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Re: Painting

David
Like you I have a number of Italeri Battlesets both completed and ready to start. I like the MDF central construct, ie arena, Rorkes Drift, desert fort etc. With the exception of the fort which I found benefitted from a textured finish. I otherwise consider the manufactured etching finish to be better than I can paint. Again like you I use Strelets and other figures to further populate the set.
I find that irrespective of which set of figures I am working on i grow a little bored half way through. However a consolation is that l tend to be a faster on the second batch and by that time I'm planning my next set. I quite like the repetitive nature of painting Napoleonics. I paint the first figure near enough to completion and when more or less happy with the result I replicate in colour batches flesh, facing, uniform etc. This is not the case with medieval figures where I find I have to vary the clothing colour scheme. Theres nothing a Viking hates more than seeing another in the same dress.
I have experimented with all sorts of different visual aids when painting, from illuminated magnifying glasses to some on a headband,(that made me feel quite nauseous). However I have settled on strong reading glasses giving me maximum flexibility providing I have plenty of light. To this end I prefer LED lights these being cooler and not drying out the paint.
Whilst I consider myself quite disciplined on completing a set before moving on to the next,(I think this is an age thing with me)and not something I could have been accused of in the past. Howoever I do paint on a lot of fronts. Plus there is the temptation factor in the hobby shop. Yes I'm lucky enough to have a very good one nearby.
Anyway in answer to the original question that I seem to have veered from, variety keeps the interest.
Keep painting!

Re: Painting

I have experimented with all sorts of different visual aids when painting, from illuminated magnifying glasses to some on a headband,(that made me feel quite nauseous). However I have settled on strong reading glasses giving me maximum flexibility providing I have plenty of light. To this end I prefer LED lights these being cooler and not drying out the paint.


Hello Paul,
I see that you have had the same experience as me.

Four years ago I had also bought a headband with magnifying glasses, but it didn't work out well.

Since then I'm using simple reading glasses with 2.0 dioptre magnification. That helps a lot when painting 1:72 figures.

Sometimes the simple help is the best. :wink:

@ David:

Hello David (Dave),

So that it doesn't get boring when painting my figures, I always work on two sets in parallel. Ideally, these sets have different uniforms and colors. So I currently have a few Prussians and a few Highlanders on the table ..
I always paint the set that gives me more pleasure at the moment ... This is how I avoid boredom when painting large units .. :nerd_face:

Re: Painting

Hi Gerd
I was inspired by your contribution of Standing Prussians and decided to emulate your style particularly the blacklining of the trousers. Today I finished them and I am pleased with the result, they are a great set,so thank you to you and Strelets.
With regards to painting a couple of sets in parallel. Well I will try this also, what have I got to lose and to paraphrase Captain Aubrey, I'm not going anywhere !

Re: Painting

Dave James Waddell
Right on Wayne. I’m glad to hear you are painting again. I retire in a couple months from the military. I hope to have a lot more free time.
Take care.
David
It feels good to be back at it again and not just staring at the boob tube or computer. Congratulations on surviving your career to retire. I made it almost thirteen years before service connected injuries forced me out. But it was a great run.

I came up with another thing I do to "rest" my eyes. Try alternating from a complex set to a simpler job. I think my burnout came not only from some health issues and family, but also painting something like 300 of the brand new Strelets Highlanders - then I had to re-organize and retouch my other Highlander sets (about 300 more). I love them, but... I finally got the Standing at Ease set and found the new Italeri "Highlanders in Square" set and moan when I look at them.

On the other hand, I have some half-finished Prussian Landwehr sets and the Strelets sets in boxes waiting for after I finish my 1/32 figures. When I get them done I can always "finish off" the Highlanders. If not... I've got British in greatcoats...

Concerning magnifying glasses. I tried many types over the years with varying results. I finally found what was for me an almost perfect solution - lit magnifying eyeglasses. I already wear bifocals. These fit over my glasses and work great in seeing the details on my figures.

Long post, hope it's useful.

Re: Painting

Thanks.
I really enjoy reading the post on trying to keep things fresh. I’m going to try doing 2 different sets also. I did pickup the knew style of glasses that you see on the hobby site. Thanks for all the insight on how you work in the amazing hobby.
Great to hear from you Wayne. All the best to you and your family. Stay safe and classy as always.
Keep painting
Cheers
David

Re: Painting

Hello friends,
one last tip from me:

Never start with the painting of more than two sets at a time.
Because my experience showed me that then more and more started things pile up on the table.

Never more than two !! :wink:

Re: Painting

Cool I’ll keep that in mind. Most times I have a hard time with one. I find one infantry and one cavalry set is my make.
Cheers
David

Re: Painting

Gerd
Thanks for the warning never more than two.
Is it a bit like "Gremlins" getting wet ?