Something is wrong with George! Completion #2

Something didn't feel right about George! I'm a professional and whether I'm painting for myself or doing a commission, it's gotta be right for somebody.

Well after talking with Mike at Michael Miniatures we agree that the bust needs something more. As I said before, this kit is meant to depict George as President. In an effort to make him more "civilian" in appearance I left the colors a bit monotone (blue) and we both agreed the bust needed something more. Thanks to the fact that this is really Mike's kit and that I am painting the box art for him, we were able to determine something that will add interest, a bit of pop and hopefully help people to want this kit even more. George has been depicted wearing the standard blue overcoat but with a red/scarlet lining that carries over to the collar as it folds over the shoulders. This harks back to his Generals coat and really makes this a more appealing paint job.

Now he is done. (I think)

President George Washington - Completed

Well, I have completed this wonderful new portrait bust of President George Washington, an upcoming release from Michael Miniatures and sculpted by Matt Springer. I feel this is quite an accomplishment for me as it marks my first use of acrylics on a miniature. I have been a dedicated and avowed user of oils for over 33 years but except for the face this miniature is all Vallejo acrylics. The experience had it's up and down moments but by the time I was done I had gone a long way to nailing down consistency of paint and how much load should be on the brush.

So much fun and the fastest piece I've ever done. I'm all excited and ready to start the next bust. I'm not sure I'm ready to use acrylics on a 54mm figure yet but we shall see. Enjoy, and more importantly buy one of these busts when they hit the market!

President George Washington - New Michael Miniatures Bust

A bit of a surprise here! I am happy to show my progress on a new bust by Matt Springer and soon to be released as part of the Michael Miniatures line. The bust depicts George in his later years as President of the United States. I delayed talking about or showing any pictures until I felt comfortable with the direction it was going.

The base color was Burnt Sienna pure from the tube with highlights being built using my usual Titanium White and Cadmium Yellow Medium. Burnt Umber shadows and Alizarin Crimson for the lips and thinned to represent the prominent crimson cheeks found in all of the contemporary portraits.

The hair at this point is simply a "sketch" of color to lay in the highlights and shadows prior to more crisp detailing later.

The photo above shows my bench as it typically looks with the paper palette showing oil colors used to this point. The photo below shows a bit of surprise for those that know my medium. If you have been observant to this point you would have noticed that the bust is primed black from the neck down. You will also have noticed that the drawer below is full of Vallejo acrylics. My plan is to paint the clothing in acrylics so stay tuned and hope for the best!