Hello Everyone!

[JD64]

Hello to everyone. Just joined and wanted to introduce myself and possibly ask for some help. I have been a miniature wargamer for almost forty years and most of my painting is 28mm or smaller. However, I have been collecting larger scale figure's for years with the intention of eventually trying to paint them. I decided now might be a good time to start given that I have over seventy models in the 54mm to 200mm range waiting to be painted. I have always found the larger scales a bit daunting as I would wait to ruin a beautiful figure with a terrible paint job so any advice on where to start would be greatly appreciated. I have several figure's in my collection which I bought probably twentyfive+ years ago and would like to try painting. Was wondering if anyone may have a completed version of some and would be willing to post a few photo's as samples and perhaps answer a few questions when I need advice. At present I'll start with just three figure's that I would like information on. Firstly, Mike French's 100mm British officer of the Fort York garrison, I no longer have the information sheet on this figure and would greatly appreciate any help. Secondly, I have two Zulu war figure's sclupted by Dave Grieve's in 100mm. The first is Lt. Bromhead VC and the second is a Zulu warrior. I still have the info sheets on these figure's but would love to see a completed version to use a quide. My apologies for being so long winded and thanks in advance for any assistance my fellow members can provide. Cheers! Joe

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Joe,

Perhaps this might seem self evident, but my suggestion to you, given you have worked so long is smaller scales is to gradually move up to the larger scales over time, rather than leap from small to large scale in one go.

In my experience, the high level of contrast that is typical in small scale wargaming figures looks very unrealistic when applied in larger scales, and it will take you some time to find the right amount of contrast balance in each new size and scale.

As a general rule of thumb, contrast decreases as size increases, so larger scaled figures usually require a more subtle variation between highlights and shadows, whereas smaller scaled figures tend to look better with a higher contrast style.

Having said all that, this is just my opinion, and you may feel confident to take on larger scale figures right now, in which case I say go for it.

I'm sorry I can't help you with the specific kits you mentioned, but they sound very cool and I'd love to see them completed and pictures posted here on pF. Good luck.

 

[JD64]

Hi Tony,
thanks for the feedback. I agree completely, painting larger scale figure's require's a different mind set too what I've done in the past. Your suggestion about starting with a smaller scale make's more sense. It would be better to start with something in the 54mm range and hopefully as I improve I can move up in scale. Thanks! Cheers! Joe

 

[Wendy]

Welcome Joe.

Maybe start on a 54mm and work up? A lot of painting is doing a neat job, making sure the paint isn't too thick, knowing what colors to use for realistic shadows and highlights and how to mix them, and all that comes with experience. Just give it a go. Worse case with metal figs, you strip the paint and start over. The guys here are very nice, so feel free to ask questions as they arise.

 

[gordy]

Welcome aboard Joe, there is plenty of helpful members here that can guide you in your journey, have a great visit and many more!

 

[fanai]

Hi Joe - I am also a Small scale painter - done 1000's of 15mm and 28mm pieces - the new ideas of blending from GW work well with 54mm,s then with more practice move to larger scales
maybe even try an acrylic inhibiter to slow the drying so you can thin them out and softly blend your palette
Ian F

 

[Gellso]

Hi

Hey there,
Nice to meet you mate.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Welcome to the Planet, Joe!

Cheers
Janne Nilsson

 

[Dan Morton]

Welcome Joe! Enjoy!

All the best,
Dan

 

[housecarl]

You've come to the right place Joe, we all like to share info here.
Enjoy your stay,
Carl.

 

[Barke02]

Hello Joe!

I'd say breaking your questions into a couple of paragraphs might help!

Only jokin'!

David Grieve could probably/certainly answer your second question, his research is second to none.
Cheers,
Jon.

 

[pmfs]

Welcome!

 

[megroot]

Welcome Joe,
If you have questions, don't hasitate to ask them here.

marc