Completed WW 1 Allied Commanders

[John Ballard]

So following on from the WW 1 German high command set of busts I am now working on an Allied version to complement it.

The first model is just about ready for paint. In all I will be making Foch Haig and Jellicoe. So this is Foch who was supreme commander of allied forces at the end of the war.

John

 

[swralph]

very nice

 

[Richard Baxter]

A much-neglected area of modelling. With the exception of Haig and Kitchener, our generals and admirals remain a little "faceless" and unknown. With the big anniversary this year, it is timely to remedy this. Whatever you think of the capabilities of the allied commanders, and they still divide opinion to this day, they are important historical figures. One thinks also of French, Plumer, Robertson, Gough, Joffre, the ANZACs Birdwood and Monash, Samsonov and the dashing admiral David Beatty. Sorry USA, should add Pershing to the list. Some good subjects to be tackled here. Would be interested to hear Steve Warrilow's thoughts.

 

[John Ballard]

Swralph Thanks for taking the time to post your encouragement, much appreciated.
Richard You're right about the difficulty of selecting who to model from this period. But like you I am surprised that very few of them have turned up as a figure or a bust on here.

I like to paint in a particular technique. I apply a base coat in just acrylics and work up a little toning to give me a guide. All of this will then be covered with oils to get the subtlety and the exact colours that I am trying for. So this is the early stage with the acrylics just about finished. The final colouring will be a little different but this stage helps me to keep things in line.
John

 

[Colin_Fraser]

A much-neglected area of modelling. With the exception of Haig and Kitchener, our generals and admirals remain a little "faceless" and unknown. With the big anniversary this year, it is timely to remedy this. Whatever you think of the capabilities of the allied commanders, and they still divide opinion to this day, they are important historical figures. One thinks also of French, Plumer, Robertson, Gough, Joffre, the ANZACs Birdwood and Monash, Samsonov and the dashing admiral David Beatty. Sorry USA, should add Pershing to the list. Some good subjects to be tackled here. Would be interested to hear Steve Warrilow's thoughts.

Don't forget Arthur Currie....maybe I will take him on. Great Foch though. Love the individual style!

Colin

 

[John Ballard]

Colin I hope you do take on Arthur. Most people seem to forget that the Canucks had a big share in WW 1. And Currie was one of the more modern of the various commanders.
John

 

[Richard Baxter]

Colin, yes, my sincere apologies for omitting Currie from my top-of-the-head list. Canada's contribution to WW1 is significant and should not be overlooked.

 

[John Ballard]

Foch has now received his oil coat. Now the wait for this to dry before I can apply the various varnishes to kill the sheen.

John

 

[John Ballard]

I have finally applied the varnishes to Foch so he's finished. In the centre frame you can see that I am beginning the painting of Jellicoe. Not a great likeness but I like the plain uniform as a contrast to the others.

So more painting on Jellicoe then just Haig to go.

John

 

[Colin_Fraser]

I am liking your vibrant painting style John. Great basing too.

Colin

 

[John Ballard]

Thanks Colin

So the last bust of my little sextet is now under way. Haig will complete the allied grouping for me. I was not so pleased with my version of Jellicoe since I felt the likeness was weak. Therefore I concentrated a little harder on the face for this Haig bust, anyway see what you think.

John

 

[Colin_Fraser]

I like him. Are those ball bearing eyes?

Colin

 

[John Ballard]

Thanks Colin, in fact they are little glass beads that you can buy at art stores in the jewelry making section. I find they are very helpful in getting eyes to look OK. They also come in a number of sizes.
John

 

[John Ballard]

So I decided that my Jellicoe was pretty naff so I have redone him and completed the sculpting of Haig. Just some paint to go.

John

 

[Helm]

Wot no Melchett ?

Lovely sculpts these
Steve

 

[Wings5797]

Brilliant work John.
Your bust groups really catch the imagination.
Well done Mate.
Keith

 

[Richard Baxter]

Perhaps John's next project should be a Blackadder group then. Baaa!!

PS: Only joking.

 

[John Ballard]

Gentlemen the encouragement is very much appreciated. I think Melchett will certainly be in the next group, his motto is one that I can certainly go along with.
John

 

[housecarl]

Looking great John.
You're getting a collection going.

 

[John Ballard]

SO nearly finished now. Jellicoe Mk II has had his acrylic coat and Haig is drying after painting in oils. Just some final varnishing to do.

John