Hi to one and all
This month I decided it’s time to take the ferry to the green and pleasant land of Ireland to meet a very prominent member of the Irish Model Soldier Society ......which is affiliated to the British Model Soldier Society not a leprechaun or Guinness in sight but some wonderful response’s and miniature’s from this fine fellow ....
My great pleasure to introduce to you .......
Hi John
Many thanks for agreeing to the interview it’s good to meet you and thank you for your time
“Many thanks to you Kevin for the invite to meet the artist. I am honoured to be added to the Planet Figue MTA page.”
1 Tell us a bit about yourself please John
I have lived in Ireland all my life, specifically Dublin City . I initially worked as a trainee sign writer, then in an engineering design and supply company, before commencing a career with An Garda Siochana , which is Irelands National Police Service. I spent 36 years in the Force, in various roles before I retired from Investigation work
2 How long have you been painting or sculpting figures , what got you started into this form of art ?
I have been involved in the modelling world since the early 70s. It all kicked off for me with Airfix kits. My late father arrived home with 2 aircraft , Sopwith Camel and Fokker Tri Plane, in the old style Airfix plastic bags suspended beneath a folded card topper which featured beautiful artist impressions of each of the aircraft.
I built many plastic kits from there on before I ventured into the figure world.
My first plastic model figure was a 54mm Airfix Collectors Series French Foreign Legionnaire in the classic blue Greatcoat and White Kepi with full pack.
I built many of this series before I discovered Airfix multipose figures and the endless opportunities for conversions.
My first venture into white metal figures was a 65mm Limited Edition Figure of Hockmeister Herman Von Salza by the very talented Keith Durham. This was an eye opener for me, using superglue for the first time, I soon learned just how sticky it was for fingers.
3 Who if any artist is the main influence and has motivated you to your current level ?
That's a wide and varied field for me. Initially my greatest inspiration was from my own modelling club The Irish Model Soldier Society and the works of other Club members , one club member in particular had amazing conversion and all round modelling skills, and his figures left a lifelong impression on me . My first exposure to commercial Dioramas was the Monogram AFV Kits and the excellent leaflets contained inside featuring the Dioramas of Shep Paine. His work on box dioramas were pure inspiration for me and later prompted me to start down this road. Many other modellers have inspired me such as Francois Verlinden, Danilo Cartacci, Bob Letterman, Marijn Van Gils, to name but a few. What I can say is that I continue to be inspired by modellers throughout the world who are producing some amazing pieces.
4 Are you a member of any club or association ?
I have been a member of the Irish Model Soldier Society since 1976. It's probably the main reason that I've progressed in the hobby ,skill wise, as club members are always happy to share techniques which help improve your skills.
Link to FB IMMS page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2365043496907942/?ref=share
5 Do you have a favourite paint product or medium ?
I'm always happy to try out various paints both acrylic and oils, however my favourite paints are Vallejo, AK and Kimera paints. I also use Scale 75 metallic paints on a regular basis.
6 On average how long to complete a piece ?
I'm a lazy painter, so when the mood strikes I will paint. If I was to break it down , then I'd probably complete a 54mm in around 12 hours. I've painted 25mm in around 6 hours. But when I have to work on larger diorama it can take several weeks of 12 hour days.
7 Have you a preferred subject and in what scale to work on ie: historical/ fantasy ?
Definitely Historical, 75mm and Napoleonic tops my list. I love the colours and style of the uniforms of the period.
8 Have you a favourite piece in the display cabinet ?
I have 2 favourite pieces.
9 Is there a subject you’ve not done yet but want to ?
I am currently working on a large scale figure diorama. This has been in my kind for quite some time. So I guess this is probably the subject I have most wanted to do for a long time.
10 Is there a favourite manufacturer you’ve worked with ?
I'm currently working with Mithril Miniatures on their new 35mm and 54mm Range of Lord of the Rings Figures. Their sculptor Chris Tubbs has recently transitioned from traditional sculpting to 3D Sculpts and the new sculpting is amazing and certainly a pleasure to paint.
11 What’s your favourite model show ?
Euro Militaire was my go to show but since it's unfortunate demise I would have to say Scale Model Challenge in Veldhoven is a show I consider my favourite.
Link for Scale Model Challenge.
https://www.scalemodelchallenge.com/
12 What’s your thoughts on the current world of Miniatures ?
We are spoilt for choice these days. The sheer scale of products and accessories available to the modelling community is probably the best I have ever seen. The quality of new releases is just amazing. I am delighted to see younger modellers are still attracted to the hobby, it's certainly hard to compete with all the technology distractions these days but shops like Warhammer World are bridging the gap and introducing high quality Miniatures into the gaming world. I guess you could call them Gateway models.
13 Where do you see the future of the hobby heading ?
I see a definite trend towards fantasy figures. If you look at various shows the tables are groaning with fantasy entries. There are some incredibly talented artists in this field. I hope that they will begin experimenting with Historical figures, their fantasy figures are mindblowing and I'd love to see their techniques applied to Historical pieces.
14 Any thoughts on 3D compared to traditional sculpting ?
3D Sculpting is an amazing tool. I dont really have a preference between the traditional or 3D aspect. I look at the sculpting and if it's something well sculpted and a subject I like I will buy it. I know some traditional sculptors frown on the medium of 3D but my own opinion is if you have a new tool and can learn to use it , then why not go for it ? I think it's a bit like paintbrush and airbrush, new medium , new skill set, your choice.
15 Do you much sculpting/ conversion on your figures ?
In general only to improve details, although , my most recent work in progress featured a conversion of Pegasos 54mm Waterloo Guardsman
The Completed Piece
16 Is there anyone you’d like to see featured in “Meet the Artist”
Id love to see the 3D sculptor Nello Ricieccio featured.
A really BIG THANK YOU to John and to ALL at IMMS for their contribution to this great hobby of ours
Now my pleasure to share some more of Johns artwork ...note especially the Box Diorama , Flats and a variety of subjects ..
ENJOY these and your own modelling time
Of course a interview wouldn’t be right without some busts
Nap
This month I decided it’s time to take the ferry to the green and pleasant land of Ireland to meet a very prominent member of the Irish Model Soldier Society ......which is affiliated to the British Model Soldier Society not a leprechaun or Guinness in sight but some wonderful response’s and miniature’s from this fine fellow ....
My great pleasure to introduce to you .......
JOHN SCHLEY
Hi John
Many thanks for agreeing to the interview it’s good to meet you and thank you for your time
“Many thanks to you Kevin for the invite to meet the artist. I am honoured to be added to the Planet Figue MTA page.”
1 Tell us a bit about yourself please John
I have lived in Ireland all my life, specifically Dublin City . I initially worked as a trainee sign writer, then in an engineering design and supply company, before commencing a career with An Garda Siochana , which is Irelands National Police Service. I spent 36 years in the Force, in various roles before I retired from Investigation work
2 How long have you been painting or sculpting figures , what got you started into this form of art ?
I have been involved in the modelling world since the early 70s. It all kicked off for me with Airfix kits. My late father arrived home with 2 aircraft , Sopwith Camel and Fokker Tri Plane, in the old style Airfix plastic bags suspended beneath a folded card topper which featured beautiful artist impressions of each of the aircraft.
I built many plastic kits from there on before I ventured into the figure world.
My first plastic model figure was a 54mm Airfix Collectors Series French Foreign Legionnaire in the classic blue Greatcoat and White Kepi with full pack.
I built many of this series before I discovered Airfix multipose figures and the endless opportunities for conversions.
My first venture into white metal figures was a 65mm Limited Edition Figure of Hockmeister Herman Von Salza by the very talented Keith Durham. This was an eye opener for me, using superglue for the first time, I soon learned just how sticky it was for fingers.
That's a wide and varied field for me. Initially my greatest inspiration was from my own modelling club The Irish Model Soldier Society and the works of other Club members , one club member in particular had amazing conversion and all round modelling skills, and his figures left a lifelong impression on me . My first exposure to commercial Dioramas was the Monogram AFV Kits and the excellent leaflets contained inside featuring the Dioramas of Shep Paine. His work on box dioramas were pure inspiration for me and later prompted me to start down this road. Many other modellers have inspired me such as Francois Verlinden, Danilo Cartacci, Bob Letterman, Marijn Van Gils, to name but a few. What I can say is that I continue to be inspired by modellers throughout the world who are producing some amazing pieces.
4 Are you a member of any club or association ?
I have been a member of the Irish Model Soldier Society since 1976. It's probably the main reason that I've progressed in the hobby ,skill wise, as club members are always happy to share techniques which help improve your skills.
Link to FB IMMS page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2365043496907942/?ref=share
5 Do you have a favourite paint product or medium ?
I'm always happy to try out various paints both acrylic and oils, however my favourite paints are Vallejo, AK and Kimera paints. I also use Scale 75 metallic paints on a regular basis.
6 On average how long to complete a piece ?
I'm a lazy painter, so when the mood strikes I will paint. If I was to break it down , then I'd probably complete a 54mm in around 12 hours. I've painted 25mm in around 6 hours. But when I have to work on larger diorama it can take several weeks of 12 hour days.
7 Have you a preferred subject and in what scale to work on ie: historical/ fantasy ?
Definitely Historical, 75mm and Napoleonic tops my list. I love the colours and style of the uniforms of the period.
8 Have you a favourite piece in the display cabinet ?
I have 2 favourite pieces.
Napoleon after the Battle of Wateloo fleeing the battlefield in his coach.
My Poste Militaire mounted Samurai Daimyo
My Poste Militaire mounted Samurai Daimyo
9 Is there a subject you’ve not done yet but want to ?
I am currently working on a large scale figure diorama. This has been in my kind for quite some time. So I guess this is probably the subject I have most wanted to do for a long time.
10 Is there a favourite manufacturer you’ve worked with ?
I'm currently working with Mithril Miniatures on their new 35mm and 54mm Range of Lord of the Rings Figures. Their sculptor Chris Tubbs has recently transitioned from traditional sculpting to 3D Sculpts and the new sculpting is amazing and certainly a pleasure to paint.
Gandalf & Bilbo 54mm
Battle of Isen Ford 32mm
Battle of Isen Ford 32mm
11 What’s your favourite model show ?
Euro Militaire was my go to show but since it's unfortunate demise I would have to say Scale Model Challenge in Veldhoven is a show I consider my favourite.
Link for Scale Model Challenge.
https://www.scalemodelchallenge.com/
12 What’s your thoughts on the current world of Miniatures ?
We are spoilt for choice these days. The sheer scale of products and accessories available to the modelling community is probably the best I have ever seen. The quality of new releases is just amazing. I am delighted to see younger modellers are still attracted to the hobby, it's certainly hard to compete with all the technology distractions these days but shops like Warhammer World are bridging the gap and introducing high quality Miniatures into the gaming world. I guess you could call them Gateway models.
13 Where do you see the future of the hobby heading ?
I see a definite trend towards fantasy figures. If you look at various shows the tables are groaning with fantasy entries. There are some incredibly talented artists in this field. I hope that they will begin experimenting with Historical figures, their fantasy figures are mindblowing and I'd love to see their techniques applied to Historical pieces.
14 Any thoughts on 3D compared to traditional sculpting ?
3D Sculpting is an amazing tool. I dont really have a preference between the traditional or 3D aspect. I look at the sculpting and if it's something well sculpted and a subject I like I will buy it. I know some traditional sculptors frown on the medium of 3D but my own opinion is if you have a new tool and can learn to use it , then why not go for it ? I think it's a bit like paintbrush and airbrush, new medium , new skill set, your choice.
15 Do you much sculpting/ conversion on your figures ?
In general only to improve details, although , my most recent work in progress featured a conversion of Pegasos 54mm Waterloo Guardsman
The Completed Piece
16 Is there anyone you’d like to see featured in “Meet the Artist”
Id love to see the 3D sculptor Nello Ricieccio featured.
A really BIG THANK YOU to John and to ALL at IMMS for their contribution to this great hobby of ours
Cheers John 
Now my pleasure to share some more of Johns artwork ...note especially the Box Diorama , Flats and a variety of subjects ..
ENJOY these and your own modelling time
Of course a interview wouldn’t be right without some busts
Nap
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