The Fourth Annual Analogue Painting Challenge is wrapping up and I finally got my entry fee painted. The theme this year was Sam Peckinpah movies and the entry fee was a model from one of those movies.
|
A French lancer in Maximillian's service. About to die gloriously in a muddy river in Mexico. |
I was stumped for
what I was going to paint as my contribution to the homeless pets of
Canada. I’m not a big fan of cowboy movies so was unmoved by most cowboy
miniatures. I delved into Peckinpah’s works and was surprised to find
that Major Dundee was one of his. I have fond memories of watching this
movie with my father as a child. The scene that always stuck with me, and
totally blew me away at the time, was the fight between the French lancers and
the U.S. Cav/Galvanised Yankees. The dichotomy of poncy European military
fighting rough and tumble ACW troops just never left me.
|
The lance is a little awkward but I have to ship this thing to Canada. |
I knew exactly what I was going to paint, assuming I could
find the model. Some searching; a lot of searching, let me to Foundry and
their Franco-Prussian war line. Startlingly perhaps to some, these are
the first Foundry miniatures I’ve ever bought. They live up to their
reputation in both cost and quality, high in both cases, but I have no
regrets. This is a very nice model. Clean casting with lots of
character and poise.
|
The horse and rider are both nicely detailed. |
When it came to the base I went back and forth but decided
that the river and the desert were almost as much characters in this battle
scene as the troops. The river doesn’t look as good in the photos as it
does in real life, though you’ll be able to judge that for yourself soon
enough. It is multiple layers of Mod Podge, laid on one layer after
another with time to dry in between. I’m happy with the way it came out,
even if it took an inordinate amount of time.
|
Add caption |
I hope Curt enjoys owning this fine French fellow as much as I
enjoyed painting him.
|
The face is very nicely detailed. This is a fine model. |
The water is much shinier in real life. I'm very happy with how the base came out, though it was a lot of work.
|
Mod Podge and Liquitex modeling Paste. |
I’ve included a still from the movie showing the scene in
question, though I painted a rank and file trooper rather than the natty
looking officer.
|
Not the fellow in the front bu this minions in the background. |
Really looks the part, nice work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ray! I'm really happy with how it turned out. I hope Curt likes it as well.
DeleteExcellent work, with an unusual and beautiful base!
ReplyDeleteThank you Phil. I'm glad it worked out. It was very experimental.
DeleteThis really is an absolutely amazing little vignette! Great job.
ReplyDeleteThank you Moiterei. Coming from you that is a high compliment indeed.
DeleteOne of my favourite Curtgeld entries sir. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Michael. That means a lot considering the quality of the tax.
DeleteFantastic work!! Really like the base!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rodger. I appreciate that.
DeleteHmm. Never saw that one. Will do.
ReplyDeleteNice job here.
Cheers
Seb
Thanks Seb. It took some digging to find, let me tell you.
DeleteWhat a great idea and beautifully done too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Michael.
DeleteA lovely figure from a little-known film. Well done Aaron! I look forward to placing him in my painting cabinet next to the rest of my 'Curtgeld'. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love to see a picture of the whole set, once they all arrive. It's a well deserved reward.
DeleteNice choice and great result! I gave fond memories of Major Dundee as well. May have to queue it up again for a viewing.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jonathan. It is a great film.
Delete