Mike’s Captain Phil by Phil Done!

[Andrew Belsey]

I look at photos of your work Mike and think, ‘How can it be that good? How can he paint so realistically?’ Then I remember that I can go upstairs and look at your figures and remind myself how small many are too. You’re a marvel Mike!

 

[Steve Ski]

Mike, I like how ya did this. Can you add more pics of the vignette from a distance, I really would like to see the whole shabang. Incredible work, Mike!

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

I can only repeat what I wrote in April 2022, when Mike first showed this gentleman: "Holy cow! Doesn't look like a model, but like the man himself come to life."
With the base it's even more true.
We're not worthy, oh master...
Karl

Karl near to hear you remember original post thank you for posting again & good hearing he looks Ok with some background.

No question that Phil is, was and always will be the Master of ANZAC sculpts, but there’s also no doubt that you are the master of ANZAC painters Mike. Great job mate.

Lovely to hear from you Tony.
Happy ‘24 to you again.
You’ll understand how neat it was to be entrusted by Phil with this special Aussie legend.
He may not have many projects nowadays but neat breathing life back into one of his originals.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Mike, I like how ya did this. Can you add more pics of the vignette from a distance, I really would like to see the whole shabang. Incredible work, Mike!

Thank you again Steve, Happy ‘24 to you mate!
Full view attached mate, not much more but gives you full sense of him.

MikeTheKiwi

 

[Nap]

No question that Phil is, was and always will be the Master of ANZAC sculpts, but there’s also no doubt that you are the master of ANZAC painters Mike. Great job mate.

Absolutely agree there Tony

Superb artwork and presentation

Nap

 

[MoboSchreuder]

Fantastic work

Mobo

 

[Chrisr]

Simply brilliant Mike. Outstanding brushwork from a master figure painter. The leather work on the holster is amazing.

From memory the figure is of Captain Phil Fry, 10th Australian Light Horse Horse Regiment, from Donnybrook Western Australia. Killed in action at Hill 60, 29 August 1915 aged 33 years.

Cheers mate
Chris

 

[NigelR]

I’m not sure Napoleonics, depending on campaign I suppose were quite as messed up as these Gallipoli guys.
I always do try to get figure to be representative of the location they are in, so tend to go for gritty subjects.
What era are your Nappies from?

They are the "duelling" Scots Grey and Cuirassier from Waterloo sculpted by Marcus White (using Carl Reid components). As it's Waterloo, they will definitely be a bit mucky..... But it's more the treatment of the cloth, flesh and equipment that I will try to use some of your approaches, which I think work well in this larger scale.

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Beautiful work Mike. Mind if I ask a question re. technique? When I'm trying to create texture, particularly stippling, I generally use thickish paint so that I get clearly defined 'spots' and then use glazes to bring them together. Looking at this, it looks as though you're using thinner paint in bigger spots and layering to produce more variation and so more texture. Is that fair? Sorry, it's hard to explain and I've not done a great job.

 

[fogie]

What's so notable about all of Mike Butler's work is not only his brush skills
and ability to manipulate colour but his almost uncanny detailed observation.
On this one it's the close stubble on his chin, the impression of fairish hair on
his forearms, the callouses on his palms. Then there's the worn cracked leaher.
He hasn't missed a trick in creating the character of an indomitable Aussie at
war.....It's as if he can think with a paintbrush,

Mike

 

[arj]

That is so unbelievably realistic Mike.
Wow!!! and WOW!!! again.
I'm truly 'gob-smacked' by what you've achieved.

Cheers,
Andrew.

 

[Andrew Belsey]

I love studying your work Mike because there's always another level of detail that you don't take in at first! I marvel at what you achieve Mike! Realism beyond belief , especially at the scale!
Andy.

 

[Steve Ski]

Sheesh, that's a beauty, Mike, and Happy 24 back atchya! Tanks for the pic post, looks great.

P.S. I think for me it's the sun beat facial work that really gets me. Woof, awseome, Mike!

 

[ErGide72]

Beautiful textures! And like that hair on his arms!
Really great paintwork here!

Grtz
Erik

 

[Wayneb]

"Special" talent.....That's for sure.....Keep up the excellent work...
Wayne

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Simply brilliant Mike. Outstanding brushwork from a master figure painter. The leather work on the holster is amazing.
From memory the figure is of Captain Phil Fry, 10th Australian Light Horse Horse Regiment, from Donnybrook Western Australia. Killed in action at Hill 60, 29 August 1915 aged 33 years.

Cheers mate
Chris

You’re exactly right Chris, an amazingly provocative photo was PhilW’s & my inspiration for this.
Holster’s leather is old fashioned oils too

 

[Brimmer]

I love The detail of paint here great job

 

[Rocco82]

Tremendous Mike.

As others have touched on the textures and details are very nice. I love the weathered skin and the face complextion.

One of the first things I noticed was the little bit of flesh under the cap on his head that hasn't been sun burnt.
That's attention to detail!!
Superb!

 

[Gary Edmundson]

A marvelous example of how good figure painting can be. I have looked at all of your photos for a long time - there is so much to take in. Many aspects described in your book are displayed in this piece, and I'm finding much inspiration from this work alone. And superb photography, too. Looking forward to your future projects, Mike!
Cheers,
Gary

 

[Andrew Belsey]

I really like this photo of your model! I’m pretty sure that if you took the colour out of your previous photos it would be hard to tell the difference!,