An Interesting Subject

[Lou Masses]

During the recent discussion about historical accuracy on a few other threads, the idea came to me to find out what really drives us to this hobby.

I don't ask this to determine which side of the art vs accuracy debate is right or wrong-I don't even want to go there, but instead to see what grabbed our attention and drew us originally and has kept us painting these little men. I would imagine that we each have our own reasons for participating in this hobby. I thought it might be pretty cool to see if there are reasons that none of us had thought of or on the other hand to see if we're all pretty like minded.

Please feel free to share any experiences, reasons for being in the hobby not listed and so on. I would beg that this not become another argument, it is intended to be an earnest discussion about what drives us to do what we do. I would actually encourage those of us to honestly state what is improtant to us, and others to respect those positions.

To get started, what keeps me are really two things-one is the experimentation aspect (I could never see much use in chemstry as a hobby unless I wanted to blow things up) and also seeing the finished product-something I created with my own two hands.

So, what are yours??

 

[Joe Hudson]

Lou,

Nice topic. What got me into the hobby was a very bad motorcycle accident. I was able to find out about the hobby and then attend the Atlanta show. I then was fortunate enough to have Bob Knee come to Florida and give myself a few others painting lessons.

What keeps me here is the great work I see and the motivation to keep trying to improve my own work. The main reason for me staying is all the great people who I have met and become friends with during all these years.

Joe

 

[Manfred]

I came to modeling by accident. Buying a Airfix aircraft kit after the boxart in elementary school and the finding out it was just parts, not a finished model which I as a boy had somehow imagined to be in the box.

As a youngster I was more interested in aircraft and tanks and cars - everything technical but soon I got more fun from figures - little guys . I also grew up with Airfix soft plastic figures most of which I still have.

In the eighties I progressed to metal figures and oil paints. I love reading about modeling, history and lately enjoy eye witnesses and have learned most of my brittle english that way which is clearly evident the moment I speak

Having gotten a vision of a character from reading a book and trying to transfer that to a miniature is a big motivation.

I also love the sense of achievement you get in the rare circumstances everything works as planned. Browsing your cabinet and seeing your progress and finding some little detail you still like after painting it ten years ago I also like.
Nobody can take those feelings away.

So for me its answer 3.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

What!!

Im only in it for the chicks and money!!!!!!!! :lol:



Seriously, all of the above actually. Theres only one reason of the ones mentioned that doesnt fit into my reasons.

That one line is:
"Something I share with a loved one."

Allthough my ol man helped me when I was a kid I was not satisfied with his helpefforts and it actually spured me to improve and get better. Being of a generation that experied WWII as a conscript he found my interest for that perticular era rather odd and were sometimes worried for the interest of german subjects. Ive only recently learned that there were some differences between him and my grandfather whom were a bit pro-german(nazi) which my father was not. He did however support my historical interest and not only to military subjects.

Ive been starting building with my nine year old heir, but Im careful not to implement my own values and preferences to him as its my belief he should determind himself what to do. Especially since kids often want to do what they think their parents expect from them. Ive also been painting tinfigures with my six year old daughter but shes rather disapointed with the subjcets as she craves for more animals, especially horses and princesses and perhaps some "brats".

All the others options are important facts more or less. I simpy just cant chose one alone. Sometimes the importance of the options changes depending on the subject. I can superdetail, scratchbuild, do historical research or them all as well as just slam together a kit OOTB. Also often when topics like this comes up I simply state: -If theres a reason it wouldnt be a hobby!

All I can say is that Ive learnt so much, met people all over the world, learned computers, photography, writing, tv-apperance and made great friends thanks to this hobby and much much more.

 

[KeithP]

With the exception of the Show/Medal thing... For me, it's all of the above. Also,
it;s different things at different times. Right now it's stress relief. Nothing like trying to paint catch lights on the eyes of a 54 mm figure to take my mind off work :lol:

I also really enjoy seeing everyone elses work. Seeing the high quality results from different techniques and mediums is a never ending source of amazement and pleasure for me. Calvin Tan and Luca Oliveri. Wow!

Last but not least is sharing my work on this forum...

Keith

 

[RobH]

Tricky for me. What got me started in the hobby probably doesn't reflect why I'm still in it.

I made models as a kid because it was something my mum could get me and my brother to do to keep us quiet on wet holidays (oh! Yorkshire summer holidays!)

However, in 1978, as a 10 year old, I saw a Tamiya catalogue in my local model shop (Hannants of Lowestoft - before becoming the beomouth it is today), and some Verlinden dioramas.....I was blown away! These looked real! - although now they don't so much. Hooked!

And I had a local club with some clout - Keith Engledow, Dave Jervis, Roy Porter, Len Burrell; all well known in the BMSS at the time. big time inspiration and the creation of the figures that really inspired me. At that time, Shep Paine released his excellent book.

But independently I enjoyed art and creativity, almost choosing it as a profession.

Then, aged 19, I had that MilMod Horan moment, and I realised it COULD be more than simply painting models, something truely creative.

Not looked back since! other than far to much drink and drugs in my twenties!!!! The models were there............of course.......but more of grey army building!

so, although saying 3, number 1 on the list figures heavily too!

 

[Von Bock]

Good poll. I love this hobby for a number of reasons. Frist and formost it is the friends I have made. And there are quite a few. This also covers the friendships made here on this site. Another reason is to share my love for history and figures with others who share the same love. I was a big contest fan and still do the shows but the bull secessions are more important than the awards. To get to see everyones work here is another reason for loving the hobby as there are areas of history that I don't do figures in but enjoy seeing them done by others. I guess I will always enjoy the friendship part most. And one thing I always promised myself I would do is to be Constructive not Destructive when talking about anothers model as we all had to learn to get where we are and might go. Regards Brock

 

[Wlas]

Lou, it's the early 70's for me. I enjoyed pen and ink work of historical subjects since I was a kid. My wife and I were in a hobby shop in the Cherry Hill Mall and she had to drag me away from watching the store owner painting an I/R figure.
He had others painted and on display and I was stunned seeing my favorite subjects in three dimensions. I knew beyond doubt I could do those miniatures the proper justice they deserved. Before dragging me away I plopped down $3.00 plus tax for two I/R foot figures plus some extra cash for I/R paint and a brush. We rushed home to our apartment so I could get to work on my masterpiece.
After many hours of creative sweat and toil I had produced my first monster!
Fish eyes, no shading, no highlights, heavy gloss on the leathers. I mounted it on a nice plastic base, spread some GreenStuff around, stuck some plastic brush bristles into it, let that dry, painted it montone brown for the ground and dark semigloss green for the 'grass'.
I was as proud as a new father in spite of it being a beast.
I was hooked!
Over 30 years in this 'pursuit' the friends that I've made who are part of this great community have proven to be more of a personal reward for me than any miniature I've produced.

 

[PJ Deluhery]

Great topic, Lou! With the exception of competition, which never attracted me, all of the above have been a factor at one time or another. Actually, whoever selected the multiple choices has very good insight!

I suppose my love of history combined with a love of art and creating art are the personal reasons, though the stress relief is also important too. My closest friends are my “painting buddies” so I guess I have to include the people, the shows and sharing with those who have a common interest and passion. I got started modeling and painting toy soldiers as a kid and, with the exception of a few years off for college, marriage and starting a family, I have been at it ever since in one form or another. In fact, I still restore toy soldiers for a lark when I need a change of focus. One night in the 1980s at a toy solider club meeting one of the guys put a “military miniature” on the display table. That was it! I’ve been hooked ever since.

One reason not mentioned above is turning on kids and the general public to what we do. My club has been lucky enough to have had some displays at our local museum. I enjoy watching the reaction of those who stop by, especially the kids. Many never dreamed that our little “snapshots of history” exist! Kids ask questions about the period and the person, some older guys reminisce about their childhood toy soldiers and models, many are fascinated by the art and the detail and stories we tell with our displays. Some just like it without really knowing why.

I can’t imagine life without figure painting. I just wish I had more time and more talent! I remember the line from a J. Geils Band song ("Just Can"t Stop Me"): “Sometimes people ask me why I scream and I shout. I say its in me, it’s got to come out!”

 

[thegoodsgt]

As someone else once commented, there's something theraputic about blending two colors (assuming you paint with oils!). There's also something very satisfying in that moment when you finally glue the figure to the base and it's...complete! It's a culmination of thought, time, skill, maybe some experimentation, and a vision.

Oh, and there's that ever-present potential of fame and fortune!

 

[fsdesimone]

Cool topic Lou.

Originally, I started with model kits (an HMS Victory kit) because my dad bought one for my brothers and they didn't want it, so I built it with him and enjoyed the process. Prior to that we'd all played with the Britain Knights and Saracen figurines and loved them, so when I found out that you could also make kits of people I was hooked.

I always loved history, hence the archaeology degree, but to be honest, nowadays the hobby is purely about liking to sculpt and finding it therapeutic.

Francesca

 

[LCoote]

Francesca, What! you actually find this hobby theraputic. I can think of a lot of things to call it, challenging, frustrating, stressful, but relaxing and theraputic definately aren't on the list :lol:
Oh, the sleepless nights worrying about a figures anatomy, maybe if I just change the pose this way or that way.
But seriously, it's the challenge of creating a figure from a lump of putty that keeps me interested. However, it's not all bad, sometimes things will even go right :lol:

 

[megroot]

Great Topic,

For me it was in my young years :lol: to do some plastic modelling such as plains, and formula 1 cars.
After i got married i build great wooden ships. The whole familly get at least one ship. Then i whent flying with modelplains (glyders).
When i had to move for my work i sold everything that hat to do with the airplane's and spent all my time to the photography a second hobby that became now number I.
After 10-15 years with the introduction of the digicam i sold all my DOKA equipment and camera's and went to the building of AFV models.
I build diorama's, etc.
But the most i liked was painting the little men in the AFV.

It was september 2003 when i saw a painting class of Gino Poppe of painting figures.
From that day on i never touched a AFV, but buying and painting those little men.
I become a member of a figureclub AMSS in Antwerp where i learn a lot of shading and highlighting.

For me it is a pitty that i never discoverd this type of modelling untill now. I discover so much nice figures, but i have so little time to paint them all. I wish i was 30 years younger.

When i painting (almost every evening) i listen to bluesmusic and those two hobby's together makes me forget the trouble that i have seen on my work the whole day.
It make's me forget everything and it load's me up for the next day.

I hope that i can paint a lot of figures in the rest of my long and long life.

Marc

 

[Le Lancier]

Thx Lou for this great topic,

In a way, for me, it starts with the love of all things historical. So it goes without saying that figure modelling fulfills that aspect.

I've been modelling for many years. I've built planes, ships, military vehicules etc. . Paradoxically, back then, the figures that came with the kit were usually tossed aside. I thought they were a waist of time and usually presented my tanks without the crew. It's only about 15 years ago that, for some obscure reason, I started painting the things I disliked the most in a kit and grew to seriously appreciate it...go figure :lol:

 

[Bluesking]

In the days (just) before the Beatles and everything was black and white, a small boy aged 8 bought an Eagle kit of the Graf Spee for 9p in new money (it was all I could afford). Airfix were the kings and aeroplanes, trains, cars, soldiers, tanks etc etc etc followed. In 1970 he discovered Tamiya tank kits and Shep Paine inspired him to try dioramas. On holiday in Belgium in 1975 this same small boy now 22 discovered Historex figures and a whole new world opened up.....

God - I have been making models for over 42 years and figures for 30!!! You'd think I'd have got better at it by now wouldn't you. Ah! but I still get as much pleasure today as I did then although I don't remember the angst.

 

[bucsfan21]

Great idea Lou...For me modeling, painting is all about my love for history. I have been mesmerized, interested, smitten, taken with history since I could read. I drew tanks, planes and army men in my early years due to my Uncle who was in US Army in Korea then Vietnam. Grew up watching Combat, Twelve O’clock High, Rat Patrol and read DC Comics Sgt Rock and Marvel's Cowboy Heroes and Sgt. Nick Fury and his Howling Commandos. My first kit was an Airfix WWI plane that I obtained off the back of a cereal box. There were no figures in my hometown, but Woolworth’s had plenty of tanks, airplanes and same ships. I dived right in. When I attended college, I became aware of Airfix and their Collectors Series and Military Modeling mag. I came across them at a hobby shop across from college campus. I was even more surprised when I caught my History of Civ professor looking in the shop window at the Airfix Scots Grey kit. I built the Airfix Multipose kits and the Airfix Collectors and Monogram tanks. I just about wore out my copy of Shep Paine's book on dioramas. Moved to Atlanta, GA to teach secondary level history and coach baseball. Came across a cool hobby shop-Historical Hobbies and was introduced to the Atlanta Soldier Society, which became the Atlanta Miniature Figure Society. Bob Knee introduced me to Series 77 and my love for American History had a focus. I also discovered Irmie-Risley thanks to Brad Pruden and Dave Oswalt. My first painted miniature was the 76mm Rogers Rangers figure. I did it in I/R paints and greatly enjoyed the figure and even reread Northwest Passage again for the 5-6th time. I discovered Historex due to a Ron Wehrman's showing of his endless mounted figures at our monthly meetings. Since then I have thoroughly enjoyed the hobby, but left the teaching field and moved on to another vocation. I find my interest for history grows with each new discovery of an era, through reading a book, or watching History Channel. My only wish is that my son, 6 months old, gets interested in history and enjoys it as much as I do. Lou, thanks for starting a great thread...The only thing better than modeling, painting is sharing my interests with other like minded folks!

 

[David H]

Without a doubt, all of the choices offered have influenced me, and it is hard to distinguish what is most important.

The love of painting / sculpture: Since a kid, I have always enjoyed painting, usually landscapes in oils, pen and ink, even worked as a commercial artist at one time and sculpted a little. This is a creative outlet for a “frustrated artist” and I can take or leave a project as my schedule allows.

A progression of an earlier hobby - Armor, Aircraft Models, etc. Been there, done that, and enjoyed every minute since a very early age. I wonder what the long term effects of exposure to model glue are???? Monster kits, Aurora, Revell, Monogram (those great diorama plans and tips from Shepard Paine opened a whole new dimension of the hobby for me). Then there was Tamiya and the Japanese stuff…but Historex and Airfix brought me into the fold.

A combination of a love for history and modeling: My number one answer, without a doubt. From collecting Britains soldiers as a kid and reading of the British Empire, Civil War, WWII, etc. and watching weekday matinees of old war movies that fired my imagination and thirst for more knowledge of the past and the sacrifices and follies that are part of the human experience. I continued my study of history in college and do so to this day.

The modelling aspect: Nothing like a good challenge and feeling of accomplishment when its done well.

The historical aspect: see number 4, besides painting this is my passion and I love researching subjects and reading more about them, even when I don’t have to in order to complete a figure. I usually focus on a given period for awhile and then move on, but always return to certain eras. Many times I will choose a figure because of subject matter rather than how well it may “show”.

I love "tinkering" and this keeps me endlessly entertained; Well, to a point. One reason I left armor was too many bogies and track links….

Stress relief / relaxation: In my profession in law enforcement this is a must. Nothing like listening to some good tunes and painting/modeling on a rainy day.

Something I share with a loved one (son/father): My wife is my most important critic and encourages me, even lets me buy whatever I want. Of course, it keeps me out of trouble, too….

The competition aspect (shows for medals): Face it, everyone likes to be recognized by their peers, but we need to remember this is only icing on the cake and not an end in itself. I only started competing about 13 years ago, but enjoyed the hobby long before that. Still, a gold medal can be nice.

The show aspect (more the social side of the hobby): Another great benefit of the hobby and a great motivator. I’ve made some good friends with the same interests and plan to stick around as a result.

Thanks Lou, nice poll.

 

[Blind Pew]

If you put a gun to me, I'd have to pick number 3. Especially as I've never ever entered a competition.........yet. So be careful!

Growing up I always loved the old Airfix & matchbox models. The Tamiya kits I eventually came across were also amazing.

After a brief time away from the hobby, during which I invented birds and booze etc. I came back into AFVs. Soon found I was WAY more intersted in the crewmen.

Rest is history

 

[Figure Mad]

Its got to be the combination of history and modelling for me, and stress relief, great way to wind down after a busy day at work, especially as it takes your mind off everything else, just for a while...

Dave

 

[nagashino]

Keen topic, Lou, and one that we could all spin a yarn on.

Me, I like the combination of modelling and history - it kinda links you into the period you are modelling in a way no mere words on a page can do. However I guess I spend more time and money on reference than I ever do on figures, but I don't suppose that's any different to any number of folk in this hobby.

Maybe it sounds daft, but one thing that sparks it for me is watching a character develop under your brush, especially as you paint a face. Suddenly there comes a point where blobs of pink and sienna and white take on a real persona.

The other reward is the fantastic cameraderie that I have found in the figure painting hobby - I'm sure you know what I mean. That's something worth a great deal.

Oh, and by the way, it's fun, too!

Phil M