Absarokee Crow Woman & Child

[Bob Knee]

My good friend over the years, Bob Knee, has sent me photos that he took of an up-coming article that will appear in Historical Miniatures Magazine. I scanned the photos into my computer and inserted them into the text ( bold print ) that Bob had emailed me. The article below is a short version of the HMM article.

Pilipili has had the mounted Crow mother and 7 (approx.) year old child on the market for some time. However, I just now completed it, interrupted by a viral infection and my own "vacation" to work on a donation for the A.P.G. (Artists' Preservation Group.) You can see this on their website. In all, my work time on Quang's beauty was about 2 1/2 months.

Although this many numbered parts piece is hard to put together, I took it as a challenge, and at all times kept my mind's eye on the end goal. In sum, assembly is not for the faint of heart or a beginner.

Approach each section as a sub-assembly and literally sort corresponding parts into containers. I started with the horse first. Numerous fillings with epoxy putty, Magic-Sculpt, were required on my horse as purchased. (You can see an assembled, unprimed horse in an in-depth sequential - picture article I shall next complete for Historical Miniature magazine. Publication date should be in the near future.)

 

[Guy]

I had a fitting problem with the Crow woman's left arm, however, this was corrected easily with epoxy putty, aforesaid, on the shoulder top. All smaller parts and bits fit perfectly. The mold separation lines are very fine and came off with ease. Believe me, the results were worth the effort.

After each section was assembled, I buffed the piece with a metal finishing pad rather vigorously. I feel this action produces a very smooth finish on the piece. Note: This is an individual preference thing! Obviously, where Quang intended a "textured" finish, e.g. robe or horse, do not attempt this exercise. I have found a metal finishing pad works better than fine steel wool.

Last, I really enjoyed my research into this subject on painting, which I shall cover in-depth in Historical Miniature, aforesaid. I wanted to do an adaptation of a Navajo robe of which many were sold in Indian trade/commerce to other tribes. The pictures here speak for themselves. It was customary for female riders to cover themselves around their waists with a robe.

This kit is highly recommended. Know going in that it WILL take your time and patience to complete, so above all, have fun and produce a beauty. The result will be worth it!

Keep your paint brush wet!

Bob [/b]

 

[Guy]

Additional close-ups I made from Bob’s photos

Again I will mention that the complete article will appear in the up-coming issue of Historical Miniatures Magazine

 

[Sambaman]

Beautiful colors, and painting up to Bob's high standards. I really like these two kits together as well. Nice work Bob!

Jay H.
OKC

 

[arminius]

What a lovely little scene!
The paintjob is pretty impressive.

I have just one little question:
What is a “metal finishing pad”? Since I’m not a native English-speaker I couldn’t figure it out.

Cheers
Andreas

 

[moore]

As usual, Bob has done it again. The painting is just exceptional.
I like the colors on the bead work and the colors on the dresses. The
faces are so real. There are so many little details on this and it looks
like it would not be a kit for the beginner.
Enjoy looking at it...

Dee

 

[moore]

Andreas,

I can try to describe the metal finishing pad.
Its an abrasive pad.. that welders use to clean corrosions
off metal...my brother is a welder.
My husband was an aircraft mechanic and he said they used
it for cleaning rust off aircraft controlcables.
It leaves a very shiney finish on metal.
If your familliar maybe with Scotch Brite pads... used for
household cleaning... in the kitchen.... smimilar thing.

On the resin.. it just smooths the surface.

Dee

 

[Nap]

Bob,
This is a fantastic figure , with superb sculpture and you have as always done it a geat service , simply a great subject painted by one of my favourite modellers with such skill .
Look forward to seeing the article in HM magazine ....another one for my Christmas list !!!

 

[megroot]

Bob,

Nothing more to say then AWESOME PAINTED.

marc

 

[Roc]

Bob, my friend, great work as usual, hope to see you at the MFCA.

Cheers
Roc.

 

[Bruno]

Hallo Bob,

what a great pice you did!!!
Excellent!!!
Phantastic!!!

The painting of the Abasrokee Woman with Child is absolutly great and authentic. I love it! You use the typical Absarokee (Crow) colors for the beadworks, a light Magenta and the cold light blue.
I had a pair of original Absarokee Mocassins in my colletion with the same striking color combination.

Also the ornaments of the cradle and Horse decoration is in the typical Absarokee style. This is the way to represent the culture and herritage:
My big compliment

Many greatings from Germany

Bruno

 

[vergilius]

Looks better than mine
Very good painting