SMC SHOW - workshop

planetFigure

Help Support planetFigure:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.

Michael Kontraros

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 28, 2012
Messages
128
Location
Greece
Good morning everyone


I will be doing a workshop at the SMC SHOW 10th of October 2015, on how to sculpt and create impressive sceneries for miniature. It is a technic I developed through the years.

If you want to reserve a seat visit http://www.scalemodelchallenge.com/seminar-saturday/

Creating Unique Bases with Michael Kontraros

Creating an impressive scene

Workshop teacher: Michael Kontraros

What to expect?
Michael has developed a specific style concerning sceneries for his miniatures. It is a unique technique for which he uses materials that it are not commonly known or used by many modelers or figure painters. You will construct and sculpt a scenery and ground work using the provided materials and techniques as explained by Michael Kontraros, providing quick and impressive results.
On top of this, being a seminar participant, you will have exclusive access to the M. Kontraros Collectibles stand and other trade stands during this day.
Duration: Half day workshop, afternoon session only.

What do you get?Besides a really cool seminar, we will have the required putties and polyester available, as well as respirator masks. The stuff is smelly J All the basic materials, such as mixing cups, tissues, water, etc. are provided. We also provide small wooden bases (5x5cms) to dreate your master piece.
Materials to bring?
– Desk lamp
– Spatulas and/or sculpting tools. Sturdy metal ones are preferred.
– A big heavy duty cutting knife (from Stanley or similar for example)
– Super glue (medium or thick viscosity)
 
Dear Michael,
A question if I may.
Years ago I read the the 'perfect' ratio for a base compared to a figure was something. Cannot locate the article now.
Can you give some guidance, please. I remember the article said the height of a figure called for a base of certain dimensions and thickness.
Any assistance from you would be greatly appreciated.
Good luck on your seminar.

Michael Mahoney
Mountain View AR
[email protected]
 
Hello Michael
I don't know about the article you are refearing to, but I must tell you that there is not such thing as a "perfect miniature to scenery ratio"
Each miniature is a diffrent project and has different rulls in how to present it.
...anywhay, that is just my opinion ;)
 
Michael M, I vaguely remember something like you describe but I remember also thinking it was trying too hard to apply a formula to what is a creative and dynamic hobby.
Personally I consider the whole anticipated end result as being part of the process. I plan the 'story' I want to tell, gather together the component parts, do a rough set out to get as pleasing and as tight a composition as I can.
I then carefully choose a base, and plan a nameplate to fit by what looks good and don't for a second worry about formula measurements.
Cheers
Derek
 
Dear Michael M. and Derek,
Well put. I am using bases 3/4 " tall by 2 3/4 square for stand alone 90mm figures. The base is large enough to grasp, but does not overwhelm the figure. I make the bases in by woodshop from a variety of woods depending on the wood color to enhance the figure. Two hobbies combined to retain my sanity!!
Thanks for the replies, and hope all is good at your house.
Michael Mahoney
Mountain View AR
 
The important thing is do you like the way it looks.
For me even with a 90mm figure I'd be going for a plinth height around 2" (50mm), just personal taste.
I like burrs and highly figured grains so I want the grain to be seen and become part of the whole.
Derek
 
Hey Derek,
I agree once again. What I am presently working on are the Series 77 Americans and Classics. Most of the figures are stand alone, except for a few combinations and cavalry that obviously require a larger base. The short base serves me well with the collection and provides uniformity of size, but a variety of woods and stains (if needed).
I also like character woods just to add to the flavor of the figure. I have a nice piece of grapefruit that is driving me nuts, but patience will find the right figure for it.
Michael Mahoney
 
Interesting thoughts here , basing up seems to follow trends , the european guys tend to go for the taller base from what I have seen at shows and have been setting the trend for some time now , don't see much below 75mm .
Like Del I think it should be part of the whole performance but there is a fine balance to be struck ; you gotta make sure you don't put on too much make up .
 

Latest posts

Back
Top