Getting over the Slump - One Figure at a Time

[Plynkes]

Well I've been in a painting slump for a couple of months now. Nearing the end of a project with about twenty or so figures to do, I just can't seem to get up that last bit of the hill. With the end in sight you'd think it would get easier, but no. A real mental block has developed over these last few guys, I just can't knuckle down and do the batch. It has sucked all the joy out of painting for me, and I am so sick of painting all these blokes who are all dressed exactly the same.

Thinking back, a couple of LAF luminaries have given good advice in the past so I thought I'd follow it.

Grimm: Do one hour every day and you will make progress.
The Prof: Don't paint in batches, paint single figures.

So that's what I'm doing for a bit. To try and get my groove back I'm going to forget about all my grandiose schemes and just paint a few one-offs, things that take my fancy, just until I'm enjoying it again. Will it work? Well here goes...


No. 1

Bugler, 3rd Battalion, King's African Rifles. Fort Nandi, Kenya, 1905.

The result? Absolutely loved it. Had a real enjoyable time over the last couple of days painting this fella, and I don't think he turned out too bad. It really works, I'm right back into it again.  Thank's Prof, Grimmbo! It doesn't actually solve my batch problem, but at least I'm having a good time again. I'm going to keep at this for a little while and see how things go. I suppose I could always paint the rest of my project in batches of one, trouble is that might take ages. But I suppose that's better than not doing it at all.

[Hammers]

Were you burning your candle in both ends during the LPL? I mean, you were cranking out original corkers round after round then.

You're are over the slump if there was one in regards to quality. Top job, Plynkes. Really

[gamer Mac]

Very nice job
Love the face

[Malamute]

He looks great, lots of character there and a very tidy paint job.
Keep going!

[Svennn]

Where to start? Fantastic blue, gorgeous khaki, brilliant skin tones, tremendous face and for some reason my favourite bit the corking cross belts. Do you need my address for where to send him?

I know where you are were at, I have not painted a figure for an age and am really struggling doing my t'bird at present. On this evidence I think you're sorted.

[Driscoles]

It looks great Plynkes. Well done !
I am ( was )  into a painting hole as well. Mostly in summer. I cant touch a brush during the nice weather month. I also have finished a few figures to end  projects. Those are my French Foreign Legion from unfeasibly and my late War British from Great War miniatures. I also painted some Zulus from Blacktree and Some figures from Empress. When I feel that I am not under pressure i also paint one figure at a time. The results are much better !
Cheers
Björn

[Plynkes]

Were you burning your candle in both ends during the LPL? I mean, you were cranking out original corkers round after round then.

It was something different every week, so I didn't have the chance to get bored. What caused the slump was painting what seemed like the same figure over and over again.

Thanks for the comments, lads. Most encouraging. Now, can any button-counters spot the semi-deliberate historical error?

[RJ]

well done Plynkes, for the mini and getting back into the groove.

Im a great believer in one mini at a time, i often have to do this when im losing my painting mojo.
I dont really batch paint, 3 minis max but even that gets me down sometimes so going back to 1 always helps.

Again, lovely painting on a great mini and hope to see more.

[Thunderchicken]

Now, can any button-counters spot the semi-deliberate historical error?

No Rivets?

This is a lovely piece of work Plynkes. I rarely have time to paint these days so I'm going to try your system.

[Aaron]

Congratulations on both exiting the slump and turning out a fantastic bugler for your KAR! I look forward to seeing him blow the charge in a future batrep.

[Hammers]

It was something different every week, so I didn't have the chance to get bored. What caused the slump was painting what seemed like the same figure over and over again.

Thanks for the comments, lads. Most encouraging. Now, can any button-counters spot the semi-deliberate historical error?

Is it something about the Lee-Enfield?

[Aaron]

If I had to guess at the gaffe I'd say the cross belts are wrong. I'm fairly sure most units designated "rifles" should have black. I'm completely at see when it comes to Africa though.

[Hammers]

If I had to guess at the gaffe I'd say the cross belts are wrong. I'm fairly sure most units designated "rifles" should have black. I'm completely at see when it comes to Africa though.

I was thinking of this to but it wouldn't be totally out of place with older, chalked webbing in Africa during this period.

[gamer Mac]

The grass is the wrong shade of green for this time period
We give in, go on tell us
We know you are dying to

[Plynkes]

Hammers gets the cake. 1905 KAR should have a Martini-Enfield, a Lee Metford or a Long Lee Enfield. It's a conversion from a Great War-era rifleman, I used my special age-defying Plynkes formula to take ten years off him. I suppose lengthening and altering the barrel to turn the SMLE into a Long Lee would not have been that hard, but a combination of fear of wrecking the figure and "can't be bothered" defeated that idea. Oh well. Never mind, eh?

Edit: Aaron, white cross belts are correct according to Osprey (they are his bread bag and water bottle straps I think). Haven't checked further than that. Notice the rest of the Slade Wallace gear is black, as befits Rifles (regular British Army version was entirely white: ammo packs, straps and all).