From the painting desk #55 – Big guns
July 21, 2017A special double feature this time, somewhat shoehorned into matching a theme! So, big guns it is! Sadly, there’s no sexual innuendo here, nor is it an AC/DC reference. Instead there are just two big guns and a rambling intro.
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First up is a cabin boy from North Star. That’s not even a very big gun, except in relation to his tiny frame. This was a quick mini to paint and fairly fun to boot – although poses with anything lifted in front of the face are usually a bit irritating. The model also had a really unfortunate mould line running through his hair, and I couldn’t get it out entirely as I didn’t want to destroy the hair texture.
I figured that the cabin boy would be a little runt with little respect shown to him. That meant no fancy clothes, although he appears to have been given a mighty fine pistol – or maybe it’s just something for him to play around with, with no powder or shot? Or maybe, just maybe there’s action going on and all hands on board are needed.
Small minis are quite fan to paint, on account of being, well, small. Very little surface to paint, and with no fiddly details, excessive pouches or suchlike, this was a delightfully easy paint. I’m quite happy with him.
Click for a larger version
The second one is a highwayman by Outpost. I loved, loved, loved painting this one and I like to think it shows. You know how sometimes everything just seems to click, the mini is a joy to paint and you pretty much get everything right on the first go? It happened with this one, and I think it resulted in one of the nicest pieces I’ve painted this year.
I kept the palette simple, with the red scarf and exposed skin acting as focal points in an otherwise muted mini. He wields a blunderbuss – an early form of shotgun that for some reason I can’t articulate is one of my all-time favourite weapons – so definitely fits the big guns theme. The sculpt is nice and clean and lends itself well to painting. If you’re into the genre, I definitely suggest picking up some minis from Outpost.
While originally a highwayman, I intend to use the character as a lackey of the merchant shown in the previous post. Just like with the governor’s henchman, the distinct look of long coat, raised collar and tricorne hat gives out a nice, faceless menacing feel perfect for hired thugs.
They bring this year’s painting count up to 14.
Dawn of the Lead 
They look great!
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Thanks Mike!
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Nice. Love that highwayman model and you have done a great job. I’d love to get some of those figures if I ever start a project set in that era (it’s on the one day list!).
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Thanks Warburton! I definitely recommend getting some Outpost stuff, as they’re full of character and paint up nicely.
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Ooohhh yeah! Love the blunderbuss. Well done on both man.
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Thanks muchly IRO! There’s just something really appealing about that gun, glad you liked ’em 🙂
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Excellent! The flesh tone on the highwayman is superb mate, and the little dude with the hand-cannon is so cool 🙂
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Thanks Alex! Looking forward to going home later this week and taking a new group shot of the whole project so far.
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That’ll look awesome mate – please share it when you do!
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I love that cabin boy miniature. I can’t seem to find it from North Star though?
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Me neither! Could have been a Nickstarter special or something like that. A few of those are still available at Brigade Games (http://brigadegames.3dcartstores.com/NorthStar-On-The-Seven-Seas_c_545.html) but no cabin boy sadly.
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