In Praise Of............

[DEL]

Hi all,
took delivery of Tommi Wortons roman stencil sheet this morning.
I've used it to set out the designs on 4 shields, 2 at 54mm and 2 at 75mm,
Using the technique described in the very clear instructions I've applied the designs as 3 stencils and one as a mask.....end result..... perfect!
I had previously resisted the idea of stencils as 'cheating' but following a discussion at Euro I was convinced that the process simply should be used to create an outline within which you apply your own technique of shading etc.
Can't tell you how pleased I am, going to get the medieval set next, very highly recommended.

Regards
Derek

 

[Merrill Anderson]

In figure work, there is no such thing as "cheating", just what works for you, and what doesn't. Most of us are just hobby painters, not highly skilled and gifted pros, the end result (one that pleases YOU) is what really counts. A good result, however achieved, is a good result!

 

[bonehead]

Hey Merrill,

You said: "A good result, however achieved, is a good result!"

To this I would have to say a big DUH!

Several times over the years I have heard fellow modelers decry the use of a decal as "cheating". This is pure arrogant nonsense.

If we are practicing an artform, then the only critical factor is the end result. Does it look good? Can I get a better effect using a decal than I can laboriously painting something by hand? Although I have only done it a few times, I happily use decals on my figures if they are appropriate, do a good job and save me some grief.

People who consider this cheating are only hair-shirting in the cause of some assumed artistic "purity". The most effective means to an end are the way of a wise person. The only time I could imagine myself decrying the use of a decal or other mechanical means by another modeler is if I was not wise enough to have come up with the idea myself.

They have a word for that: jealousy.

Mike

 

[DEL]

Bl**dy Hell....didn't think of myself as being hair shirted and arrogant...........ignorant yes and often drunk but never arrogant............you learn something every day.

On a journey
Derek

 

[Tommi]

Hi all,
took delivery of Tommi Wortons roman stencil sheet this morning.
I've used it to set out the designs on 4 shields, 2 at 54mm and 2 at 75mm,
Using the technique described in the very clear instructions I've applied the designs as 3 stencils and one as a mask.....end result..... perfect!
I had previously resisted the idea of stencils as 'cheating' but following a discussion at Euro I was convinced that the process simply should be used to create an outline within which you apply your own technique of shading etc.
Can't tell you how pleased I am, going to get the medieval set next, very highly recommended.

Regards
Derek

Hi Derek

Glad these have worked out for you, we have sold a lot of these and to some pretty well known artists to. There is still a certain level of skill needed putting in all the detail but at least it gives you/others a head start and chance to venture somewhere they were afraid to go for the fear of getting it wrong on your nicley painted figure.

Cheers
Tommi

 

[tonydawe]

I can only add my own praise to Tommi's stencils. They helped take away some of the trepidation I felt when approaching the painting of the laurels on the shield of my 54mm Aquilifer.

Thanks Tommi.

 

[Figure Mad]

Del

They are good stuff mate and work well. To be honest, what I think Mike is saying is that its the people who would never open their minds the this concept who are hair suited, but you are one of the many who have opened your eyes to the possibilities of painting a better figure using the best methods to suit you, there fore you are not one of the hair suited.

More people are reaching the next rung of the ladder in this hobby, by moving in different directions to achieve a good result, this is one of yours, at the end of the day you still have to detail whats there, so you are doing at least half the painting.

Dave

 

[megroot]

I use them myself two times, and to be honest.
I could not do what i have done without the stencils.
It lays indeed the base for furhter work on the heraldic off shield (whatever you choose).
In my opinion every beginning or advanced painter who don't have the skills as the masters to paint difficult design's or repeating designs should have them in the paintbox.

Marc

 

[Gary D]

After purchasing about 8 of them I am so convinced in their quality that I just completely stripped 4 old figures (approx. 10 years old) as I never was happy with the paint job I had done on them. I never would have done it without the stencils I got from Tommi and the techiques I have learnt on this website. I am really looking forward to using them.

Gary Daugherty

 

[Uruk-Hai]

After purchasing about 8 of them I am so convinced in their quality that I just completely stripped 4 old figures (approx. 10 years old) as I never was happy with the paint job I had done on them. I never would have done it without the stencils I got from Tommi and the techiques I have learnt on this website. I am really looking forward to using them.

Gary Daugherty

And thats what is important. That some could make betters figures with the help from them, thus enjoying the hobby even more.

Cheers
Janne Nilsson