I've spent the last few days tweaking the "catfish tail", and I am just about to that all-but-done stage. Granted, glazing, final sanding, and polishing still await, but the days of dust clouds lingering over the studio are over. . .
And now for the face. As some of you might have read in EPH, I was undecided whether to depict him in his early 20s or late 30's. I have opted for the latter, if only to keep with the prevailing Sekigahara sub-theme present throughout my Ft. Duq releases.
It would appear that Toshinaga, unlike his father, was portly--whether this was due to the [relatively] "easier" life afforded the son of a self-made man--or not, I am not able to say with any degree of certainty. In any event, the face has been "fleshed-out" considerably and is now about 70% done.
Moving right along. . .
FOLLOW-UP--29.04.10The putty work on the face is now done, and I have begun the finishing and texturing. I AM DELIGHTED!!! I'll try to post some abd ip images before the end of the weekend. . .
27 April 2010
24 April 2010
MAEDA Toshinaga [1/8] - (I)
By way of recap, and as a bridge to the thread begun here, the subject of my next 1/8 scale daimyō bust will be MAEDA Toshinaga. I will be using the bust of his father I sculpted in 1998 as the core sculpt around which I create the son; but whereas Toshiie is associated with a gold-leafed, angular namazubi nari no kabuto, Toshinaga will be depicted wearing his trademark silver-leafed namazubi nari no kabuto--all 127 cm of it(!!!). . . scaled to 1/8th of course.
Those of you who know me know that I have a penchant for tall kawari kabuto. Perhaps it's because so few, if any, people truly depict them in all their extravagant glory. And yes, I believe one can safely claim a silver-leafed crest in the stylized shape of a catfish tail over 4 ft. long as extravagant!
The crest is built around a 6in. piece of sheet brass. I am not sure what the original is made from, but I suspect it is wood: most of the extravagantly-sized, two-dimensional crests, regardless of their positioning, were made of laminated wood.
As of this writing, I project the bust to be comprised of 4 pieces: head/kabuto, torso, shikoro, and mabisashi/uchimabisashi (brow plate). As always when at these early stages, subject to change.
Before closing, a nod of gratitude to Prof. Stephen Turnbull for graciously providing the core reference images.
To be continued. . .
Those of you who know me know that I have a penchant for tall kawari kabuto. Perhaps it's because so few, if any, people truly depict them in all their extravagant glory. And yes, I believe one can safely claim a silver-leafed crest in the stylized shape of a catfish tail over 4 ft. long as extravagant!
The crest is built around a 6in. piece of sheet brass. I am not sure what the original is made from, but I suspect it is wood: most of the extravagantly-sized, two-dimensional crests, regardless of their positioning, were made of laminated wood.
As of this writing, I project the bust to be comprised of 4 pieces: head/kabuto, torso, shikoro, and mabisashi/uchimabisashi (brow plate). As always when at these early stages, subject to change.
Before closing, a nod of gratitude to Prof. Stephen Turnbull for graciously providing the core reference images.
To be continued. . .
18 April 2010
HONDA Tadakatsu [1/4-1/3]
As a tie-in to last year’s Art of the Samurai exhibition, the MMA offered a miniature of HONDA Tadakatsu's antlered kabuto (三つ椏鹿角兜). Initially, I believed this to be the Met’s latest entry in its 1/8th scale helmet series. Not so. . . This "miniature" is 1/4 - 1/3 scale(!!!). Imposing does not quite describe it. It is done fairly well, though admittedly somewhat light on detail, especially at first glance. Be that as it may, is it ever an eye-catcher! And with a moderate-to-fair amount of work, it can be a proverbial show-stopper.
My first step was to remove the sturdy ball-and-socket/pivoting stand. I then attempted to remove the maedate, and succeeded in doing so without mishap. This allowed me to proceed with the hollowing-out of the hachi.
So what have I learned to date? The kabuto is cast in a lightly-filled polyester resin: this is a less- saturated, less dense cold-cast porcelain. The kabuto is cast in four pieces: the hachi, the two wakidate and the maedate. The level of finishing is very high: the kabuto appears to be cast in one piece! As much as I would like to be able to remove the wakidate, there is really no compel- ling reason for me to do so, and any attempt could result in seriously damaging the hachi.
(click to enlarge)
I would point out that the "raw" surface in the second image was the former attachment point of the maedate. This will obviously be restored with the attendant L-shaped bracket/s that will allow for the maedate to be mounted (and removed!) as on the actual helmet.
More to follow. . .
My first step was to remove the sturdy ball-and-socket/pivoting stand. I then attempted to remove the maedate, and succeeded in doing so without mishap. This allowed me to proceed with the hollowing-out of the hachi.
So what have I learned to date? The kabuto is cast in a lightly-filled polyester resin: this is a less- saturated, less dense cold-cast porcelain. The kabuto is cast in four pieces: the hachi, the two wakidate and the maedate. The level of finishing is very high: the kabuto appears to be cast in one piece! As much as I would like to be able to remove the wakidate, there is really no compel- ling reason for me to do so, and any attempt could result in seriously damaging the hachi.
(click to enlarge)
I would point out that the "raw" surface in the second image was the former attachment point of the maedate. This will obviously be restored with the attendant L-shaped bracket/s that will allow for the maedate to be mounted (and removed!) as on the actual helmet.
More to follow. . .
RIP--Richard Hook (1938-2010)
In a recent exchange with Stephen Turnbull, I learned of the recent passing of one of the Dons of historical illustration.
For an excellent overview of Mr. Hook's life and career, I can do no better than direct you to Martin Windrow's remembrance. As for me, he opened my eyes to the possibilities of modeling Feudal Japan in miniature in his first Osprey commission, Samurai Armies 1550-1615 (MAA86; Osprey, 1979)--thirty years later, his vibrant and evocative work in this field has not lost an iota of its 'power', and as I mentioned to Prof. Turnbull, I believe his work in Hatamoto is amongst his best.
A devoted student of Native American history, his contributions in this field are perhaps for what he will best be remembered--and rightfully so. However, for this admirer, artist, and historian, the vacancy left by his passing for the pre-eminent illustrator of feudal Japanese military subjects will not soon be filled.
Belated and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
AJR
For an excellent overview of Mr. Hook's life and career, I can do no better than direct you to Martin Windrow's remembrance. As for me, he opened my eyes to the possibilities of modeling Feudal Japan in miniature in his first Osprey commission, Samurai Armies 1550-1615 (MAA86; Osprey, 1979)--thirty years later, his vibrant and evocative work in this field has not lost an iota of its 'power', and as I mentioned to Prof. Turnbull, I believe his work in Hatamoto is amongst his best.
A devoted student of Native American history, his contributions in this field are perhaps for what he will best be remembered--and rightfully so. However, for this admirer, artist, and historian, the vacancy left by his passing for the pre-eminent illustrator of feudal Japanese military subjects will not soon be filled.
Belated and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
AJR
04 April 2010
ATLANTA 2011--NEW LOCATION!!!!!
I have just read that the 34th Annual AMFS Show will not only take place on 18-20 February 2011, but at a new location:
Atlanta Marriott Century Center
2000 Century Boulevard NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
USA
Details are still forthcoming, but this is good news indeed! Check back often at: http://www.atlantafigures.com/show.htm for the latest developments.
A~
Atlanta Marriott Century Center
2000 Century Boulevard NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30345
USA
Details are still forthcoming, but this is good news indeed! Check back often at: http://www.atlantafigures.com/show.htm for the latest developments.
A~
28 March 2010
Nosferatu 2: GEOmetric Design's Micro-Mania-- UPDATE
Since my last posting in this thread, I've focused most of my attention on the BoF vignette and Wolfie. Still, that doesn't mean that significant headway has not been made. . .
The legs are about 80% complete. I've continued to tweak spatial relationships along the length of the torso, replacing braids that had been formerly removed and marginally extending the frock as the proportions are shifted downward, if you will. Finally, roughing-out of the frock enhancements is now mostly done.
I will try to post ip images soon. . .
The legs are about 80% complete. I've continued to tweak spatial relationships along the length of the torso, replacing braids that had been formerly removed and marginally extending the frock as the proportions are shifted downward, if you will. Finally, roughing-out of the frock enhancements is now mostly done.
I will try to post ip images soon. . .
21 March 2010
Halbarad Dúnadan--Update
What with "Rebuffed!" and Wolfie occupying all the front burners on the bench, there has been little time for the "wee folk"--90mm is shockingly small after one has been working on 1/8th scale projects for over a year!
Nonetheless, I had some left-over putty from a tweaking/touch-up session with Wolfie, and I took the opportunity to rough-in the extension of the boot-tops to depict riding boots, and fit the front-panel of the erstwhile surcoat.
Slowly but surely. . .
Nonetheless, I had some left-over putty from a tweaking/touch-up session with Wolfie, and I took the opportunity to rough-in the extension of the boot-tops to depict riding boots, and fit the front-panel of the erstwhile surcoat.
Slowly but surely. . .
"The Wolf Man"--The Trap (I)
After capturing 25+ stills from the film, and perusing I-don't-know-how-many sites, images, etc., I am finally comfortable with proceeding with the pivotal gin trap.
In the last 48 hrs., I have made two maquettes: one from epoxy putty, and the other from brass. Neither medium lent itself to what I want to do, or--more importantly--how I want to do it. Thus, for now, I have settled on PUR, working from scrap blanks. I am virtually certain that this will be a multi-media undertaking, but the primary raw material will be PUR.
To date, I have an all-but-done extended stock with the rough standards permanently attached; and an as-yet-to-be-attached bridge.
Stay tuned. . .
FOLLOW-UP
In an attempt to get a jump on the week ahead, I have now cast two rough jaw blanks. The operative word here is "rough". Very simply, I made a quick open-faced mold from Klean-Klay, first pressing the stock on its side into the clay to give me a dimensional guideline; and then carefully scraping-out two flattened U-shaped channels. I then poured regular Alumilite into the channels. . . et, voilà! If I eyeballed things correctly, I should have two jaw blanks momentarily. If not, the whole process takes less than 20 minutes. . .
FOLLOW-UP #2
The jaws are now ~80% done. All that is really left to do is finishing and tweaking dimensions--and the mounting/pivot lugs on the jaws. As to the teeth (BTW, pliant rubber in the film), I consider these a point of detail, and will thus be done at a later date.
In the last 48 hrs., I have made two maquettes: one from epoxy putty, and the other from brass. Neither medium lent itself to what I want to do, or--more importantly--how I want to do it. Thus, for now, I have settled on PUR, working from scrap blanks. I am virtually certain that this will be a multi-media undertaking, but the primary raw material will be PUR.
To date, I have an all-but-done extended stock with the rough standards permanently attached; and an as-yet-to-be-attached bridge.
Stay tuned. . .
FOLLOW-UP
In an attempt to get a jump on the week ahead, I have now cast two rough jaw blanks. The operative word here is "rough". Very simply, I made a quick open-faced mold from Klean-Klay, first pressing the stock on its side into the clay to give me a dimensional guideline; and then carefully scraping-out two flattened U-shaped channels. I then poured regular Alumilite into the channels. . . et, voilà! If I eyeballed things correctly, I should have two jaw blanks momentarily. If not, the whole process takes less than 20 minutes. . .
FOLLOW-UP #2
The jaws are now ~80% done. All that is really left to do is finishing and tweaking dimensions--and the mounting/pivot lugs on the jaws. As to the teeth (BTW, pliant rubber in the film), I consider these a point of detail, and will thus be done at a later date.
16 March 2010
"The Wolf Man"--Resumption
Hard to believe that it has been over 7 months since I have spent any appreciable time on my first major overhaul of an injected-styrene monster kit. . .
When I left off, I stated that "the Wolf Man (save for the trap and reworking the hands and feet) is in the final stages of finishing". . . That turns out to have been a bit of an overstatement; or a statement made without the benefit of sufficient distance to critically see what was actually before me. Unlike when I returned to Nosferatu, there is considerably more work to be done before this project can be deemed to be on the home stretch: more reworking--and only then the refinement.
Most of my efforts will be spent on the upper half of the figure: head and torso. Re: the former, not a particularly strong likeness; never was. A definite improvement over the stock item, but not what I am striving for; hence, "Wolfie" will spend some time 'at the salon' getting the coiffure reworked. ADDENDUM: The mouth will be reworked to depict a partially opened grimace of pain.
As to the torso, still very much a work ip, but getting there. For starters, the forearms have been extended about 5mm, give or take. Next, the drapery. This is still a few sessions away from the refinement stage, but I'm beginning to see a glimmer in the distance.
What of the lower half? Definitely ready for finishing. As are the hands! This was a pleasant surprise.
More to follow. . .
UPDATE--20.03.10
I have removed the visible dentition and opened the oral activity in preparation for the aforementioned modification.
I have also begun work on the trap. This is going to be a major sub-project unto itself, if only because of my overall lack of familiarity with the operational details of the mechanism. . . FOLLOW-UP which have now been addressed. Now to decide from what materials to construct the trap components. . .
When I left off, I stated that "the Wolf Man (save for the trap and reworking the hands and feet) is in the final stages of finishing". . . That turns out to have been a bit of an overstatement; or a statement made without the benefit of sufficient distance to critically see what was actually before me. Unlike when I returned to Nosferatu, there is considerably more work to be done before this project can be deemed to be on the home stretch: more reworking--and only then the refinement.
Most of my efforts will be spent on the upper half of the figure: head and torso. Re: the former, not a particularly strong likeness; never was. A definite improvement over the stock item, but not what I am striving for; hence, "Wolfie" will spend some time 'at the salon' getting the coiffure reworked. ADDENDUM: The mouth will be reworked to depict a partially opened grimace of pain.
As to the torso, still very much a work ip, but getting there. For starters, the forearms have been extended about 5mm, give or take. Next, the drapery. This is still a few sessions away from the refinement stage, but I'm beginning to see a glimmer in the distance.
What of the lower half? Definitely ready for finishing. As are the hands! This was a pleasant surprise.
More to follow. . .
UPDATE--20.03.10
I have removed the visible dentition and opened the oral activity in preparation for the aforementioned modification.
I have also begun work on the trap. This is going to be a major sub-project unto itself, if only because of my overall lack of familiarity with the operational details of the mechanism. . . FOLLOW-UP which have now been addressed. Now to decide from what materials to construct the trap components. . .
14 March 2010
"Rebuffed!"--HIATUS
I've been giving serious thought to going to WF 2010 for about 3 months. In what capacity was always debatable, but I was not considering entering anything. . .
Those of you who know me are probably snorting. "Yeah. . . right," and I hate to say that you'd be right. In any event, with all the Murphy-isms that can derail the best laid plans as a cautionary disclaimer, I am as of this writing going to focus on the Wolf Man in the hope of having him completed by early May, and allow the "happy couple" to bask in each other's ip radiance for a few weeks.
This doesn't mean that I won't be dropping in on the BoF project in the interim: simply that the lion's share of my discretionary time will be focused on M. Talbot.
And with that. . . the clock's ticking!
Augie
Those of you who know me are probably snorting. "Yeah. . . right," and I hate to say that you'd be right. In any event, with all the Murphy-isms that can derail the best laid plans as a cautionary disclaimer, I am as of this writing going to focus on the Wolf Man in the hope of having him completed by early May, and allow the "happy couple" to bask in each other's ip radiance for a few weeks.
This doesn't mean that I won't be dropping in on the BoF project in the interim: simply that the lion's share of my discretionary time will be focused on M. Talbot.
And with that. . . the clock's ticking!
Augie
13 March 2010
"Rebuffed!": The Monster's Legs and Boots
As I mentioned earlier, work has commenced on the boots (image is of the ip reworked right boot) where no additional work was anticipated:
(click to enlarge)
Also, the finishing of the pants continues, awaiting the permanent attachment of the boots. Once I have attached the boots, I will post an image of the all-but-done lower half of the Monster in this thread.
(click to enlarge)
Also, the finishing of the pants continues, awaiting the permanent attachment of the boots. Once I have attached the boots, I will post an image of the all-but-done lower half of the Monster in this thread.
12 March 2010
"Rebuffed!": The Monster's Head--Graphic Update #3
(click to enlarge)
A quick entry to show you where the head is to-date. Provided I am not called in to work, I hope to have the scalp staples completed over the weekend, and noticeable progress made on the hair.
UPDATE--13.03.10
ALL the scalp staples and the left temporal hair have now been completed. I figure that by this time next week, the Monster's head will hopefully be done. . .
07 March 2010
"Rebuffed!"--Intermezzo
While I decide which aspect of the project will command my attention next, I've "worked a little here, worked a little there" on the following:
Stay tuned!
FOLLOW-UP
The Bride has to be next. . .
How tall was Elsa Lanchester? How tall was the Bride?? These are the questions. . .
I'll keep this brief, as it is late. Ms. Lanchester's male supporters in her iconic role were all approximately 6' tall. Karloff in full costume was approximately 6'4" in height--5-6" taller than in stocking feet. Yet the Bride is distinctly taller than all of them!
Elsa Lanchester was just under 5'5" tall. From everything I have read, Whale had her use stilts to elevate her height to a towering 7'!
Thus any posing of the Monster will have to wait until the position of the Bride's left arm is finalized and securely keyed. . .
UPDATE--10.03.10
- Put in the Bride's eyes.
- Roughed-out the deltoids on the Bride's left arm, and further adjusted the fit of the repositioned arm.
- Began work on the Monster's left hand, repositioning the first two fingers and fusing them.
- Began work on the boots. This was an area I did not expect to have to spend too much time on, but was I wrong!
Stay tuned!
FOLLOW-UP
The Bride has to be next. . .
How tall was Elsa Lanchester? How tall was the Bride?? These are the questions. . .
I'll keep this brief, as it is late. Ms. Lanchester's male supporters in her iconic role were all approximately 6' tall. Karloff in full costume was approximately 6'4" in height--5-6" taller than in stocking feet. Yet the Bride is distinctly taller than all of them!
Elsa Lanchester was just under 5'5" tall. From everything I have read, Whale had her use stilts to elevate her height to a towering 7'!
Thus any posing of the Monster will have to wait until the position of the Bride's left arm is finalized and securely keyed. . .
UPDATE--10.03.10
- The Bride's left arm has been fitted, keyed, and is ready to go.
- The Monster's right arm has been permanently attached, and I have begun to build-up the right shoulder with MS.
- The Monster's legs have been locked in place, and all cuts, etc. filled. I am reasonably certain that, save for extending the pant legs over the boots, the putty work on the pants has been concluded.
- Finalized the face. . . I now have Karloff as The Monster in The BoF before me!
- The Monster's right boot is now awaiting final reduction (of putty) and finishing. A dramatic improvement--as forthcoming images will attest--that will sadly go largely unnoticed.
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