Thankfully the trusty old wet palette is doing it's job nicely and stopping the paints from skinning over in the heat and the lounge where I paint tends to remain cool as the front of the house is sheltered by mature trees when the sun comes round. So I'm cracking on and putting in several hours a day painting, broken up by cups of tea in the garden, walking the dog and general housework as and when required.
These are the nine Spahi heavy cavalry figures for John almost done, possibly need to add an outer colour to the shields but a bit tricky now that the figures are glued to their mounts. A lot of work went into the covered horses with three layers per colour over the black base coat, working up to the highlights, contrasted with the 'gold' braiding (actually used bronze as I tend to do). The figures were drybrushed a mix of silver and steel and then given a watered down Sepia ink wash to just slightly flatted the chain mail. A bit of extra colour and detail was added to the bow and arrow cases.
The 8 civilians are old Minifigs S Range and very nice too, I especially like the Bishop and the lady holding the baby. Again I might do a little more work on the faces tomorrow before varnishing along with the Spahi.
Those are very nice especially the civilians. In sharp contrast to you the heat has brought my painting to a complete halt.
ReplyDeleteCheers Rob. I seem to be reading that a lot re the heat. Not too bad for me really.
DeleteSuperb as usual…love the civvies - especially the bish and the wench with the buckets!
ReplyDeleteYou can always rely on Old John for interesting and varied subject matter :)
DeleteAgreed. The civilians are my favorites of the bunch, but the brushwork on all of the above figures, not to mention the colors, is extremely pleasing to the eye. About how long does a wet palette keep the paints workable?
ReplyDeleteBest Regards,
Stokes
Thanks Stokes, I enjoyed painting them all. The rather grandly named Wet Palette - which is just a shallow plastic tray with water soaked kitchen roll overlaid with slightly moist greaseproof paper - keeps the paints 'open' for many hours in the current heat, longer in normal temps. It means when touch ups etc are required the paint is there and same when wanting to mix in highlight shades. I can go back after a tea break and just carry on for example, saves a lot of wasted paint and time.
DeleteSplendid heavy cavalry and lovely looking civilians!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Many thanks Iain.
DeleteLovely work - I like the butchers (??) apron.. :o)
ReplyDeleteCheers Steve. Pirate figure painted as a surgeon was the brief :) I overdid the 'gore' on the front of the apron so decided to tone it down a bit!
DeleteButcher/Surgeon (same thing in WSS) is actually a Minifig Pirate, banners prepared for all cavalry
ReplyDeletecheers Old John
The banners will really lift the Spahi John. I'll have a go at the shields later and see what I can do with them :)
DeleteVery nice couple of sets there Lee but I really like those Spahi you’ve done a cracking job on these. I use a wet palette a lot now they’re an excellent bit of kit and as you say in the current weather almost indispensable.
ReplyDeleteThanks Graham, must admit rather pleased how the Spahi turned out because Ottomans are a bit new to me :) What I also like about the wet palette is that when full you can simply replace the greaseproof and start fresh.
DeleteAll are a delight to view, but the sipahis stole the show for mine!
ReplyDeleteRegards, James