Adding a figure to a kit or a vignette can really bring it to life - yet building and painting figures continues to be a source of frustration to many modelers, with the results all too disappointing. However, help is at hand. The aim of this book is to equip the average modeller with techniques to successfully complete a figure from start to finish, and provides clear and easy to follow instructions on how to select, prepare, assemble, modify and paint realistic figures. Aimed particularly at the beginner and intermediate figure modelers, both those starting out in the hobby and those returning to it, it begins with a round-up of the range of figures available, a discussion of scale, and the tools and materials you need to get going. It then moves to exposing general construction and painting techniques, in clear, easy to master, step-by-step tutorials that will increase confidence and develop better technique. Then, using the four most popular historical periods as a framework (Medieval, Napoleonic, the American Civil War, and the modern era), it covers a wide range of individual techniques, such as showing how to paint clothing, body armor, camouflage patterns, flesh tones, weapons and equipment, and how to work in different scales - providing the reader with a veritable arsenal of artistic techniques, almost all of which can be applied to other periods and subjects. Special effects, such as weathering clothing, and adding key accessories and details are also covered in the step-by-step photographic tutorials. If you want to improve your figure modeling skills, it's a book you shouldn't be without, covering everything you need to help you model figures the right way.

Mark Bannerman's profile page

Mark J. Bannerman has been modeling for many years, with a long-standing interest in Allied armor of World War II and figure painting. He was born in 1963 and spent many years living abroad, before graduating in 1986 in Business Administration. He now works as a finance manager in the Department of Education in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is married to Elizabeth, and enjoys travelling, sailing, golf and following European soccer. For the Osprey Modelling series, he has previously authored Modelling Panzer Crewmen of the Heer, Modelling the Matilda Infantry Tank, and Modelling the Churchill Tank. The author lives in Nova Scotia, Canada.

“This is the best modeling book for beginning figure painters that I have read in years. Sharp photography and thorough, yet concise, descriptions will allow the new painter to achieve good results the first time out.” —Dave Youngquist, Michigan Toy Soldier, W. Britains, and Old Northwest Trading Company
“Modelling Scale Figures offers tips and techniques to both beginners as well as experienced modelers who may believe their skills have reached a plateau... Unlike other figure modeling books on the market, Modelling Scale Figures uses full-color images throughout. Bannerman has an easygoing, conversational style that...is accessible to everyone.” —Tim Kidwell, Model Retailer (January 2009)
“If you are like me, you can only hope to do as well as these artists, for artists they truly are. This book is really a superb reference for those of us who want to sharpen our skills and provides a number of ways to achieve that goal. A book you'll be referring to many times over.” —Scott Van Aken, modelingmadness.com (July 2008)