MY first post in December also showcases the first 'evil' miniature I have thus far painted for this project. Without really meaning to I have managed to end up with a fair amount of undead on my painting desk and so decided it would make sense to tackle them together, eventually giving my adventurers a thematically cohesive opponent to tackle. Of course it made perfect sense to start with the head honcho - the necromancer! This is Ral Partha's 'H Necromancer w. Skull', who was sold in the 1982 '98-001 Wizards and Clerics' blister-set alongside September's Cleric. As soon as I came across this splendid model online back in the Spring I knew he was just the chap I was after, although tracking him down at a sane price proved rather more of a challenge (or quest, if you will). Once again the ever-dependable Mike from Broadswords and Beasts blog sprung to my aid and dug the miniature out from what I can only imagine is his considerable lead mountain (I picture a garden shed that unleashes an avalanche of minis every time the door is opened)! Once again - thanx Mike!
I love the Middle Eastern look many of the older Ral Partha magic users evince and our subject is no exception; with his feathered turban it almost seems as if he has stepped straight off the stage of the Aladdin pantomime the am-dram society in the next village are putting on for Christmas! Of course the skull rather upsets this cosy image, instead conjuring up that most classic of cranial scenes from Shakespeare's grisliest play - 'Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio: a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy: he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! my gorge rims at it.', but hey, he is a necromancer! I'm also putting him forward for Stephen's 'Deadcember '17' competition, which you may read all about here. Do participate if you are able. Fairly certain my offering will be put to shame by all the other excellent entries, but, as they say, it's the taking part that counts!
Addendum: An incredibly talented painter called Terry Basset recently posted up some pictures on the 'Old School Miniatures' FB group of a commission he has just fulfilled. It is the 1983 Dungeon Adventurers Starter Set and he's done a terrific job. Head over to his Instagram account and have a gander!
Nicely done, Gareth, and I've added him to the gallery. You've got the black shaded so well on the robes, something I'm never that good at.
ReplyDeleteLike all my techniques it's pretty idiot proof (has to be!). I mix up a very dark grey colour and apply it as a coat. I lighten this slightly and do some highlights. A black wash provides the finishing touch.
DeleteHappy to help as always...it's an attic rather than a shed, but the effect is the same. I had this guy for 30 years and he was just another pebble of lead in the mountain... you've turned him into a work of art Sir.
ReplyDeletecheers
Mike
Thank you for the edification viz. the location of your pile, your kind words about my humble brushwork and, again, for granting me the model in the first place. Despite nursing a rather nasty cold, I'm on something of a high at the moment after some stunning Ebay triumphs, including six C22 Giant Ticks (3 of each variant) for £6 and a C18 Vampire for £2.70, all including postage. Huzzah! Now seeking Asgard Centipedes...
DeleteNice stuff Gareth - happy to see you back in action! I've been largely absent from 'The Hobby' myself the latest year and a half or there abouts... Small kids eat up all hobby time and what little I have spare is spent on vintage computing these days. All the best! /Mattias (phreedh)
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you Matti. My gaming has been up-and-down over the preceding three years, with large periods of total inactivity born of apathy. I decided to go back to basics in terms of miniatures and gaming (although I have played a few games of the new Necromunda, which a friend has bought) to try and recapture some of the enthusiasm I felt for the hobby about five years ago. So far it seems to be working!
DeleteYou are quite right, Gareth - he is a lovely model. I really like the angle of his head - it makes it look like he is looking straight off the gaming table and at the players.
ReplyDeleteAnd, as always, a grand paintjob. I love your soft, subtle colours.
Thanks Matt. It's always gratifying to receive compliments from painters of your calibre! I myust say I'm enjoying your current Skaven project very much.
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