German Combat Unit � Ardennes 1944
This is one of my first works after my figure painting class under Shepard Paine. I was eager to try out the techniques I learned. So, I chose a project that involves camouflage. I bought several of DML�s 1/35th kits. Of these, I found DML Kit 6002 as the most interesting. It depicts an illustration by Ron Volstad depicting four Waffen SS troopers in the Ardennes Offensive (used with Ron Volstad�s permission). What drew me to this project is the variety of the camouflage patterns used by the SS in their uniforms.
I assembled the figures straight from box. The modifications I performed included the following: trimming off a bit of the arms from the pointing officer (it looked a little too long); adding of slings to all the weapons (except the panzerfaust); repositioning the hands of the figure (wearing a cap) so that it rests firmly on the helmet; and filling in any spaces with putty. The map was taken from a Tamiya German Officers set. This was then dipped in coffee to make it look weathered. For painting the uniforms, I used all the waterbased paint colors suggested in the instruction. For the flesh I used oil paints.
The base was bought from Michael's craft store. I applied a tint then over painted it with varnish. The material used for the actual groundwork is Sculpey (I found out later that I have an allergic reaction to its chemicals). While it was still soft, I left imprints of tank tracks, tires and footprints. I created a mound on the corner for the officer to stand on. I baked the groundwork in the oven, then painted it using enamels. I applied a lot of glossy washes to replicate mud. I also used this color on the boots to provide continuity. And finally I applied snow and slush.
I have entered this in the 1999 SCAHMS competition. I received a certificate! |
