WIP Mike's WW1 NZRB Lewis Gunner Bust in 1\6th

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Just superb Mike.

I've had to come back and look at the latest photos two or three times because the level of detail is just so damn good! Well done Mike.

Good to hear from you both & glad you like progress.
Must emphasise these are very, quick rough shots taken with iPhone.
May use some for article later but most wouldn't be of good enough quality.
Hoping to have proper camera & light box set up next weekend to provide proper photos.

Final touches to do on right hand & Lewis woodwork.
Then paint up the black base.
Away at beach this weekend so will have to leave these last little bits until home on Monday evening.

Stay safe

Mike

 

[alamac]

Absolutely BRILLIANT Mike, all accolades have been given during this thread
Cheers mate
Al

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Absolutely BRILLIANT Mike, all accolades have been given during this thread
Cheers mate
Al

All thanks to you Al mate, introducing me to Scotty & Naked Army

I'm blown away with the interest here in this project.
With around 16000 views & over 300 messages it is almost unbelievable.
Not sure if it deserves this?
Final images coming...

While glue on Charlie's head dries I've played around with some quick, overall snaps.
Aim to do proper detailed photos this weekend for sharing.
Till then hope these give you a feel for finished bust.

 

[tonydawe]

Mike,

This has been a truly epic project and for those of us who have followed it from the beginning, a true inspiration.
In the seven months since you started this post we've seen you make an excellent start, get distracted by a beheading and neck repositioning exercise, and then dazzle us with close up shots of amazing details. What I'm looking for now is the chance to see the entire bust completed and in full.

I know I speak for many members of pF when I say that you have lifted the bar for us all when it comes to painting lifelike textures and details into cloth and webbing. Can't wait for you to take the final photos so we can enjoy looking at Charlie from all angles.

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Mike,

This has been a truly epic project and for those of us who have followed it from the beginning, a true inspiration.
In the seven months since you started this post we've seen you make an excellent start, get distracted by a beheading and neck repositioning exercise, and then dazzle us with close up shots of amazing details. What I'm looking for now is the chance to see the entire bust completed and in full.

I know I speak for many members of pF when I say that you have lifted the bar for us all when it comes to painting lifelike textures and details into cloth and webbing. Can't wait for you to take the final photos so we can enjoy looking at Charlie from all angles.

Jeez mate!
No pressure
...so hope final photos live up to your expectations.

Thanks for the summary Tony.
I'm sure I made this way too hard, though have learnt heaps through the process.

Indebted to Ulrich & Mike Good in particular for putting me right about necks along the way too

Let's talk some more next week.

For now onward & upward to the next project, literally - another flyboy, another bust.

 

[Viking Bob]

I'll echo what Mike say's.
Stunning painting.
Bob

 

[Wings5797]

Great work Mike, both the figure and your excellent SBS.
So many techniques you have in your armory that work really well on a piece of this scale.
Well done mate,
Keith

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

I'll echo what Mike say's.
Stunning painting.
Bob

Great work Mike, both the figure and your excellent SBS.
So many techniques you have in your armory that work really well on a piece of this scale.
Well done mate,
Keith

Hi Bob & Keith,

Pleasing to have him done, as it is to still have your support after all the months on this project.
Have enjoyed sharing process here, but will be much more low key for next one.

Thanks & Stay safe

Mike

 

[Wings5797]

Hi Bob & Keith,

Pleasing to have him done, as it is to still have your support after all the months on this project.
Have enjoyed sharing process here, but will be much more low key for next one.

Thanks & Stay safe

Mike

I can understand that Mike.Well done for staying the distance on this great piece.
Cheers,
Keith

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

I can understand that Mike.Well done for staying the distance on this great piece.
Cheers,
Keith

I should be thanking you & those that have patiently followed this thread Keith.
Finalising photos at moment, should have these up in next day or two in meantime...

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Final images loaded here:

Mike's "Charlie" The Kiwi Lewis Gunner 1917​

​

More on my Facebook site:

​

http://www.facebook.com/michaeljbutlerNZ​

​

 

[DEL]

Still creeps me out Mike Quite a journey, a real pleasure to watch it progress. Along with your Maori this has been one of the outstanding projects on pF
Takes realism to a new level and it deserves every single viewing and comment.
Cheers
Derek

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Still creeps me out Mike Quite a journey, a real pleasure to watch it progress. Along with your Maori this has been one of the outstanding projects on pF
Takes realism to a new level and it deserves every single viewing and comment.
Cheers
Derek

Hi Derek,

Totally humbled by your comments mate.
Thank you for calling here & posting these closing comments.
Most grateful & will take these thoughts into spur me on with next project.

Stay safe,
Mike