I mentioned recently that I had hit a wall with my painting and I knew that I needed to do something to sort things out. Having completed the 60 odd large sci fi figures for David and posted them back to him I tried to turn my attention back to the 18mm Napoleonic commission for Mark. I knew that I had been struggling to paint these finely detailed castings for some time and had mentioned it in my YouTube videos with feedback from other painters so it was time to make a painful decision, I had to be honest with both myself and Mark and admit defeat. The project had completely overwhelmed me, painting them to the standard they deserve with the numbers involved was so demanding and tiring it was clearly impacting upon my mental health. I don't feel great about it, Mark has been understanding though obviously disappointed, but it had to be done. Everything is being packed up for return this week. I am very sorry.
Going forward I'm going to stick with painting Epics plus the 20mm's that I do for Old John of course. I have a well established method for painting the Epic strips now at a speed/quality ratio that is both enjoyable and keeps the costs down.
So, I'm still painting monthly batches for Noel, we are finishing off his vast Epic based ACW project with the cavalry, four 20 figure Union and four 20 figure Rebs plus dismounted and horse holder bases. This week I painted two regiments, 40 cavalry and they are a mix of Epic plastic and Peter Pig metals, a perfect match for scale as you can see below. Photos show them pre varnish and flags etc. I'm back to Carthaginians this week for Leo!
I also painted 2 more units of 1/72nd scale Streltsi for Old John before I did the cavalry. We had a nice long chat on the phone this week, I have been painting for Jon for more than 15 years now!
Hi Lee
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you have had to compromise, it must have been a very difficult decision. But when it comes to your health sometimes you just have to put yourself first. It is all too easy to drive yourself too hard and realise too late what damage you have done.
You started your figure painting as a therapy, but when it becomes a threat to your health it is surely time to reassess. Hope that you can get the balance right, so that you can provide a great painting service but also enjoy the work involved.
regards
Paul
Hello Paul,
DeleteGood to hear from you, hope you are both keeping well.
Thank you for the message. It was indeed a tough decision to make, but at nearly 68 my eyes tire more easily than just a few years ago, and the AB's are sculpted with such fine detail - unlike for example Minifigs or Essex figures that have more exaggerated straps and lace - that I was struggling to achieve accuracy. I do still enjoy painting soldiers but it's time to ese back now.
All the best,
Lee.
Well clearly a necessary re-set and best done sooner rather than later. I only paint for myself, but recently I have noted an imbalance in my hobby time, with the demands of painting interfering with my playing interests, so I have just gone down a path of re-adjustment. Your new path sounds much more sustainable.
ReplyDeleteHi Norm, I appreciate the message. I should have seen it coming as I knew I was struggling and could not deliver at the quality those figures demand. It seems odd I know but I can paint the Epics every day and never tire of them!
DeleteCheers,
Lee.
I’ve always been boggled by how many figure you produce. There has to be a limit both in volume and detail. I think you’ve found it. Chin up. Keep ploughing on with the epics!
ReplyDeleteThank you mate for the message :) A tough decision to make but had to be done and now I'm easing things back a bit!
DeleteHope you are keeping well there? Things are pretty crap here in the UK at the moment, revolution is in the air :)
All the best,
Lee.