Every year or so there is a long gap in my blog entries whilst real life catches up. It's not that I haven't been painting but nearly everything has been commission work. I am grateful to all of you who have expressed an interest in my painting and I try to ensure that clients get value for money. The downside for the blog is lack of time and nothing to show in my gallery - I've got lots of photos but it seems a bit cheeky asking customers for permission to publish. Anyway, do give me a call if you are interested.
In between times I am trying to build a Swiss Napoleonic Battalion. I guess that sooner or later everyone gets the urge to do this simply as a break from French blue. The project is moving at a glacial pace but below you can see where I am currently at:
More photos as and when I can.
One of the main challenges I've been facing is the old chestnut of matt varnish. It's not getting the matt effect that's the problem - I use W&N which works very well - it's more an issue of coverage. Each figure gets two coats but there is always a patch of gloss varnish left shining through. These get touched up and I assume that the job is done. I go back 2-3 hours later and there is yet another bit of gloss. This gets treated and the process is then repeated and repeated.... If you have any good ideas please let me know.
I also wanted to highlight how good customer service is from the dealers I have been receiving. No doubt there are horror stories out there but I am always impressed with how quickly and reliably the goods come through. On the occasions where things have gone wrong mistakes have been corrected swiftly and without demur. Take a bow Claymore Castings, Antenociti and Nannyogg (ebay trader).
Finally a quick word on morality in wargames. I appreciate it is a very subjective issue but I shuddered at a recent set of pictures of some 'rednecks' figures which appeared to have links to the film Deliverence. I cannot concieve of why anyone would want a game with a rapist gang making an appearance but to each their own. It's not for me.
In between times I am trying to build a Swiss Napoleonic Battalion. I guess that sooner or later everyone gets the urge to do this simply as a break from French blue. The project is moving at a glacial pace but below you can see where I am currently at:
More photos as and when I can.
One of the main challenges I've been facing is the old chestnut of matt varnish. It's not getting the matt effect that's the problem - I use W&N which works very well - it's more an issue of coverage. Each figure gets two coats but there is always a patch of gloss varnish left shining through. These get touched up and I assume that the job is done. I go back 2-3 hours later and there is yet another bit of gloss. This gets treated and the process is then repeated and repeated.... If you have any good ideas please let me know.
I also wanted to highlight how good customer service is from the dealers I have been receiving. No doubt there are horror stories out there but I am always impressed with how quickly and reliably the goods come through. On the occasions where things have gone wrong mistakes have been corrected swiftly and without demur. Take a bow Claymore Castings, Antenociti and Nannyogg (ebay trader).
Finally a quick word on morality in wargames. I appreciate it is a very subjective issue but I shuddered at a recent set of pictures of some 'rednecks' figures which appeared to have links to the film Deliverence. I cannot concieve of why anyone would want a game with a rapist gang making an appearance but to each their own. It's not for me.
The Swiss are looking very very nice!
ReplyDeleteThe Swiss look fantastic great work, I let my clients know up front I wish to share my work on my blog but that is just me.
ReplyDeletePeace James
http://exilespainting.blogspot.co.uk/
as for the shiny bits, have you tried a spray for first coat of flat? by constant usage, I long ago noted that flat has a tendency to bead up on gloss. This is the same for paint as topcoats. Or can you cut out gloss entirely?
ReplyDeleteI don't know enough about the Swiss, but the are very nicely painted
Thx. I'll try the spray varnish as a test but my expereince of these is not great either. I could never cut out enamel gloss! I like the smell and the effect - on some figures I think it looks better than a matt finish
DeleteI've never tried Testors - spray or brush on - and really must do so. However I always find spray solutions generate more work. Technique I suppose.
ReplyDelete