Here's another oldie. This one is a US Cavalry Officer from the 1880's in dress uniform produced be Squadron/Rubin. Simple but attractive.

Keeping the brushes wet.

Here's a little nod to Emanuel Leutzes "Washington Crossing the Delaware". The figure was produced by Cavalier Miniatures. I picked it up several years ago off eBay for cheap. Not the sculpting standards of today, but makes for an attractive display piece. You will see more of these from me, while I try to thin the stock figure herd.

Coat skirts

Cart before the horse! Before posting the armor video, I should have posted these SBS's on doing coat skirts. Most coat lengths for this period were very long, usually falling about the knee cap. What I do to make these "skirts", is make a pattern, much like the shape of an actual clothing pattern from that time. I will let the putty cure for a while before rolling out. Coat the plastic lightly with baby/talcum powder. What I use for a rolling pin is an old baby food jar. Roll out the putty to desired thickness and place the pattern on the putty. Use a hobby knife to cut out your pattern and then adhere to figure, usually a couple dabs of super glue will do the trick. Once in place, I placed the figure back on the horse, allowing the skirts to drape over the saddle/equipment. Some manipulating is required to make the folds and creases look convincing. Let the figure cure on the horse before moving on.

Have mercy...My first sculpting video.

 I would like to thank my wonderful son for helping with the editing and loading. Not sure how much more of these video tutorials I'm willing to do, because I have ZERO techno patience! This short 7 minute video took a good part of the afternoon to edit and upload. Living out in the sticks, plays hell with the internet speed. Despite that, it is fun to do, and works out other creative muscles.



Happy New Year!

Lincoln re-visit. Toning down the contrast.

"He has a face like a Hoosier Michel Angelo, so awful ugly it becomes beautiful, with it's strange mouth, it's deep cut, criss cross lines, and it's doughnut complexion." -Walt Whitman

Spending time with Washington and the Lincolns

Taking a break from sculpting to do some painting. Feeling a little rusty not having touched a brush since early October. I would like to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas!

I've added the boots tops. When sculpting them, I had to be aware of where the legs have already made contact with saddle and to avoid adding fresh putty to those areas. This will ensure the rider will "snap" into same spot.

Finally adding some clothes. The breeches for this period were still loose and baggy. The unique boot tops will be added later when the putty is cured. The putty is still soft when putting the rider back on the horse. Just a light dusting of talcum powder to help prevent any sticking. The soft putty will contour around the saddle and it's equipment thus making a tight and natural fit.

Doing some fleshing out. I have to be careful not to add too much to raised shoulders knowing that all will have armor and will have some restriction in movement.

Adding putty to base. I use toothpicks to keep the holes clear when working the groundwork. The upper torsos of the riders are glued in place and ready for fleshing out.

Working on final composition. I may have to tackle sculpting the fallen horse and rider as one sculpture...Fingers crossed.