Merry Christmas

to everybody

Cheers for now

And Now for Something Completely Different 7

Well since the Hobbit has been released yesterday and I will be seeing it later on today, I thought what better than another Dwarf for today's post.

The above figure is another from the Citadel Northern Dwarf range. These are some of my personal favourites from this era. Great to paint and lots of character too; just what you need for small scale fantasy skirmish games like Songs of Blades and Heroes.

The pic below is a another Citadel Northern Dwarf that is still being worked on. This is one of three berserkers that are being painted for Songs of Blades and Heroes. On this one I have taken the red right hand theme that little bit further to add to feel of the warband.

Thats all for now and for those of you who are going to see the Hobbit over the next few days, enjoy!

Cheers for now

Back to the Brushes 42

The last pictures of the Trojans before being fully completed. At this stage the shields are still unattached but the figures are nearly completed.

The red and white strips on the kilts will be changed to a warmer white rather than the cold grey based white that has been used.

The horse hair plumes for this base will be almost black to a very dark grey and the final positioning of the figures will most likely vary from what is shown here, although the central three figures will remain in the places they are.

Although there has been a fair bit of prep going on over the last few days trying to get ready for the 3rd Analogue Painting Competition starting later this month a few other bits and bobs have been painted to varying stage; but more of that later.

Lastly a warm welcome to some new followers:

• Dan
• Andrew (Loki)
• Ni. Tohivititch

Hopefully, there will be something of interest for you all in the future.

Cheers for now

3rd Annual Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge

Starting on a blog near you, December 20th 2012

Curt C at Analogue Hobbies is running another painting competition this December, and once again entries will becoming from here. Its a great motivator and whilst not expecting to be collecting any silver ware from it, I do enjoy the challenge and comradeship that develops during the dark months of winter. Worth having a look out for when it starts.

Cheers for now

Back to the Brushes 41

The first pictures of another warband for Songs of Blades and Heroes, this time Ninja or just assassins clad in black. The figures from Dixon Miniatures have lots of character and whilst there may be some quibbles over sizes and proportions they will do the job grandly.

Black has always been a funny colour to paint and two different methods have been used above. The first on the left (Sword) is black over painted with black grey from Vallejo. The second on the right (Shuriken) is black over painted with Foundry Charcoal B and then washed twice in Baddab Black to mute the tones down.

At present can't decide which way to go with the remaining figures so may mix them between the two different styles. All of the group above and below have been painted in the second style which is a bit slower.

The great thing about these figures is they can - and will - be used for both historical and fantasy gaming.

The next post will have more from Troy and the Northlands.

Cheers for now

Back to the Brushes 40

The last post promised something just that little bit different and given that Dwarves will be gracing many a gaming table in the coming weeks with the release of the Hobbit, Dwarves it is. 

Both figures are from the Citadel pre-slotta ranges with the gent below from the Norse Dwarves and his more gaudily dressed companion is thought to come from the original range of Citadel Dwarves.

The Norse Dwarf above has now been finished and the basing is setting before the last touches are added.

Hopefully this Dwarf will join his more taciturn friend above shortly allowing both to be used in the "Red Right Hand" Warband for Songs of Blades and Heroes. The inspiration for the warband came from the Nick Cave song of the same title. There are still a few to paint, including four dwarves, one halfing and a wizard to complete the travelling band of some reknown in certain circles.

From Dwarves to Trolls, the first of a stand for Impetus Fantasticus. The thought here is to create a composite Orc army from a variety of different figure ranges to show the diversity of the species so to speak. Orcs, Goblins and Trolls vary from story to story and supplier to supplier.

This beast comes from the superbly talented hands of Gamezone Miniatures and whilst not quite, Tom, Bert or Bill Huggins; the Cockney gents of the Troll world, it will fit nicely on the stand along side another of its destructive brethren.

The second picture is to try and show a bit more detail. Have opted for a greenish grey for the flesh of these Trolls and will work the underside upto a lighter shade. Not really sure how to go about the dead horse yet but there is plenty of time to work on it.

The next post will have some more unusual figures but not from fantasy this time, although that depends on your point of view.

Cheers for now

Back to the Brushes 39

Here are a few work in progress pictures of the base of Mycenaean Swordsmen that are gracing the painting table at present. 

The finished army will contain several of these bases to help protect the flanks of the spearmen from more mobile types such as chariots and light foot.

The figures are from Redoubt Miniatures and hopefully will look the part once completed with mixed figure of eight and round shields.

Have opted for only six figures on the base to try and capture the feel and movement of lighter armed troops of varied armament and protection. The other planned base of swordsmen will have a higher number of unarmoured figures to reflect this as well.

There will be more to follow from Troy soon as well as something just that little bit different.

Cheers for now