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American Southwest, Circa 1876, Sioux Warriors vs US 7th Cavalry

Story’s Paint

Ok, let’s try this again. I’ve been on a stretch of this, that, and the other thing, and bench time has been limited, again. We all get those distraction runs from time to time, some lasting longer than others, but no need to expound upon our miseries, lol. So, here we go.

As per usual, I neglected to take sequential pics, but most everything I’m doing here is pretty basic. But I will give a short run down of the process to get things up to snuff. Having just started learning Big Dogs I kinda need to remember what I’m doing for later projects. Story has proven to be unique in her paint as each one is, but she doesn’t have the more complex patterns that we see out there. So, this is actually a great test pattern to learn on. Like the Dennison Smock, in regard to each color being highlighted and shaded individually, this will be treated in the same manner, but much simpler, with each tone getting the highlights and shadows to transition from dark to light as seamlessly as possible. That is the goal.

I added a few more reference photos to verify the pattern. I need to address the neck area a bit more before oiling that area completely, and I now see I may need to enlarge that patch on her left belly toward the shoulder just a bit more. It’s looking a little small to me. I will work the nose when I get to that area as well. But, so far, I think I’m close enough to call this pattern a decent rendition once I correct those few areas.

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I started with a solid coat of Tamiya XF-2 Flat White airbrushed on for even coverage. I then mixed up XF-1 Flat Black, and XF-10 Flat Brown for the initial dark tone. Please don’t ask me what they call that dark color on Story. I forgot, and it’s not a deal breaker, so we carry on. HA! I know my wife could rattle off all that stuff, but not me. Regardless, the dark mixture is really close to the photos, so I airbrushed that on.

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To get the pattern as close as possible during the initial color application I used AK’s Camouflage Elastic Putty. Man, that stuff is a life saver in this case and it worked great. After that coat dried completely I went back over the entire edge of each dark pattern to add in the irregularities that are visible in the pics. There are quite a few jagged edges on this paint pony and I wanted it as close as possible. Granted, it’s not such a radical pattern as many I’ve seen, but it’s there and clearly visible in the photos. I’ve added a pic of the “star” on her snout. There was also a white strip running up her back from the tail that I’ve never noticed, nor have I clearly seen them in any of the photos. This pup is getting big fast, so I may need a step ladder soon if I need more pics, lol.

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The oils have been applied to the back end of this pony, but it’s a bit difficult to see in these pics. Using a mix of Windsor & Newton Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, and Raw Umber to create the shadows and highlights, I worked my way from the left side to the right. Once these oils dry completely the sheen will dull and I will apply more highlights in specific areas.

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The difficulty I’m finding is keeping the tones dark enough without getting carried away with the highlights. I will address the front shoulder areas and neck next. Once I’m satisfied with the initial brush work, I’ll tackle the whites.

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I will eventually get the tail and mane installed, but I’m pondering using some kind of hair thread, or something way more realistic than this molded mane and tail. I’ve seen others use some type of material, but I’m not sure what it is, but I’ll research that and see if I can realistically apply that instead. I’ve stopped on the other Big Dog, Nash, but I think I’ll take this one full run to completion, then get rolling on the 1/35 scale ponies. Wow, won’t that be a change, eh?

More to follow soon and thanks for watchin! Cheers, Ski.
 
Excellent Steve, I can see the shading over here. Story looks great!
Good deal, Bob. That sheen can not only mess with the eyes, but the camera, too.
oh yes indeed !!!!!!!!!!:vgood:
Thanks, andy!
Hard to believe those are the dogs I sent!
Yes, Borther Saul, these are your babies and they are fun to work, tanks, Bro! I was going to forgo the final finish on Story, but the whites need a revisit, because they can be a head trip, if you get carried away and dismiss the subtleties of the shading. I've seen a lot of potentially great work go to pot from overdone shading, therefore, massive moderation, and a lot of walking away from the bench to reassess is what I've learned to do.

Now, if I can practice what I just preached, we're good, ya?:rotf:D;) Worst comes to worst, my trusty oven cleaner is always on stand-by, HA!
 
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