Sunday 5 June 2011

Young Miniatures - Fallschirmjäger, FJR 9, Ardennes, 1944

.
I've decided to once again indulge myself with a recreational project compliments from Young Bok, proprietor and principal sculptor of Young Miniatures. Consisting of only five parts, clean-up and assembly took under an hour before it was christen with a veil of grey primer.


Continuing from the previous project of the MG-34 machine gunner bust, I interfaced each connecting part with magnets for easy handling during painting. This was achieved by drilling out a shallow cavity to accommodate the piece of magnet. Epoxy putty was used to both adhere and maneuver the magnet into alignment with its corresponding half. I got to admit that this eventually proved quite fun when I toyed with the parts as they "clicked" together.


Moving on to the painting, I employed a traditional approach used in classical painting known as painting on colored grounds.

"A toned ground can be used to create atmosphere or mood, to unify a composition, indicate lighting conditions, or to give sculptural form to an object by giving depth to shadows. A toned ground speeds the process of painting, allowing simpler modelling and killing the stark white that otherwise would confront the artist initially." Colour and Tone in Whistler's 'Nocturnes' and 'Harmonies' 1871-72" by Stephen Hackney. The Burlington Magazine Vol 136, No 1099 (Oct 1994), pp695-694.

As such red,blue,violet and orange were initially sprayed over a black undercoat before assigning the local colors.


I also tried to experiment with a "Wet on Wet" diffusion technique, similar to that used in watercolor painting. As this required a homogeneously damp surface in order for the different colors to mingle, water was sprayed over the surface with an airbrush before dabbing on the colors immediately after.


Complimentary colors for the face were subsequently introduced for added tonal variety and contrast.


The various stages to painting the face; from the blocking of tonal colors to the gradual refinements. As I do not have a linear work flow, this area will still be subjected to additions and changes as with the progress of the project.


The shovel was undercoated with gloss varnish before dry-brushing with silver enamel paint.




It was then painted over with an opaque coat of dark blue and allowed to dry.


A light mist of water from the airbrush provided the moist surface which allowed the dabs of orange to be randomly diffused across the shovel blade.



Effects of wear are simulated by carefully chafing the paint with a hard metal tool.


Progressive painting for the camouflage jump suit and accompanying accessories.


That's the work for now until opportunities at home allows.

Calvin



8 comments:

Didier MONGE said...

Hello Calvin,

This is the first time I post to your blog and yet I am a big fan of your style, your work and state of Spirit!
What better Bi-nome, Young and Calvin!
I "studies" with all attention your process of put colors on the bust of "Grüne Teufel" (which I do every new achievements as you suggest) and your approach of the shadows with the method of Impressionists, and the "Toning The palette.
A small question about your use of magnets (question I asked you on your Timeline to another bust with MG34):
I think I understand a little the principle, but when you get yourself these magnets?
Well, I stop there! I love the aspect of the Fallschirmjager, hyper-realistic, but especially beautiful harmony of tone, very Artistic!
Congratulations!
Sincerely,

Dider Monge

Orb said...

Hey Calvin!

wonderful to see another in-depth workshop from you - I find these fascinating and you always seem to add in a "nugget" of new and thought provoking technique...

lots to think about in this one - thanks for sharing

Rob

CALVIN TAN said...

Hi Didier,

thank you for your posting. The "rare earth" magnets were purchased from M Workshop.

Cheers,

Calvin

CALVIN TAN said...

Hi Rob,

always a pleasure to read your comments. I'm still experimenting with this watercolor technique as we speak. The problem not shown are the watermarks. I trying to incorporate a small amount paint retarder to the water to extend the drying time. We'll see how that pans out the in the next posting.

Calvin

Matt Wellhouser said...

Calvin- very nice work, and a interesting way of painting. I like it. Matt

Francisco Javier said...

Amazing, like always....
I like especially the camo. Would you mind to share with us the colors have you used?

I´m very interested in the fallschirmjager figures, and all the information I can get it´s wellcome.

Thanks a lot

ERIK said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
ERIK said...

Hey Calvin ,

WoW ! The Falshrimjager is another Stunner !! Awesome Tip on th Shovel Head !! I've taken notes ! Your Work is an Inspiration ! Great Techniques ! I would love to sit in one day on a Work Shop with you !! So much to learn ... You are a True Master !! Thanx for everything !! Every installment is a New Workshop !

Thanx & Keep up th Good Work \m/

ERIK