PERSPECTIVES IN MINIATURE: Kampfgruppe Peiper, LSSAH, Ardennes 1944

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. .

Tuesday, 11 November 2008

Kampfgruppe Peiper, LSSAH, Ardennes 1944

Labels: Alpine Miniatures - KG Peiper Ardennes 1944 Posted by CALVIN TAN at 23:11

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Just thought I'll share some promotional materials I created from the photos of the completed the vignette. I wish I could have earlier thought of posing them either beside or on top of a SS-Pz, Abt 501 King Tiger in ambush scheme. Imagine what an awesome scene that would be.(don't ring my hand-phone please Dinesh)

Irregardless, I'm really pleased of how the painting on the second Peiper head with the side-cap came out; which in my opinion bears a better resemblance. I might probably consider just to paint another to accommodate it....

In the meantime, do enjoy the pictures and I have a good feeling that most modellers will be using this pair to go with their Battle of the Bulge SdKfz 251/250's and King Tigers/Panthers projects.

Cheers,

Calvin

8 comments:

Anonymous said...: I must say I wouldn't even recognize the first one as Peiper, but that may be due to the visor's shadow. The second one's recognizability is great indeed.; 12 November 2008 at 02:57
Curt-EYE said...: Very nice painting, again you show how you are a master at this craft. I hope to try your technigue on the leather very soon.

Curtis T.; 12 November 2008 at 03:36
Anonymous said...: Wonderful paintings!
I can't wait to get those figures!
It is so easy to recognise the figure as Peiper. Great!

By the way, can I make a link from my blog to yours?

Sion; 12 November 2008 at 08:08
Chas Young said...: Calvin, thankyou for your comment on my project 'They Were No Heroes'. It is an honour to receive such compliments, for I'm a great admirer of your modelling skills.

I will almost certainly be in Singapore someday as it is my favourite area of WW2 military history. I'm studying to become a historian, so we might be able to catch up someday once I'm 'in the field'.

Take care,
Chas; 12 November 2008 at 20:57
CALVIN TAN said...: Thank you all once again for your kind support.

Sion, no problem it will be my greatest pleasure to have you link your blog to mine.
Curtis, drop me mail to be friends on Webshots so that you could DL the hi-res pics.
Chas, very comforting to know that there are still young people such as yourself so passionate about history and modelling. I do hope to host you if ever you get to visit Singapore on assignment.

Calvin

Calvin; 12 November 2008 at 22:01
Kinjiru said...: I'm speechless with your works...I finally have your book! Can't wait to start reading it!! :D

And now I've found your blog...you're doomed =P; 13 November 2008 at 19:18
Rudi Richardson said...: Hi Calvin,

Another terrific piece from you.

Can't wait to try the leather technique.

Rudi :-); 13 November 2008 at 19:35
Braxen said...: Hello,

the work is outstanding and gives me great motivation to improve my own painting. Would you care to share the colors you have used for Peiper's smock?
Is that oak leaf? I don't seem to recognize it.

many thanks for the inspiration

Braxen; 16 October 2011 at 14:53