Grass

Sorry for the messy writing, I put this together on the go. This is how most of the groundwork will be done. The Jute twine can be found in most garden centers. It comes in this natural color and is perfect for thick weedy grass. Last Spring I picked up a ball of green twine that I will have to try later on. I can't remember who makes the modeling field grass but I want to say Hudson & Allen. It's expensive and cost $8.00 for a small stalk. The fibers have neat little heads that look like weeds. I cut even amounts of both, mix them up and apply.

"A Cruel Misfortune" Part 10

Here's the first figure to be secured to base. I chose this one for obvious reseaons, that being I will be working my way inside out of the scene.
Sculpting and painting the hand onto base was NOT easy, but I'm happy with how it looks. The "grass" is unraveled twine mixed with some Hudson & Allen field type grass and then painted with appropriate colors. The grass is adhered with wood glue mixed with an earth toned color. Adding paint to the glue will help "mask" any shiny spots hiding under the grass. I still have some touch-ups to do on the figure before additional pieces go on.

New acquisition to the work room.

My wife was fortunate to score this display case at her office when it was going through renovation last week. Thanks Doctor P! Lucius has a new home again, guarding my Troiani and Meissonier prints. The family room is where most of my "stuff" is diplayed.

Blenheim Poem

Well, I've started painting the horses. As of now I won't show any pictures until most of the project is complete. I don't expect further postings on this project until late February. Please stay tuned however, as I will post other "goings on".

In the meantime, I leave you with a poem.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV1RMTnpWb4

Filling a void.

The void is filled and textured. It will be painted to blend in with the base.

The horses are primed. I have a few touch-ups to do on the figures then they will be ready.

Reference...

Here's some books I used for reference. "From Pike to Shot" is a book Mike Blank recommended to me. It covers briefly everything about the armies and battles in western Europe from 1685 to 1720. It's not really an illustrative guide but it does give uniform colors, weapons and tactics from all the major powers. If anyone models this period, this book should be at hand. It's a classic and can be found on ebay now and then. I bought this copy through amazon for under $20 a few years ago. The Osprey titles are o.k. but are still wanting in more uniform and equipment descriptions. More on references later.

Slight composition adjustment

I made a little adjustment to the composition. The two main characters, Beinenbourg and Tallard, were not centered enough, so I moved them about a 1/4 inch to their left. Hopefully this placement makes the scene a little more balanced.

"A Cruel Misfortune" Part 9

Here's some final pics of the piece before painting. I have a few things to finish on the wounded figures. Tallard's wig wasn't working for me so I carved off the hair and re-sculpted it giving more of a wave or "suggestion" of curls. Other than a few sword blades and giving the figures a final "once over" and wash, I should be able to prime some things up by the weekend.

Thanks for following.

Closer pics of Beinenbourg and Tallard

Here's some pics if the interaction between Crown Prince Frederick's aide, Beinenbourg and Marshal Tallard.

"A Cruel Misfortune" Part 8

Happy New Year! Here's the latest. Crown Prince Frederick fits snug to the horse and is itching to be painted. His right hand will be holding a sword in salutation. This has to sculpted to the sword and the fingers articulated to make a convincing grip. Thanks for following.

Stay tuned.