U.S. Navy Pilot, 1/6th scale Naked Army bust

[Macca G]

Great work Tony, I've really enjoyed following the journey with this guy.

 

[Adrian Cowdry]

Superb and may I say he appears to have a Hollywood matinee idol look about him...great finish.

 

[tonydawe]

Thanks chaps, I greatly appreciate all your comments.

Mike, the animal you're referring to is Alan Mackie, not me. I've confined my surgery to chopping off a head or two but he goes full-on Dr Frankenstein mode with his Naked Army figures. It's like the Island of Dr Moreau at his place.

I've resized these photos as I thought the full sized ones were just a bit too large (they showed too many flaws)

 

[Joe55]

That's some darn fine work Tony!

I especially think you did a superb job in depicting the grime and wind burn on this pilots face.

Joe

 

[NickM]

Beautifully done, Tony. Love it mate, one of my favourites of your busts.

 

[tonydawe]

Thanks Joe, I appreciate your comments mate. The grime and wind burn on the face were something I've done on previous pilot's faces. I like the look of dirty faces rather than clean faces as they convey a sense of exhaustion and stress. I also assumed that the pilot's face would be a bit sun burned due to the hot tropical sun beating down on him through the canopy of his plane.

 

[tonydawe]

Thanks Nick,

You'll see it at WASMEx mate.

 

[Wayneb]

Great work Tony......"NOW" it's a museum piece.............Keep up the good work........Wayne

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Wayne,

Thanks again for you latest comment and for all the comments you've posted on this thread. I'm not sure its a museum piece but it does deserve a place in my display cabinet.

 

[Mongo Mel]

Well done Tony!
Really looks great.
I may have to bug you for tips when I finally start on mine

 

[sherman93]

That's amazing Tony!!!!!

 

[Adrian Cowdry]

Very nice indeed Tony.

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Craig, thanks for your comments mate. happy to help you in any way I can and provide whatever tips you're looking for.

Hi Corrado, thanks for your comment.

Thanks again Adrian. My next project will be a 1\6th scale bust of an Australian Light Horseman. Can't wait. My favourite subject in my favourite scale by my favourite figure producer. Should be fun.

 

[Richie]

Hi Tony,
Now that is a piece brought to life. I don't know if Naked Army look in here, but I think they should give you the box art job for their figures. Love it.
cheers
Richie

 

[Wayneb]

Yeah.......I agree.....Both you and Tony should get a kick back from Naked Army..............and that's no joke...........Wayne

 

[tonydawe]

Guys, while I appreciate what you're saying, and the compliment implied, I paint these figures because I love them, and for no other reason.

The day I get paid to paint, painting stops being a hobby.

I have sold figures before, but only after I'd painted them for myself first and then someone offered to buy them from me. I donate many more to local veterans organisations as fundraising items or simply as gifts, but I've never been paid to paint box art.

I communicate regularly with Naked Army and we share a passion for Australian military history, and for me its a pleasure and an honour to paint such magnificent sculptures. It's as simple as that, and I want it to remain that simple.

 

[Wayneb]

I totally understand....................Wayne

 

[Adrian Cowdry]

Tony

I have done figures etc on commission and you hit the nail on the head - one of the reasons I don't enter competitions as well - it takes away from the hobby and love of making and painting.