Read ‘n Reviewed: Static Model Manual Volume 9 – "Figurevolution"
From Auriga Publishing international
Author: Aleks Michelotti
Duel English/Italian Languages
Full colour throughout
81 pages Full colour photographs throughout
€ 22.90 + P&P Directly at this link
From Auriga Publishing international
Author: Aleks Michelotti
Duel English/Italian Languages
Full colour throughout
81 pages Full colour photographs throughout
€ 22.90 + P&P Directly at this link
I am a bit of a fan of the Static Model Manual series. We
have read and reviewed quite a few of them here at TMN and although they are
not your typical type of modelling publication this is just the reason why we
like them. No BS – just modelling skills displayed in a really forthright and
typically European manner.
To explain what I meant when I said about the books being
written in a “European manner” - I meant that often countries who use English as
a first language get a bit fancy with their motives and explanations. Often
they are a little contrived and often they seem to follow each other a little
closely and you get a lot of books and magazines that sound too much alike. I
have found that the Euro zone writers are more forthright while at the same
time more honest in a nice way. I hope that explains the way I feel about the
writing in this series.
The books in this series are in A4 Portrait format with a
soft glossy cover and colour pictures throughout. The dual text is great if you
speak English or Italian and I suppose it costs less to print. Sometimes you do
get lost in the captions and often you must concentrate pretty hard to follow
the book’s flow. This isn’t an easy book to read and follow at times. Rewards
sometimes aren’t easily gained and there is more to this book than the quick glance
or quick 5 minute read will afford you.
The book is eighty pages and several small chapters meander
into each other without much fanfare or separation. chapters could have been
broken up a little clearer in some parts as sections just seem to flow from one
to another. You can cross from one topic to the next without realizing it and sometimes you lose the story-line along the way.
This particular book was written by Aleks Michelotti, who is a
well known painter for Pegaso and a renowned figure maker as well. The way Aleks
takes us through this book is pretty unconventional (like I was saying) and he
spends quite a while at the start ruminating about the how’s and whys of figure
modelling. The text challenges the reader to think about the scenario and how
the figure relates to it’s surroundings and the environment in the setting it
is placed in.
What the modeller can achieve against his/her talents and when to
try to progress with the talents you acquire and when to keep practicing. Learning
from a master like this is an opportunity and his very frank thoughts on
modelling and the hobby are worth the layouts that sometimes making it a little
hard to follow
Aleks takes us through the tools and materials he uses to
paint. Discussing the techniques he uses for the sometimes tricky us of oils
and tips for his best airbrush use practices. How to profit from mistakes and
how to refine your skills. Lighting and how it greatly effects the figure and
colours you use is talked about as well. Colour and lighting theory is “enlightening”
to us, the readers, and a lot more than what I thought goes into these works of
art.
Shading and the practice of detailing to an amazing degree
are shown here in depth. Some of the patterns are incredibly intricate and I would
think that a LOT of practicing would go into getting this good. The flesh and physical
features of figures are important to the finished product and these are tutored
as well. Eyes, lips ears and the tones of skin are not so easy to replicate in
a realistic way and this section will really help most modellers. Even if they
think they have the technique down pat already.
The texture of surfaces is the other side of the figure
sculpt and paint, and this is explained next as well as the art of freehand
designs. Again this is all about practice again and again and the author gives
his explanation on this.
There is a large and handy section devoted to photographing
your model next. Often photography for different types of modellers requires a
different skillset – and with figure modellers they do tend to have less to
shoot but they do tend to do it the best. Aleks shows how he gets the best
results with a lot of text and some very nice comparisons and troubleshooting
in his guide. Only with great photos can others see your own masterpiece and
this is so very important now-days.
This book isn’t easy to read in parts. It isn’t broken into
clear sections like a lot of flash publications are nowadays. The dual text
sometimes makes you have to fish for the picture you are talking about…
BUT
The writing is honest, the skills of the author are undeniable,
and the insight gained with you simply just paying attention to this book and
reading it will be a real pay off to you. I liked it very much and I can say I am
now quite a follower of Alek’s work.
Especially for figure modellers and then for anyone
interested in making their own figures better this book is a great aid. It’s a
great little book.
Adam Norenberg
Thanks to Auriga Publishing international for
sending us this book to read and review.
