Neil's Airfix 54mm 95th Rifleman

[Guest]

Neil

Well, time just seems to fly. I get into the zone and before you know it.... I try to work from around 10.00am to 2.00pm to save the eyes a bit and also get on with all of the household stuff. However, headaches and eyestrain are often the consequence of feeding the compulsion to paint.

I do get anxious while painting; can I make this work or not?, but nowadays I've begun to realise that if I stick at it, it will usually come right. Perhaps that's a sign of growing confidence. I do wonder though why we do it, when a lot of it is such a struggle - part of the appeal I suppose.

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Neil
I was having a brainstorm about the background....your figure is green so mid-red will make it pop....not orange....it’s the opposite colour on the colour wheel. As to gloss followed by Matt varnish, it’s something I’ve done for years on my gaming figures, which are handled a lot. The reason I do it is because Matt varnishes are softer than gloss varnish, so if the Matt is wearing off from handling the figure goes shiny before the paint job is damaged. I’ve never had a Matt varnish issue when doing this, so thought it might be worth a punt....the reason is probably the even sealed surface the gloss gives over the figure stopping the Matt sinking in on application....

[Neil Merryweather]

Well , I said I would,Tim, so here it is.....


My poor phone had a hissy fit and kept trying to focus on the texture of the cloth.....it does make the colour pop , though, to be fair.
But I'm not interested in all the mucking about that goes with photography, so I went back to the trusty almost black paper and at least I could get it in focus!




It's been quite a challenge negotiating all the nooks and crannies under the straps etc. I must try and find clever ways of leaving more equipment off for painting, but the strappage is just so vulnerable.
I still haven't done the flesh, I just can't do it until everything else is done. Once it looks like a real person I know I will think of it as finished and lose momentum.
It's shading and highlights next-wish me luck!
cheers
Neil

[JR]

Hi Neil.
What a blog, full of great tips, just had a complete reread. Know what I'm going to do when altering figures from now on.

[Guest]

Looking very nice indeed Neil. It's easier to paint the gear separately at a larger scale, but at 54mm it can easily get damaged that way - always a dilemma for me.

[scottie3158]

Neil,
Lovely work mate.

[Neil Merryweather]

Hi Neil.
What a blog, full of great tips, just had a complete reread. Know what I'm going to do when altering figures from now on.

How kind,, thank you , John. I'm chuffed to know you've found it useful.

[Neil Merryweather]

Looking very nice indeed Neil. It's easier to paint the gear separately at a larger scale, but at 54mm it can easily get damaged that way - always a dilemma for me.

thanks Peter- I'm going to try a bit harder next time.

[Neil Merryweather]

Neil,
Lovely work mate.

cheers Scottie - I must say when I get into the painting the time really does fly by, like Peter says.

[Steve Jones]

Lovely work Neil. Its difficult to see how it can be any better but I am sure the shading will add another dimension. Good luck

[Neil Merryweather]

Blimey! It's nearly 2 months since my last post on this build.
I did have a bit of a mojo breakdown, plus a load of other stuff to do, like work, go on holiday, paint the kitchen , do the garden(not my favourite). But here he finally is.
I'm happier with the painting this time ,but I muffed the matt lacquer unfortunately (it looks like he's been out all night and got covered in frost!).Hopefully there are lessons learned for next time.
I got impatient and used a rattle can .I did it properly afterwards with the hissy stick which did improve matters, but it couldn't rescue him completely, he still looks furry!
Anyway, I'm calling him done.


Do I get into trouble for missing the group build deadline?
I've never done one before-please don't send matron round.............

[Guest]

Very nice indeed Neil. All the extras have really paid off.

[scottie3158]

Neil,
that's a great result .

[adt70hk]

Hi Neil.

Just caught up with this. Very impressive.

ATB

Andrew

[JR]

Neil , beautiful work on the first figure.
I've had a word with Matron, said your alright this time, she's very busy at the moment, as some one stole her front wheel and she's having to walk everywhere.