Seems the French have taken center stage at the painting desk in October. That trend continues with the third French entry for the 1859 project during the month.
Off the workbench today is the 1st Grenadier of the Guard regiment composed of three, twelve figure battalions. The variety of animation ought to make these figures instantly recognizable as the work of Old Glory now owned and produced by 19th Century Miniatures.
As with most of the Old Glory figures in this range, the variety of poses in each bag allows for the construction of very dynamic stands. Not only is the choice of pose dynamic and evocative of the French impetuousness in battle but the sculpting style seems to channel works of some of the famous battlefield painters of the Second Empire. Great figures but the molding process leaves some of the weapons and heads lacking the strength to withstand the rigors of combat. I expect to lose a few musket barrels when these guardsmen first encounter opposition and rough handling.
You are quite right about positioning so many dynamic poses together on one base. It can be accomplished but requires a bit of trial and error to get them all to fit.
Hmmm, I think I am out of sync with everyone who has spoken so far and of course with your own opinion.
To my eye, the very dynamic pose together with the dramatic splashes of blue and red, makes it harder for me to appreciate and enjoy the individual figures, because I can't make them out. I almost feel a need to apologise for giving an odd critique, because I know a ton of work has gone into them and everyone likes them!
No worries about being out-of-sync or having a different point of view. Your comments and critiques are always welcome. We all have different opinions and preferences.
In addition to the figure posing (the grenadiers are in very dynamic poses with crisp details sometimes lacking) and red/white/blue color splashes, perhaps my brush and photography skills contribute to your dissatisfaction?
It certainly won't be your brush skills that are lacking, nor your camera work. It is the case that things can look better in real life than the camera generally portrays - especially with modern digital photography as they produce such sharp detailed imagery and more often than not give slight boosts to colour, something I find with my combo of 10 or 12mm and hexes.
Gorgeous Grenadiers, Jon. I am of course a fan of Old Glory 25's, although I do tend to segregate the varied poses to usually only 2 or at most 3 major variants (out of usually at least 5 possible) per unit.
Thanks, Peter! You are a big fan of Old Glory 25s, no doubt. Your idea of limiting the number of poses in each unit is a good one. An idea I will keep in mind. Multiple poses in a unit add interest, I think especially in more "modern" wars in which bodies of infantry appear less regimented and lean more toward heavy skirmish screens. In particular, I am referring to the Franco-Austrian and Franco-Prussian Wars as my examples.
Red trousers are France! For a time at least, :) Great work!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mark! Pantaloons rouge are my favorites!
DeleteTop notch job, agree with you for Old Glory diversity...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Phil! No one animates a figure like Old Glory sculptors.
DeleteVery nice! Not so nice anticipating the coming combat attrition, but I guess that why God created superglue!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Aaron
Thank you, Aaron! Let us hope that the base size provides enough of a buffer to mitigate in-battle mishaps.
DeleteSuperb unit Jonathan. i think the grenadiers are my favourite of all the Second Empire troops...them and the Cent Garde
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mark! French grenadiers are a smart looking lot. Some of my favorites as well.
DeleteOld glory....the most animated lead there is!
ReplyDeleteFor sure!
DeleteLovely work and I totally agree that their animation is perfect for the second empire! En avaunt!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Much appreciated, Iain. The sculptor captured the feel of the period paintings perfectly.
DeleteA very fine job you did Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Thanks!
DeleteVive le tricolore! Fine painting!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteYup, lovely sculpts. So many dynamic poses, though did that make them harder to fit on their bases?
ReplyDeleteYou are quite right about positioning so many dynamic poses together on one base. It can be accomplished but requires a bit of trial and error to get them all to fit.
DeleteOooooo I do like the look of these Jonathan. Old Glory do make some great looking figures.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ray! Old Glory certainly build their figures in multi-pose variations. This is especially true of the FAW/FPW ranges.
DeleteAnother good looking unit, I am seriously considering 15 mm for my new project
ReplyDeleteThank you, Matt. What 15mm project is under consideration?
DeleteHmmm, I think I am out of sync with everyone who has spoken so far and of course with your own opinion.
ReplyDeleteTo my eye, the very dynamic pose together with the dramatic splashes of blue and red, makes it harder for me to appreciate and enjoy the individual figures, because I can't make them out. I almost feel a need to apologise for giving an odd critique, because I know a ton of work has gone into them and everyone likes them!
No worries about being out-of-sync or having a different point of view. Your comments and critiques are always welcome. We all have different opinions and preferences.
DeleteIn addition to the figure posing (the grenadiers are in very dynamic poses with crisp details sometimes lacking) and red/white/blue color splashes, perhaps my brush and photography skills contribute to your dissatisfaction?
It certainly won't be your brush skills that are lacking, nor your camera work. It is the case that things can look better in real life than the camera generally portrays - especially with modern digital photography as they produce such sharp detailed imagery and more often than not give slight boosts to colour, something I find with my combo of 10 or 12mm and hexes.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Norm. I would be happy to put a few of these unpainted figures into the post so you can judge for yourself.
DeleteExcellent unit Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like regiment of grenadiers, Mike!
DeleteI am not a big fan of OG, but those look nice.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Old Glory figures are an acquired taste? I started in 15mm with Old Glory Napoleonic 25 years ago so the animation is a bit endearing to me.
DeleteGorgeous Grenadiers, Jon. I am of course a fan of Old Glory 25's, although I do tend to segregate the varied poses to usually only 2 or at most 3 major variants (out of usually at least 5 possible) per unit.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peter! You are a big fan of Old Glory 25s, no doubt. Your idea of limiting the number of poses in each unit is a good one. An idea I will keep in mind. Multiple poses in a unit add interest, I think especially in more "modern" wars in which bodies of infantry appear less regimented and lean more toward heavy skirmish screens. In particular, I am referring to the Franco-Austrian and Franco-Prussian Wars as my examples.
DeleteWhat a fantastic unit Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteAwesome work as always.
regards
Michal, you are always very kind in your comments!
Deleteyou are a painting machine! Nice units! You are a hobby role model. 😀
ReplyDelete"Hobby role model" is too kind, Stew, but much appreciated! Thank you!
DeleteAnother nice looking unit Jonathan - OG are generally pretty good in any scale, and also great value!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Old Glory are good figures at good value. Especially good value with the purchase of an Old Glory Army Card.
DeleteGreat job they all turned out marvellous.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Simon!
DeleteFrench Guard Grenadiers... what’s not to like...:-)
ReplyDeleteAll the best. Aly
Exactly right, Aly! What's not to like!
DeleteAnother excellent addition. Well done sir!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Next 1859 scenario, I ought to work them into the OB.
Delete