It seems like I have been working on this unit of Footsore miniatures Goths a while. It certainly took more time than the more uniform but more highly detailed Aventine Early Byzantines. Not that I'm knocking Bill's sculpts; far from it, they are excellent and I am very pleased with how they have come out. I do miss Bill's work!
The back ranks are finally complete so it was time to take some snaps of the unit as a whole. But first the back ranks. I dispensed with the idea of using LBMS transfers on the back ranks of the unit as they would have been made up of Freemen who by enlarge would not have had the wealth to lavish designs on their shields let alone afford armour. Of course, this is a generalisation but one that seems fitting for the unit. as it will help distinguish the professional warriors from the "volunteers" and will minimise any confusion with my opponent on the table top. I have toned down the colours on the tunics and trousers too to give them a poorer overall look.
A word on the choice of miniatures. The Goth army I am building is primarily based of the army of the Ostrogoths who faced Narses at the Battle of Taginae 552 CE which would have generally looked more Romanised in appearance than that of the Footsore Goths. The problem I had, certainly when I purchased many of the miniatures, was that no one does 28mm Goths for that time period. There are some in the pipeline, but until then, I will be continuing to use the Footsore Miniatures as they are the nearest thing available for my purposes.
As usual all the images are "clickable" so please feel free to check out the larger files.
A Few Snaps of the Back Ranks:
And the Unit as a Whole:
Looks stunning. I'm curious as tovwho has a line of later period Goths in the pipeline
ReplyDeleteThanks Doug. I'm afraid that I can't really say as I was told in confidence by the company. I will be certain to reveal all as soon as they are released. :)
DeleteWonderful work as usual. For 6th century Germanic types, would some figures from a late Roman range work, especially if they had beards or moustaches?
ReplyDeleteThanks mate. Re: Late Roman substitutes. not really as even they would be too early. As mentioned above, it won't be too long before some are released.
DeleteThese look lovely Darrell
ReplyDeleteThanks Paul, appreciated old bean :)
DeleteReally lovely work! I really like how you do the tunics, almost like a sort of "blocky" shading. I've given it a go this weekend with limited success, do you have any tips for your technique?
ReplyDeleteTo be really honest, I don't really have any specific advice. What I would say, is that I have picked up all sorts of styles/tricks etc over the last few decades and it is only really by trying things out, repeating again and again until you have got it to where you want it to be, that you will find a suitable level for yourself. For example, if I was painting up single miniatures I would spend three or four timers as long as on each mini. This unit is the first in what will be an army of hundreds so some compromises have to be made. Hope that helps?
DeleteThat's good solid advice, thank you very much :)
DeleteSorry I couldn't offer anything specific. If all goes well with the building work I ought to have a few Step by Steps to add to the blog at some point in the future and probably in print too.
DeleteReally enjoying your posts on the Early Byzantines and now Goths. I want you to know how much an inspiration you are to me any many other painters. I can see from some of your other posts how you have struggled with your health but I hope you understand how much your work is valued and enjoyed. All the best, Barry Lee (Emperorbaz)
ReplyDeleteThank you Barry for the very kind words and of course, the support. I won't lie, it's been a year and four months of hell really. This time last year I think we were all thinking that it would all be over by now bit we are far from that goal and thus I must hand on.
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