If you look at the original set photo it kinda makes you think Vladimir has taken his cue from such paintings. But then again, Vladimir is an incredible sculptor in his own right. He’s made this set classic in nature by default, the subject matter requires it, IMHO.
I could only dream of sculpting like Vladimir, or Bill Horan, for that matter, an art form I’ve never ventured into, but am always impressed at the talent, sheesh!
You’re correct, it is an original in its own right. But I think even Vladimir is giving a nod to the W B Wollen depiction of the 42nd at Quatre Bras (third picture down in my previous post) by putting the kneeling figure with the head wound front and center…
Cheers,
M
Rembrandt was a master in the usage of dark and light! In all his paintings, but the most epic is indeed the Nachtwacht (Night Watch). It depicts a company of the Amsterdam militia ready to march. The original painting was bigger, but has been cut to size in order to fit in a particular spot in the Palace on the Dam (the town hall at that moment (also it’s origin))! 
Each larger town had a own militia, to assist the sherrif in keeping order and guard the gates and walls.
Returning to your work, I fully understand whare the comparison with Bill Horan comes from. There are similarities both between the composition, but also in the painting qualitiy!!!
And therein lies the quest to replicate such talent, blending of the oils. It’s a worthy goal to strive for and can take a lifetime to acquire, so I recon I’m a bit late to that party, but I won’t stop trying. Never being formally trained in color theory or oils in particular, I have had some training in pencil work, specifically shadows and highlights with pressure, lead density, etc., and not the pathetic technique of using a smudge pencil, how disgusting! Pencil drawing can be a fading talent if not exercised often, just like painting figures. Maybe that’s why every season I have to relearn my oiler techniques with a few practice runs before I am comfortable with the results. .
Inspiration from examples as posted above are paramount for me, it’s the life blood of this “Sport”, IMHO.
Nobody is disagreeing with your assessment, M, you are spot on! It’s that inspiration thing going on there. I just wish I could do the same as Vladimir or Bill. Personally, if I took the time to attempt to sculpt my oil work would suffer, and since painting figs is top priority, I’ll leave that art form to the experts.
French Cuirassiers
This pony rider is finally done, minus the weathering. I really enjoyed working this last figure, it was rather painless compared to the first nine figures. The only issue that just wouldn’t go away was the tassel on top of the helmet. I couldn’t keep from dinkin that thing every time I handle this guy. It is now safely set aside so I don’t lose it. I’ll be placing this figure directly to the base now because of sword scabbard placement, head dress, and the delicate base work within the immediate area; the less handling, the better.
The breast plate was treated with Uschi Polishing Paste, Blitz Rounds Set A, Item 4014. This is some incredible stuff as are all of Alex’s products. I used this set for all the brass and gold work on this entire project. Make sure your work area is well ventilated, the paste fumes are brutal and so is the thinner required for clean-up. The set can be found here: Some new guys in town: Polishing paste sets - Uschi van der Rosten Carpet Decals
You may have noticed the French Rifleman has not been featured since his completion. He’s already been attached to the base for some of the same reasons as listed above, only with him it was his thumb that kept getting knocked off, lol.
Now that the figures have been completed, I will work each one separately by weathering them to match the base, add dirt work, wound details, and blood splatter, etc. Once that’s done it will be off to the photo bench to close out his incredible set of figures.
Thanks for watching. Cheers, Ski.
Lovely colouring on the cavalry chap. Looks great and the pose is nice as well. its a very well though tout set and you have done it sublime justice … Brilliant work.
I never could sculpt (or draw) even before my hands started to shake. Back in the '90s when I used to get to shows I encountered a club, I think from Tyneside, who taught those of their members who were so inclined to sculpt. But there may also be an element of natural aptitude, I understand many successful figure sculptors were pretty much self-taught (and without the benefit of on-line tutorials!), I think the Perry twins are an example of this.
The best I’ve been able to manage is bully bits of figures that were never intended be used together into a shape which is roughly humanoid…
Cheers,
M
Stunning work Steve ! Outstanding painting on those figures.
Sacrebleu Oui Oui……good stuff Ski.
Lol, I’m there right with ya, M. I agree, natural aptitude seems to be the key point; Either ya got it, or ya don’t", and I don’t, lol.
Thanks, MH85!
Tanks, Johnny!
Tanks, Tank!
42nd Highland Infantry Regiment “Black Watch” at the Battle of Quatre Bras, June, 1815
54mm Resin, Sculpted by Vladimir Danilov, offered by Castle Miniatures.
These figures were painted with oils over an acrylic base. Only the tartans were painted in acrylics with a minor oil wash. The base is a chunk of drift wood found locally along the river with air clay added as the base for the figures, along with standard ground work to finish the affect.
This is an incredibly well sculpted set, especially in this scale, and was a taunting challenge I just couldn’t pass up. This was truly a fun run and well worth stretching my comfort zone. These figures are Classic!
Cheer, Ski.
Each course has been great, the main meal is impressive.
What an outstanding piece of work. You nailed the base. It looks fantastic.
Every single figure would be an award winner if I were judging it.
This is some of the best and pretty much perfect painting I have been lucky enough to watch develop … Sheer artistry…
Fantastic work Ski 
I’m assuming it is done … yes ?
Just incredible - thanks for sharing your skills and talent with us . I have thoroughly enjoyed following this - way out of my comfort zone .
I am envious.
Cheers - Richard
Seriously?
This is probably one of the best dios ever! Everywhere you look is absolute eye candy. The only thing I can say is, congratulations…… for all the gold medals and best of shows you are going to win! Thanks for sharing this journey with us, Ski. Truly inspirational.
G.
Castle Miniatures should be offering to use this masterpiece for future promotion/box art, at the right price natch. I really don’t believe anybody could top your skill & artistry, outstanding in every way 
Awesome!
Cheers,
M
This has been a fantastic post to follow. The end product is as if a painting has walked off the canvas! A true masterpiece that needs to be displayed to the general public, as I have no doubt it would inspire people into this hobby just as dioramas I saw in museums as a child inspired me.
Bravo.
speechless
You all are very kind, Gents. Thank you very much for the continued encouragement and following along. It was a fun build, but more fun hangin out with the Bros, “Sniffin paint and gluin our fingers together”!
What’s up next,…not sure, but i’ll think of something.
Thanks again, Gents. Cheers, Ski.