WIP Critique Viking Explorer (75mm Nocturna)

[ChaosCossack]

Hey All

I decided to try something out of my usual comfort zone... meaning out of the general Blackpowder eras.
I truly dig Vikings, Norse and Germanic cultures.

To that end, for a change of pace not painting dark blue or red formal uniforms, I picked up this Nocturna 75mm fig. Thanx Alex and Bent Bristle.

I particularly like the fact this norseman is standing in the prow of his longboat... interesting pose. I looked forward to painting some different metals, chainmail, woods and of course some colours I'm not used to.

I was remiss in taking many WIP pics of the fig, so I'll try to do better with the ship. As for the ship... The casting on the fig is outstanding. The ship, not so much. The detail is great but the fit was full of gaps. Tried to fix that first.

Colin

 

[ChaosCossack]

For the figure, I found it hard to decide on colours when they aren't dictated to me. I didn't want to go with a study in browns. The fig carries armrings, a decorated scabbard and helmetand a full coat of mail... in short, a noble, a Jarl, a ship captain... so I gave him clothes to suit. Dark purple cloak and scabbard (family colour perhaps), rich green leggings, white trimmed blue shirt, good solid leather boots and belts. I tried three different brown leathers on the boots, two belts, shield strap and pouch.

Again I'm stymied trying to come up with a pattern for the shield, without over doing the purple... Thoughts? I've looked at hundreds of pics on the weeb and frankly that just made it worse. I'm leaning towards black and yellow sections.

Colin

 

[gendegaia]

Nice! Looking forward to seeing more pics.

 

[sd0324]

Looks well so far Colin, I really dig this figure as well. Looking forward to your progress on this one.




Steve.

 

[pgarri27]

Black and yellow ochre sounds good.

 

[ChaosCossack]

On to the ship prow and base...

For the base, rather than wood, I found a chunk of soapstone in my pile of crap in the basement. A failed attempt at Inuit carving many moons ago. I cut it to size, polished it and carved (scratched?) the title (in stylized rune letters) and what I believe is a symbol for Odin... I may be wrong on this but too bad, it's too damn late to change it now

Once the prow was mounted, there is some open flat space around it... seeing as I couldn't fill the areas with grass and weeds I was at a loss.

The boys at the club last meeting suggested water... so water it is. It is my first attempt at sculpting "active" water. I'm dubious of the results but like the carving... too late, it's done now I also added a step at the back of the deck section. Water and boards are done in straight Magic Sculpt.

Being the North Atlantic I'll be trying to keep the water colours dark blues and greens. I know the section of the prow showing is in truth well above the water line and the wake wouldn't be visable but to fill the void I figured water was the way to go... I'm picturing the ship in lively seas, turning into a wave.

That's what I see in here anyway

Colin

BTW the wash on the ship was just so I could see how I made out filling all the gaps. The whole thing will get primed over again with the new sculpted bits.

 

[ChaosCossack]

Black and yellow ochre sounds good.

I agree. I think that combo would look good against the purple of the cloak.

Cheers

 

[ChaosCossack]

Thanx Steve and Gen, so far it's been a fun project... something different.

Actually really close to the end of it

 

[Paul Kernan]

Your doing a great job on an interesting kit. Looking forward to seeing it 'in the flesh'

 

[Karlosfandango]

I have this figure also, though not touched as yet.
Like what your doing with this, I'll be following with interest.
Karl

 

[NickM]

Looking beaut, Colin. I also reckon the Black/Yellow Ochre shield would suit the existing colours nicely.

 

[megroot]

Looks great to me.

marc

 

[maco61]

Great work on this figure!
I like.
Ciao by Maco

 

[swralph]

Lovely work so far.
Ralph.

 

[Viking Bob]

Excellent work, you ought to get out of your comfort zone more often. Great painting.
Bob

 

[Colin_Fraser]

You are scooting with this one. Looks really nice so far,especially with the inspired base.Racing for the Hamilton finish line? I will be carless next weekend so no show for me.

Colin

 

[ChaosCossack]

Thanks everyone for the kind words and support. This has been a challenging project but a lot of fun too.
Colin, I thought Hamilton was on the 22nd?

Colin

 

[ChaosCossack]

Ok, having checked the calendar, I guess it is next weekend. Doh! Seeing as I have to drive right by your place to get to the Hammer, I'd be happy to stop by and pick you up... no excuse now

Colin

 

[Colin_Fraser]

Sadly I ain't at my home site. But thanks for offering. Plus I would look stoopud on a Harley

 

[arj]

Nice work on the figure.
Excellent idea for the boat section.
Being out of your comfort zone appears to be very good for you.

Cheers,
Andrew