Historical Miniatures by Matt Springer

New Sculpts

2011-11-01T21:23:00.005-05:00

Here are a few pieces in process. They are still in the roughing-in stage at this point. Nothing really fixed. One of the tremendous benefits of using polymer clay over epoxy putty for endless tweaking. First up is a commissioned portrait sculpt of FDR. The other piece will be the Empress Josephine holding a bouquet of her beloved roses. Comments please! Thanks!

New Sculpt

2011-08-21T21:04:00.002-05:00

Here's a new bust I'm doing. Somewhere around 1/6 scale. Big for my usual scale, but still quite small. This is one I hope to have funished and painted also in Chicago. One of my fav movies as a kid and one of my fav comedic actors. I hope you can recognize him. Still work to do....

Some New WIP's

2011-08-21T20:51:00.007-05:00

Here are a few figures I'm painting for the upcoming Chicago Show in October. Using the wife's camera again. Horrible quality pictures I've gotten, but at least it's evidence that I am staying busy. The Napoleonic piece will be donated to the MMSI Chicago Figure Auction. The bust is my Peter the Great for Michael Miniatures. Still lots to do on all of these pieces.

Peter the Great Bust 250mm

2011-06-19T20:11:00.004-05:00

Hi, everyone. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Here is a bust I just finished sculpting for Michael Miniatures. This piece will be released soon. I will be painting the boxart as well and hope to have the finished piece on display at the Chicago Show in October. It should be attractive with a dark green jacket and the brass gorget. I'm trying to get a handle on using my wife's expensive and complicated DSLR camera. I've got a little "fisheye" distortion due to the lens, but otherwise the pics are decent. Thanks for looking!

George III

2011-05-28T16:58:00.004-05:00

This one was just released today. A very characterized version of the King late in his rule. I'm honored to have one of my favorite figure painters do the boxart. Cheers to Sang Eon-Lee for bringing the piece to lefe with his version. This kit is now availble from Michael Miniatures and has been added to their United Empire Miniatures range. Interesting fact that my first commercially produced bust was released by United Empire Miniatures some years back.

Hussar Bust for Pegaso Models

2011-05-18T19:00:00.005-05:00

Here are some pics (courtesy of Pegaso) of a bust I sculpted some time ago for them that has just been released. Massimo did the painting for the boxart. I hope to get time to paint one myself sometime.

New Fantasy Bust Sculpt

2011-05-18T18:53:00.004-05:00

Hello, everyone! I finished a bust that was commissioned from a friend and thought I'd post a few pics. It's around 200mm. Look for this one soon as the person who commissioned it is a great painter and will be painting it for possible display at WE 2012. Enjoy! I used the wife's DSLR camera for these shots. Too complicated for me to figure out, but these came out ok, I think.

Fantasy Comes to The Atlanta Show

2010-10-03T07:21:00.002-05:00

Hello! The latest news is that the 34th annual Atlanta Model Figure Show (Feb 18-20, 2011 at the Mariott Century Center) will now feature both Advanced Painters and Advanced Open categories for exhibitors and viewers to enjoy. They've called it Fantasy, but all realms are welcomed including Sci-Fi, Mini's, Anime, Garage Kits, etc. I'm excited about this development for our show and hope it will increase the attendance and enjoyment of the show for military and non-military figure artists. I'd like to say thank you to Atlanta Club member Dr. Dave Wiggins for his efforts to promote the show and the club. On a personal note, it is my blog after all, I'm currently sculpting a 120mm fantasy figure that I hope to display for the first time at the show. Yes, I said figure not bust. We look forward to seeing you all in Atlanta in Feb 2011.

Gone Fishin'????

2010-07-22T17:29:00.002-05:00

Hello! I know I haven't been keeping up with my blog as often as I'd like. Part of that is work, getting prepaired for the last APG Show in Gettysburg and perhaps the most pressing reason, the death of my camera. Until I can scrape together the pennies for a new one, looks like text only for the time being. Stay tuned, though. I hope to be back again soon.

Matt

More Progress...Clint

2010-05-17T19:42:00.004-05:00

More work done on getting the basics down on this portrait. Slow going, but I'm enjoying the freedom and fiddling that the super sculpey is allowing me for endless tweaking. Getting closer now...A likeness isn't so much about the features as it is how the features meet with and interact with each other and the overall shape of the face. This is a hard lesson to learn and as I proceed to take my lumps thinking I've got it, only to realise later that I was wrong. Anyway, I push on....

Woodland Nymph - Completed

2010-05-11T21:48:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pics of a bust I recently painted and displayed at the MFCA show in Valley Forge, PA this past weekend. It was a great show and I enjoyed seeing alot of old friends and meeting some new ones, too. Lynnette was a trooper and made the trip with me. Thanks to Joel Glass and the whole MFCA gang for making us feel at home and putting on a great show.

Portrait Update

2010-04-19T20:24:00.002-05:00

More progress being made on roughing in the basic forms...Still much to do.

Arapaho Indian Bust..Coming Soon!

2010-04-13T21:16:00.005-05:00

I'm glad to announce the coming release of a bust I sculpted a few years back. It will be available through Massimo Pasquali's new venture, "The Wheel of Time". As I understand, it's an organization to promote and support the figure modelling hobby and they will also offer kits for painters and collectors. I'm proud to say this bust will be one of their first two releases. Here is a link to the organization's web site: http://www.laruotadeltempo.eu/

This lovely example was painted by Massimo. Not bad for an oil painter ;)))

Massimo says the kit can be ordered now by emailing him, but will eventually be orderable from the website.

Thanks for looking and supporting the hobby!

New Portrait Piece. Roughing In the Volumes

2010-04-13T21:07:00.003-05:00

Hello! I thought I'd post a few very early pics of a new portrait sculpt still early in the process. This is a very loose period in the process where I'm getting all the volumes and proportions how I like them. I've moved over to using Super Sculpey on this one rather than my usual magic sculpt. The benefit here is that the clay stays workable until I bake the piece. This allows me endless tweaking and adding/subtracting until I'm happy. I really am preferring this method rather than the add-bake-carve method I used with the air drying magic sculpt that has about an hour of working time. The only downside I can see to the sculpey is fine detail work. I have to figure that one out when I get there. This is a subject near to my interest. It will be William Munny (Clint Eastwood) from the classic western "Unforgiven". The pics have "squashed the head a bit, but they're pretty close to the actual head. More to come on this one later as he develops. Thanks for looking!

Update 4-11

2010-04-11T21:47:00.004-05:00

Starting to come together now. I've got some ideas for the base that I'll be working on next. ..

Today's Update 3-15

2010-03-15T21:53:00.003-05:00

More progress....

Robin Hood

2010-03-15T06:48:00.003-05:00

Ok, so maybe I'm a bit behind, but I just learned about a new film from one of my favorite directors, Ridley Scott. This one stars Russell Crowe as Robin Hood and if it's half the movie Gladiator is, it'll be great. It seems promising from what I've read. I believe it's due for release in May 2010. Cate Blanchett is also co-starring. Woohoo!

More Progress...

2010-03-11T07:40:00.005-05:00

Here are a few new shots of this bust. Having a great time on this one. I definately have to do more fantasy pieces. I used oils on the flesh to smooth out the acrylic shading and highlighting that I did first. It made for some added depth the the skin and a nice bit of sheen that is more realistic than just the acrylics. I'll need to experiment with this technique on a more human shade. I wasn't sure about the red sleeves, but quite like the effect with the green. Something floral looking about it which sort of suits the subject.

Update....

2010-03-08T20:50:00.004-05:00

Here are some shots of the bust with more work done....

Woodland Nymph

2010-02-28T22:05:00.005-05:00

Here's a new bust that's finally made it to the bench. It's a wonderful sculpt from Y&S Castings. I bought it some time ago and thought it'd be fun to do something with limitless possibility for colors. The flesh is a violet mix made from Ivory, Violet Red and Deep Green. Again in acrylics so the smooth transitions on the skin are challenging. I plan to add a whole back tattoo and have and interesting burled base to use for her upon which I plan to add some branches and perhaps some vegitation. Excited about this one too. Stay tuned for more updates....

Minstrel Life

2010-02-28T21:52:00.002-05:00

Hello! I thought I'd post a pic of a new piece I'm working on in anticipation of hopefully attending the MFCA show in May. It's a 54mm figure from Nocturna. I've decided to set him in a little Renaissance/fantasy environment that I hope will suit the mood of the figure. I plan to add a curtain to the backdrop and to paint in a renaissance inspired woodland piece visible through the curtain. It will be a bit of a departure from my usual, which is why I'm so excited about it. I think I'll sculpt some birds and other details in there as well. Check back for some more updates as he develops. The back drop is being made from sheet plastic. The kit comes with the small stone wall section he's leaning on, but I don't know if that will make it into the final version. I removed his lute from his left hand and will rebuild the neck. I have plans for what will be in his left hand. Something I hope will bring a smile to the viewer. I'm thinking the lute will make a nice addition to the backdrop along with some flowers and other details. Thanks for stopping in. Good to be doing something more creative again.

Czar Nicholas Bust..Finished Sandbagging....

2010-02-24T18:06:00.005-05:00

Well, I finally got this one done just in time for the Atlanta Show this past weekend. I'm pleased with how it came out. I like how the eagle on the helmet came out. This was painted with a tip picked up from Phil Kessling some years back. To depict slightly tarnished steel, I added a bit of sap green oil paint to my silver ink as well as a touch of ivory black. I think it gives it some extra oomf!

More Progress on U-Boat Captain....

2010-01-31T12:10:00.004-05:00

Taking advantage of the snow and ice outside to get some work done on some figures this weekend. More progress on Gunther...

Matt

75mm Experiment

2010-01-13T22:23:00.004-05:00

Here are some pics of something I've been wanting to tackle for a while and never had the time. I'm experimenting with a full figure sculpt in 75mm. This is the roughed in armature that still needs lots of refining. Feedback on him certainly welcomed. The face has the most progress, but also is in process. Stay tuned......

U-Boat Captain..Update

2010-01-13T22:21:00.002-05:00

More progress on Gunther....

Czar Nicholas..Update

2010-01-13T22:19:00.002-05:00

Here's a pic of some more progress done on this bust. The large scale has been challenging with the acrylics. More smoothing to do and I'm off to Atlanta this weekend for a club meeting and a chance to check on some brass metalizer paints/laquers for the helmet.

U-Boat Captain, 90mm

2010-01-10T22:27:00.004-05:00

Hello! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Here's a new painting project that I've just started. This is my forst new piece for 2010 and I'm really happy to be painting this one. It's a 90 mm kit from Andrea and is really well done. This is one of those figures that will really paint up well as the sculpting is really first rate. These are some very early shots of the piece with the face and hands just under way. I'm looking to complete him in time for the Atlanta Show in Feb. Wish me luck! More progress to come. I'm experimenting a bit with a lighter flesh mix than my usual. I like the results so far. On to the pics...

2009-12-28T23:15:00.003-05:00

More progress on this guy....

APG Raffle Bust Complete

2009-12-20T16:33:00.003-05:00

Yeah! He's finally done. I had a great time sculpting this one for Randy. I'm looking forward to seeing him painted. Next up...Randy on the brushes!

Matt

Czar Nicholas Painting Update..

2009-12-18T21:09:00.004-05:00

Here are few more pics of the face after a bit more work done today. Most of the highlights are in and I've started adding some tones in the cheeks and eye area and the first shadow layers. This one is a challenge!

Matt

Czar Nicholas Painting

2009-12-15T23:07:00.003-05:00

Just started painting the boxart for a future Michael Miniatures bust. This one is Czar Nicholas in 1/9th scale. It's a bit larger size which will demand even smoother transitions. Just starting the face with the first couple of highlighting steps done so far. Much to do....

12-15 Update

2009-12-15T23:05:00.003-05:00

More Progress 12-14

2009-12-14T07:08:00.005-05:00

Here is another update on Santa Ana. I've started the epaulettes from two round discs of sheet plastic with putty underneath to support the fringe detail that will be added later. I've also lowered the hairline a touch and done some work to the mouth area that I now like a bit better. Of course, the lace work continues.....

More Progress on Santa Ana...

2009-12-12T07:49:00.005-05:00

More work done...

Santa Ana...More progress

2009-12-06T22:34:00.006-05:00

More work done on the bust....

Santa Ana - APG Raffle Piece

2009-12-02T19:53:00.006-05:00

Here are a few first, and still rough, shots of the 200mm bust I'm sculpting for the last APG Show raffle prize winner, Randy Myers. Randy selected the subject and has also asked to paint the finished piece. This has turned into more of a collaborative project and one I'm very happy to undertake. Randy is a great painter and sculptor in his own right, so the pressure is on to deliver a nice piece. Still in the roughing in stage at this point, but coming along. Thanks for looking and more updates soon.

Matt

Hussar Bust Complete!

2009-11-25T20:43:00.005-05:00

Here are some final shots of my latest. This one is for Michael Miniatures and should be available very soon.

Hussar Bust Update 11/19

2009-11-19T22:56:00.004-05:00

More progress.....

NY Hussar Progress....

2009-11-15T22:54:00.004-05:00

Ny Hussar Bust and SS Bust

2009-11-05T22:59:00.007-05:00

Here are some pics of two new ones on my painting desk. One is a German SS Soldier by Pegaso and the other is a soon to be relased kit from Michael Miniatures. Done in acrylics so far.

Matt

Montezuma and Cortes - Completed!

2009-11-05T22:53:00.003-05:00

Hi! It's been a while, so here's an update. These are some pics of the Monty and Cortes pieces I finished the day before the Chicago Show. Pics of Cortes taken by Bob Sarnowski at the show! Also is one of the completed Joker bust I had at the show as well. Not sure who took the other pics, but thanks!

Matt

Montezuma/Cortez Update

2009-09-29T17:51:00.007-05:00

Here is an update on this pair I'm finishing for Chicago in a few weeks. Still loads to do, but getting there. Thanks for checking in!

Montezuma II

2009-09-17T19:55:00.006-05:00

Here are some shots of a new piece I'm doing for Chicago. This one is being done as a set with the Cortes figure also from Pegaso. I've been looking forward to painting this one. Acrylics as always.....

More Joker....

2009-09-17T19:53:00.004-05:00

Some more detailing on the face done recently as well as starting to paint the straight jacket and hair. Thanks for looking.........

Why So Serious???

2009-09-07T17:23:00.003-05:00

Finally getting to the real fun painting his make up now. I like the effect of the oils on the acrylic flesh for that smeared, crazy look I'm trying to reproduce. I'll let these oils dry a bit and go back later and redefine some things a bit. Thanks for looking.

Matt

Joker Update 9-04

2009-09-04T18:36:00.004-05:00

A little more progress on the painting today. Have a great Labor Day weekend everyone!

Painting the Face

2009-09-04T06:50:00.004-05:00

Hi! Sure, Gary. Here, I'll post some progress shots of the painting. Last night I started working on the "basecoat" of the face. I call it a basecoat because most of it will be covered by his make up, but some areas of flesh will show through. Here, the eyes have been blocked in and the face basecoated and 4 consecutive highlight stages done.

Primed and Ready....

2009-09-02T20:13:00.005-05:00

Here are a few pics of the completed sculpt of the Joker bust. I apologize for the pics being a bit off, but the black primer is still a touch wet in places. I'm pretty happy with the sculpt and I think the likeness is pretty good, though it's a bit hard to see right now. Once I get some paint on him, I'll post some more. I like the loose style of this piece. I think it fits the mood and I plan to paint him in a simlar style. The running make up will be fun to do. I've got some ideas on that. I think I'll paint the face in normal flesh colors with acrylics, then use oils over the top of that for the make up. We'll see how it goes.

Matt

Artist Preservation Group Bust Raffle Results....

2009-08-25T18:49:00.002-05:00

The winner of the APG bust raffle drawn at the Gettysburg Show was Randy Myers. He has elected to have me sculpt a portrait bust of Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana. I'm looking forward to this project especially since Randy has elected to paint the sculpt himself so it's more of a collaborative thing. Looking forward to starting the sculpt soon.

Coming Along Now...

2009-08-13T09:28:00.004-05:00

More progress on this piece since returning from a great time in Gettysburg, PA to support the Artist Preservation Group's first fundraiser/show.

Still tweaking things on the face and building up the hair. I'm starting to think about painting the make up and getting the effect of the skin showing through. Should be fun and could be a great way to use the non-mixing qualities of acrylics and oils to effect. Hmmmm......

Update

2009-08-02T11:31:00.004-05:00

More progress on one of my current sculpts. Starting to really refine the features now. As I tentatively start adding hair, more symmetry issues become apparent that will need to be addressed. I'm pleased by the straight jacket so far. More soon. I may even finish sculpting this one before I leave for Gettysburg. We'll see....

Matt

NCO Ardennes 1944

2009-07-31T08:38:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pics of the finished bust. It was a fun project and one I certainly had alot of interest in doing. I'll have this piece in my Gettysburg display August 7-9. Thanks!

Matt

More Progress...

2009-07-30T21:44:00.002-05:00

Here is one of my current projects with some more done. This piece is shaping up now. It has a looseness of form that I really like and I think suits the mood of the piece.

Big News

2009-07-30T18:20:00.002-05:00

Hello, everyone. Having lived in Atlanta and worked in the residential homebuilding business for the last 11 years, I've accepted a new job in another industry in Asheville , NC in the beautiful smokey mountains. I'll be working with a division of the Partnership for a Drug Free North Carolina as a case manager. It's a great opportunity to help people who really need it and use and develop my education in psychology. This is a great opportunity for me professionally, but I'll miss my family and friends in Atlanta. The good news is that we'll only be a little over 3 hours drive from Atlanta so we'll be back often.

On the hobby related side, I find the mountains to be very inspiring so expect some new work soon. Because of the great art scene in Asheville, I hope to further develop my sculpting to include life size busts. I'll be looking for a house in Asheville with enough space for larger sculpture and materials. I still plan to make it to as many Atlanta club meetings as I can and our annual show as well as the Chicago Show in October.

So, if anyone's in the market for a house in Atlanta, let me know and I can set you up with ours ;-)

Ardennes Bust

2009-07-25T12:55:00.005-05:00

More progress. Nearing completion on this one. Small details and more weathering to do. Of course, I have to add the obligitory ciggie hanging from his lower lip. I like how the textures are coming out on this one. Thanks for the opportunity to paint him, John!

More Progress

2009-07-14T13:29:00.005-05:00

Coming along now on the GI bust. This is a fun one to paint. Very crisp details make things alot easier. What's not easy is coming up with variations and mixes for OD. I want each OD garment, strap, etc to be alittle different to break it up a little and be a little less monochromatic. I've also been playing around with adding unrelated tones into the mix for effects in the shadows. The jacket, for example has some purple tones in it if you can see that in the pics. Thanks for looking...

Ardennes Bust Update 7/12

2009-07-12T21:38:00.004-05:00

Moving full time into getting this one painted for the APG Show in Gettysburg next month. The face was/is an experiment in just about every tone in my palette applied in light glazes to build up a worn and beaten look. At the same time I wanted to show his strength of spirit so I painted his eyes a bright sparkling blue. I hope that comes across. I have a huge amount of respect for what our guys went through in the Winter of 44. Starting the jacket tonight....

Ardennes 1944

2009-07-07T13:41:00.003-05:00

Here is my slightly modified Young Miniatures bust I'm doing for delivery at the Gettysburg Show. It has had his face resculpted and I also added texture to the coat to help simulate the heavy wool. The original was too smooth. I created the texture by stippling on some liquid magic sculpt with a stiff brush. This was allowed to dry and the process repeated to build up the right amount of texture. Also experimenting on the flesh tones with some blues and greens worked in. I want this guy to look like he's been through hell as the real guys were.

More to come soon.....

More work...

2009-07-07T13:28:00.004-05:00

Here is another update. Close to refining. Still some asymmetry issues and the forehead needs more volume too.

Thanks for stopping by!

Another Update..

2009-07-01T21:48:00.002-05:00

More volume definition. Getting there...

Serious Update....

2009-06-30T09:57:00.005-05:00

Here is the sculpt with a bit more volume definition. I have started to get more refining done on the rough features or structure of the face and am starting to get into the finished volumes. I'll keep refining these rough shapes until the final likeness starts to emerge! This is a fun one. It's a single piece so I have no concerns about size, casting issues, etc. Still working out ideas on facial expression and pose. I want to capture something of this great character. Not easy!

Portrait Update..Any guesses yet??

2009-06-28T07:39:00.002-05:00

Here is a small update to a new sculpt started a couple of days ago. Still in it's rough form, but the volumes are starting to go in now, so the likeness will start to develop a bit now.

Jack Aubrey Bust

2009-06-24T18:59:00.004-05:00

Here is my recently completed painting of the Young Miniatures Capt. Jack bust. I reworked the likeness to Russell Crowe a bit (see earlier post). Painted in acrylics with ink/oil mixes used on the buttons.

Why So Serious????

2009-06-24T07:05:00.005-05:00

Here's one I've been looking forward to starting for a while. It's another film character recreation from the fantasy/comic realm. Here he is after the first session. I have learned finally from painful experience to not rush portraits at this stage. It's a much better use of time getting the structure and forms/volumes right before starting the fine features. This will not be a commercial release, I'm afraid. I will have him completed and painted for the Chicago Show in October. Stay tuned for more updates on this one.

New Head Sculpt

2009-06-24T06:54:00.005-05:00

Hello and thanks for visiting. A friend recently commissioned this 200mm or 1/9th scale head sculpt and here's how it finished. I believe it will be added to a bust (sculpted by someone else) depicting him in his modern, Italian army uniform and gear. Anyway, I continue to enjoy the challenges of sculpting from photographs only. It is frustrating at times especially without 3/4 views and views from above and below the subject, but we do what we can. My version has a bit wider face, but I think from other pictures I've seen of the subject, the ones sent to me suffer from lens distortion which makes the nose appear larger and the eyes farther apart. The likeness suffers from not having all the info I need from a real sitting, but flying to Italy wasn't budgeted this month unfortunately! Enjoy.

Masterclass Release - Toto Bust

2009-06-13T07:16:00.003-05:00

Hello friends!

Italian model company Masterclass, has just officially released a bust I made for them earlier this year. It is a portrait piece of Italian comedic actor Antonio de Curtis or "Toto". His face was particularly challenging to recreate as the actor had his face disfigured in an auto accident as a teenager. I think my attempt at the likeness is fair. I include here a few pics of the master and also the boxart picture painted by Italian artist, Elio Stella. I hope to get the time to paint one for myself at some point. Thanks for looking.

I'll have a few more commercial releases coming up soon. In fact, I shipped another piece to a manufacturer yesterday that will see daylight on the market perhaps late summer.

New 75mm Sculpt

2009-05-01T19:26:00.005-05:00

Hello and welcome to my figure site. I've just started work on a new full figure sculpt. This is not my first, but is the first I'm revealing to the public (the others won't ever be seen , ha-ha). I'm not sure what he'll become yet. Suggestions?

Still Sculpting???

2009-04-26T10:32:00.002-05:00

Yes, I am still sculpting. Right now, I have several new busts in progress for release in the near future. Unfortunately, all of the manufacturers have asked me to keep a lid on the subjects and no pics. Sorry! I'll post some pics once I get approval or release info.

On the new front, I started a 75mm sculpt this past week using some wire and extra putty to form the armature. This is not my first full figure sculpt, but it's something I've been wanting to try again so I thought I'd give it a go. I'm still working/refining the relaxed pose and haven't a clue what he'll become yet. I'll try to get some pictures up once I get the basic forms down a bit farther.

See ya!

Hernan Cortes

2009-04-26T10:23:00.006-05:00

I'm really excited to start this first of a two figure set depicting Hernan Cortes and Montezuma II. Both figures are from Pegaso Models and are first rate. Here I've started the Cortes figure by painting the flag and base. The design on the flag was taken from the boxart. I managed to get a nice photo of the flag design (thanks Danilo) and have spent a few sessions getting it blocked in. Still work to do, but the basics are in place. The figure itself has had the first stage of the armor started. I polished all the metal and have started laying in washes of oil paint to tone it and emphasize it's shape and details. Much more to do on him so stay tuned for more updates....

Lucky Jack Update 4/26

2009-04-26T10:18:00.004-05:00

Some additional work done on Jack. More work on the face and also I've started highlighting the lovely dark blue jacket. I've used Dark Prussian Blue, Black and Orange Brown for the base and added more Dark Prussian Blue for the first highlights and Prussian Blue for the next highlights. Shadows will be done by adding black to the base. Starting to highlight the hair as well. Thanks for looking!

Lucky Jack (cont..)

2009-04-13T14:47:00.003-05:00

Here the face painting has begun. I'm really enjoying this one. I altered my standard flesh mixture (if I have one-changes all the time) this time. I've added some Brown Leather to the mix and like the result. Still refining and blending to do, but it's coming along. You can go with either a warm flesh tone like I have or add blues for cooler tones. A man of service always chooses the lesser of two weevils. Ha! Sorry, but I love that line from the film.

Jack Aubrey Bust

2009-04-10T15:30:00.007-05:00

Here's a new project I'm doing. It's the incredible sculpture of a Royal Navy Captain, 1806 from Young Miniatures. The bust depicts Russell Crowe from the film Master and Commander. Looking at the box art, the sculptor (Ahn Jun Sik) and painter (Lee Sang Eon) have created a great likeness of Russel Crowe. Once I opened the box and looked at the unpainted face and compaired it to photos of Crowe that I got form the internet, I noticed a few details that I thought I could modify to improve the great likeness already there. Well, a few details led to an eventual rework of all the main features including eyes, nose, mouth and even the jaw line, chin and brows. I think this gives me a more accurate starting off point for my painting to follow. No way I could have improved upon anything else on this great bust, so I'll be priming him up and painting him soon.

Thanks for looking.

Completed...Monk Knight

2009-04-07T07:07:00.005-05:00

Here are some pics of the completed Monk shown in progress earlier. This piece is still for sale if any interested collector is, well, interested. Email me for more details at: springermatt(at)comcast.net

Knight cont....

2009-03-25T11:01:00.003-05:00

More progress on this Monk figure....

The Artist Preservation Group - Raffle 2009

2009-03-23T18:37:00.002-05:00

I'd like to share some information that some of you may know and others may not. I am an active member of the Artist Preservation Group and would like to discuss a unique opportunity that we are offering to the miniature community. I've been fortunate enough, in my modelling career, to have had my original sculptures produced by some of the top figure manufacturers in our hobby including Pegaso Models, Masterclass/White Models, Michael Roberts Ltd., Adalbertus, United Empire, Model Cellar and others. Now, I offer my sculpting and painting services to you. By purchasing a raffle ticket from the APG, your name will be added to the hat to possibly win a bust or full figure sculpted and painted by myself. As the winner, you will choose 3 subjects you'd like me to sculpt for you and I'll select the piece that I feel I can best depict for you in miniature. I expect the winners input into the piece so you can have it exactly as you imagine. You are not limited to historical figures only. Some of those whom have already purchased tickets have in mind family members they want to pay homage to or fantasy/film characters they want to see brought to life. This is a project I'm proud to do for the APG and will give my best efforts to create a unique piece for the hobby fan, modeller, or collector. Figure manufacturers are also encouraged to enter the drawing as well. I assure you that the price of a $10 ticket is a definite price break on my usual fee;-)Where can you purchase tickets? It's easy. One ticket is $10 or you can buy 6 for $50. To keep the odds of winning excellent, the raffle is limited to a mximum of 500 issued tickets. The drawing will be held at the APG Show in Gettysburg, PA August 8, 2009. If you wait to buy tickets at the APG Show, you may be too late. They're going quick.To purchase online, visit: http://www.artistpreservationgroup.com/raffle.htm

In addition, you may purchase tickets at our vendor table at the upcoming MFCA Show and also from John Jeffries at this weekend's upcoming show in Chicopee, Mass. The Artist Preservation Group is an organization with which I feel priveleged to associate. Through their tireless efforts, they are contributing real aid, real money and real results to preserving our nations history and historical artifacts for future generations. If that's not a worthy cause, I don't know what is. See you at the drawing in Gettysburg!

54mm Knight

2009-03-18T21:10:00.006-05:00

Here is a figure I've been wanting to paint since it was released last year. It's a Pegaso kit sculpted by the great Andrea Jula of a Monk warrior from the Brothers of the Sword or Fratres Militiae Christi. from around 1200 AD. This is a great exercise in painting white which is one of my favorite colors to paint. I've slightly modified the face on this piece from the original by adding some volume to the brow, nose and lower lip to give him a more intense expression. I hope you like it. More updates soon....

W.S. Hancock - APG Bust

2009-03-09T13:44:00.003-05:00

Hi again. Just a few sample pics to show some of the painting progress on the new Artist Preservation Group release of General Hancock. I won't do my usual documenting of the painting progress here as I'll be doing a seminar on the sculpting and painting of this bust at the APG's Gettysburg Show in August. The seminar will be very detailed on the creating and sculpting as well as the painting and finishing of this piece. I hope to see you in Gettysburg!

Matt

New Painting Project

2009-03-02T18:16:00.004-05:00

Hello and thanks for visiting. In the following months, I will be building and painting these two incredible kits from Pegaso Models for a collector friend of mine. They depict Hernan Cortes and Montezuma II. I think I'll start with Cortes. More pics to come soon. I'm anxious to get the brushes out on these guys.

Rhona Update

2009-02-26T14:07:00.005-05:00

Getting into the homestretch on this fantasy bust sculpt. I'm looking forward to painting this one! Sorting out the arm guards and hands. Still tweaking the face and I'm toying with the idea of adding some long hair strands onto the face. More updates soon.....

Napoleon- Final

2009-02-16T14:42:00.007-05:00

Here are some shots of the finished Napoleon bust. Painted in acrylics and some oils for the metal bits. Thanks for looking. This example has been sold. Castings will be availble soon from Michael Miniatures.

The Way We Were......

2009-02-05T08:00:00.007-05:00

Sorry for the break in figure related stuff, but I found these family pics from 1975 that I wanted to share. The first is our house in Elk Grove Village, Ill. followed by me with our dog, Rags. The next is one of my brother building a model airplane and my folks are in there too. Note my Dad's "porkchop" sideburns! Groovy!

Those were the days.....

Napoleon Update 2/4

2009-02-04T20:08:00.003-05:00

More painting progress....

New Bust - Sonja

2009-02-04T19:41:00.005-05:00

Hello,

Here is my progress on a new private commission sculpt based on Rhona Mitra's character Sonja from the new Underworld film. The face is still in progress and the arms are temporarily tacked in place for the pics, but I think you can see the general idea. I spent alot of time trying to recreate the look or her chainmail as worn in the film. It's very fine and the pattern is really tight rather than traditional mail so it needed a different technique. I ended up using a round needle file rolled across the almost cured putty to create the feminine type of mail pattern the character wears. I'm just starting on the gorget and shoulder armor. The right hand will be wielding the big sword and the left will have a clenched fist or possibly open fingers. Not sure yet on that. I'm really enjoying this one. I've wanted to sculpt a female subject in armor for a while. More updates soon. I hope to have her done soon.

Matt

Napoleon

2009-01-30T09:34:00.004-05:00

Here are some in progress shots of my painting of Napoleon. This bust will be released soon from Michael Miniatures and I'm painting this casting for the boxart pictures. More updates to follow. I will have this piece completed and on display at the Atlanta Show Feb 20-22. Thanks!

Hancock the Superb

2009-01-24T17:23:00.005-05:00

Well, I think he's finally finished!!! Just some final clean up to do and he's off for casting.

Keep an eye out here and on the APG website for availability. Thanks for stopping by...

Hancock Update 1/22

2009-01-22T21:16:00.004-05:00

Here is an update on the Hancock bust for the APG. The detailing of the buttons and goatee/hair continues...Nearing completion.....

Finished....

2009-01-15T16:27:00.004-05:00

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm really tired of looking at Jennifer Garner! It's been a while on this one, but I decided to perservere and do everything I could to get the likeness down. Did I? I'm not sure about that, but it's the best I can do on her right now. Learning to sculpt a female face is hard, but then trying to make it look like someone specific...that's thr real challenge. I'm taking what I learned on this one and applying it to my next project. I must remember not to "rush to the surface" on these portraits. This one will be appearing as a resin kit for release soon. More info later...........

Hancock 1/8

2009-01-08T10:09:00.006-05:00

More detail going on in this sculpt. Included is a nice pic of Hancock wearing his hat that I'm trying to recreate. He was also said to have worn his undress frock coat at Gettysburg with the collar open and top buttons done while open at the bottom. Another interesting note: Hancock's tendency for the profane idiom on the battlefield. Quite the colorful character...

APG Bust Update - 1/5/09

2009-01-05T12:35:00.004-05:00

Here is an update on the bust. Clothing begins next. The rather large beard worn by Hancock will be added as a seperate piece later to simplify casting of the bust. Stay tuned.....

The Artist Preservation Group Sculpt

2008-12-31T11:09:00.005-05:00

These are the first shots of my newest donation to the Artist Preservation Group. This one will depict Winfield Hancock as he may have appeared at the battle of Gettysburg. This 250mm sculpture will available as a resin kit exclusively through the APG. We hope to have some castings available at the Feb 09 Atlanta Show. Thanks for looking.

Napoleon Bust - Painting Pt.1

2008-12-31T11:05:00.005-05:00

Hello and Happy New Year!

Here are the first shots of the painting on my Napoleon sculpt. The face and surrounding areas are just getting started. This one will be a study in painting white and creating textures. I'll be finishing this one by the end of Jan 09!

Toto infine è rifinito (Toto is finally finished!)

2008-12-10T14:24:00.004-05:00

Well, pending any final manufacturer revisions, here are some shots of the completed Toto bust. It was a lot of fun to make and the kits will be out very soon. Perhaps by early March. I'll keep you posted on release info as I hear it. Thanks for looking!

Elektra Update

2008-12-03T23:08:00.003-05:00

Almost finished with her now....

Toto Update

2008-12-02T15:27:00.003-05:00

More work on the Toto (Antonio De Curtis) bust. Nearing completion and continuing to refine his features. Not quite there yet, but getting closer.

Italian Officer WWII

2008-11-23T15:38:00.004-05:00

Hello! Here is a new project for a customer. It is a 200mm bust of Italian 50's actor/singer Antonio De Curtis or "Toto". I include the inspiration photo with it so you can check my work on the likeness. What a great face to sculpt! This one has been alot of fun and will be finishing soon.

Ciao!

Elektra

2008-11-13T13:46:00.004-05:00

Here is a new commissioned piece I'm doing. Different? Yes! A welcomed change from soldiers. The arms are seperate pieces for casting and are holding the sais weapons. Scrambling to get this one finished ASAP. I'll try to post again when she's completed.

John Adams

2008-11-03T17:18:00.006-05:00

Hello everyone! Here are some shots of my latest sculpture. This one is a 200mm scale piece based on the famous painting of Adams. I also used some of the Monticello bust for some details I couldn't get from the painting alone. I hope you like it. The wig texture was done using a technique I picked up from the great sculptor Mark Newman. This piece will be released commercially in the near future.

Thanks and I'll update here for release info on this piece when the details are worked out.

Matt

Finished at Last!

2008-10-03T14:37:00.004-05:00

Here is my latest piece to be called done. It was another fun, but challenging subject. I hope you like it and thanks for looking!

Matt

APG Bust Painted...Finally

2008-09-29T20:52:00.005-05:00

After a long delay, I have finally finished painting the George Washington bust I sculpted for The Artist Preservation Group. Castings are available to order directly from the APG and I understand that there may be some castings available at the upcoming Chicago Show.

Painted in acrylics and some oils for special effects.

Thanks for looking!

http://www.artistpreservationgroup.com/apgstore.htm

http://www.mmsichicago.com/

Masterclass New Release

2008-09-24T18:21:00.002-05:00

The folks over at Masterclass just released the bust I made for them of General Ampsicora. Please visit their new site for ordering info.

http://www.masterclass.it/