WIP Critique Rainy Mountain Charlie, 1/10th scale bust

[tonydawe]

This classic bust was re-released last year and I just had to have it. There's something just so appealing about that face, and the texture on the blanket is just crying out for some detail.

Started laying down the base coat skin tones and applying first highlights and shadows with acrylics last night. Still a long way to go but I feel like I've made a good start.

 

[kiwi45]

That is a cracker of a bust and I love the blanket texture, your start on the skin colour looks spot on.
Les

 

[giorgiomalteser]

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This was my first ever bust that started me in the miniature painting hobby, I received it on a Friday and spent the whole weekend painting it. Needless to say it was not exactly a great job. I've come a long way since then and redid the bust a second time, this time with a bit more success. One of the nicest busts from Poste Militaire full of character.

 

[kagemusha]

Indeed...a very good start on a classic piece Tony

 

[pgarri27]

My favorite bust. I have painted two of it. You are off to a good sart.

 

[megroot]

Didn't know it whas re-released. Can you tell me who??
Awesome work.

Marc

 

[Joe55]

Tony, you are a fine painter, and I can't wait to see your version of this old Indian!

Ok, now where did you get him, cause I want one!

Joe

 

[Wayneb]

Agree with Joe.I expect you're going to peak a lot of painters interest in this piece again.
Wayne

 

[tonydawe]

The figure is produced by Lamb and Flag.

 

[tonydawe]

Here are the WIP pics after a second session with the paints last night. I'm still trying to tweak the skin colours to get the right degree of contrast between the base skin colour and the dark shadows.

Don't worry about the shiny black hat, it will soon be quite old and beat up.

I've also attached an image I've found in Google Images of a Navajo Chief's blanket design which looks rather interesting, and would represent a real challenge to paint.

 

[arj]

Very nice face and shirt.
It's going to look fantastic with that design on the blanket.

Cheers,
Andrew

 

[NickM]

Looking good, Tony. Love the blanket design mate - it'll be a challenge, but will look brilliant when done.

 

[Range Rat]

Great skin tones....I have the original pages from MM when it first come out.

 

[davidmitchell]

Great start Tony look forward to your next steps.I have a original one of thes in my stash that I will need to paint, it's a classic.


Cheers David

 

[tonydawe]

Thanks for all your encouraging comments guys.

I got stuck in last night and start to base coat the hat and the blanket.

 

[megroot]

a long way to go, but it is allready beautifull.

Marc

 

[Jimbo]

Nice one Tony, this is a wonderful little bust that seems to be one of those rare sculpts that just keep on going and going, it must be 15 maybe 20 years since it's first release
Cheers
Jim

 

[peedee]

Nice nice nice.

Paul.

 

[tonydawe]

Thanks for your comments gents. Jim, this bust is indeed a classic sculpt that has been enjoyed by at least two generations of figure modellers now, and forms part of a collection of outstanding Native American busts from the 1970's and 80's that also include the Mandan Blood Warrior, the squaw and papoose (which is also re-released by Lamb & Flag), and of course some of earlier busts by Barton Miniatures.

More than anything else, Rainy Mountain Charlie is a great character study and the face is 99% why it's been such a popular bust over so many years. There's so much expression in his wrinkly old face, the sun tanned leathery skin, the squinting eyes and the smirking mouth holding the pipe. I just fell in love with this bust when I first saw pictures of it in Military Modelling all those years ago, and couldn't wait to get my hands on it when it was re-released last year.

 

[Joe55]

Looking mighty fine Tony !

Those Lamb and Flag folks don't answer my inquiries (2 already), but the search is on!

Joe