Friday 15 May 2020

Mustn’t Grumble

Painting the Grenadiers is still feeling a bit like wading through treacle at the moment. The current batch, just completed, brings the unit to just over the halfway point. I think I am conscious that these are very special old castings that deserve my best possible efforts.

It would probably be easier if I painted them in smaller batches as doing six at once hasn’t really worked as the paint tends to dry out on the palette along with my enthusiasm. I decided I’m going to paint the rest of the unit in batches of four.

There have been no Napoleonic games of late as Tony, Goya and I are of course confined to barracks. We had been hoping to have a stab at a C&CN Leipzig scenario, but I guess that will have to wait. However, we have been experimenting at bit with Zoom and hopefully a small virtual game may be in the offing soon.

15 comments:

MSFoy said...

The grenadiers are impeccable - really good.

As it happens, I am tidying out the Offing this very afternoon. My people should be in touch over the weekend - I am aiming for 22nd May...

Stryker said...

That sounds good Tony!

'Lee. said...

They are looking fantastic Ian. Have you considered trying a wet palette? It really does keep the blobs of paint usable for most of the day, or if you use one with a lid you can use the same paint next day. I have used one in various forms for many years and it must have saved me a small fortune in paint. It's especially useful where you need to go back and touch up small errors etc. I also find it's kinder on the brushes.

Independentwargamesgroup said...

They are still lovely figures, so persist and no doubt you will be rewarded.

Stryker said...

Lee, I haven't tried a wet palette maybe I should give it a go!

Ross Mac rmacfa@gmail.com said...

These look very worthy of their place in the guard. Takes time and effort to qualify as an old Grumbler and it seems very appropriate for the painter to get in the spirit and grumble a bit as he helps them earn their place.

Rob said...

They are looking splendid - I would think as they start to look more and more like a unit it would inspire you. I see you still have the command figures to do - they might make a change and a change is as good as a rest.

Stryker said...

Ross, you make a good point!

Stryker said...

Thanks Rob, I do find it helps with motivation where there are fewer unpainted figures left than painted ones!

Wellington Man said...

They are shaping up to be something really special, Ian, but I always knew you'd put your best into them!

Best regards
WM

Mark Dudley said...

I have just finished painting 24 Lutzowers in one go. I thought a unit , which is basically black, would be easy to do in one go. I am not so sure now.

I am planning on doing my old guard soon as your look so splendid. My Napoleon is telling me he needs some. I think batches of 6 will work for me.

Stryker said...

Thanks WM!

Stryker said...

Mark, yes you can't have Napoleon without the Guard!

KEV. Robertson. said...

Hi IAN- the Grenadiers are painting up nicely- a superb job- well done. Yes, we're hanging out for our next game here too...could be months away yet. Cheers. KEV.

Aly Morrison said...

The Guard are coming along nicely Ian...
They are certainly worth the time and effort...

All the best. Aly