New to the site

[Jake]

Hello. My name is Jake, and I'm new here. I've been figure modeling almost exclusively since around 1993, and have been sculpting since around 1994. I migrated to figures, as many have, from armor modeling. I must say that I'm thrilled to find this site (was linked here by a regular poster and fine figure artist at the Fine Scale Modeler forum)

As my sculpting skills have increased, my painting skills have slipped, as has my interest in painting, so most of my work is original, and often goes years unpainted, or half painted.

I am partial to Napoleonic material, as well as 16th Century Japan, though I dabble in many other areas. Here are some samples of my most recent work. Some painted, some WIP

1/6th scale Soviet Sniper, WWII

Mosin-Nagant 91/30 detail

Ammo pouch and sling details

120mm Samurai duel vingette, piece #1 "The Victor", painting almost complete

Samurai duel vignette, piece #2 "The Vanquished", rough paint, still some finish work left to go.

Both pieces together, in context, unpainted. Still some sculpting to do on piece #2

My 120mm 3rd French Hussar, c1811

120mm Japanese Warrior Monk, c1185

 

[Sambaman]

Jake,
first of all welcome to the Planet! Secondly, really cool work! I love the creativity, and I have to say, I really, really like the shape you have achieved on the Russian sniper. Too often we have an over idealized realization of the femal form, you have managed to make her VERY real. I will certainly offend someone here, so look away if you don't like what I'm about to say, but the slight sag of her boosom and the build of her not so comic-bookesque hips and tummy are FANTASTIC! This is how a '40s era Russain female soldier should look in my oppinion! I also like the slightly Asian look you have achieved in her facial features. Keep it up and keep posting! Good to see new stuff!

Jay H.
OKC

 

[Jake]

Thankyou.

That face actually did start life as an asian face, but it was still a little too caucasian and I never did anyting with it. When I started this project, I thought it'd be perfect for an eastern Russian woman, with some Mongol blood, perhaps. I made some refinements to further wash over the Asian details and got busy with the rest of it.

Thanks also for the comments on her figure. I refuse to model women in that comic book form. Or men, for that matter. I don't like idealism in that form. It's not real. I did a fair 1/9th scale figure of Betty Page, and while it's a classic pin-up, it's still anatomically true to life, rather than characatured comic book idealism. That's the thing I hate about a lot of Fantasy figures. I'd like to see the women look more like women than like men with breasts and refined facial features.

I do appreciate true characature though. Even the Japanese Anime figures.

Thanks again for the welcome and the words. And I dare say that it's a pleasure to be in the company of such great talent. Not a lot of figure modeling in my neck of the woods, so there's not a lot of inspiration, aside from magazines. This is the sort of interaction I've been waiting for.

 

[MinasTirithGuard]

Nice work, I remember it well. Will you be in Chicago again this year?

 

[Jake]

Sadly, no. Couldn't pull the money together quickly enough. I talked with you didn't I? Along with Bill Chilstrom? We talked about drawing and stuff as well, IIRC. Was looking at some of your latest work here. You're coming along fantastically. That face you did off of your friend is truly amazing. I envy your clear ease with sculpting. It's taken me years just to get to the point I'm at now. I still have so much to improve on, but that's how it goes.

I'm trying to shoot for the '07 SCHAMS. Keeping my fingers crossed. I'd like to have the samurai vignette done, and also a little something I'm working on involving a certain notorious Schwimmwagen from the Battle of the Bulge, in 120mm, but it's all about time and money.

Such is life.

Nice to bump into you again.

 

[Christos]

Welcome to the planet Jake.You have done a very good work with these figures.I really like the russian sniper,the painting is beautiful as the sculping!
best regards
christos

 

[Kisifer]

Welcome to PF Jake. Make yourself confortable and we wait more of you neat work.

Xenofon

 

[Roc]

Nice work and welcome to the Planet.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers
Roc.

 

[Dan Morton]

Marvelous sculpting, Jake! Welcome to the Planet!

All the best,
Dan

 

[Piotr Czyz]

Welcome to the Planet! I like the sniper the most!

Regards,
Piotr

 

[Jake]

Thank you one and all. I am pleased to be here and look forward to contributing in the future.

 

[vergilius]

Well, take a seat and keep on sculping

 

[frank h]

Hi Jake
Welcome to the Planet
Your work looks terrific

Look forward to seeing more

Frank

 

[MinasTirithGuard]

Yea, I was with you and Bill at MMSI. It's too bad you can't go this year, but maybe I'll run into you at SCAHMS if I go. I really hope you're able to get the samurai done, it's a really cool idea and a well excecuted one.

Good luck!

 

[Jake]

Yes, it would have been nice. I'm pretty certain I'll be able to hit the Cali show though, so perhaps I'll see you there.

I plan on having the Samurai vignette done by then.