PERSPECTIVES IN MINIATURE: Hauptsturmführer, SS-Totenkopf Div.

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. .

Thursday, 18 September 2008

Hauptsturmführer, SS-Totenkopf Div.

Labels: Young Miniatures - Hauptsturmführer SS Totenkopf Div Posted by CALVIN TAN at 15:17

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I've finally got through the lethargic slump of adding on the finishing touches to this short painting exercise. One exception here is that the satin effect of the leather coat was rendered in oils as it was much more convenient than acrylics; especially with larger scales such as this.

Overall, it's quite a simple and friendly kit to build and paint. The characterization of the sculpt is very well handled by Young B Song; making it truly a pleasure to paint. As mentioned , I kept it to a short painting exercise so as to alleviate whatever stress I'm experiencing with the other project I'm currently undertaking. Anyway more pictures of that soon.

Calvin

5 comments:

Richard Knorrek said...: Hi Calvin!

You really did a great job on the bust! Young Miniatures makes very nice busts, although the nostrils are a bit too small for my taste.

I'd really like to read your article on the Taganrog figure, but I have no way of puchasing the Military Modelling Magazine. Could you maybe help me out?

Greetings, Richard; 21 September 2008 at 23:02
Andreas said...: Hey Calvin,
I really enjoy your work.He looks very realistic.I'm from Germany like Richard and have no way to purchase Military Modelling too.BTW I opened a blog www.ww2miniatures.blogspot.com

greetz Andreas; 22 September 2008 at 00:34
dieguito said...: A small work of art..., if Sir., it enchants to me.,

greetings; 23 September 2008 at 17:01
CALVIN TAN said...: Hi Andreas and Richard,

thanks for both your kind words. I wish I could help you guys here but unfortunately Military Modelling is avaliable on a "seasonal" basis in some of the major bookshops here. Mine was a complimentary copy from the publishers.
I think the best way to get it would be to ask any of your contacts in the UK to get them for you at the news kiosk. Or alternatively, try posting a request at the forums to see if anyone could be in a position to assist.

Calvin

Calvin; 26 September 2008 at 20:54
CALVIN TAN said...: Hola Diego,

gracias por sus cumplidos. Mi gusta muchos sus ultima figuras para Alpine.

saludos,

Calvin; 26 September 2008 at 21:03