I'll be doing a virtual clinic for the Potomac Division of the NMRA on May 11th at 3:00PM. I believe the clinic will be posted to youtube after I present it if you are not a member of the NMRA. Here is a brief video clip showing some of the material I will be covering.
May 10, 2024
May 5, 2024
MFCA Show 2024
Keith and Libby Rocco were also in attendance. Keith was selling his artwork and books. His display was very impressive. On Friday evening Dave and Darci Hoffman, Mike and Linda Pierce, Keith and Libby Rocco, Zack Becker, Bob Huebner and I had an enjoyable dinner at a local restaurant. Following that the MFCA hosted a hospitality suite with drinks and snacks.
This year they had about 780 models on exhibit divided into several categories. The quality of work was very high. It was very inspiring to see so many wonderful models. I posted many pictures on my Facebook page at this link.
The MFCA makes it clear that they judge to a standard, but they also say on their website that awards represent percentile of the models entered. So Bronze is a top 30% model, while silver in top 10% and gold top 5%. The bottom line conclusion is that it is very difficult to get a medal at this show.
Medusa |
The Medusa bust was only figure I entered where I used oil paints over an acrylic base. The more I use oils the more I like them, especially in doing skin tones.
I noticed a couple trends in examining the models at the show.
German Gunner by Jim Rice |
First, a lot of artists are including small backdrops with their individual figure models. For example, this German Machine Gunner by Jim Rice. I like this idea as they help place the model in a space or set a mood. They also allow more room for artistic expression.
Roman vignette by Mike Blank |
This vignette by famous artist Mike Blank did not fall into that category. Note the muted colors and low contrast. This looks very realistic to me. It received a gold medal.
I thought the Marilyn Monroe figure below had very realistic skin tones. It won a gold medal but I did not catch the artist's name.
I like the metallic sheen on the muzzle of this Parrot rifle. This received best Civil War award. |
Many artists use flat acrylic paints to simulate metallic surfaces. This technique is called Non-Metallic Metal. I am not sure I like this or that it is even necessary. There are amazing metallic paints available now that look like real metal, even in scale. I think the most convincing effects combine the use of these new metallic paints with tradition shading to emphasize shape and texture. I need to experiment more with those techniques.
I noticed some artists use strong directional lighting in painting their figures. These create dark shadows away from the light. It can be effective if done well. Similarly, a lot of the figures painted light amber or florescent colors on to the figures to represent light from a point source. That is called Object Source Lighting. They are interesting techniques that are very difficult to pull off.
Note the lighting on the face and armor from the "glowing" weapon. |
It was a fun show and I look forward to going back.
April 13, 2024
Northern Virgina Model Classic 2024
It seemed to me that the vendors were doing brisk business. I saw lots of people carrying large bags of kits to their cars to add to their stash.
This was one of Jeff's builds. Very well done. |
I entered models in three categories. They were, the Ambush at Colleville sur Mer diorama in 75mm in Misc Dioramas, Medussa and Demophilus in the bust category, and "What Have We Done" in the 90mm and below figure category. I am happy to report that I received 2nd place awards for Demophilus and "What Have We Done", a first place and Best diorama in Show for Ambush at Colleville sur Mer.
I was dismayed to discover that the camp fire light in my shadow box diorama was not working. I fixed it when I got home. Turns out the LED went bad.
Dave Hoffman's Best in Show Winner |
I also helped judge figures along with other members of the National Capitol Model Soldier Society. Dave Hoffman, who along with his wife Darcy is a driving force in the NCMSS, received several awards awards and got Best Model in Show for his Ashigaru figure. The figure is exquisitely painted with excellent ground work. I especially liked how he mounted it on a miniature bonsai stand. Congratulations to Dave.
Here are some other models that caught my eye.
Nice Porsche 934 in 1/12th scale. I received this kit as a birthday present from my brother, but am hesitant to build it. I am not experienced in building car models. |
Vader's light saber is drooping |
Always a lot of airplane models at these shows. This was one of 4 tables with aircraft models. |
I believe this got first place in military vehicle dioramas |
April 11, 2024
D-Day and the Civil War
Merritt opens her B-Day present- Brio trains |
Ruka watching a metro train |
While we were gone, RMC published an article I wrote about the Aquia Line in their April 2024 issue. They also used one of my photos on the cover. I received a lot of nice feedback from folks about this article. Above is a set of possible cover photos that I submitted to RMC. Which one do you like the best?
March 11, 2024
Phase 1 D-Day Diorama Is Complete
German View of the Invasion. This is opposite the view that most visitors to the diorama will see. |
We wrapped up work on the D-Day diorama today. Keith arrived today with the shipping crate in his van. He had about 30 figures to install according to the narrative he has designed for the diorama. Most of the other work was done earlier in the week.
Jeff Hammer and John Drye stopped by Wednesday night to work on punch list items. JD installed most of the German infantry and remaining weapons. Jeff worked on scenic details such as barbed wire and log piles. The fences really added a nice touch to the diorama.
I worked on the remaining punch list items such as installing boats, painting fascia and adding flickering LEDs to the burning LCM.
Mike and Linda Pierce arrived on Sunday morning for a visit. Kieth put them to work prepping and touch up painting figures. I didn't have much to do today, so I got the camera ready for a photo session and waited to load it all.
Keith and Ted, a friend of Keith's that is a woodworker, built the carrying cases that will also serve as a table for the diorama. The diorama comes apart in 2 sections. Each section slides into the case.
The case is quite heavy. Keith says it weighs about 100 pounds, though it didn't feel that heavy to me when I was helping move it. The case has it space for the legs. The saw horses in the picture are only to help load it.