Guy Herrick Tribute

[Nick Majerus]

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Sorry unable to display complete tribute to Guy Herrick from his wife Bertha!

Thanks Nick - it is possible to read Bertha’s tribute by clicking on link.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[megroot]

great story to read.
I didn't know Guy in person, but he helped me so much when I started 20 years ago.
Here is some work of Guy that I find here on the Planet

https://www.planetfigure.com/useralbums/finished-figures.3/view

Marc

 

[Martin64]

Sorry unable to display complete tribute to Guy Herrick from his wife Bertha!

Tribute to Guy Herrick
1947-2021

Long-time miniature figure painter Guy Herrick passed away on July 28, 2021 in Oklahoma City, OK. He had begun his painting career as a teenager, building models from kits, after following in his father’s footsteps of working for the federal government. His father scratch built models based on aerial photographs of military equipment and small figures, used in creating mockups for military logistical planning. Much of his father’s work was classified as well. One day, when Guy visited a local hobby shop in Aberdeen, MD, he discovered historical miniatures. He said he got bored of building models of military equipment because he wasn’t learning anything more about the painting process. As he moved to figure painting, he developed “Guy’s way” of painting.

His early works were Napoleonics, but he soon found he loved painting his favorite subjects included mountain men, Native Americans, Medieval knights, Roman and Greek soldiers, Mongols especially Genghis Khan, and pirates. On occasion, he painted figures for his wife including Boadicea (Queen of the British Celtic Iceni tribe who led the Welsh against the Romans), Queen Elizabeth I (the hardest figure to paint according to Guy because of the skin tones), Lady Jane Digby, and Lady Jane Grey (the “Nine Days Queen of England). Throughout his almost fifty years of painting figures, Guy had done hundreds of figures. He sold some to private collectors, he gave many away, and he still kept a few hundred on display until recent years. He loved to sit and “talk with his boys” frequently. Of course, he had amassed a huge collection of kits as well, which he eventually sold off to other enthusiasts, knowing that others would have the enjoyment of painting them.

Along with gaining pure pleasure from painting, Guy showed his work at numerous shows throughout the country and won many awards. One news clipping his wife found, published in 1989 after he had attended a show in Iselin, NJ and sponsored by the New Jersey Historical Miniature Association, highlighted that Guy took home three gold medals and one bronze. He treasured most the camaraderie of being with fellow painters, oohing and aahing over the work each other did and talking about methods. After he had become established in the miniature world, he conducted several training sessions at shows to show/teach others his method of dry brushing and using enamels and oils, which he had developed into what he called “Guy’s Way.” He continued to learn from other painters such as Robert (Bob) Knee, Robert (Bob) Fifer, Kevin DeLashmit, Steve Scott, and Nick Majerus, among many others. He wrote articles and step-by-step demonstrations for figure magazines and online forums, especially the Planet Figure Forum.

His wife Bertha extends her gratitude to the many figure painters with whom Guy continued to communicate after he moved away from the Eastern Shore to Oklahoma. He also made friends among the miniature painters from the region, some of whom had graced their modest home to paint together, talk about the latest kit release, and learn from each how a certain figure had been painted. He loved welcoming each one, especially after the Tulsa show and others when he could no longer travel and compete.

Guy will be cremated according to his wishes and have his remains scattered in the mountains so he could fly with the hawks. He desired no funeral or other kind of services. He would like to be remembered every time you see a hawk soaring above which may have his spirit within.

(Arrangements are with Advantage Funeral Home and Cremation Services in South Oklahoma City. Friends can make a donation to a charity of their own choosing in Guy’s memory, if they wish.)

Bertha

 

[chippy]

One of the most inspirational and passionate painters on this site . Although he did not post anything the last few years he leaves a wealth of outstanding work .
chippy

 

[winfield]

Guy was the most educated American mountain man fan I ever met anywhere. He unseated ME in my own estimation. His wealth of knowledge was incredible. If you notice in the pictures of his mountain man figures, the beadwork is all subdued; no electric blues or bright reds or yellows. That was not just his style; it was the result of studying the bead trade between China and the world during the period when beads were trade items with the tribes. I painted a mm bust for him when his hands issues started him on the road to not painting. I sent pictures, chortling to myself over what a fine job I was doing. He came back with quotes about the shades used in the beadwork, and all of my bright colors had to be replaced with more accurate tones. His groundwork was exceptional. Having lived by himself in a cabin in the mountains, he absorbed what he saw around himself, and translated that into exceptionally accurate and compelling scenery for his figures and horses. His groundwork defied the common mantra to concentrate only on the figure, and was inseparable from the figure in terms of completing his vision of what the final result would be.
He was a martial artist. As a teenager he had been wounded in both legs in a hunting accident and was in a wheelchair for years as he worked to regain his ability to walk, which his doctors told him would never happen. Not only did he prove them full of it, he earned his black belt as a young adult. He had a huge heart. We live a hundred miles apart, and when I would visit, I always went home with a stack of figures. The walls of my painting room are adorned with the Native American items he had acquired over the years but was getting rid of in order to remodel his home for Bertha. He would commission work that he did not need to encourage me. His knowledge and experience in the American show scene was incredible. Useful also.
His passing was no surprise, but a kick in the stomach anyway. Every day for the past year I have squirmed about not getting to see him, and of course I did not. My loss. OUR loss. I don't know that his like still exists in this country. Were it possible to have a painter hall of fame, Guy would have a position near the front. YA-TA-HEY, Heitz. May your beaver be fat, your horses dependable, and your women happy. Mind those Blackfeet.

 

[Nap]

A honour to have Guy as a member here, great painter and his legacy of the artwork will always inspire all

RIP Guy

Nap

 

[jim1215]

i followed guy's sbs and his work so closely he was always a help and an inspiration . he will be missed . R.I.P. GUY !

 

[Edson]

Many years ago when I came to this web Guy was a very kind and excellent friend I remember with warm in my heart the kind and motivational words he always had for everybody, Cheers for him

 

[Mark S]

I loved Guy as a friend I never met, and loved his painting and his commitment to helping others with regular tutorials.....such a friendly lovable great figure painter.
Such a wonderful contributor to this forum and such a wonderful friend to many on this forum.
He'll be sadly missed.

 

[Blind Pew]

Unusual for an Englishman, I actually had the privilege of meeting Guy in person at the Atlanta Show one year. This is after much correspondence with him online, particularly on this forum.
What a gentleman. His knowledge of his specialist niche within the hobby was immense. He was always keen to share this and was always interested in making those around him improve.
RIP Guy.