MikeTheKiwi’s WW1 Figure Modelling Book

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Hi Mike,
I have shared this with you personally and I will do so publicly…
cheers Richie

This really is stunning, the apex of our hobby/art IMO.
I've been waving Mike's book at my brushes but they have yet to respond so far......

Hi, Mike!
I just got your book from the Last Cavalry …I am getting another copy of your book for my grandson who is really getting into painting figures.
Cheers, James

Hi Richie, Nigel & James,
Just want to acknowledge your kind comments guys. THANKS!!
I’m flat out at present & will reply further as soon as time allows.
Talk more soon.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[blaster]

Thanks Victor,
We've enjoyed making the models and then putting it all into books. Few of us get the chance to do that so I, for one, feel blessed. ENJOY!
Andy

Hi Andy,
just finished yr book. You’ve really done a comprehensive and excellent illustrative presentation of the various types of trenches and the best way to represent them. Ive really enjoyed reading thru it and I hope you do another - The Maginot Line. Rgds Victor

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Hi Mike,
I have shared this with you personally and I will do so publically.
Haane is probably my favourite non Zulu war piece that I personally have ever seen.
For me it is perfection personified in the modelling world. It just resonates with me.
I cannot bestow enough adjectives on you for this piece. It's like looking at Vermeer's painting Girl with the pearl earring in the modelling community.
cheers
Richie

Incredibly humbled to get these comments from you Richie - thanks!
It’s inspired me to look at some more big guys - aiming to do at least another bust next year. Just mulling over options.

This really is stunning, the apex of our hobby/art IMO.
I've been waving Mike's book at my brushes but they have yet to respond so far......

Hi Nigel, ref “brush waving” are you cupping your tongue in corner of your mouth, with sun at your back & rain in your face. I find this helps with getting a look in the eyes.
Ref ‘Haane’ - he took 8months to paint & unlikely I’ll have that amount of time at my disposal again for awhile. Failed to master airbrush which would be solution for these 1/6 monster.

Hi, Mike!
I just got your book from the Last Cavalry this past week and I have to honestly say that out of the many books I have concerning the painting of figures, yours is the easiest for me to follow along with and I am looking forward to trying out some of your techniques. Your work is very inspiring and I am sure this book will be utilized and referenced often. I am getting another copy of your book for my grandson who is really getting into painting figures.
Cheers,
James

Hi James, thanks for taking time to comment & value your experience. Been inspired by your dioramas with attention to detail & story telling. Pleased layout work as for you, similar to what military use in training, evolving out of US experience in WW2. Especially honoured to hear you’ve decided to gift to the next generation. So important to help keep the interest in history alive. Happy to answer questions from your grandson too.
Please send details for you both if you’d like to go in draw for chance to win “Henry” of the NZ Mounted Rifles bust
MikeTheKiwi

 

[PropBlast]

This came through my letter box the other day and I haven't been able to put it down since. You certainly get lots of those 'oh so that's how he did it' moments and its all very inspiring stuff through from the basics to more advanced painting and modelling techniques.
Maybe a second volume on WW2 in the future would be something you would consider as well Mike?

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

This came through my letter box the other day and I haven't been able to put it down since. You certainly get lots of those 'oh so that's how he did it' moments and its all very inspiring stuff through from the basics to more advanced painting and modelling techniques.
Maybe a second volume on WW2 in the future would be something you would consider as well Mike?

Thanks Prop!!
Pleasing to see it providing value for you for & makes practical sense.

Won’t say ‘never’ but if I was able to do another book it would most likely be WW2 perhaps through to later in 20th Cent. like Vietnam. For now I need to keep learning, practicing & working on new projects. Let’s see how these unpack before considering another book. Appreciate your encouragement.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[Jungle James O'Leary]

Hi James, thanks for taking time to comment & value your experience. Been inspired by your dioramas with attention to detail & story telling. Pleased layout work as for you, similar to what military use in training, evolving out of US experience in WW2. Especially honoured to hear you’ve decided to gift to the next generation. So important to help keep the interest in history alive. Happy to answer questions from your grandson too.
Please send details for you both if you’d like to go in draw for chance to win “Henry” of the NZ Mounted Rifles bust
MikeTheKiwi[/quote]

Hello, Mike
I am honored that you like my dioramas and the stories they tell. My grandson and I have been very impressed with your work, especially after I had won an auction at the Tulsa Figure Show for Andy Belsey's book "Modeling World War 1 Trench Warfare" featuring your figures in the dioramas. I bid on it because he was interested in learning more about trench warfare and wanted to build some WW1 dioramas. When I looked through the book and saw your figures and how natural and realistic they looked, I told him that this is what making figures and dioramas is all about and that if he looks at the small and subtle details, I would bet that the guy who did the figures had some military experience in order to capture such feeling through the poses, painting, etc. I appreciate you offering to answer any questions he may have. He is very interested in painting figures and any help will be much appreciated.
I started a conversation on this site with you to send you our info about the drawing for that excellent bust. Not sure if it went through.
THANK YOU FOR INSPIRATION THROUGH YOUR FIGURES.
Cheers,
James

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Hello, Mike
I am honored that you like my dioramas and the stories they tell. My grandson and I have been very impressed with your work, especially after I had won an auction at the Tulsa Figure Show for Andy Belsey's book "Modeling World War 1 Trench Warfare" featuring your figures in the dioramas. I bid on it because he was interested in learning more about trench warfare and wanted to build some WW1 dioramas. When I looked through the book and saw your figures and how natural and realistic they looked, I told him that this is what making figures and dioramas is all about and that if he looks at the small and subtle details, I would bet that the guy who did the figures had some military experience in order to capture such feeling through the poses, painting, etc. I appreciate you offering to answer any questions he may have. He is very interested in painting figures and any help will be much appreciated.
I started a conversation on this site with you to send you our info about the drawing for that excellent bust. Not sure if it went through.
THANK YOU FOR INSPIRATION THROUGH YOUR FIGURES.
Cheers,
James

Yes James will check out your PM here & help where I can.
Glad to hear you got value from Andy’s book too - we have produced complementary titles that can be used closely together.
My service does help give an affinity for military subjects.
I also think attention to details with close observation of people doing physical work or exercise is useful to miniature artists when trying to capture authenticity in figures.
I see this in your work with items as simple as how coke cans are held & posing in/on/around vehicles.
Talk more soon on your specific project mate.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Here’s some further reviews here too:
https://www.planetfigure.com/thread...ing-ww1-allied-figures-by-mike-butler.507265/

 

[Francisco]

ahhh. Mike´s book... I`m still waiting eagerly to get my hands on this one... not on ebook format but the real thing. But still impossible to order it to Portugal.

I was very fortunate to be choosen by Mike to have one original figure that is on the book. The Lanoe Hawker. And I can tell to all that is, by far, the best painting figure I ever have seen in flesh.!!! Its a masterpiece!!

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

ahhh. Mike´s book... I`m still waiting eagerly to get my hands on this one... not on ebook format but the real thing. But still impossible to order it to Portugal.

I was very fortunate to be choosen by Mike to have one original figure that is on the book. The Lanoe Hawker. And I can tell to all that is, by far, the best painting figure I ever have seen in flesh.!!! It’s a masterpiece!!

Oh Francisco not long now mate!
Due to be released internationally in a month or two.
Look forward to hearing what you think of book.
Also lovely hearing Lanoe is safe & well too.
Happy ‘23 to you & yours!
MikeTheKiwi

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Appreciative of many friends, artists & modellers who already have my book. Today available globally, plus confirmed I’ll be at SMC23 signing books. See you there!!

I’ve also shared many reviews & feedback here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-book-feedback-80597960

https://www.patreon.com/posts/my-book-feedback-80599664