it -- for now. . . 

More to follow. . . 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork IV: The Boots

There are three critical items that must be addressed if you decide to rework Eaglemoss's Negan:

• Lucille
• The jacket
• The boots

Lucille is already well underway, so I will refer you to that posting. That leaves me with the figure itself. Where to begin?. . . As is my wont, I usually start from the bottom, and work my way up. So the boots it is! 

The boots as provided are a joke! While the master costumers at TWD are not averse in the least to creating custom items for the cast, Negan's boots are essentially "off the shelf" items. I will not insult your intelligence by telling you the 'make and model' of the footwear--it takes but a few seconds to nail it down. . . 

So what is wrong with the boots as provided?  First and foremost, the shaft is too long. I strongly suspect that this was a primary contributor to the proportional nightmare we see. Along these lines, the overall proportions of the boots are shot! Secondly, no seam-work whatsoever is pre- sent. These are heavy-leather workboots, and given the scale, a constructional layering should be evident. Finally, as I already mentioned, one of the buckles was sheared off in the clean-up of the casting. What I didn't mention, is that both ankle straps and their buckles were entirely left- off!

I have already addressed the length of the shaft when rescaling the figure. What follows is essentially the resculpting of the boots. To date, I have roughly bulked-up the boots with MS. Now comes the fun part. . . 

More to follow. . .

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork: Intermezzo

I am going to let Negan simmer for a few days to afford me a "fresh look" when the real work re- sumes; but not before roughly reassembling the figure and bulking-out some critical areas, parti- cularly the jacket and boots (nb: the figure is now curing in the oven). I also removed the head, which, as best I can tell, was indeed a separate piece. To date, I have tentatively re-positioned it.

Before closing, Eaglemoss has been very good about telling us upon which season and/or epi- sode their rendition is based. In this case, it is Negan's very brief introduction at the end of S6/ ep16 (the last 10 minutes or so), and the first half or so of S7/ep1.

Stay tuned!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork III: Rescaling the Figure, pt.2

First things first. . . If you decide that the figure needs to be rescaled/re-proportioned, select your scale (head-lengths) and stick to it! Scale your figure carefully and consistently. Do not overlook any section--or limb. . .

Secondly. . . As much as some of you hate this aspect of any project, the time has come for you to do your research. HINT: The proportions of the lower body will revolve around the boots. 

Proceed carefully. You do not have a lot of resin to play with down the lower legs! As the figure is not at all heavy, you can use large paper clips for pegs. I am going "mixed medium" this go round: 7/64" tin solder on the left leg [anchor limb], and a large paper clip on the right. 

The left leg is done. I ended-up removing 3-4mm of the boot shaft. I will probably leave the right leg for tomorrow. . . 

More to follow. . .  

FOLLOW-UP. . . And the right leg is now done! What is at once most satisfying--and most dis-  appointing!--is seeing what could have-been slowly begin to emerge before ones eyes. And the figure is now in scale--lengthwise--with Rick. . .!!! Finally, the figure has been mounted on it's workbase. . .

UPDATE 07.04.17-- The tin-solder peg was too large and inflexible given the diameter of the left leg. So I simply clipped it flush with the sole, and tapped a hole the length of the solder for a large paper-clip.  

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork IIA: Lucille, pt. 1

For those of you who are not TWD fans, Negan is one bad hombre--especially if you consider his partner-in-crime, "Lucille". "Lucille" is something that would make a WWI British trench raider salivate uncontrollably: a 32" baseball bat whose business-end has been wrapped in barbed wire! Still with me?. . . 

Well, Eaglemoss decided to cast Lucille in high-tin white metal. Not a bad call. . . just--at least in my sample--appallingly executed! Badly cast, badly finished, with absolutely zero considera- tion for the shrinkage differential between the two mediums. 

Any reclamation of the figure sculpt (i.e., the project before you) would depend on whether or not I could scratchbuild/carve a satisfactory replacement for Lucille. She was THE potential deal breaker! So last night, I scaled-down Lucille, cut a 1.75" piece of 3/16" birch dowel, and started carving to see if it was doable as far as I was concerned. This afternoon I completed Phase I of the reduction. . . 

More to follow. . .

FOLLOW-UP. . . Phase II is now well underway--and I am delighted! Save for continuing the sur- face finishing, I will put Lucille aside until I decide how to go about the barbed wire. . . 

UPDATE 06.04.17-- Lucille is now essentially done! I'm not saying that I'm ready to move to Louisville and launch a new career, but I am VERY pleased! The barbed wire is next!!

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan - Prepwork I: Rescaling the Figure, pt.1

Let the games begin!

Given the volume at work and the lengthy days, "fine" work will be relegated to the weekends. That leaves me 5 days (2-4 hrs/day) to get down and dirty. . . 

Which means a considerable amount of headway should be made in relatively short order on my latest reclamation project. And I began with "resizing the canvas". . . 

As I noted earlier, Negan is approximately 7mm too tall! He would dwarf any other figure in the series. And it's not so much that he is overscaled--his proportions are completely out of whack! The figure of Negan stands 8.5-9 heads tall!! Keeping in mind that most figures are done to 8 head proportions, while purists (guilty as charged!) prefer the 7.5 head proportions of a "normal" human being, this figure needs some serious reconfiguration!!!

I have already addressed the upper half of the body by removing a 3-4mm section of the mid- torso, the upper limit being the nipple-line (second head length. I removed a little more than re- quired on the lower section to allow for the seamless integration of the two sections when the time comes. The jacket zipper will be my medial longitudinal axis.

And that's it--for now. Next, rescaling the lower half by sectioning the boots. . .

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan: The TDL

The TDL to date (in no particular order):

• Rescale the figure and adjust as needed (nb: the figure is ~7mm too tall).
• Reposition head and rework head/face as needed.
• Carve a scale replacement for Lucille (nb: the kit bat is ~6mm too short).
• Rework/resculpt boots, restoring all lost and/or omitted detail.
• Rework leather jacket, restoring all lost and/or omitted detail.
• Rework pants (rear pockets, etc.).
• Add gun belt and attendant details.  

Time to break out the cutting wheels. . . !

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” - Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Negan and his BFF - Eaglemoss' TWD no. 26

Eaglemoss' Negan is a simple, barely adequately-sculpted figure. It is comprised of 6 total pie- ces: head, body, arms, Lucille (white metal), and base (note: I have not been able to separate the head from the torso, but all indications point to it being a separate piece). Also, please note that the figure is almost grotesquely out of scale!

AMF is not the place to find rationalizations making silk purses from offal--and this figure is offal (read: awful)! Any likeness to the subject and virtually all "layering" have been done with paint. With the paint off, the crude, to say nothing of cavalier, seam removal (e.g., the right boot buckle was removed entirely), and the soft, even bland and/or barely existent, detail is painfully obvious. 

So it appears I am back to where I was a little over a year ago with respect to Eaglemoss: I will no longer support this company. Ever since the first set of TWD figures was released in 2015-16, quality--sculptural and painting--has declined steadily: Negan is probably the nadir of the series to this point. I had high hopes for Negan, but it is no more than a somewhat adequate base piece upon which to fully develop the sculpture. And I fully intend to do just that as time and inclination permit. . .

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting II: Metallics

The cybernetic right forearm has been base-coated with G-S Mr. Metal lacquers and buffed-out... 

That's the easy part. Now comes the more challenging aspect of any metallic exercise--especial- ly given the relatively small scale in question.

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting I: UCing and Metallic Prep

Just finished UCing the uniform of Herr Karjus. . .

As with the first figure of the Red Skull that I did, it is times like this make me appreciate "fantasy"/alternate reality figures more than I can say: while I believe my interpretation of Feldgrau is more than acceptable, I certainly don't want to engage in a tit-for-tat with a self- proclaimed Farbexperte. . . Life is too damn short. . .

I also UCed all the blacks: collar, leggings. . . and the cybernetic prosthetic forearm. As I will finish the latter in lacquers, this will be completed before I continue with the undercoating.

Movin' right along. . .

UPDATE 04.04.17--The figure, save for the woolen lining of the coat and the fur collar, is now UCed!  

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

Hptm. Walther Karjus--Painting: Intro

"The Iron Fist" is now primed, and has been transferred to the painting bench. Undercoating should begin within the next 48 hrs. . . 

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

The Lion - Prepwork: Intermezzo (cont.)

Very little to add save that the head has been fitted to the torso: it is now a secure, positive join; and the paws have undergone preliminary fitting and reduction. 

Insofar as the face is concerned, the nose required additional attention (ongoing); and the hair has been roughed-in on the left half of the face/head.

More to follow. . .

FOLLOW-UP. . . Facial hair on the right side of the face has been roughed-in.

“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003