PERSPECTIVES IN MINIATURE: Arrival in Madrid.

ARTIST STATEMENT

In the words of Wilbur Smith "War is the game played by old men with the lives of the young". The pawn in this game is the combat soldier, represented by the miniature toy soldier; an insignificant being on the battlefield. Combat is the most intense moment of war, where life and death balances on a knife's edge. The results are terrifying and reveal the worst part of our human nature. Conversely, there are moments when it exudes the best of our human spirit. Most of the miniatures you see here are diligently researched from historical sources and handcrafted between scales of 1/35 to 1/16 (approx 50mm to 120mm). The intricate rendition of human expression and fine details not only demonstrates the level of craftsmanship but also serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of human life. I represent no political bias though my miniature creations. My aim is to portray humanity through the chronicles of military history and thus it is my pleasure that I present to you my weblog Perspectives in Miniature.

Calvin Tan

WWII GERMAN UNIFORMS - PERSONAL MIXES BY CALVIN TAN

In conjunction with AK Interactive, this exclusive Gen 3 acrylic paint set is specially composed with the essential colours that I use to render WWII German Uniforms. It contains 18 colours and a small pamphlet with my personal colour mixes. If you are keen to acquire all the colours on my palette to paint a field grey tunic, a splinter pattern zeltbahn, an oak-leaf pattern smock or the Kharkov anorak, look no further, this is the set for you to get started.

CALVIN TAN'S BASIC GUIDE TO FIGURE PAINTING

This instructional DVD published by Model Art magazine was primarily developed for the beginner armour and diorama modeller in mind. The video presentation will feature a variety of easy to master techniques used to render a 1/35 scale plastic injected moulded figure.Topics include proper paint application techniques, choice of brushes as well as some little tricks for painting fine detail. It is fundamentally a showcase of some of my methods and techniques for painting military figures and I am certain it will prove beneficial for any modeller who wishes to improve on figure painting. It is currently available in both Japanese and English.

CALVIN TAN'S GUIDE TO CONVERTING AND PAINTING FIGURES

In this third instalment, I will share my techniques and materials to customize and detail an inexpensive stock plastic figure. Watch as I take you through the steps on how I modify a pose, model details such as hands, belts and webbing and insignias. Learn about working effectively with epoxy putty as well as plastic styrene and paper. As a continuation from my first two DVDs, I will demonstrate how to model and paint a simple groundwork as well as an alternate approach using a monochromatic underpainting to render both a field grey tunic and the World War 2 German Splinter Camouflage pattern on a helmet cover. If you have enjoyed and benefitted from those previous titles, this edition will be a welcome addition to your journey in scale figure modelling – regardless of your current skill level. It is my sincere hope that this could inspire you to embark on your own creative adventure in this fantastic hobby. .

Wednesday, 2 July 2008

Arrival in Madrid.

Labels: Model Shows - WE 2008 Girona Spain Posted by CALVIN TAN at 21:28

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After a 10 hour flight to Amsterdam plus a 2 hour transit flight to Barajas International Airport in Madrid, the Singapore and Malaysian contingent has finally arrived (and thankfully without a hitch whatsoever from the customs). A good friend of mine, Samuel Pérez was very kind enough to pick us up from the airport in his new car to our hotel at Plaza Santa Ana. After checking into the hotel, we had a light meal of tapas and for me a favorite glass of Tinto Verano. Unfortunately Samuel had to head back to work in his office, but we did make arrangements to meet up again later in the afternoon.
Now, as totally modelling orientated trip this was planned to be (Yes, only guys, no wives, no girlfriends and no children), our first destination was to head out to the Euro Modelisimo studio. We were met Señor Rodrigo Cabos, Luis Gómez Platón, Carlos Vaquerizo and Fernando Sánchez. I was hoping to meet up with Jesús Huélamo but he had unfortunately hurt his back and was at home resting. Here's wishing for you to get well my friend!

A group photo of the guys with Señor Rodrigo Cabos,Editor in Chief of Euro Modelisimo Studio.

At about 4pm. Samuel was able to meet us at the Euro Modelisimo Studio to bring us to the Andrea Miniatures Factory in Alpedrete, almost 30 minutes by car from the city center of Madrid. We were extremely fortunate to have a tour organized for us which walked us through the process of sculpting the masters, casting and finally the packing of the finished product before it reaches to the hobby shops. We had a preview of some of Joaquin Palacios's latest works for Andrea which I cannot divulge much at this moment. But one word sums its all; Breathtaking!!!!

Me and the famous U-Boat Diorama at the Andrea Miniatures Factory.

Not a flattering shot of Bernard drooling over the U-Boat Diorama

We headed back to our hotel right after our visit to the Andrea Miniatures Factory and met up for dinner with Rodrigo Chacón for a Paella dinner with the guys.

Rodrigo and me with the huge pan of Arroz Negro we ordered.

Tomorrow, we will plan to head out to the Prado Museum and catch a flight to Girona.

Hasta Mañana,

Calvin

2 comments:

Pere Pla said...: It was a pity not to say Goodbye to you, and all the friends form Singapur. I am the friend of Ruben. Remember that you miss a night party in Girona, jajaja. I am sure that you have enjoied your visit.
See you soon in Torrent...
Pere Pla AMT; 11 July 2008 at 13:57
CALVIN TAN said...: Hola Pere,

I remember you from the pizza dinner we had with Jose, Javier and Ruben in Girona. We were lucky that we did not follow you to the party because we will be zombies the next day at the show, jajajaja...

Saludos y hasta proxima,

Calvin; 11 July 2008 at 22:11