Hi everyone
We are in UK speaking to a modeller with many years of experience and much knowledge in the hobby , big supporter of clubs and a liking for Militaria , originally from Dartford ( of the tunnel fame ! ) now residing in Rochester .
My pleasure to share Malcolm’s thoughts during the interview
1 Tell us your background and details about you ?
I worked in the Power industry for 28 years as a electrical supervisor then I took early retirement.
I then worked at the Royal School of Military Engineering Brompton Kent as a Electrical instructor before finally retiring.
2 How long have you been painting or sculpting figures , what got you started into this form of art ?
I have be interested in Military history for over 50years during which time I have collected militaria and painted military figures, Since retirement both hobbies have expanded some what.
3 Who if any artist is the main influence and has motivated you to your current level ?
Their are many fantastic painters in our hobby , too many to mention imo but all influenced me in one way or another , and as each year passes the standard has just become higher.
4 Are you a member of any club ?
I have been a member of the Faversham Military Modelling Group for a number of years and we have some fantastic painters in our ranks, This I find gives me the drive to try and keep up!
5 Do you have a favourite paint product or medium ?
All the figures I paint in acrylic paint as the base coat, this I find gives the best colour blocking for a thin coat ,I then finish with oil paint which gives me the most time for blending High/Low lights. The length of time to paint a figure depends as always on subject matter, motivation and available time. Its a hobby not a religion.
6 On average how long to complete a piece ?
I have to be a bit selective these days, it's due to lack of storage space which can be seen in the photographs of the "Work room / Museum" plus available funds.
7 Have you a favourite piece or pieces and subject or or period of history ?
With regard to the models that gave me the most satisfaction, they are many but notably, Cardigan, Montgomery and the Zulu Induna. I do try and only buy figures that float my boat and are well sculpted. I found out a long time ago if it looks like a pigs ear it will still look like a pigs ear but painted.
The subject matter are figures from the era 1800 - 1918 which basically covers my interests in collecting militaria
8 Have you a favourite manufacturer or scale ?
There are many manufactures producing excellent work but my main criteria is the following, Full figures must be 75mm and busts 1/6th due to eyesight and transportation system.
9 Is there a favourite show you have gone to ?
Euro was the best show in its day and not too far from home but now day's I just attend club shows in the South East of England.
10 What’s your thoughts on the current world of Miniatures ?
I have no problem with how the masters for a figure have been created so long as it is anatomically correct and its also a fantastic casting for the money. Being able to sculpt myself has so far eluded me but I will keep trying.
11 Who would you like to see featured in these interviews ?
As for the person I would like to see in meet the artist is a member of my club, he is a fantastic all round artist both on canvas and in the round { Flat figures at the moment} Mr Trevor Morgan.
I would like to say a big thank you for asking me to be a part of these snapshots into other modellers and artists , it’s been a pleasure , I hope you like my pieces ....both models and Militaria
A BIG THANK YOU TO MALCOLM FOR THE RESPONSES AND HIS TIME
Happy benchtime everyone
Nap
We are in UK speaking to a modeller with many years of experience and much knowledge in the hobby , big supporter of clubs and a liking for Militaria , originally from Dartford ( of the tunnel fame ! ) now residing in Rochester .
My pleasure to share Malcolm’s thoughts during the interview
1 Tell us your background and details about you ?
I worked in the Power industry for 28 years as a electrical supervisor then I took early retirement.
I then worked at the Royal School of Military Engineering Brompton Kent as a Electrical instructor before finally retiring.
2 How long have you been painting or sculpting figures , what got you started into this form of art ?
I have be interested in Military history for over 50years during which time I have collected militaria and painted military figures, Since retirement both hobbies have expanded some what.
3 Who if any artist is the main influence and has motivated you to your current level ?
Their are many fantastic painters in our hobby , too many to mention imo but all influenced me in one way or another , and as each year passes the standard has just become higher.
4 Are you a member of any club ?
I have been a member of the Faversham Military Modelling Group for a number of years and we have some fantastic painters in our ranks, This I find gives me the drive to try and keep up!
5 Do you have a favourite paint product or medium ?
All the figures I paint in acrylic paint as the base coat, this I find gives the best colour blocking for a thin coat ,I then finish with oil paint which gives me the most time for blending High/Low lights. The length of time to paint a figure depends as always on subject matter, motivation and available time. Its a hobby not a religion.
6 On average how long to complete a piece ?
I have to be a bit selective these days, it's due to lack of storage space which can be seen in the photographs of the "Work room / Museum" plus available funds.
7 Have you a favourite piece or pieces and subject or or period of history ?
With regard to the models that gave me the most satisfaction, they are many but notably, Cardigan, Montgomery and the Zulu Induna. I do try and only buy figures that float my boat and are well sculpted. I found out a long time ago if it looks like a pigs ear it will still look like a pigs ear but painted.
The subject matter are figures from the era 1800 - 1918 which basically covers my interests in collecting militaria
8 Have you a favourite manufacturer or scale ?
There are many manufactures producing excellent work but my main criteria is the following, Full figures must be 75mm and busts 1/6th due to eyesight and transportation system.
9 Is there a favourite show you have gone to ?
Euro was the best show in its day and not too far from home but now day's I just attend club shows in the South East of England.
10 What’s your thoughts on the current world of Miniatures ?
I have no problem with how the masters for a figure have been created so long as it is anatomically correct and its also a fantastic casting for the money. Being able to sculpt myself has so far eluded me but I will keep trying.
11 Who would you like to see featured in these interviews ?
As for the person I would like to see in meet the artist is a member of my club, he is a fantastic all round artist both on canvas and in the round { Flat figures at the moment} Mr Trevor Morgan.
I would like to say a big thank you for asking me to be a part of these snapshots into other modellers and artists , it’s been a pleasure , I hope you like my pieces ....both models and Militaria
A BIG THANK YOU TO MALCOLM FOR THE RESPONSES AND HIS TIME
Happy benchtime everyone
Nap
