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Miniatures Adventure => Colonial Adventures => Topic started by: Orctrader on April 22, 2011, 06:33:10 PM

Title: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on April 22, 2011, 06:33:10 PM: One of my painting projects for this year.

Painted a few figures in recent months, finally found time to do the photos which I'll post as I sort them.

First off, Quatermain.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Quartermain.jpg)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: cram on April 22, 2011, 06:59:28 PM: Lovely job!! :-* Like the colours you've used.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Colonel Tubby on April 22, 2011, 07:45:17 PM: Very nice, love the detail on the hat band.

Who makes the figure?
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Atheling on April 22, 2011, 08:09:34 PM: Top stuff mate 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Darrell.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Malamute on April 22, 2011, 09:15:14 PM: Very nice. ;D
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on April 22, 2011, 09:44:50 PM: Quote from: Colonel Tubby on April 22, 2011, 07:45:17 PM
Who makes the figure?

Ironclad Miniatures.

Now, from Foundry, a Native with a gun.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Native.jpg)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on April 22, 2011, 09:51:55 PM: Joining Quartermain and his armed bearer on Safari a couple of Big game hunters from "Bend Sinister."

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/H1.jpg)
(Slightly modified from the original that has a double-barrelled shotgun.)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/H2.jpg)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Svennn on April 22, 2011, 09:57:46 PM: Terrific!
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Arthur on April 22, 2011, 09:59:21 PM: Brilliant stuff indeed.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: cram on April 22, 2011, 10:43:10 PM: Lovely clean and crisp style of painting. The skin colour on the native with the gun is very nice.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: marianas_gamer on April 22, 2011, 11:45:59 PM: Really like your take on the Bend Sinister fellows :-*, nice muted colors and the wood grains are great throughout
LB
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Ray Rivers on April 23, 2011, 03:25:26 AM: :-*

Fantastic!

Really like the guy with the glasses.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: thejammedgatling on April 23, 2011, 01:25:37 PM: Great paintwork!

What colours did you use on your African native? I'm about to start doing some colour testing..
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on April 23, 2011, 01:39:20 PM: Lovely work, OT! The chap in the grey shirt is my favourite.

This is the first I've heard of "Bend Sinister" and they are definitely worth looking at. I've got enough explorers to form a regiment, but a few more won't hurt lol

I hope you turn this into a long-term thread!
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Colonel Tubby on April 23, 2011, 01:54:34 PM: Great work!

Love the Bend Sinister figures - the helmet on the little guy is great.

Are you using that blue/grey colour as a linking theme?
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Bugsda on April 23, 2011, 02:47:47 PM: Excellent paintwork Malcolm, I love what you've done with these 8)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on April 23, 2011, 04:10:45 PM: Thanks chaps. Thought you might like them. :)

Quote from: Colonel Tubby on April 23, 2011, 01:54:34 PM
Are you using that blue/grey colour as a linking theme?

Yes, absolutely. Though as I use a Wet Palette and I mixed enough paint for two garments and hate to waste... ;) But seriously, I do think a lot about colour choices and I do actually "link" figures in this way.

Quote from: thejammedgatling on April 23, 2011, 01:25:37 PM
What colours did you use on your African native?

Craft paints mainly. "Palmer Prism" Burnt Umber and Raw Umber. Intermixed with a spot of VMC Ivory for additional highlights. I wanted quite dark African skin.

Quote from: Gluteus Maximus on April 23, 2011, 01:39:20 PM
I hope you turn this into a long-term thread!

More planned, but RL can interfere. >:(

Couple of Foundry Askari next.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Ask2.jpg)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Remington on April 23, 2011, 05:14:02 PM: Oh, the heart rejoices! :-* Lovely painting, Orctrader. The dark skin is beautiful and will find its way into my Askari plans... :) And the colour linking is a very nice and effective idea. Wonderful stuff.

This is the first I've seen of these "white men" as well... Are they still obtainable? ~~I googled Bend Sinister, but they weren't to be found in an online shop.~~ Scratch that... Found them (http://www.bendsinister.co.uk/shop.php?CatID=3)!
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on April 24, 2011, 11:52:42 AM: Two more Askari.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Ask1.jpg)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Mr.J on April 24, 2011, 12:05:16 PM: I really like the patterns on the most recent ones, I've never thought of doing this, mine are always dressed quite plainly. Might have to borrow this idea next time I'm painitng some... Great job they look lovely.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on April 24, 2011, 12:16:24 PM: Quote from: Mr.J on April 24, 2011, 12:05:16 PM
I really like the patterns on the most recent ones, I've never thought of doing this, mine are always dressed quite plainly...

Almost all of the painted examples I looked at are too. Painters tend to go for plain, and often dark colours. African textiles are always brightly coloured though and often patterned, so that's what I went with. And they help to "lift" figures that are half-naked and dark-skinned.

Glad you like them. :)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Phil Robinson on April 24, 2011, 02:19:19 PM: Splendid work and very inspiring, if I wasn't so busy on other stuff I would be digging some out of the lead lump to do myself.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on April 25, 2011, 04:14:14 PM: Last one for a while. A Copplestone figure with “modified” face. I added a goatee beard and monocle. Another adventurer to join Quatermain and the others on Safari. :)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/HCopplestone.jpg)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: H.M.Stanley on April 25, 2011, 06:50:58 PM: Inspiring isn't the word!

Must-finish-NWF-Project-first ....
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: cram on April 25, 2011, 07:32:07 PM: Excellent stuff, the shirt really looks the business!
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on April 25, 2011, 08:26:37 PM: Thanks. :)

Quote from: cram on April 25, 2011, 07:32:07 PM
...shirt really looks the business!

Ah, that reminds me. I added the breast pockets.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: dodge on April 25, 2011, 08:28:45 PM: excellent on absolutely everything

very cool

dodge :D
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Mancha on April 26, 2011, 03:42:00 AM: I love the wraps on the natives. I wanted to do something like that for the pygmies in my latest LPL entry, but knew I'd never complete the decorations in time, and settled for bright colors instead. Kudos as well for the conversion on the most recent explorer pic. I've seen that mini so many times I almost NEED a conversion to make him interesting. Great stuff. Is this your first--what to call it?--theme thread?
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Galloping Major on April 26, 2011, 11:06:40 AM: Very nicely done 8)

www.gallopingmajorwargames.com
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on April 26, 2011, 02:05:07 PM: Thanks. :)

Quote from: Mancha on April 26, 2011, 03:42:00 AM
...Is this your first--what to call it?--theme thread?

Now you mention it, yes it is. :)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Malamute on April 26, 2011, 04:15:02 PM: All beautiful, especially the patterns on the cloin clothes and the goatee and monolce conversion. ;D
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Mancha on April 26, 2011, 05:32:50 PM: Quote from: Orctrader on April 26, 2011, 02:05:07 PM
Now you mention it, yes it is. :)

Well, I hope you keep it going. :)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Frank on April 27, 2011, 08:06:27 AM: Excellent miniatures and these patterns are a brilliant idea… :-* I hope there is some more!?
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on May 22, 2011, 06:28:48 PM: Finished the Askari. :)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/ASK3.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/ASK4b.jpg)

Their fearless leader…

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Leader.jpg)

The gang altogether…

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Askari.jpg)

Special thanks to fellow LAFFERS Svennn and Dr De'Ath for their generosity in supplying the two figures I needed to make up the group. Gentlemen both. :)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Prof.Witchheimer on May 22, 2011, 06:31:46 PM: splendid skin tones, Malcolm, very smooth and realistic.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Remington on May 22, 2011, 06:43:31 PM: Beautiful work. I am particularly fond of the painting on the top right one with the white fez. That face is excellent as is the shirt!
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Ray Rivers on May 22, 2011, 07:42:17 PM: :-*

Really nice work!

Love the patterns and the face of the leader is amazing.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Svennn on May 22, 2011, 08:25:54 PM: How can anyone ever mind supplying toys when you get to see them posted like this?

Absolutely splendid stuff (as always)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: marianas_gamer on May 22, 2011, 09:01:33 PM: Wow, is that scarification on the one fellow wearing the skin over his shoulder :o?!? Great painting on a very fierce looking group of ruffians.
LB
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on May 22, 2011, 09:28:45 PM: Lovely work :-*

Is the leader a conversion? I can't recall having seen him before. If he's a stock model, I must get one!
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Plynkes on May 22, 2011, 09:36:06 PM: (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/Plynkes/DA13_380x250.png)

Kidogo.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on May 22, 2011, 09:45:24 PM: Thanks chaps. :)

Quote from: Gluteus Maximus on May 22, 2011, 09:28:45 PM
Is the leader a conversion?

Not converted. Kidogo from DA126 - Big Game Hunt

Quote from: marianas_gamer on May 22, 2011, 09:01:33 PM
Wow, is that scarification on the one fellow wearing the skin over his shoulder...

Yes it is Lon. A few of the figures have scars sculpted on the faces. I just painted them. :)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on May 23, 2011, 07:46:30 AM: Thanks chaps! For some bizarre reason I don't own those packs and though I've seen individual figures from them, some are completely new to me. I always wondered where people got those standard bearers from. Fool!

Wish I'd seen this before I did Triples, as I'm sure Dave Thomas would have had it in stock.

edit for not reading OT's post properly - thanks Plynkes!
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Malamute on May 23, 2011, 08:40:06 AM: Wonderful stuff as always ;D
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Plynkes on May 23, 2011, 08:46:31 AM: As Orctrader said, he's also in this pack:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y40/Plynkes/DA126_380x250.png)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on May 23, 2011, 01:24:33 PM: Thanks chaps. Glad you like them. :)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on June 18, 2011, 04:24:59 PM: Almost a month ::) but another one is complete.

Small Big Game Hunter.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/SmallBigGameHunter.jpg)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on June 18, 2011, 05:18:01 PM: lol

Love the 'ickle bunny wabbit!

Who's the sculptor? Not Bob Olley, by any chance?
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Svennn on June 18, 2011, 05:26:28 PM: Lovely jubbly - I remember sending that over to you, glad to see its made its way out of the leadpile

Bigbum, its a Perry Citadel sculpt.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on June 18, 2011, 05:28:12 PM: Quote from: Svennn on June 18, 2011, 05:26:28 PM
Lovely jubbly - I remember sending that over to you, glad to see its made its way out of the leadpile

Bigbum, its a Perry Citadel sculpt.

Thanks! I wouldn't have recognized him as a Perry. Presumably an OOP sculpt?
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Plynkes on June 18, 2011, 05:34:22 PM: Is that Hashim Amla or W.G. Grace? :)

Lovely job either way.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Bugsda on June 18, 2011, 05:50:36 PM: Excellent job Malcolm 8) You might have started a new genre, weird darkest africa ;)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on June 19, 2011, 10:19:49 PM: Thanks chaps. :)

Quote from: Svennn on June 18, 2011, 05:26:28 PM
Lovely jubbly - I remember sending that over to you, glad to see its made its way out of the leadpile...

Been on the table for a while. Lovely little sculpt, especially the face.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on June 20, 2011, 07:41:55 PM: Last ones for a few weeks - probably.

Merciless Mercenaries

…There is nothing worse in the whole of Africa than when a white man goes bad…

They fight for anyone in return for money or treasure. Gun-running, slaving, river-piracy and ivory poaching. And just plain murder. Nothing is too low for these providing the price is high enough.

Foundry figures converted. Just the addition of an eye-patch here.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Captain.jpg)

Added a TAG machete.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Belguim.jpg)

The shotgun is now a sawn-off, slightly repositioned left arm and machete added. Hat was folded one-side and shade added at the neck.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Rufus.jpg)

Added a pistol holster – TAG again – and a second ammo belt.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v509/orctrader/Africa/Bill.jpg)

With all four the painting is a big part of the conversion. Aimed for rugged and slightly unkempt look.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Mancha on June 20, 2011, 07:45:25 PM: These seem kind of dark for you. Are you experimenting with a new style?

I like the conversions, especially the eye-patch one.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: H.M.Stanley on June 21, 2011, 12:20:06 PM: Love the conversions; particularly the guy holding the machette behind his back
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Remington on June 21, 2011, 06:18:35 PM: Cool stuff, OT! I also like the conversions a lot and especially the Corto Maltese with the eye-patch. Small simple change, but great character.
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on June 21, 2011, 09:20:46 PM: Thanks chaps. :)

Quote from: Mancha on June 20, 2011, 07:45:25 PM
These seem kind of dark for you. Are you experimenting with a new style?

For all of the figures in this "project" I toned down my highlighting as I thought it might suit the subject matter and be slightly quicker to paint. For these particular figures, due to the "back story" I went for an even "darker" look.

Not so much a new style, as a variation of my "standard." Though I'm always experimenting with my painting. Part of the fun. :)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Bugsda on June 22, 2011, 11:51:10 AM: Just brilliant Malcolm, love the eyepatch and you've changed Speke's character totally 8)
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Malamute on June 22, 2011, 04:15:15 PM: Quote from: Bugsda on June 22, 2011, 11:51:10 AM
Just brilliant Malcolm, love the eyepatch and you've changed Speke's character totally 8)

Yep, awesome work ;D
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Gluteus Maximus on June 22, 2011, 09:11:36 PM: Like with Plynkes' addition of a shield in another thread, these small conversions make a huge amount of difference.

Less is more!
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Svennn on June 22, 2011, 09:38:11 PM: OT pushing the putty as well now - dont you just hate some people :D

All rather splendid stuff
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Orctrader on June 23, 2011, 01:20:29 PM: Thanks. :)

I'm rather pleased with how they turned out. Though the blue jacket of the "machete behind his back" man lost some depth in the photo. Ah well. :?
Title: Re: Darkest Africa
Post by: Galloping Major on June 23, 2011, 05:38:28 PM: Nice conversions there 8)

www.gallopingmajorwargames.com