Review modelling and painting ww1 allied figures by Mike Butler

[grasshopper]

Recently published by Crowood Press in UK, Mike Butler, aka Kiwi Mike is well known in the PF community and needs little introduction. I consider him a master of the craft with a signature style.

‘The book is a nice format and size for use on any hobby bench: 208 pages; 8.5X11”, can be folded open without pages coming loose..it’s made to be used and I know my copy with end up with pink tabs and page ends folded to mark especially interesting bits. It’s quality kit.

 

[grasshopper]

simply laid out, this book is more than a how to, or aide memoire, it’s a story on its own, beginning with dedication and images of family members who fought in the Great War, and their stories ..reading which renders redundant any further need to explain the hell these enzeds went thru..it’s only later in the war they became known as Anzac’s …Mike speaks to the historical context, and gives references from film, images from living history..leading into his way of naming each figure he works. The beauty of this is that while focussed on a period and specific individuals the take away is that any period, any subject can be approached the same way- research into detail, research into actual movements- tossing a grenade, protecting one’s important bits…I relate to the naming idea because I find myself digging deeper when I connect to a piece..

All the usual headline topics are addressed, focussed on Mikes signature style- his brush technique : stibbling, stabbing and such…for Mike paint is but one added layer in sculpting and he effectively pricks and pokes at paint to get his desired effects…he isn’t hyping any brand of paint or tool, rather shows experimentation to see what works
When I think of Mike’s work- it’s texture, and realistic personality and both are illustrated from fairly basic steps on up..

 

[grasshopper]

Mike’s professional background is in process management and improvement which as he has explained began with WW2 and American need to rapidly train those “Rosie The Riveters” so key to the Allied effort..so the layout breaks things down into logical steps…again: these may be developed using his WW1 pieces, but the process is generic- giving a face a tired look with bags under the eyes, and one eye a bit bloodshot- that’s universal..and gives his work the natural emotions that transcend exaggerated almost theatrical poses often seen in our hobby

 

[grasshopper]

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

… reply below

 

[grasshopper]

This book stands alongside Shep Paine, Kirill Kanaev..James Gurney..it’s a keeper for me…and full value..I can’t think of a more genuine, honest representative of our hobby than Mike or one more generous of himself in supporting and helping others..moreover purchase up into November qualify for a draw to win a finished bust…what more can anyone want?

the book is available from Crowood Press- same as Andy Belseys book…and now a US source, Lost Cavalry ..I ordered from Crowood and things were delayed a few days due UK postal hissy fits, but all worked out well- solidly packed..reasonably priced shipping…

I drank the koolaide ..this book is a benchmark.

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Thanks Grasshopper for taking time to share your kind & insightful observations here. Continue to be grateful for all the support my book has received. I’m particularly happy to see people are using it as a practical guide that can be used on the bench & not just a bookshelf filler. That’s really reassuring it could encourage other modellers, so hoping it also makes it into the hands of some younger modellers like Yannick Olivères who was really helpful with his passion for Poilus, plus a talented young artist.

Here’s another followup on David Wilson’s review of my book:
https://forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com/index.php?topic=12594.msg248915#msg248915

 

[grasshopper]

https://shop.lastcavalry.com/crowood-press-modelling-and-painting-wwi-allied-figures/

…here is the link to US source…in stock…

 

[yellowcat]

Great review.
I have checked Last Cavalry, price is US$35 and the shipping cost is US$30. Amazon US price is US$34.95 and Amazon Canada price is $45.95 CAD. Both indicates pre-order only it will be released on April 1, 2023?

 

[grasshopper]

Yes I understand will becoming to Amazon in due course

 

[grasshopper]

It’s C$49 shipped to me in bc from crowood now

 

[Nap]

Hi Grasshopper

Thanks for the look at Mikes book , I will 100% echo your comments as you rightly say ...

"THIS BOOK IS THE BENCHMARK"

Masses of advice , explanations and really good pictures highlighting what's written well

A must for any modeller ...even if WW1 isn't your period of interest

Nap

 

[Maki]

I've been a fan of your style for a long time Mike. I found the book at Blackwells and will be getting my copy soon.

Well done and thank you again for what seems to be a magnificent book,
Mario

 

[callmehobbes]

That's one for the Christmas list. I can look at Kiwi Mike's work for hours.

 

[John Rosengrant]

Mike I'll have to pick that one up

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Hi Grasshopper
Thanks for the look at Mikes book , I will 100% echo your comments as you rightly say ...
"THIS BOOK IS THE BENCHMARK"
Masses of advice , explanations and really good pictures highlighting what's written well
A must for any modeller ...even if WW1 isn't your period of interest
Nap

That's one for the Christmas list. I can look at Kiwi Mike's work for hours.

Grateful for ongoing encouragement Nap & Hobbes too.
Do suggest ordering copy before Xmas so you can go in draw for “Henry” - NZMR bust.

I've been a fan of your style for a long time Mike. I found the book at Blackwells and will be getting my copy soon.
Well done and thank you again for what seems to be a magnificent book,
Mario

Very nice to hear from you Mario & to get your support with posting on Armorama - certainly intended to have book a universal reference to help wide range of figure modellers so
thank you for helping spread the word.
Do share your impressions when you have copy in your hands.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Mike I'll have to pick that one up

Thanks John, look forward to hearing what you think.
I’d be keen on a collab If you’re ever up for doing an ANZAC in Vietnam or a Pacific Kiwi wearing mix of HBT & Brit kit

One I did many years back:
https://www.planetfigure.com/threads/mikes-3rd-nz-div-infantryman-from-ac-models.45158/

More background to give you some ideas perhaps

https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/docs...ng-us-made-hbt-uniform-pacific-1943-a-724909/

 

[ometz]

Bought mine through Book Depository (bargain price). Having just received the book, skimming through it, I think it's one of the most user friendly modelling/painting volumes I have seen. Full of needed details, especially on the various painting techniques. As well, Mr. Butler is very encouraging, stressing that practice makes, maybe not, perfect but eventual comfort if not mastery over the approach to painting, posing, et al. Highest recommendation.

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Bought mine through Book Depository (bargain price). Having just received the book, skimming through it, I think it's one of the most user friendly modelling/painting volumes I have seen. Full of needed details, especially on the various painting techniques. As well, Mr. Butler is very encouraging, stressing that practice makes, maybe not, perfect but eventual comfort if not mastery over the approach to painting, posing, et al. Highest recommendation.

Thanks Ometz for kind comments & support.
Especially pleased to read your reference to “encouraging” with supportive text, this was a tone I was keen to have, as its most important to help others to have a go!
If you’d like to go in draw for “Henry” NZMR bust, pop though details to enter.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[grasshopper]

Small bit of positive experience- Mike suggests liquin with printers inks..I’ve always used white spirits…well, tried liquin fine detail and I like the result- white spirits destroy paint rims and I’ve found the dried surface finishes almost chalky..liquin works nice;y and seems to allow a bit more shading and the like…book is paying for itself