Mike’s Captain Phil by Phil Done!

[Egg]

The whole thing just reeks effort and pain. He's been through some shxt Superb.

 

[Joe55]

!

All I can say is brother, .... you've got skills!

Joe

 

[David Spencer]

Really very good indeed.
Those grazes need some Vaseline on them.

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

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.

Sounds like an interesting challenge Nigel. Please do share your progress & experiments- we all learnt heaps from the Verdun hole vignette.
Hoping book tips maybe of some value as work on this one too.

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.

Stefan I understand what you’re asking mate. I actually use both approaches as well as others to get different effects.
Was there a specific area on Capt Phil that prompted you on this one?
It depends on the paint, texture & surface look I’m after. Every project also builds on learning from last one too as I’m trying to continuously learn what looks right or at least closer to what I’m after. Real trick is to know when to stop, leave it & move on.
I tried to explain this in my book & also try to break down into more detail when sharing each project I tackle on my Patreon.

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 leather. 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

Mike, hard to answer that one mate!
A particularly special compliment & as you describe the minutiae I’m trying to capture on every visible part of each project.
Thanks for taking the time to share your kindness.

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

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!

I love The detail of paint here great job

Tremendous Mike.
As others have touched on the textures and details are very nice. I love the weathered skin and the face complexion.
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!

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

The whole thing just reeks effort and pain. He's been through some shxt Superb.

Andrew, Steve, Aria, Erik, Chas & Wayne.
Appreciate each of you highlighting areas of Captain Phil that we’re most challenging - his flesh areas which took most attention to convey the man & not just a mannequin wearing grubby clothes. Thanks to each of you for commenting on this thread.

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

Always grateful for your thoughtful comments Gary & good knowing effort put into photos is helpful.
Took me many sessions & lots of shots to sift through to land on ones I thought looked most accurate to final version of little artwork.

!
All I can say is brother, .... you've got skills!
Joe

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

Really very good indeed.
Those grazes need some Vaseline on them.

Thank you Joe, Wayne & David for comments guys.
Pleasing to finish him off & have 3 projects now bubbling on desk. Will share these in coming months when done.
Oh & David ref “Vaseline” - agree! I’m sure he’s got a small pot somewhere

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

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.

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!,
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Thanks Andy also for re-engineering the photo of Capt Phil back to a contemporary look of last known photo of him.
I think Phil Walden did superb job capturing both his physical look, as well as a sense of the man - tired, yet thoughtful as he glances at the camera. Flow of the his movement, posture & just the right level of sculpted details hints so much at who he was.
The Captain represents, in these photos, an attitude & grit evident in so many that were there that were not photographed or famous.
I feel very fortunate to have had an opportunity to be able to reinterpret Phil’s original sculpt in my own way.
Another is on its way!

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Stefan I understand what you’re asking mate. I actually use both approaches as well as others to get different effects.
Was there a specific area on Capt Phil that prompted you on this one?
It depends on the paint, texture & surface look I’m after. Every project also builds on learning from last one too as I’m trying to continuously learn what looks right or at least closer to what I’m after. Real trick is to know when to stop, leave it & move on.
I tried to explain this in my book & also try to break down into more detail when sharing each project I tackle on my Patreon.

That makes sense, thanks, I was looking at the shirt, particularly around the shoulder (his left, right as we look at it). I'll take a look at your patreon, if it's close to as helpful as the book it'll be well worth it.

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

That makes sense, thanks, I was looking at the shirt, particularly around the shoulder (his left, right as we look at it). I'll take a look at your patreon, if it's close to as helpful as the book it'll be well worth it.

Good to hear Stefan, shirt in particular uses acrylic washes with lots of stibbling.
Be interested to hear what you think of Patreon.
Preparing more posts on exclusive project there at present.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[1969]

Always a nice experience to look at one of your painted figures Mike, always been a big fan of Phil's work so good to see such a great collaboration of two great artists.
Cheers mate
Steve

 

[WarhammerAdjacent]

Good to hear Stefan, shirt in particular uses acrylic washes with lots of stibbling.
Be interested to hear what you think of Patreon.
Preparing more posts on exclusive project there at present.
MikeTheKiwi

Well I've been on there for fewer than 24 hours and already started another project to try out some new techniques so it's definitely been worthwhile so far.

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Always a nice experience to look at one of your painted figures Mike, always been a big fan of Phil's work so good to see such a great collaboration of two great artists.
Cheers mate
Steve

Cheers Steve, Phil’s not able to model so much these days so this is a real treasure.
Next one aim to include some of your accessories in groundwork too ;-)

Well I've been on there for fewer than 24 hours and already started another project to try out some new techniques so it's definitely been worthwhile so far.

That’s really good to hear Stefan, continue to add more content & have number of articles still to post.
Feel free to probe any specific areas you find in there.
MikeTheKiwi