Completed Gus McCrae

NRG · Mar 1, 2023

As a great fan of Lonesome Dove I have always wanted to make a suitable bust of one of the main characters.

Some time ago I picked up cheap on eBay a bust of Gus McCrae made by Pony Soldiers and sculpted by Will Geary, I believe. While the likeness isn’t spot on it was an ideal starting place.

The bust, or more correctly a half figure in 200mm scale, shows the moment Gus takes an arrow in the thigh (with some artistic licence!).

The original bust before stripping

......and the work began

NRG · Mar 1, 2023

Some of the source pictures. Stills from the film, the actual costume, gun belt, and period (re-pro) trousers.

NRG · Apr 3, 2023

Coming along! A lot more work done on the waistcoat and trousers including pockets, button fronts etc.
further work done on slim Jim holster (which has proved so hard to get right!), knife (which an internet forum tells me is a Green River butchers knife!) and bullet pouch. More work to be done on buckle.
You will notice from my original post that I took a little artistic license and had the shirt sleeves rolled up……well the purist in me came to the fore and I have now changed them to be buttoned down as per the tv series.
I’m hoping to have this finished to enter the western competition that Nap has currently running. My painting will never compete with those entries already made (all superb, by the way!) but perhaps I’ll get some small credit for the modelling.

Nap · Apr 4, 2023

Looking good so far

Nice putty work as well ....it's all about enjoying what you're doing

Thanks for supporting the Brennan Brush Challenge

Nap

NRG · Apr 6, 2023

I’m finally there! Modelling complete. Apart from the obvious hat and pistol, a lot of detail now added: gloves, buttons, watch chain, holster reworked (again!) etc. Now for the bit I don’t enjoy ……the painting! (Much prefer the actual modelling).
I have no idea at this stage how I’m going to cope with painting the self patterned shirt, the patterned bandanna and the stripey trousers……but I’ll give it a go.