Completed Mike's Snow & Kiwi in RAF

[Mike - The Kiwi]

My take on Life Miniatures classic.
Your feedback?

Some may have seen IP shots on Facebook.
Can add some others here if that would help too?

Photo credit goes to my friend Dave Homewood - thanks mate

 

[housecarl]

Very well done Mike.
Did you hollow the goggles out?

 

[John Bowery]

Mike,
That is superb and heart warming.
Cheers
John

 

[bwildfong]

Now that is something special, Mike - the chemistry you've painted between dog and owner is brilliant. Love the New Zealand shoulder flash and the textures of the various materials, especially the parachute harness, too!

Cheers,
Brian

 

[Dekiman]

They look like they are alive.

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Lovely.....the dog's eyes are marvelous! Everything else too. Better than the box art!

 

[Viking Bob]

Wow, so life like, fantastic painting.
Regards
Bob

 

[Wings5797]

Top notch Mike.
Every aspect of this piece is as good as it gets.
All the best,
Keith

 

[smudger1960]

Very nice work Mike,I love the colours you used on the spaniel,great work mate

 

[Mariobusta]

I think you have done an outstanding job on him Mike , it is the best version of this figure I have seen . As usual your attention do the details and textures are amazing . The photos are superb as well , did you use another camera ? Also did you add texture to the dogs fur ?Awesome work .

Neil

 

[Helm]

Superb Mike top class work
Steve

 

[megroot]

First I thought it whas a picture from Life magazine.
But it is a bust whit lifelike painting.

Marc

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Thank you as always guys, especially John, Brian, Dekiman, Colin, Bob, Keith, Brian2 (Smudger) Steve & Marc for taking the time to comment. This was a fun & very challenging project.

Bit disappointed they now head off overseas to their new owner
Oh well - I did ask...

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Very well done Mike.
Did you hollow the goggles out?

Thanks Carl, no on goggles.
Would have preferred hollowed out one but ended up trying to paint a reflected cloudy gray, blue sky together with some gloss varnish. Asked Sang-Eon how he did his one & was similar approach.
Seemed to be OK after a couple of goes.

Stay safe,
Mike

 

[Dan Morton]

Marvelous!! I agree that the dogs eyes are especially well done!

All the best,
Dan

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

I think you have done an outstanding job on him Mike , it is the best version of this figure I have seen . As usual your attention do the details and textures are amazing . The photos are superb as well , did you use another camera ? Also did you add texture to the dogs fur ?Awesome work .

Neil

Thanks as always for your support mate.
In response to your questions:

- a local mate, Dave Homewood took photos on his Panasonic LUMIX. He did a great job I reckon.
Still hoping to get myself a DSLR after Chunuk Bair vignette done

- "Kiwi" the little Cocker Spaniel was fully re textured using a tip from one of my favourite artists, Frenchman, Daniel Ipperti. I used an oil based texturing paste then after this dried (sort off) painted him in oils.
I was keen to get a brighter look to him than his drab dressed, flyboy buddy.
Bit tough doing this & not quite there in parts but worked in other areas.
Got practice by fully "furring up" his head & belly first, then mounted him on Snow's back to finish off.

Does that help?
Mike

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Marvelous!! I agree that the dogs eyes are especially well done!

All the best,
Dan

Thanks Dan, eyes were a little challenging on original sculpt.
It was helpful to get some really sharp photos of spaniel eyes like this which helped to get effect I was trying to achieve.

Stay safe,
Mike

 

[dinovision79]

Awesome! Great attention to detail!

 

[John Belcher]

Hey Mike, Just repeating my comments on Facebook mate. Absolutely Brilliant !!!!!!!!!! Love it.

Regards,

John​

 

[housecarl]

Thanks Carl, no on goggles.
Would have preferred hollowed out one but ended up trying to paint a reflected cloudy gray, blue sky together with some gloss varnish. Asked Sang-Eon how he did his one & was similar approach.
Seemed to be OK after a couple of goes.

Stay safe,
Mike

Thanks Mike.
Brilliant effect.