A guide to improving the technique of modelling miniature figures. In step-by-step detail, the author takes the reader from an unfinished model to a realistically posed and painted figure. The projects are basic enough for a beginner and challenging enough for an expert.

How to select tools, equipment, and paints to produce great looking figures in a few easy steps. Includes photos showing assembly, painting, and detailing techniques.

Adding a figure to a kit or a vignette can really bring it to life - yet building and painting figures continues to be a source of frustration to many modelers, with the results all too disappointing. However, help is at hand. The aim of this book is to equip the average modeller with techniques to successfully complete a figure from start to finish, and provides clear and easy to follow instructions on how to select, prepare, assemble, modify and paint realistic figures. Aimed particularly at the beginner and intermediate figure modelers, both those starting out in the hobby and those returning to it, it begins with a round-up of the range of figures available, a discussion of scale, and the tools and materials you need to get going. It then moves to exposing general construction and painting techniques, in clear, easy to master, step-by-step tutorials that will increase confidence and develop better technique. Then, using the four most popular historical periods as a framework (Medieval, Napoleonic, the American Civil War, and the modern era), it covers a wide range of individual techniques, such as showing how to paint clothing, body armor, camouflage patterns, flesh tones, weapons and equipment, and how to work in different scales - providing the reader with a veritable arsenal of artistic techniques, almost all of which can be applied to other periods and subjects. Special effects, such as weathering clothing, and adding key accessories and details are also covered in the step-by-step photographic tutorials. If you want to improve your figure modeling skills, it's a book you shouldn't be without, covering everything you need to help you model figures the right way.

Katherine Dewey's expressive and elegantly detailed sculptures enchant all who see them. With the magical medium of polymer clay and this book, you can follow in her footsteps. Thorough instructions supported by more than 400 step-by-step color photos and 200 detailed drawings cover the entire process of sculpting realistic figures, from selecting clay and gathering essential tools to the basics of modeling the human figure, to incorporating poses, facial expressions, ethnic and gender subtleties, costumes, and painted finishing touches. Easy-to-read maps of the figure illustrate the landmarks of the body, while scale diagrams indicate the simple shapes hidden within the human form, as well as how to combine and model those shapes. For anyone who loves fantasy, romance, nature—or sophisticated crafting—this book is a must-have.

"From the basic preparation of the figure to the final presentation with finishing touches, this book covers the needed techniques" - IPMS The art of painting miniatures, both military and other types requires certain knowledge, occasionally very basic in nature, in order to obtain satisfactory results. From the preparation of the figure, regardless of the scale and materials from which it was made up to the final presentation with finishing touches, the work requires a meticulous and passionate application, as well as patience and hours of dedication. In this book, the reader will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions when undertaking such a task, whether they come from novices painting a figure for the first time or confirmed artists. The main techniques and different types of paints and enamels, most commonly used materials, factors to be taken into account before starting any such task, the most amazing tricks for imitating all sorts of texture and effects and many more, are dealt with in this book in a very convenient and visual manner, with concise texts, so that any enthusiast can improve his/her results and discover techniques that he/she has never used before, either due to a lack of knowledge or fear of obtaining unsatisfactory outcomes. A clearly structured index permits the use of the book without wasting time and finding each answer with ease. But painting a figure is not simply a purely pictorial work. The reader will also find techniques and advice for making his/her finished pieces more attractive to the observer, through the choice of the appropriate base, decoration, conversion and the creation of small terrains in which to set the figure. Advice for participating in competitions is also provided, as well as the most appropriate ways for conserving figures and avoiding their deterioration with the passage of time and elements as damaging as dust. The final section is dedicated to the works of world renowned confirmed artists, in an attractive gallery of award-winning works with the most outstanding works at an international level in recent years. Here, the enthusiast can source ideas for creating his/her own works, or simply enjoy the works of the great masters. This is definitely a comprehensive manual that will be of great help for miniature figure painting enthusiasts, whatever be their chosen theme. ILLUSTRATIONS colour throughout *

This richly illustrated book offers a complete guide to building model truck kits, across all of the popular scales. Concentrating on civilian vehicles, renowned modeller George Dent describes the fundamental processes involved in kit-building, including preparation and assembly of components, detailing and modification work including custom fittings, plus an in-depth look at painting and weathering techniques. Featuring a range of popular, readily available kits in all of the popular scales: 1:72, 1:48, 1:35, 1:32 and 1:24, and suitable for modellers of all abilities, each project is clearly explained in an illustrated, step-by-step format with over 680 colour photographs.