and the "Garage Kit..."
My relatively recent “discovery” of the “Garage Kit” industry quickly aroused my interest and has become my principle highway in expression of the arts. I have found every piece to be different, every piece to have its own history and no two pieces to ever be alike. Each assembled and painted piece, is a “one of a kind” and never to be duplicated. Each and every resin kit has limitless possibilities in paint and detail with the only obstacle, being one’s own imagination.
Screamin' - Betty Page in Orbit
Shown here are the first stages in the “Bettie Page in Orbit” model. This, just with all of my pieces, is first test fit for proper alignments and estimated pin placements. Each piece is carefuly sanded smooth, rough edges removed and small pin-holes and cracks are filled. Each piece is not just “glued” into place, but “pinned” into place, such action greatly increases the overall model durability. A vast array of tools and consumables are used in these "prep" processes - from drills and Dremels to files and sandpapers to putties and epoxies. Particular attention to details are paid during the whole assembly process to aid in final details and finish of the kit.
SolarWinds - 1/4 Scale Karnstein and Winged Karnstein
Each kit is different in size and style. Some kits will require the model to be completely assembled and prepped prior to painting, other kits will yield better results if individual pieces are painted prior to assembly. This is usually determined by test fitting and the location of seams between pieces. I feel a seam created by joining pieces through a female figures left breast (assembly, then paint) is bad. Seams created at the top of a boot, or at an arm band or necklace on the other hand (paint, then assemble) is good. Demonstrated here by the quarter scale "Karnstein" and the 1/8th "Winged Karnstein", is the apparent ability to paint sections of the model prior to installing boots and gloves.
Seams and pinholes are filled and sanded flush and often times, I conduct minor “re-sculpting” to gain appropriate appearances and proper proportions. Once the final assembly is finished, a light coat of suitable primer is applied and the paint process will begin.
Seams and pinholes are filled and sanded flush and often times, I conduct minor “re-sculpting” to gain appropriate appearances and proper proportions. Once the final assembly is finished, a light coat of suitable primer is applied and the paint process will begin.
JJ Models - Sarah, and Figuralia Catburgler
The next process, as shown here with the “Catburgler” and “Gothic Sarah”, is my favorite process of painting the model. I mix my own paints so no two colors are ever truly the same which tends to leave each completed piece with its own originality. It is in rare cases, such as the one pictured, where I will paint two models simultaneously. In this instance, the primary base coats of the figures were to be in similar colors, so they were conducted in succession.
I start most skin tones with a standard flesh type color and depending on the character being painted, I will add peach, pink, orange, brown, red or sometimes even blue hues. Millions upon millions of color combinations are created. Once skin tones and facial details are completed to satisfaction, details such as clothing, hair and miscellaneous items are finished. The last step in a successful paint project is the finish. I often use dull coats, semi-gloss and even polyurethanes to achieve a hard protective finish.
I start most skin tones with a standard flesh type color and depending on the character being painted, I will add peach, pink, orange, brown, red or sometimes even blue hues. Millions upon millions of color combinations are created. Once skin tones and facial details are completed to satisfaction, details such as clothing, hair and miscellaneous items are finished. The last step in a successful paint project is the finish. I often use dull coats, semi-gloss and even polyurethanes to achieve a hard protective finish.
1/25 JF Witch vs. 1/4 Jill Kelly
As scales vary greatly between models, so do achievable details. As this photo represents, there are significant size differences between a small 1/25 figure such as the “Jimmy Flintstone Witch” versus a much larger quarter scale “Jill Kelly” figure. U.S. currency in the form of a dime on the left and a quarter on the right are good examples of size differences and comparisons. Just because a figure is small, doesn’t mean it does not require the same detail – it is just harder to accomplish. Each face is individually hand painted using the very smallest of brushes. You will often find browsing this site, extreme close-up photos provided of my models which are in far greater detail than most. This is in an effort to reveal extreme details and yes, imperfections, not seen by just the human eye. The last step in a successful paint project is the finish. I often use dull coats, semi-gloss and even polyurethanes to achieve a hard protective finish.
Monsters in Motion - Julie Strain
As seen in this close-up photo of the MIM “Julie Strain” model, tremendous details can be added to create any effect. In this case, I added hundreds of standard sewing pin heads to create a realistic studded belt. Each hole was individualy drilled into the model prior to paint. Upon completion of paint and finish, each sewing pin was cut short, inserted and fixed within the hole. Steel wire, bent into circular shape was also used to create realistic rings. Real miniature chain link was installed around her neck, which hung the length of the model to the model base. Thiese are extremely time consuming and tedious tasks, but as seen, results in a very realistic effect.
Figuralia Miniatures - Catburgler
Seen in this photo of Figuralia’s “CatBurgler” is an effect which can be gained by simply using various top coat finishes. The entire figure was painted using the same black. Her ears, the mask, her uniform and gloves, all painted using a standard charcoal black. The mask is high gloss which appears smooth while her unitform appears dull and rough. The optical illusion of various shades, along with a difference in texture is only only created by the contrasting use of dull, gloss, semi-gloss or poly top coats. Knowing when, where or how to use these top coats is key. With all painting finished and protected, detail features in place, a final inspection is done. If all passes my personal critique, each and every one is then hand signed by myself and rendered complete.
Nemo Models - Vampirella
Once a model is complete, it is then sold, or delivered to its owner, never to be duplicated again. I do not keep my own creations as the challenge of the build is where my primary interests lie. In some cases, finished models such as this "Vampirella" by NEMO, will be accompanied by my own COA to validate my work. My completed pieces are often pre-ordered by individuals, or in many cases offered for sale through the eBay auction system under the username “tvspaintwerks”. Very rarely do I retain any of my own works.
In most cases, the purchase of an original kit is often more than just a purchase, it is an investment. Most “Garage Kits” are limited in production and retain their value extremely well – often times, increasing substantially in value. An unassembled kit may cost 150 today but may in turn sell for several hundreds next year. The value of a “rendered” kit will vary significantly depending on many factors such as condition, builder, availability, age, popularity and of course, demand. Most completed kits were usually assembled and finished to incorporate into specific personal collections. If interested in your own kit, interested in an order, or looking for a specific model, feel free to use the “Contact Me” link above
In most cases, the purchase of an original kit is often more than just a purchase, it is an investment. Most “Garage Kits” are limited in production and retain their value extremely well – often times, increasing substantially in value. An unassembled kit may cost 150 today but may in turn sell for several hundreds next year. The value of a “rendered” kit will vary significantly depending on many factors such as condition, builder, availability, age, popularity and of course, demand. Most completed kits were usually assembled and finished to incorporate into specific personal collections. If interested in your own kit, interested in an order, or looking for a specific model, feel free to use the “Contact Me” link above
