The Seven (PLUS) Year Itch. . .

Beginning this weekend, the CW will be presenting their 2018 X-over event (3 nights) that will introduce the Batwoman--and by extension Gotham City!--to the CW family of DC superheroes.

That kind of inspiration is too good to pass-up, so I dug out my bust of Batgirl that I was in-process of converting to Batwoman some 7 1/2+ years ago. . .

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

Green Scar - Prepwork 4: The Pteruges

The pteruges are something of a "licensed" affair--as in artistic license. It is up to the individual miniaturist to determine their number and placement. 

After a number of attempts, I settled on a front and rear panel. Today, I finished the rear panel, which will be comprised of 5 individual strips. While the strips are effectively done, detailing remains.

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

Green Scar - Prepwork 3: The Manica

23.11.2018--The spaudler has been fitted, and the lining has been roughed-in. The manica's har- ness will be 'anchored' on the lining once finished. 

24.11.2018--The harness has been roughed-in. The harness is going to be the most difficult as- pect of this project, as the work area is very limited, and sufficient space on the right pectoral to accommodate the obedience disk must remain once done. 

25.11.2018--Save for final finishing and detailing, the harness is DONE!

02.12.2018--Riveting along the vertical crest of the spaudler is done.

The arm has been surface-prepped to accept the bands of the manica, which will be done in sheet lead.

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

Green Scar - Prepwork 2A: The Helmet (cont.)

There have been some "setbacks" since my last posting. . . 

The crest adaptation was ultimately unsatisfactory. Thus, I removed the crest in its entirety, and will now resculpt the "crest box" and modify the crest itself to the sculpted box. 

Everything else remains very much a "work in progress". . . 

UPDATE 20.11.2018. . . Roughed-in the "crest-box" and tentatively positioned the modified crest. Now things get truly interesting. . .   

UPDATE 23.11.2018. . . The "crest-box" is all-but-done. The bowl has been furthered modified, removing the remaining asymmetrical elements; and the visor has been reattached. One or two more sessions before I can begin work on final detailing. . . 

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

RIP - Stan Lee (1922-2018)

I am at a loss for words. . .The end of an era. . .

Green Scar - Prepwork 2: The Helmet

I've been working on the helmet since Day 1. Now that that head has been repositioned, it was time to bring all the elements from the neck-up together to get a compositional perspective of the piece.

I first reworked the bowl of the helmet to accommodate the visor. The Green Scar's helmet was what can best be described as "pseudo-Attic", with a prominent visor. The visor was made from two layers of MS: the first to define placement; the second to define form and volume. This is now being finished.

I then permanently attached the earlier-reworked crest. . . I am delighted with the way things have turned out! 

UPDATE 13.11.2018. . . Phase 1 finishing of the visor has been completed; and, following addi- tional reworking of the bowl, the visor has been permanently attached. Final finishing and detail- ing of the helmet can now begin in earnest. . .  

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

Green Scar - Prepwork: [A Working] Intermezzo

As noted in the posting's title, this is very much a working interlude. . .

The Axe: While far from completed, it is now a recognizable implement. This was neither an easy decision, nor a straightforward one! There is a considerable of latitude when it comes to arming the Green Scar, which means one has to ignore canon altogether--or carefully analyze
the evidence at one's disposal. I opted for the latter (of course!), and arrived at a quasi-canonical conclusion that enhances the presentation of the figure.

The Left Arm: Fitting--and filling!--have been finalized. Now all that remains is surface finishing in preparation for the creation of the manica. 

The Head: Commenced repositioning of head, and reworking of neck musculature.

Things are proceeding quite nicely. . . 

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

Silver Savage-Prepwork 3: The "Shield"

The Cosmic Board MK.II is a fait accompli! And a complete success, afaic!! 

Finishing is well underway. I've begun work on the fittings of the enarmes, which more importantly at this stage, will laterally stabilize the board and afford me the freedom to reduce the thickness to scale.

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

Silver Savage-Prepwork Sidebar: The "Shield"

The Cosmic Board MK.I is now history; nonetheless, epoxy putty is the medium of choice!

The key is careful kneading and pre-roll-out prep. When I was kneading the putty, I inadvertently trapped air as I was folding the putty. This in turn, created weak spots--much like a sink hole in an undermined road--and the blank fractured along these flaws. Ideally, I would use a clay or pasta roller, but I'm not ready to buy an item that I would rarely use!

Cosmic Board MK.II is on tomorrow's agenda!

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

Planet Hulk -- Intermezzo

The demands of work have kept me away from the bench more than I care to admit. But with a long weekend ahead of me, I thought I would 'prime' the processes to keep things advancing.To this end, this evening I did the following:

•  Rolled out a board blank using MS. I am still unsure of the medium of the Silver Sa- vage's shield--epoxy putty, sheet plastic, or aluminum--but I would prefer epoxy putty if at all doable. UPDATE 09.11.2018. . . So far, so good. I've reduced the blank to its approximate final dimensions, and it is now curing in the oven.The real "test" will be when I begin to reduce its thickness. In this respect, I believe it will be superior to polystyrene; but it may be the deciding factor for aluminum. . .  
• Rolled out axe-head blank for the Green Scar.
• Rolled out 2 of the pteruges on the Green Scar's girdle. These will have to be finished, but it's a promising start.  

 More to follow. 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

Silver Savage-Prepwork 2: Anatomy (II)

While surface finishing and finishing of the anatomical enhancements continues, I took the oppor- tunity to begin working on the upper extremities. 

The left forearm was repositioned--and re-scaled!--to optimize the positioning of the "shield" (i.e., the cosmic board). This has been all-but-finalized, awaiting the replacement of the original board with a scratchbuilt item. 

The right arm is fairly good. I'm still working on the enhanced bicep--all that remains is the hand, which I drilled out to accommodate the haft of the yet-to-be-sculpted mace. 

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

Silver Savage-Prepwork 1: Anatomy and "Spaudler"

Before getting into the equipment "sub-projects", I wanted to "prep the canvas", as it were. One of the worse aspects of any Eaglemoss offering is the finishing of the casting. There is little if any consideration for the defining sculptural contours; where such consideration is manifest, the seamlines are ignored. Thus, the restoration of the canvas is a mix of filing and filling, with the attendant carving and sanding. 

The legs suffered the most in this instance of Eaglemoss's finishing--or lack thereof: I had to re- work the thighs, calves, and gluteals. The rest of the casting was adequately acceptable, save for the right bicep and left hand. All affected areas are now undergoing final finishing.

As I cannot begin to work on the greaves until the lower legs are done, I decided to begin work on what I will refer to as the "spaudler" (nb: I am not aware of a Roman term for the shoulder plate of a manica, so I will use the medieval term for the proto-pauldron.). This has now been roughed-in, and shaping/finishing is well underway.

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

Silver Savage-Prepwork: Overview

The primary focus of the prepwork will be surface finishing. I am approaching it as if I intended to use the casting medium as the finishing medium--which I am not. The figure will be painted in metallic lacquers, which will provide a unifying, seamless "skin".

Secondary foci will be on the respective accessories: garments, equipment, and weapons. I intend to start as I would any other sculpt, from the feet up. Thus, the first "sub-project" will be the greaves. . . 

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

Eaglemoss's CMFC #7: The Silver Surfer

As I indicated earlier, I have launched my Planet Hulk-themed 'project'. And this week I received the base figure for the project that got the whole thing rolling: Eaglemoss' CMFC #7, The Silver Surfer.

This figure, the seventh release in Eaglemoss' CFMC, was released in 2005; and in spite of its age--or because of it?--it is one of the best Eaglemoss figures I have ever seen! It is cast in but two pieces: the figure and the cosmic [surf]board. Casting is a solid B+: the only reason it does not break into the "A" tier is the board, which is ill-suited to be cast in pure lead. Given what I intend to do with the board, I will more than likely replace it with a scratchbuilt item.

The figure has already been stripped, disassembled, pegged, and mounted on its workbase. Prepwork will commence presently.

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

Green Scar - Prepwork 1

My first step was completing assembly of the lower body by permanently attaching the right leg.

Most of the primary work on this figure will be removal of the decorative elements on the torso. That is well underway; however, the majority of the actual work will revolve around the surface finishing of the flesh and reconstruction of the musculature.

I have roughed-in (MS) and begun reduction of the shoulder plate of the manica, which is worn on the left-shield(!)-arm. I was very tempted to correct this obvious mistake; but as it is canon, I de- cided to stick to the sources (nb: I will take this opportunity to point out that I will be taking more 'licenses' than is my wont on this project). As a sidebar, the shoulder plate will remain a separate piece until the painting of the arm and body has been completed.

Finally, I've begun reconstruction of the helmet crest. . .

Movin' right along!

FOLLOW-UP 28.10.2018. . . The raw shape of the shoulder plate is now scaled and all-but-done.

The left arm has been located and pegged in anticipation of its removal and reconfiguration as 
a separate sub-assembly. FOLLOW-UP. . . The arm has been removed and re-positioned--pre-finishing prepwork can begin in earnest.

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

Planet Hulk

I hit a bit of a brick wall with health issues earlier this month, and all the momentum to-date has been largely spent. Now it's time to see how to get things going again. . .

What with regaining my strength and well-being, and the increasing Q4 workload, I think it will be a while before Spidey or Venom resume their rightful places on the front burners. What is impor- tant now is to get back in the groove, and re-establish the routine.

To this end, I have decided to pursue a project quite dear to me and relatively simple, albeit chal-lenging. Those of you who know me know that Planet Hulk is one of my favourite Marvel story lines. Exceptionally well-written and illustrated, its plotline revolves around gladiatorial combat and insurrection.

Nearly a decade ago, I acquired a masterful figure that was--is!--to be the base for the Green Scar, the Hulk's nom de guerre on the planet Sakaar. One of the Green Scar's opponents is the Silver Savage, the nom de guerre of none other than the Silver Surfer. The Silver Surfer was cap- tured by the Sakaar Empire, enslaved with an obedience disk, and declared damnātum, much as the Green Scar would be.

That very figure, Yedharo Models' King of Destruction, is now back on the bench. It will soon be joined by Eaglemoss' CMFC #7, The Silver Surfer. Before it is all said and done, I hope to have the two headliners of the Sakaaran Imperial Games in my collection. . .

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

Venom - Prepwork 2

In my account of the opening round of prep, I mentioned that I intended to design a "special the- matic pedestal". Well, the first steps were taken today. . .

My concept is hardly original. Conceptually, it is the amorphous alien 'goo' transmogrifying into Venom in an additive fashion. To date, I have built up the core of the pedestal with MS; next comes the hard part. . .

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

Spidey - Painting--Intermezzo: The Lenses

As I indicated in my last posting, I intended to paint the mask lenses chrome silver, per canon. Per usual, I planned to use G-S Mr. Metal Chrome Silver, which will require buffing. This means that any proximal paint, like the black borders of the lenses, will have to be redone. 

The chrome has been applied; and, yep, the black borders will most definitely have to be re- painted! I will probably do this later today DONE, so I can proceed with the mask and cowl over 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

Spidey - Painting (3b)--Oils: "Reds"

Now things get interesting. . . 

While there is no such 'thing' as Spidey Blue--it can be painted with any blue colour ranging from indigo to cobalt, with virtually any bias (nb: keeping in mind that the original costume was black with blue highlights; blue was not the official colour until 1966), Spidey Red is where it really gets tricky. I've always felt that the red was more orange-y than not, if only because Peter grew-up in Queens, and those are the Mets' colours. Or if that is too granular, they are the colours of New York City. Regardless, it is the miniaturist's call. 

I settled on Grumbacher's Cadmium-Barium Red Light as the base colour, with Ivory Black as the shade and Liquitex Cadmium-Barium Orange as the highlight, carefully punched-up as necessary with Zinc White. To date, I have completed the plastron and cummerbund, and the results are ve- ry encouraging. As a word of caution, the webbing is rather heavily modeled/cast, so 1) be care- ful with paint accumulation; and 2) leave the painting of the webbing itself until the "red" is at least dry to the touch.

I think the next item to be painted will be the mask and cowl. Anticipating this progression, I went ahead and painted the black borders of the lenses earlier this afternoon (NOTE: this was very likely the wrong call as I intend to paint the lenses a chrome silver--I will probably have to repaint the black borders after I finish buffing the lenses).

More to follow. . . 

UPDATE 05.10.2018. . . The head (mask and cowl) are done! At least the foundation layer has been applied. Given my experience to date, I think there will be at least 3 phases to each "red" section--not including the final painting of the webbing. Coming along nicely. . . 

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

Venom

Back in the day, if one wanted a superhero--or villain--figure that transcended the polystyrene predecessors of the 60s, there was but one source: Horizon Original Models. Based in the US, but with strong ties to Japan, it afforded itself of the immense creative and productive talent in Japan. Within 5 years of its premier launch (Horizon's first generation of Universal Monsters), it had expanded its coverage to DC and Marvel protagonists, and the rest, as they say. . .

If you are a "regular" on this site (THANK YOU!), you well know that I am a HUGE fan of the Spidey villains. Well, sometime in the mid-90s, I acquired Horizon's Venom (©1992), a 1/6th scale, 10-piece vinyl kit sculpted by Taishiro Kiya (Kiya-san also sculpted Horizon #056, argu- ably the best Joker model kit ever, released a year later in 1993). As a bit of meaningful trivia, Venom was still Horizon's best-selling kit of all time in 1997, a year after it had been disconti- nued!

So much for the introductory background. Later this week, Sony will release the long-awaited cinematic showcase of the alien symbiote--we'll ignore the deplorable screen debut of the sym- biote in the mess that was Spider-man 3 (2007). Since I'm working on Spidey, why not comme- morate the release of Venom?

I would have preferred an in-scale version of the symbiote, but the KM entry of Venom is nearly impossible to find, and is cast in resin--and we all know what in-all-likelihood that means. . . Toy Biz released a 1/12th scale, polystyrene, Level-1 Venom in the late 90s, but it did nothing for me. Which left me with the only model kit of Venom worth having: the Horizon entry!

The only drawback to this superbly designed and sculpted kit is its size: the piece is over a foot tall sans base, and massive! Since I have neither the room to display such a beast--nor the incli- nation to build it, the full figure is now a fully-assembled bust! (nb: in spite of many a gripe, this is one of the better designed, engineered, and cast Horizon kits, which--if properly prepped, will virtually assemble itself!)

I am now in the filling stage of the prep. Save for some annoying trapped "subcutaneous" bubbles (less than 30), which most modelers would either overlook or ignore, the only filling required are the arm joins. And if you are patient and careful, you should not have to concern yourself with any post-filling finishing. . .

Stay tuned!

UPDATE 04.10.2018. . . The arm joins are now filled and mostly finished (not really necessary), and I am working my way through the bubbles. 

I have also pegged the bust and mounted it on its temporary work base. I have a special thematic pedestal in mind that could potentially extend the benchtime of the prepwork, but it will be well worth it if I can work out the dynamics. . . 

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

Spidey - Painting: Cab--Painting (5): Glass

I took the respite provided by the blue oils drying to continue work on the final stage of the cab: the glass. 

I am satisfied with what I did; but frankly I am not pleased. IMO, this is a no-win situation. Even the Spanish and Russian maestros would be severely challenged by the limitations and geome- try of the canvas, and the scale of the piece. This is an artificial sub-text that must be made to "fit" AND remain secondary to the 3-dimensional aspects of the presentation. Finally, it is a fluid dynamic that is frozen in time, and while suspension of disbelief is an inherent requirement in what we do, I, for one, must draw the line somewhere.

To date, I have applied an achromatic glaze in oils, using the highlights to bolster the geometry of the canvas, as well as influencing the visual flow. I will be revisiting this during the remainder of the project  to tweak here and there as I perceive necessary, and finally seal it with gloss lacquer, before "weathering" it down. But for now, the cab is DONE!

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

Spidey - Painting: Groundwork (2)

The sidewalk section has been completed. . . at least the foundational colouration has.

This was done entirely in acrylics, using two cool tones and two warm tones. The colours were applied with a stippling/scrubbing action using an essentially dry brush. The overall effect is spot-on, afaic, and will provide an ideal foundation for the rubble and weathering to come.

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

Spidey - Painting (3a)--Oils: Blues

Phase 1 of the "Spidey Blues" has just been completed.

Due to the relatively small size of the figure, to say nothing of the awkward engineering, I opted to execute the respective colours in two installments: upper and lower, working my way from top to bottom. 

Today, I began with the upper blues; and things went quite well. Pthalo Blue is, IMO, a perfect match for Spidey Blue, and its responsiveness to white is a dream--which should come as no surprise! I did some preliminary outlining of the blue panels with Ivory Black, and this is equally ideally-suited for the task--especially as Ivory Black is the tonal extreme of the Blue dyes.

I will revisit today's work later this evening and reexamine the highlights, adjusting where required in anticipation of the [upper] leg blues. 

More to follow. . . 

UPDATE 01.10.2018. . . Got to pay your dues if you want to paint the blues. . . (my apologies to Ringo--and George). . . Spidey's blues can now be deemed completed! Surprisingly, the legs were considerably more "challenging" than the torso: while the canvas is more open and acces- sible (which makes sheen more of an issue), the final display position is a factor that one ignores at ones peril. . .

As with the torso, the legs will be revisited later - and over the next 48-72 hours - to refine the fea- thering and punch-up the highlights. . . 

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

Spidey - Painting (2)--UCing

The chromatic adventure has begun!

I ordered a bottle of Vallejo Vermillion (70.909) to uc the "orange-red" portions of Spidey's cos- tume, and I was more-than-just-a-little-concerned about the opacity of the paint. All for naught! It is a rich, opaque, and brilliant colour that will easily cover in one coat--but I suggest applying in two, slightly thinned coats.   

The "red" on Spidey is now mostly done. All that remains in primer is the spider logo on his back, the "cummerbund", and the "plastron" (chest). . . DONE!

More to follow. . . 

UPDATE 26.09.2018. . . With the "orange-reds" completed, I've begun to "block-in" the blues (Vallejo Dark Prussian Blue [70.899]). . . DONE!

NEXT: OILS!

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

Spidey - Painting (1)--Priming

The figure is now primed! 

As with the sidewalk, since this will be a rather hectic week at work, I will begin undercoating as time and circumstances allow. . .

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

Spidey - Painting: Groundwork (1)--Priming, etc.

The groundwork has been primed! 

After the primer settled and cured, I went ahead and painted the road/curb section of the ground- work. And after letting that sit for about 30 minutes or so, I decided to go ahead and permanently attach the cab(!). I will be the first to admit that this might have been a bit premature, if not impe- 
tuous, but it will allow me to integrate the cab to its setting in situ.

As this will be a rather hectic week at work, I will begin working on the sidewalk section as time and circumstances allow. . . 

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

Spidey - Groundwork (3)

The plastic groundwork has been permanently attached! By the end of the weekend, I should have the cosmetic finishing done. Once I can sign-off on that, I can proceed with the priming and painting . . .

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

Spidey - Groundwork (2)

OK. . . today, a major hurdle was overcome. . . 

You see, the design of the vignette, is, to put it mildly, incomplete. It was a good preamble. . . but to what? KM's other Spidey offerings--in both scales--are much more contained and effective. This makes you scratch your head and furrow your brow--and that's before you even get to the cab!

Since the Spidey villains are dramatically underrepresented in KM's 70mm line (Green Goblin and Venom), and neither would work given the spatial dynamics of this piece, it was time to put on the thinking cap. . . And what I came up with was the webslinger being confronted by--and evading!-- one of Doc Ock's "tentacles". Otto Octavius and Norman Osborn are Spider-man's arch-enemies, and since the latter would not be a good "fit", the time had come to introduce the former. 

The tentacle is a custom item made from sections of high tin-content lead. There is still quite a bit of final finishing and detailing to be done; BUT, it has been fitted and positioned on the base. In fact, this evening, I got my first sneak preview of the 'assembled' vignette, and to quote John "Hannibal" Smith, "I love it when a plan comes together. . ." 

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

Spidey - Groundwork

To date. . . Base selection. Check. Compositional design. Check. Next. . . groundwork. 

[Re-]Enter MiniArt. I sectioned another piece from set 36003 (last used for Divio "Mad Dog" Juckal), and cut and trimmed it approximately to size. . . instant sidewalk/curb/road! 

Now comes the tricky part. The MiniArt groundwork is vacuum-formed. This means that the "ele-vated" areas need to be buttressed/braced in most instances. Given the relative thinness of the plastic, I prefer a solid substrate, thus I am raising the display surface of the display base using MS. Once that has cured, I will pop-off the groundwork, proceed with the finishing, and once I am satisfied with everything, permanently attach the groundwork to the base before continuing with final finishing.

Getting there. . .

FOLLOW-UP. . . The finishing fill of the sidewalk (elevated) portion of the groundwork has been done! This effectively concludes ~85% of the groundwork!! Still loads to be done before I can prime and paint, but the cab should be permanently mounted in a fortnight or so. . . 

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

Spidey - Painting: Cab--Painting (4): Chrome Trim

The only remaining sub-sections to be done are the glass/windows and the chrome trim. And since the former cannot be addressed before the latter, I might as well get the ball rolling. . . 

There is only one way to get a true metallic finish: silver leaf or Bare Metal Foil (BMF). The prob- lem with both of these approaches is the relative sheen within the context of the presentation (i.e., scale effect). Yes, obviously I can tone it down to make it "fit", but why go to the additional expense and effort when a suitable analog can be achieved simply with paint?

I began the chrome travails with the fender trim and the door handle/lock. And my mediums of choice were G-S Mr. Metal Chrome Silver and silver printers' ink. Admittedly, the tonal contrast is not quite there, but the overall effect is more in line with the scale and desired visual flow than metallic tape would provide. . . Once the paint is thoroughly dry and I get a bit deeper into the weathering, I will consider introducing selective "hot-spots"/"catch-lights" with AK Xtreme Metal Chrome.

Stay tuned!

UPDATE 02.10.2018. . . Just tried the AK Xtreme Metal Chrome, and I must say I am rather pleased. I should say from the outset that this is an airbrush-only medium (VERY thin, and essentially non-buffable), but if used judiciously and carefully, can be applied with a brush to a limited area. It allowed me to achieve precisely the effects I was striving for! A word of caution: it is extremely "hot", and should only be used with adequate ventilation. 

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

Spidey - Painting: Cab--Painting (3): Decals

The moment of truth is upon me. . . DECALS!!!

So far, so good. I have applied the checkered stripes on the fender and door; and--something I have inexplicably yet to see on any rendition--the fare rate door sticker (in my example, from 1980). 

Now comes the tricky part: the curved section of the roof stripes--section no.4 of the Checker Roof Kit. While this is a flattened conical section of the straight stripes, I may be over-thinking it as I have seen quite a number of heat(?)-bent applications of the straight stripes. I have already applied the straight section over the driver's window. Once that is completely and absolutely dry, 

I will begin work on the final section. . . DONE!

Whew!!!

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

Spidey - Painting: Cab--Painting (2): Weathering

After a 24 hr. cure, the paint was hard enough to begin serious finishing. I might have "over-scuffed" it a bit, but the cab has a nice, weathered, egg-shell finish that is just about right.

Today, I began the chromatic weathering, starting with the heavy black outlining (acrylics), and the undercoating of the chrome items. So far I am delighted with the finish and the overall effect--and it can only get better! [nb: The weathering will be an ongoing process throughout the life of the project. This is not weathering for the sake of weathering; but, rather, weathering as an inte- grative element of the overall project.]

I am hoping to start printing and playing with the [custom] decals over the weekend. . .

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

Spidey - Painting: Cab--Painting (1)

It has been some 45 years since I last airbrushed an over-the-road vehicle: if memory serves, an AMT GMC Astro 95. In fact, it was the last wheeled vehicle I completed before moving on to fig- ures! So it should come as no surprise that I am a little bit trepidatious about the forthcoming watershed step in the project. . . 

After carefully masking the metallic, glass, and rubber areas, to say nothing of thoroughly clean- ing the airbrush, it was time to break out the paint. . .

I settled on Testor's Model Master Automotive enamels. While I will be the first to admit that it is not spot on colour-wise, it is more than close enough, especially given the scale and the area to be covered.

Phase 1 is now behind me. Once the paint is thoroughly dry (cured), I will lightly sand/finish the surface and evaluate whether a second sprayed coat is in order. . . 

FOLLOW-UP. . . While the paint is about 24-48 hrs from being cured, it is dry enough to initiate finishing. And after light wet-sanding and lightly buffing the surface, I am delighted to report that I have achieved a nice scale-finish and--as of this writing--it does not appear that a second coat of paint will be necessary. . . 

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

Spidey - Painting: Cab--Priming

As with Daredevil, this is effectively a 2-piece vignette: Spidey and the Checker cab. And as with Daredevil, the Painting arc will be comprised of two distinct sub-threads. . . 

I want to spend some additional time on the figure tweaking the webbing, etc., so I will launch the painting segment of the project with the cab, which has now been primed. The cab was primed with Stynylrez Black as the base. Once the base coat has cured (24-48 hrs.), I will mask the glass and metallic areas. . .

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

Spidey - Prep: Epilogue

The Spidey project is DONE! But there remains a fair amount of work to be done. . . 

This is one of those projects where paint will be a determinant of the outstanding work that re- mains to be done. So as we advance ever-so-cautiously, we must be fully prepared to continue the prepwork until the vision is realized. Once the cab is painted, and mounted on its display base (which means the groundwork will be completed--or nearly-so), then and only then will the project proceed along normal lines. 

This has been an interesting project. I wouldn't call it "fun", but it has been challenging on all fronts. And as with most, if not all, Knight Models, the end result will be a unique, one-of-a-kind addition to the collection.

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

Spidey - Prep: Cab (7)

This will in all likelihood be the final cab-dedicated posting. The overwhelming majority of the major work has either been completed or is well-underway, so the final steps will be logged date-wise, per usual.

03.09--The windshield trim has been roughed-in. Finishing has commenced. . . 
04.09--The "framework" of the driver-side window is all-but-finished. FOLLOW-UP. . . Save for final detailing and clean-up, the cab is DONE!
08.09--The forearms have been permanently attached to Spidey's torso, the peg holes have been tapped, and Spidey has been fitted to the roof of the cab. Save for final detailing and clean-up, the figure--and the prepwork--are now DONE!

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

Spidey - Prep (6)

I've tapped and pegged the forearms to the torso. This is a bit of tricky undertaking given the con- dition of the molded pegs, the roughness of the casting. . . and the fact that the pegs are not keyed! I will not permanently attach the arms until the clean-up above the waist is completed.

05.09--The mounting "pegs" (18ga. copper wire) of the forearms have been permanently installed.

Finally, the head has been fitted. Once the spider/web emblems are completed, it will be perma- nently attached. DONE

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

Spidey - Prep (5)

With the cab all-but-done, it is time to begin work on Spidey. . . 

The first step is assembling the lower half, consisting of 2 pieces. I didn't care for angle of the lower left leg to the knee, so the join was tweaked and the resulting gap filled. Once cured, I carved the area right below the knee to taste. 

I then glued the torso to the legs, and re-contoured the join and lower hips.

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

Spidey - Prep: Cab (4)

The Checker is now ~90% done. While there is still some final surface finishing to be done on the door, etc., I began prepping the rear-view mirror and door-handle (both white metal) this evening. 

These two "accessories" are deplorable! Again, a matter of "close [not really] is good enough". The in situ resin fittings were removed and/or "buried" when I began working on the door, and now comes the time to restore the fittings accurately.

Stay tuned. . .   

UPDATE 28.08.2018. . . After completing the rear-view mirror and tentatively mounting it, I decid- ed that to incorporate it, I would have to resculpt/-model it from scratch as it was more of a dis- tractive eyesore than complement. Which in turn led to my decision not to include it. 

UPDATE 29.08.2018. . . After continued surface-finishing of the driver window (frame, etc.), I pro- ceeded with the door-handle. Using the white-metal handle as a template, I did a rough "sketch" of the door-handle, latch, and lock in MS, which are now curing in the oven. I will see how suc- cessful I was this weekend. . . FOLLOW-UP 30.08.2018. . . Phase 1 finishing of the door-handle has been concluded -- very nice.

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

Spidey - Prep: Cab (3)

It has been two months since I've commented on this project. By way of update, I am delighted to report that the cab is well in the finishing stages--though nowhere near completion. I've found that working 2-3 hrs./wk on it keeps things fresh and on a forward track. 

The major hurdles to negotiate remain the windshield; the hood; and the fender. While most of the re-scaling has been successfully dealt with, now it is a matter of tweaking to create a visually satisfying structure. 

In the meantime, sufficient progress has been made where I am now beginning to work on the figure itself: I should have assembly underway in the next fortnight.

Getting closer. . . 

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

Joker - Arkham: Painting--Oils IV - The Straitjacket (2)

The time has come for the tedious part of the project: the canvas webbing on the straitjacket. 

I first tested both oils and acrylics on a piece of polystyrene painted with a khaki acrylic: the acrylics were the superior medium for this application, due to their opacity and fast-drying nature. 

And so it begins. It takes about 30 minutes to do ~10mm of webbing, including staining and outlining in oils. This will be going on for a while. . . 

UPDATE 12.08.2018. . . After completing the transverse webbing across the pectorals, I painted the stitched tape at the base of the straitjacket's collar.

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

MY Fave Figs

This year, I celebrated my 41st year of being a "serious" miniaturist. I painted my first figure over 55 years ago (Aurora's Frankenstein), but it would be another 14 years before any concept of "artistry" would be an element of my "strategy".

In that time, I have painted over 200 figures. This is by no means an extraordinary amount; in fact, that would be considered a rather modest output. But it's not about the numbers. Never has been. It's about the experience--in every sense of the word. And about making the next figure bet- ter than the last!

I know my years at the bench are coming to a close; though this year I am on track to complete more figures than I have since 2002! In any case, after a long week at work, I was reflecting on what are my favourite figures of all time. My initial list numbered close to 40 pieces. I then nar- rowed the scope to my Top 20 of all time--and things got tough. Quite a few of my faves didn't make the cut simply because they were not up to snuff: fun, enjoyable, even groundbreaking;
but in the end, critically "short". So after sleeping on it, and reassessing as a "Judge", I came
up with the following: 

A fun--and enlightening!--exercise. . .

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

Joker - Arkham: Painting--Oils - Intermezzo II

"The next step is finalizing the straitjacket before transferring the bust to its permanent display base." 

Finalizing the straitjacket is not only quite involved, but the workbase actually works against you a fair amount of the time. So. . . I decided to take the base variable out of the equation and trans- fer the bust to its permanent display base.

There are still areas that will prove irksome in the days ahead, but I am now in a better position to make an informed opinion as to how critical any given area is in the overall aesthetic. 

Movin' right along. . . 

UPDATE 11.08.2018. . . The plinth and the undersides of the bust are now painted!

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

Joker - Arkham: Painting--Oils III - The Face (1): The Eyes, etc.

The eyes--sans pupils--and the deep eye-shadow umbrae are now done! It truly is a testament to the quality of the sculpture and casting that this was one of the easiest set of eyes I have ever painted!!

I also applied a light grisaille of  black around the lips and the deep folds of the upper lip--pre-shading, if you will. I then blocked-in the red of the lips, taking special care around Cupid's bow; and base-coated the eyebrows. . . 

Movin' right along. . . 

FOLLOW-UP. . . Phase I of the face is now essentially done! The next step is finalizing the straitjacket before transferring the bust to its permanent display base.

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

Atlantean Warrior--and mount

Those of you that know me know that I love the open water and its inhabitants. Hence, it should come as no surprise that I am very much looking forward to the December release of Aquaman. When I first heard that Jason Momoa has been cast in the titular role, I was not exactly jumping for joy; but after seeing him in Justice League, I was sold! This may be the first movie I've gone to see since The Dark Knight Rises in 2012!!

The concept art and the occasional still have begun to make their way onto the Web, and I am very excited--especially given the extent to which the denizens of the deep have been embraced and incorporated into the storyline. Which means that some of the toothier amongst them will have a prominent presence. . . in short, SHARK RIDERS!

There are two protagonists with their mounts already announced by Mattel in their movie tie-in action figure line: Aquaman and a Great White, and Nuidis Vulko and a [Great?] Hammerhead. The sharks could be modded and brought up to "standard", if one were so inclined--and for the latter, I might still consider it. But for the Great White, one can do no better than Pegasus Hob- bies' 1/18 scale (90mm) Great White Shark! 

This is a magnificent rendition of this mega-predator! The only drawback is the fact that the shark itself is cast in semi-hard vinyl--albeit flawlessly, and there will be quite a bit of seam-work (joins) to muddle one's way through (all the fins, the head, the jaw, etc.). That being said, anyone with a modicum of experience with vinyl should have no problems whatsoever.

I have one kit of the Great White, but it has already been spoken for, project-wise. So I was sur- prised to see that this kit is getting somewhat difficult to come by--and priced accordingly. I found one for a reasonable price, but if you are interested in this kit, I would not think about it too long.

More on this project in the months to come. . . 

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

Joker - Arkham: Painting--Oils - Intermezzo I

In order to let the bust itself rest, I spent the remaining time this evening working on the hand. The main focus was the blade of the straight razor, or, more appropriately, cutthroat razor. This was given two or three wet coats of Vallejo black, allowing each preceding coat to dry before applying the next. 

Once that was done, I applied a grisaille of Vallejo black over the entire hand, creating a tonal landscape over the white primer. Once this is thoroughly dry, I will decide whether to continue applying acrylic grisailles, or paint it in oils. 

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

Joker - Arkham: Painting--Oils II - The Scrubs--and the Neck!

There are two major "sub-canvases" that comprise this piece: the straitjacket, which was done yesterday; and the head/face/flesh. Normally, I would have done this second "sub-canvas" next, adhering to the painting version of "Hund's bus seat rule"; however, the unique flesh-tone allows me to do the collar and the neck at one sitting.

The scrub's collar is done in institutional orange, using Liquitex Cadmium-Barium Red Light as a base. The inner surface of the collar is in turn shaded with the addition of Payne's Grey--not very carefully, I might add. The resulting mix is then methodically feathered and drawn-up the neck as a dry grisaille that doubles as the shade. Nothing could be simpler!  

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

Joker - Arkham: Painting--Oils I - The Straitjacket

The entire piece revolves around the straitjacket; thus, very little real progress can be made until it is done. So let's get to it. . . 

The straitjacket is now done, "done" as in Phase I. If I decided to go no further, it would look fine as is; but keeping in mind that this is a dirty, grimy garment in one of the worse mental institu- tions for the criminally insane, it is, by definition, a Phase I application.

A brief note re: application. Straitjackets are made from heavyweight canvas. ergo a textured sur- face would be apparent. To achieve the hint of a texture, I stippled Titanium White thickened with Dorland's wax medium. Since Dorland's increases the translucency of the oil, a cool 'unbleached' bias due to the yellow gray uc is evident. Shading was done stippling the shade tones (Gamblin Black Spinel and/or Raw Umber) into the folds, and blending by drag stippling. Once the surface is dry, I can go back and apply wet stains, washes, and glazes to achieve the desired effect.

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

Joker - Arkham: Painting--UCing II

This morning, I finished the main uc'ing on this bust, namely the collar of the prison scrubs. After lunch, I will create a border of green along the hairline to frame the flesh. . . and that should just about do it. I will still have to undercoat the plinth, but this won't be painted until after the strait- jacket is done. . .

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

"Dressed to Kill"--The Joker

Save for the eyes and the hair--and the usual final tweaks and touch-ups--this project can be deemed COMPLETED!!! 

I am going to try to finish at least Phase I of the hair over the weekend: if I can finish the hair by the end of the week, this piece should be in the display cabinet by the end of next weekend.  

Hitherto, I've had two favourite pieces: the "Queen of the Prom" and my "original" bust of the Red Skull. "Dressed to Kill" now joins this exalted company to round-off the "terrible trio".

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

Joker - Arkham: Painting--UCing I

With his dapper alter-ego hell-bent on the finish line, it was time to begin addressing the needs of the psychotic inmate.

Given the relative largeness of this piece, I thought I'd begin with the straitjacket. This could have been a rather daunting undertaking, but fortunately I had an unopened bottle of Polly-S Fantasy's Yellow Gray. This is one of my all-time favourite acrylic colours: the acrylic version of Liquitex Parchment with a slightly green-ish bias. 

Next, I touched-up the face which I had lightly over-primed with Tamiya Fine Surface Primer-White.

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

The Joker "TwE" - Painting: Oils--Home Stretch

In spite of the amount of work remaining, the piece exudes an all-but-finished aura about it. And, personally, I am delighted with what is before me. In fact, even at this relatively premature stage, it vastly exceeds any expectations I might have had!

Tonight will largely be an "off" night. That is not to say I may not tweak things here and there, but for the most part, I will let things settle and cure. . .

Oh, one final thing. You might recall that in the first posting of this thread I mentioned that I had revised the title of the project to accommodate the absence of Harley. Henceforth, this piece will be known as. . . Dressed to Kill.

FOLLOW-UP. . . Phase I of the eyebrows is DONE!

03.08.2018. . . The right eye is done. All that remains on the eyes is distressing and glazing. Phase I of the boutonnière is done. 

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

The Joker "TwE" - Painting: Oils--Intermezzo (II)

With the tailcoat done, I decided to take this project into the 'home stretch' and mount it on 

its display base. This could have gone "south" very easily; but it just felt right; and thankfully 

it worked out beautifully!

Assuming I have an hour or two to paint each night, this project may be completed over the weekend!

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

The Joker "TwE" - Painting: Oils (III)--The Tailcoat

The tailcoat was a very simple process, much simpler than anticipated. I decided early-on that I would use Ivory Black with a touch of Liquin for the silk/satin lapels. The collar and the minute portions of the coat itself were primarily executed in Lampblack. 

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

The Joker "TwE" - Painting: Oils--Intermezzo (I)

I did a little more work following yesterday's update, namely shading the neck and the neck cavi- ty/shirt collar. This was in anticipation of what I have just finished: the Joker "TwE" is now com- pletely assembled, with the head permanently attached to the torso.

That will be the extent of the work today. I will continue working on the face in the days to come, but the next major painting session will be the black tailcoat. Once that is done, I can then trans- fer the bust to its display base.

Getting closer. . .   

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

The Joker "TwE" - Painting: Oils (II)--The Flesh

As with the white garments, Mister J's flesh will be executed as a series of mixed-media stains/ grisailles over the white primer-undercoat. I have just completed Phase I, including the staining of the teeth and basecoating of the lips. 

At this stage of the process, the surface looks admittedly "rough"; however, the promise of what is to come is as plainly evident. 

Stay tuned!

UPDATE 30.07.2018. . . The left side of the face, save for glazing the eye, is essentially done! [NOTE: The greens (hair) will be tackled as a separate item.] And I am delighted!! Methodically staining a stark acrylic undercoat has definitely earned a place in the gamebook!

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

The Joker "TwE" - Painting: UCing (III)

With the torso uc'ed, all that remained was the head. Whereas the one color to be applied below the neck was black, the only acrylic hue to be applied above it was green. [NOTE: the red of the lips will be applied in oils.]

And that is now done and curing in the oven. Save for the black of the tailcoat (100% oils), the remainder of the project will be a multi-media exercise. 

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

The Joker "TwE" - Painting: Oils (I)--White Garments

With the torso uc'ed/"blocked-in", it was time to start playing with the oils. . . 

On this project, the whites are more of a stain/grisaille over the white primer-undercoat. This is more of an illustrative approach to maximize depth and volume vs. textile textures in the relatively small surface area provided by the scale. 

As of this writing, Phase I of the waistcoat is done. Stark highlights remain to be done: these will be done in acrylics once the oils are "dry". 

More to follow. . .  

FOLLOW-UP. . . Phase II of the waistcoat is DONE! The waistcoat has been effectively complet- ed, but now comes the multi-media tweaking that will maximize contrast and tonal variance on the achromatic canvas. . . The tweaking will be executed over the remaining duration of the pro- ject. 
 
“When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

The Joker "TwE" - Painting: UCing (I)

The bust was primed in its entirety in Tamiya Fine Surface Primer-White. Using this superb pri- mer allowed me to kill two sub-steps with one spray session: the flesh and the non-jacket gar- ments were also undercoated as well as primed!

Thus uc'ing is largely limited to the black of the dress tailcoat. Which, given the opacity of black acrylic, is something to be undertaken with caution. I have just completed Phase I, which means 85-90% of the coat is undercoated--the remaining 10% (Phase II) will be the harrowing "cutting-in" of the coat to the white underlying garments. 

Stay tuned!

FOLLOW-UP. . . Phase II is DONE!

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

Joker - Arkham: Painting--Priming

The "Clown Prince of Arkham" is primed. Let the madness begin!

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

Joker - Arkham: Prep IV--Finishing

All the major work has been completed--the scrub "collar" is ideal! I am now down to final finish- ing and assembly. There will be some tweaking to be done to the fit and details on the straitjack- et straps prior to attachment, but this is little more than fine detailing. The only piece that will not be attached before priming will be the hand.

Almost done. . .

UPDATE 23.07.2018. . . The straps have been permanently attached. All that remains to be done on the straps are minor spot fills and seam integration. . . DONE

UPDATE 25.07.2018. . . Save for some minor tweaking about the hair and the dentition, the bust is ready to be primed. Priming is scheduled over the weekend. . . DONE

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

Joker - Arkham: Prep III--The Collar

Some of you might recall that a significant aspect of my 'redesign' included sculpting the open collar of an Arkham jumpsuit. 

This is a bit of a tricky undertaking without a separate head. Initially, I decided to execute it in two lateral halves, which would afford me the most flexibility in when to attach it, with the least amount of complexity. 

And I had effectively completed the collar, but somethings were not right, not the least of which was the fact that visible areas on the collar and flesh would be unattainable to paint. So I care- fully removed the collar, and reassessed. . .

I have all but decided to go with an institutional scrub top--collarless. This will satisfy the thema- tic and chromatic requirements, as well as eliminate any of the painting "traps".  

Stay tuned! 

UPDATE 21.07.2018. . . The scrub "collar" has been roughed-in and finishing has begun. This is a much more suitable garment--practically and aesthetically! Should progress continue at this pace, Mista' J might be on the painting bench by the end of next weekend!

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

Kilowog -- Painting: Intermezzo I

With the figure undercoated, I strongly considered breaking out the oils, but I have yet to finalize the painting strategy given the size and weight of the subject. So, I returned to the workbench to work on the power ring.

The source of everything Green is given laughable short-shrift in the figure. If one wants to "con- vert" this to a "collectible figurine" (as opposed to a collectible pre-paint) then the matter of the power ring is a non-negotiable aspect of the restoration.

I roughed-in the emblem of the ring with MS, and then proceeded to carve it to shape. Once the emblem was a-b-d, I then finished the edges, and carefully restored the band. The gauntlet unit is now curing in the oven. 

Once cured, all that remains is final finishing; a final once over, and priming. . . 

Stay tuned! 

UPDATE 22.07.2018. . . The power ring and gauntlet unit have been finished and primed.

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