A wide array of fantasy miniatures is available to wargamers and modellers, manufactured from an increasing number of different materials each with their own unique modelling challenges. From the multipart hard plastic 28mm miniature to the metal and resin models common in all other scales, this book provides wargamers with a wealth of information to achieve the best results. It discusses issues of scale with fantasy miniatures; demonstrates a variety of modelling and painting techniques at different scales; provides step-by-step guidance on building, converting, repairing and painting figures; explains dry brushing techniques, the three colour method, multilayering and shading with washes and, finally, it considers basic techniques and maintaining the compatibility of miniatures between different gaming systems. Whether modelling single figures, a handful of warriors for a warband or tackling a huge army for a mass battle game, there is something for every fantasy figure modeller, collector or gamer. Discusses issues of scale with fantasy miniatures. Demonstrates a variety of modelling and painting techniques at different scales. Provides step-by-step guidance on building, converting, repairing and painting figures Lavishly illustrated with 274 colour photographs.

Aimed at modellers of all abilities, this lavishly illustrated book presents a step-by-step guide to figure painting and modelling using traditional techniques. From the multipart hard-plastic 28mm miniature to the metal and resin models common in all other scales, this book provides wargamers, collectors and gamers with a wealth of information to achieve the best results. It demonstrates a variety of modelling and painting techniques at different scales; it provides step-by-step guidance on building, converting and painting models; it covers working in plastic, resin and white metal; it explains dry brushing techniques, the three-colour method, multilayering and shading with washes and, finally, it considers basing techniques and maintaining the compatibility of miniatures between different gaming systems.

This book equips the beginner and intermediate modellers with the techniques required 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. It also offers a round-up of the range of figures available, a discussion of scale and how to work in differing scales as well as detailing the tools and materials you will need to get going. Modelling expert Mark Bannerman then provides an insight into construction and painting techniques, in clear, step-by-step tutorials that will increase confidence and develop better technique. Covering the four most-modelled historical periods (Medieval, Napoleonic, the American Civil War and the World Wars), this book is the comprehensive guide to figure modelling.

There are over 50 stunning examples featured, offering inspiration and guidance to aspiring fantasy artists.

The artist known as “El Mercenario” “shares the secrets of his success in this useful guide to painting miniature figures”—includes photos (Stuart Asquith, author and editor of Practical Wargamer). In this accessible “how-to” guide, Javier Gomez, a highly talented figure painter of long experience and excellent reputation, takes the reader step-by-step through the whole process, from choice of materials (unlike other available guides it is not linked to any specific figure manufacturer) and preparation of the miniatures to basing and even advice on photographing the finished item. Techniques such as dry-brushing, ink-washing, shading and highlighting are all explained clearly with the help of step-by-step photographs and color charts. Specific case studies tackle a variety of useful subjects across all periods, such as mixing realistic flesh tones for different races; painting horses; guns and limbers; Medieval heraldry; Napoleonic uniforms; WW2 and modern camouflage patterns. Javier also clearly explains how these techniques and processes can be applied to all the major wargaming scales, from 40mm down to 6mm. Whatever historical period (or Sci-fi/Fantasy) and whatever scale the reader is interested in, this book is an invaluable source of practical advice and inspiration. “Very soon after we started up Perry Miniatures we managed to acquire Javier’s outstanding painting services for our figure collections. He is a true genius with a brush, with a great sense of color that turns figures into masterpieces. His military and uniform knowledge adds a great deal to his ability to produce little painted gems.”—Michael and Alan Perry, Perry Miniatures “I have used some of the suggestions here as well as the highlights for some of my own figures and they have produced improved results.”—Mataka.org

A fresh interpretation of the group of Fragonard?s paintings known as the ?figures de fantaisie?, Fragonard and the Fantasy Figure: Painting the Imagination reconnects the fantasy figures with neglected visual traditions in European art and firmly situates them within the cultural and aesthetic contexts of eighteenth-century France. Prior scholarship has focused on the paintings? connections with portraiture, whereas this study relocates them within a tradition of fantasy figures, where resemblance was ignored or downplayed. The book defines Fragonard as a painter of the imagination and foregrounds the imaginary at a time when Enlightenment rationalism and Classical aesthetics contrived to delimit the imagination. The book unravels scholarly writing on these Fragonard paintings and examines the history of the fantasy figure from early modern Europe to eighteenth-century France. Emerging from this background is a view of Fragonard turning away from the academically sanctioned ?invention?, towards more playful variants of the imaginary: fantasy and caprice. Melissa Percival demonstrates how fantasy figures engage both artists and viewers, allowing artists to unleash their imagination through displays of virtuosity and viewers to use their imagination to explore the paintings? unusual juxtapositions and humour.

Learn to paint contest-quality military figures with this book! Covers military figures and horses from medieval times to Desert Storm. Includes more tips for resin models and oil paints, new techniques for painting in enamels and oils, and information on camouflage and black-and-white uniforms.