Figuremaster Les' Figural Fabrications

[figuremaster_les]

Well, might as well start posting a few of my Sideshow related custom works in here.

First up, a 1939 style Joker made with a Sideshow 12" Phantom of the Opera SSE figure base and head and some really cool gangster clothes I found.

I know Joker was introduced in 1940, but I am working on a project and it's set in 1939...so this Joker has to be a part of it! More to come of this kind of thing...

To start, here he is with my 1939 style Batman...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/39Joker004.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/39Joker001.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/39Joker002.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/39Joker002a.jpg

And a before and after shot....
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/jokerheadcomp1.jpg

And too close...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/39Joker003a.jpg

Resculpted facial areas and hair with Magic Sculpt two part epoxy putty and painted with Model Master Acryl acrylic enamels. I based him on several references, from the silent film The Man Who Laughs with Conrad Veidt, the facial image that actually helped inspire the Joker, and from Tim Curry's famous mouth and expressions and of course, the base face of Lon Chaney, a man I bet that would have loved to have played this character if he'd lived long enough and had the chance.

Enjoy!

[dekadentdave]

That's a wicked Joker! Man, if you can do that with Lon Chaney, I can't wait to see what you could do with a Nicholson sculpt! :clap

[Alice Adrenochrome]

Got to love the Joker! This custom is pretty insane! Superb Job you've done Les!

[pjam]

Insanely great!

There is only ONE FiguremasterLes and his work proudly adorns my Avatar and it is beyond words, it is breathtaking!

About time you got a thread going there Les, this is gonna be fun! :D

[TOE]

AWESOME JOB AS ALWAYS LES!!!!! :clap :clap :clap

...i don't mind seeing more pics of Batman though :monkey3

[DarkArtist81]

Les, again you amaze me with your fantastic work! Just phenomenal.... That Joker....the eyes and mouth are just creepy as Hell.... I'm seriously speechless here...

:chew

[galactiboy]

F'n Amazing Les!!! That Joker is by far the best 1/6 version of him I've ever seen, I especially appreciate how you were able to make him look like the Joker, but still be a completely unique vision! Please more pics of your work... and that Batman looks phenomenal.

Now the real question is, where's the...
Medieval F'n Kurgan?!?

[occulum]

great work man. :monkey1

[King Darkness]

Love the custom Joker Les. Really shows off your talents!!! Thats pretty cool that you found insperation in Tim Curry, who just happened to play the greatest on screen devil of all times, Darkness!!!

[gdb]

Very nice Joker! The Batman in the bg looks good, too.

[sladesuperagent]

Yes, I love the fact that he's you're own vision of the character. Very nice!

[Customikey]

That's gorgeous work Les. Very classy. A lot of Jokers are just to gaudy to look real, but this one is probably closer to what we'll see in the next film, hopefully.

[figuremaster_les]

That's gorgeous work Les. Very classy. A lot of Jokers are just to gaudy to look real, but this one is probably closer to what we'll see in the next film, hopefully.

Thanks Mikey!
Thanks all you guys.

Yeah, I hope we get SOMETHING that is really a great standard for us in the Dark Knight movie. Only time will tell.

More to come...
Stay tuned!

:D

[Ironman1188]

Love the custom Joker Les. Really shows off your talents!!! Thats pretty cool that you found insperation in Tim Curry, who just happened to play the greatest on screen devil of all times, Darkness!!!

Darkness rules!!!

[King Darkness]

Darkness rules!!!


Hey Les, have you ever considered doing a custom Darkness???
http://www.milesteves.com/images/gallery/film/Darkness2-72.jpg

[figuremaster_les]

Hey Les, have you ever considered doing a custom Darkness???



Has a cow got an udder?! :lol
In the pipe, five by five... :D

[Shai Hulud]

ALL HAIL THE GRAND MASTER !!!!! LES,POST MORE OF YOUR AMAZING CUTOMS HERE !!!!

[figuremaster_les]

ALL HAIL THE GRAND MASTER !!!!! LES,POST MORE OF YOUR AMAZING CUTOMS HERE !!!!

Will do my friend, will do.
And more! :D

Much more to come!

[pjam]

Will do my friend, will do.
And more! :D

Much more to come!

PARTY!!! :chew :fest :fireworks :mexwave :rock2 :banana :joy :elefant :chug

[BDboystoys]

wow. The crazy hting is thats practically a new sculpt. Its so modified its like new, and I love it!:chew
AMazing Les, really. ONly you could pull this off with such beauty and class.

[figuremaster_les]

Thanks BD.

Here are some more random 12" customs to ponder over...

A Billy Zane Phantom with Hot Toys body:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/ZP001.jpg

My reworked Medi Rocketeer 1.0 and an original one of a kind Spy Smasher for a very special client...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/IMG_0024.jpg

An in-progress 1927 silent movie NAPOLEON...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/MyNap009.jpg

An original Professor Moriarty, for my Holmes set, made with the Sideshow Get Smart Chief figure...
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/P6060028.jpg

Ponder those while I gather more pics and things...

[danfaz]

Hey Les, FAB work on that Joker! The eyes, the teeth! :cool:

[Ironman1188]

Very cool!!!!
Is Napoleon a reworked DML Adam figure/head? How did you do that Phantom uni? I have had the Phantom on the burner since the film came out but have never found an adequate outfit. Very, very cool stuff. And, I hope you're making enough Darkness for all of us. :D

[carbo-fation]

Great work Les!! All of your customs look amazing! :chew :chew

[Shai Hulud]

....He is not called the freakin 'Grand Master for nothing !!!! love that phantom figure ,by the way.

[figuremaster_les]

Thank ya's all guys!

And Ironman, yup, dat's da Adam 12! As I call him...:D
He looks EXACTLY like the actor, Albert Dieudonne, that played Napoleon in that movie! Almost like Dragon modelled the Adam after him....dead on. All I had to do was paint and add hair.


More to come! :monkey5

[DarkArtist81]

Again Les.... your work amazes the hell out of me... That Napolean and The Phantom are excellent, just insanely well done. :D

[King Darkness]

Your work kicks ass, which I'm sure you are quite aware of. I am honored to consider a man of your talents a friend and fellow Krusader!! Please, more pix!

[figuremaster_les]

More pix indeed!

Here I am purging some shots of older works, so bear with me.
This is my repainted SS Washington

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Wash001.jpg


Here I show my original custom 12" POSABLE, (yes, he's posable under all that hand wrapped gauze...) Lon Chaney Jr. KHARIS! He's a fave!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Kharis004.jpg

Repainted Nosferatu with a clothing switch from the SSE figure. (I never did like him all burgandy...)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Nos006.jpg

And, one of my older works, from about ten years ago, back when I could SEE, before I needed glasses to do all this...
The wonderful 1/6 Artomic resin kit of Nosferatu...from way back before the SS edition...sculpted by Thomas Kuntz.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Nosferatu.jpg

[King Darkness]

That Mummy kicks ASS!!!!!! Absolutely awesome!!!! Like Shai has said before, you ARE the Grand Figure Master!!!! Love the Nos resin kit paint app. Under and around the eyes, and the eyes themselves, prove that you are a true professional!!!

[Shai Hulud]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Nosferatu.jpg


That kit Kicks ass !!!I think your one of the best at painting eyes..

[pjam]

That kit Kicks ass !!!I think your one of the best at painting eyes..


Indeed, Les is THE BEST, he is in a league of his own IMO! :D

[figuremaster_les]

Thanks guys.
Appreciated.

I just wish I had my own 30 year old (or younger!) eyes again!! No more looking through lenses! :lol

Here's that Nosferatu a tad closer up. This one's for you Shai! :D

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/NOScu.jpg

[KamenGuyver]

Thanks guys.
Appreciated.

I just wish I had my own 30 year old (or younger!) eyes again!! No more looking through lenses! :lol

Here's that Nosferatu a tad closer up. This one's for you Shai! :D

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/NOScu.jpg

That is so life-like !

The paint job is absoulutly amazing.

[carbo-fation]

That is one heck of a paint job Les!! You really outdid yourself on this one!

[dekadentdave]

Les, for the eyes do you use a pearl white for the white part or an eggshell white? It looks so natural.

[figuremaster_les]

Les, for the eyes do you use a pearl white for the white part or an eggshell white? It looks so natural.

I did that one over ten years back Dave, but on it I think I did a base white, I always do a base of pure white, and then some layers of silver mixed with clearcoat. Then painted the iris and then recoated with just clean clearcoat several times. Sometimes I then even run a slightly ruddy clear over that to gather in corners etc. On this it would have been a slightly purplish clear...slightly...

Any help? :D

[Customikey]

I did that one over ten years back Dave, but on it I think I did a base white, I always do a base of pure white, and then some layers of silver mixed with clearcoat. Then painted the iris and then recoated with just clean clearcoat several times. Sometimes I then even run a slightly ruddy clear over that to gather in corners etc. On this it would have been a slightly purplish clear...slightly...

Any help? :D


That's an interesting method, Les! I'm going to give it a try.

My method has been to paint the whole socket taupe, then do a little deep portrait pink at the edges, go over the eye in dirty white, then I daub a little pure white on the lower half. Then a touch of unbleached titanium at the corners. Basically, lots of differen shades of white applied individually, then the iris.

[dekadentdave]

Mikey, I have been looking for taupe at the hobby store and they do not sell that specific color. What would be the best colors to mix to get a taupe shade? Is this just brown, white and black?

[figuremaster_les]

Here's my latest 12" custom, now in the hands of it's new owner, collector extrordinare, Bob Burns.
He's the Purple Monster from the 1945 Serial
The Purple Monster Strikes.

Bob met PM actor Roy Barcroft while this was filming, and this event, and the on-set experiences he had from there on, led to his enthusiasms for collecting movie memorabilia.

It is my honor to have been able to make this figure for this great collector!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/PM10.jpg

Some closeups...(I did darken the PM hands once I saw the actual costume in person...never leave home without a paint kit!!!...just in case!)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/PM3.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/PM5.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/PM8.jpg

What he looked like in the show for real...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/PM1.jpg

And mine...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/PM2.jpg

Enjoy! :D

[King Darkness]

Another great custom Les....The last two really show how close to the original it is!!

[dekadentdave]

Les, you are truly an astonishing talent. The paint on that figure looks just like the actor. What an awesome resemblance.

[danfaz]

GREAT work there Les!

Hmm, Bob Burns' house...I smell Aliens! :D

[Ironman1188]

Fantastic job!!! What is your breakdown should we wish to try one on our own? Or will you be making more?

[pixletwin]

Absolutely incredible Les!!! When you get around to creating the Kurgan I am sure he will be a wonder to behold!!

[figuremaster_les]

GREAT work there Les!

Hmm, Bob Burns' house...I smell Aliens! :D


Hmmm....soon my friend...soon...

Ironman, I made only the one. Promised ole Bob no more. But, I can tell you he is a Dragon head and body, I'll have to look up the head for you, Dragon Jean large gloved hands, cheap black spandex suit from one of those dollar store 1/6 divers I found, Peace Defenders I think, and the gold cloth I made by cutting and painting all that by hand. The gold is oil based paint for the right color (I could NOT find the right cloth) and the cowl is nine separate pieces glued directly to the head as I was totally unsure how to make a removable one in this case. I hand painted each of those scale things. VERY tiring work for such a simple costume.

That's it. He is a simple recipe, but a time consuming one.

Pixletwin, patience fellow Kurgan! I am trying to get to my modern one, and will be working on the MK version master soon as well. Got LOTS of headpaints to get through before I can properly start.
Keep on asking me though, as I never forget our beloved Kurgan project and he will be front and center soon! :D

Thanks all you guys. King!, DD, Thanks muchly!

[DarkArtist81]

Awesome work Les!! It's awesome that you got to hand deliver such a work of art to someone who is a legend himself! And again, your paint work astonishes me.... Just insane level of detail.

Glad you had a productive trip and glad to see you back at the boards! :chew

[Mookeylama]

Les, that PM is dead on!

[pjam]

I hope it's cool with you Les to share the amazing work you did for me here.:D :cool:

Here's a first look "sneak peek" anywhere of my Les Walker (Figuremaster Les) Sith Anakin. A quick note: I asked Les to go about 2/3 Sith eyes with this (Anakin Exclusive), not too heavy in the undereye area. I imagine this may depict Anakin as he first appeared with Sith eyes in ROTS. Les shaved the jawline as he did with Gruff's superb Anakin, kept the eyes looking up and lightened the hair. Been slammed with work lately, but here's a few pics which I hope do Les' amazing work justice.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC021842-1.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02107.jpg

More pics to follow in the SW section. Thanks Les, you rock bro. :rock2

[Batty]

Nice! Nice! Nice! Les is an artist.

[gdb]

Wow the jaw and the paint make a huge difference!

[pjam]

Wow the jaw and the paint make a huge difference!

Absolutely gdb, and Les' eyework is incomparable IMO. I will try to post more pics of this figure when I have time but suffice to say, this looks even better in hand!.:D

Here's another look for anyone who missed it...


http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02107.jpg

[figuremaster_les]

Well, thank you Pjam! :D
That rules man. I appreciate your posts here, it is very welcome as it is my work, and your photography is wicked! Shots like that would make a hack's work look good! (There are some that say...um...well...I do try...:D ...)

But seriously, thanks.

I am hip deep in paints and work, and have yet to post any new stuff I have done lately, so this is some of my "latest" as it were. I am glad you like him P. He was a learning curve figure for sure, because I didn't have enough satisfying refs other than the DVD to go by. Plus, you were pretty specific with what you wanted. Glad he worked out.

I wanna see that HT Supes when you can. Have you done the feet yet? Pjam? Have you??? C'mon man! It's not that hard. Ask GDB!
It's so easy...I gotta say this...A CAVEMAN COULD DO IT! :lol

Let's go P! You can do it!

Hope to have some new stuff myself soon.

[pjam]

You crack me up bro! :lol

Thanks for the pic props Les, I took quite a few and those were worth representing. I have been soo busy with work that I haven't YET got around to doing the HT SR heel lift BUT the reason for that is I also didn't have any tweezers, but I do now, just bought some so he will be done soon and be able to look my Les Walker Christopher Reeves Masterpiece eye to eye! I truly believe the HT SR with a FML repaint and heel lift is as good as it gets. :D

I will also be posting pics of my "Full Jack" Treatment Medicom Jack Sparrow Les Masterwork along with FML repaints of HT SR, HT Hicks and Vasquez here and on other threads...

Here's a few more of my FML Sith Anakin...

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC01927.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC01974.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02035.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02124.jpg

[buffy-collector]

Nice shots

[Brent72]

Pjam,

You have no idea how excited I am to see those pics because Les currently has my Sith Anakin in his talented hands for customizing. It looks so good I can hardly contain my excitement in getting the figure back from him. :cool:

[pjam]

Pjam,

You have no idea how excited I am to see those pics because Les currently has my Sith Anakin in his talented hands for customizing. It looks so good I can hardly contain my excitement in getting the figure back from him. :cool:

And rightly so!

Of course Les followed my notes to a T so that is the interpretation I envisioned. I didn't want a full blown Sith Anakin so I could pose him with Mace (and eventually Palpy) as well as in the Obi V Ani battle finale and of course capture that first Sith moment in his eyes. And I can always (selfishly) lay claim to having the originally conceived FML Sith Ani #1 :D -- but I hope it helps even more when he does yours as this is now familiar territory.

[figuremaster_les]

Thanks guys.

Speaking of ANAKINS....

Here is a shot of my set of THE EVOLUTION OF ANAKIN...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Anakinset1.jpg

All I really did was add the old Hasbro EpII Ani head to a Sideshow body, used the Hasbro costume, with SS Ani cloak. The Little Ani is the basic Hasbro, repainted, with a soapdispenser helmet trimmed to fit the little guy.
The SS Anakin is intact, repainted, and the Vader is my original custom New Hope Vader.

(Note Imported 12" repainted Boba Fett trying to hog into the scene...)

More to come.....

[pixletwin]

Fantastic work Les... I never considered wanting to buy an AOTC Anakin if Sideshow ever made one but you have changed my mind and the work on Lil' Ani is awesome! :drool

[twistedfreak]

Les, you are amazing. Your work is top notch. You should be hired by SS. lol
That Joker and Batman are AWESOME!

[figuremaster_les]

Les, you are amazing. Your work is top notch. You should be hired by SS. lol
That Joker and Batman are AWESOME!

Thanks TF. Very appreciated!
Just for that, here is a quick set of shots of my BATMAN 1939 set, as it is so far. Look for a Catwoman and some others added to it soon.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Batset1939001a.jpg

And a serious closeup of my 1939 Batman

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BatmanrealCU1.jpg

Again, appreciated. :D

[pixletwin]

1939 Batman... Man I love that piece. Did you ever make a Bruce Wayne to go with it?

[Customikey]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Batset1939001a.jpg

:D


Yeah. I've decided that I don't like you. Not one bit. :rolleyes:

Those are just beautiful. Miraculous work! Are those the original sculpted heads or did you recast them?

[King Darkness]

Is it ok for me to be jealous to the point of resentment? Anyway, that is an awesome pick Les. Got anymore of the Mr.Freeze? Is that a full custom or what??? Info, man, I need info.

[Darren Carnall]

ooh I love that Anakin evolution thing. I might have to try that at some point to go along with my resculpt Ep III version. Seriously good repaints there.

(along with every single other thing you do)

well done sir

[figuremaster_les]

Is it ok for me to be jealous to the point of resentment? Anyway, that is an awesome pick Les. Got anymore of the Mr.Freeze? Is that a full custom or what??? Info, man, I need info.


You kill me King! :lol Remember who has ALL the Jasons and Freddys! (I only got one of each! :D )

Yeah, that Mr. Freeze, Joker and Batman 1939 are all original customs. I took some weird 21st Century, bald general head and repainted him up for the Mr. Freeze. The costume took me four months to make. Lots of bits and pieces.
Here is a fun shot I did with Photoshop of him in action...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BOF015Agooddaytoyoutoo.jpg

And a face closeup...note the reflective eyes.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BOF004headCU.jpg

The Joker was a SS Phantom of the Opera that I resculpted into a Joker face, and added a purple zoot suit.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/39Joker002a.jpg

The Batman, he was tough. I got a nice Dragon head (Wish I got two, or at least recast it first) and sculpted the Batman cowl right onto it with Magic Sculpt, two part epoxy putty, so Mikey, it is THE original! A one of a kind. The suit is a vastly reworked original Dr. Mego original, and I handmade the cape. Slowly. Glued wires into it and all. No sewing. Tiresome stuff. But, it came out. Made the belt and bits, and tried to capture what an original '39 style Batman would be, filtered though the notion of how he would be portrayed nowadays, but as an old Serial look (note the un-made-up style eyes) and went with it.

The Batman for this was actually an afterthought when I made the Dr. Death figure. I may post my full Figure-Foto-Action Batman Comic I did to display them better. You'd like that. Here's a page from it....

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Batman1939p3.jpg


That's it. Working on more for that 1939 ongoing set. It's like a personal project.



Hunky Artist, thanks about the Anakin set. Would love to see someone else's set o' Anis! :D

[Batty]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BatmanrealCU1.jpg

I love this shot, Les. The eyes and mouth are amazingly life-like. Beautiful work!

[King Darkness]

OMG Les that is freakin awesome!!!!!! My jealousy has officially become resentment....Not really, but DAMN!!!!! I so wish I had stuff like this in my collection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BOF004headCU.jpg

[dekadentdave]

Les, you should seriously consider changing your name to FigureGOD. All others bow before you. Absolutely astonishing work.

[King Darkness]

Les, you should seriously consider changing your name to FigureGOD.

I'll secound that......and third it just for good measure!

[Mookeylama]

i've been in awe of that Mr. Freeze since i saw it on ur site months ago. now all these others just blow my mind! u are the Wolverine of customizers. the best at what you do!!

[Shai Hulud]

Thanks guys.

Speaking of ANAKINS....

Here is a shot of my set of THE EVOLUTION OF ANAKIN...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Anakinset1.jpg

.

Woww..Id love to own this set !!!! Grand Master Figure God Rules !!!!

[Customikey]

Wow! I'd be scared to display the originals with sculpied parts. Sooo delicate.

Les, if you ever make a Penguin to go in this set, you need to put me in your will. :monkey3

Truly amazing work. I bow before you.

On a side note, seeing that Ep I Anakin has inspired me to do my own, Watto-style with added articulation etc. He'll go great with Qui-Gon and the Wattster.

[figuremaster_les]

Go for it Mikey! I was never motivated enough to make Lil Ani be all that mobile. You got a good Ep1 set going now. DO IT!

"FigureGOD!" :lol You guys! :rotfl

Thanks though. Always nice to get "good" feedback.

[buffy-collector]

The evolution set looks wicked.
Episode 2 Anakin looks the best:D

Great batman custom by the way.

[Customikey]

Go for it Mikey! I was never motivated enough to make Lil Ani be all that mobile. You got a good Ep1 set going now. DO IT!

"FigureGOD!" :lol You guys! :rotfl

Thanks though. Always nice to get "good" feedback.

I think it'd be fun to do, and I'd like him to be able to sit in front of Watto or Qui-Gon. How did you dothe helmet? It looks great, but I don't remember him coming with the Podracing helmet....

Ditto on that Ep II Anakin. Superb repaint there. Figure"God" indeed.:cool:

[pjam]

I wanna see that HT Supes when you can. Have you done the feet yet? Pjam? Have you??? C'mon man! It's not that hard. Ask GDB!
It's so easy...I gotta say this...A CAVEMAN COULD DO IT! :lol

Let's go P! You can do it!

Oh, Les...guess what I did today? And I have the scars to prove it! :lol

His shoulders are now higher than HT BB. Will take pics to show him off! Stay tuned....:D

[twistedfreak]

Holy goodness, Les! That Freeze is UBER AMAZING! Wow. I love your custom work so much. And thanks for this pictures man! Rock on! :D

[TOE]

LES!!! That Boba is mine if you decide to sell it. Dibs on that :)

[figuremaster_les]

LES!!! That Boba is mine if you decide to sell it. Dibs on that :)


SELL! THAT Boba?
ARE YE MAD?!?!?! :D

But Thanks Toe.

I got that at a huge Toy con, The FX show in Orlando, like ten years back or so, whenever, and walked RIGHT BY JEREMY BULLOCH right after buying it! IT WAS A SIGN! I didn't think to get him to sign the box or it would be beyond all else...dummy me! But still...very little chance of ever selling it. It is one of my favorite top ten figures in my entire collection. It's that Japanese release Kenner tie in figure/model that came out years back. You'd probably know the "actual" Brand name, but it has this white ball for a head :lol , that I have thought about replacing with a Jango head and all. But not yet.
I repainted the heck out of it, and need to get some detailed photos. I tried to make him as ESB accurate as I could. I'll get shots soon.
Wicked version though. So, unless SS does a great Jedi version of him, I am settled for him now. For all time. Great figure out of box already. I think it has always been the one to beat. (Was expensive too, even back when I got it! Not sure what it goes for now...)

Anyway, thanks.

[Customikey]

Les, that is the Marmit Boba, I think. Great figure. I transfered mine onto a Dragon body. I'd love to put Jango's head under there, as well. But the Ultimate Jango head is too big. Maybe the Electronic one would fit....hmm.

Great repaint on him! He looks wonderful. I've been thinking of adding a strap to my blaster. Attaching a hose to the right gauntlet was a pain.

I think these go for about $150 on ebay. I got one that wa sloose and put together already for $100. That was fine, except taking him apart was a hassle, and the moron who sold it to me had glued the hands on!! And thrown out the alternate hands!! STUPIDSTUPIDSTUPID!!! Sigh.

[paulcarson]

Les, I'd love to see more of your Vader ! Please take us through how you did it! I can't get over that shot of all the anakins. That has got to be the best thing any fan could ever want! And the Batman figures.... I wish I had an ounce of your talent!

[galactiboy]

Actually, not to be a no-it-all but the Fett is from Marmit. Now I think because of your lack of knowledge your figures are forfeit to me :lol

[Brent72]

Yup, it's a Marmit Fett. I have a couple myself(one that has been customized and one that hasn't). Supposedly Medicom has a Fett coming out late this year or early next year, but details are scarce at this point. Would love to see more pics of yours, Les. :cool:

[Customikey]

Actually, not to be a no-it-all but the Fett is from Marmit. Now I think because of your lack of knowledge your figures are forfeit to me :lol


Pssh, I meant Marmit. Really, I did. I said Medicom because I was futzing with my Medi-Vader.

[gdb]

I wanna see that HT Supes when you can. Have you done the feet yet? Pjam? Have you??? C'mon man! It's not that hard. Ask GDB!
It's so easy...I gotta say this...A CAVEMAN COULD DO IT! :lol



:lol I wouldn't say it was easy. But I would say it was definately worth it!



http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Anakinset1.jpg



Love the Ep. II Ani!

[pjam]

:lol I wouldn't say it was easy. But I would say it was definately worth it!

Love the Ep. II Ani!

Same here gdb, not easy (for me :lol) but worth it! :D I followed Les' tutorial and without that I'd be completely lost! Thanks for the encouragement Les! Only injury was a finger gouge. Getting that second foot in the boot was murder, but it eventually slid in...

My FML repainted HT SR Returns is now one my most prized possessions. I have said many times that a FML repainted HT SR with a heel lift is as good a 12" SR figure there is without a doubt! :D :cool:

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC023372.jpg


Here's a quick (not so great) reference pic so you can see he is now taller than HT BB by his shoulders, hands and eye line...

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02276.jpg

And here's a shot of Supes flying...

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02322.jpg


More "flying" pics posted on the HT SR Thread here!
http://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10575&page=17

[figuremaster_les]

Thanks PJAM. :D

Hey, I thought about that caveman joke...in bad taste...I keep seeing how those cavemen get mad in those commercials...so, here is the new line...

Raising your HT Superman to new heights is so easy, even GDB could do it! :lol
(insert Rimshot sound here)

Sorry GDB. :D Had to do that.

But seriously folks....I'll be here all week! :rotfl

Oh, and glad your new Supes turned out P. I was worried there for a while. He looks a bunch better taller now. Note the better body proportions also.

[pjam]

My pleasure Les, but I have to lop myself into the caveman camp too because I'm all thumbs with this stuff as you know :lol ... but it all worked out beautifully. :D

A big Super thanks to you Les!

FML Medicom Jack and Aliens set pics coming soon!

[Ironman1188]

Les, You've got my head spinning back and forth from genre to genre. Sci-fi to superheroes to sci-fi and back again!!! I'm tempted to try my hand at my own PM figure due to your pix. But, mostly, have you any other superhero pix? I am loving them most I think as, even though your Ani's are top notch, I think I'll always like the heroes a little more than sci-fi stuff [and I have a plethora of sci-fi stuff!!]

[Customikey]

Les, You've got my head spinning back and forth from genre to genre. Sci-fi to superheroes to sci-fi and back again!!! I'm tempted to try my hand at my own PM figure due to your pix. But, mostly, have you any other superhero pix? I am loving them most I think as, even though your Ani's are top notch, I think I'll always like the heroes a little more than sci-fi stuff [and I have a plethora of sci-fi stuff!!]


I agree. My favorite Les works are his Batman figures. Those are ungodly cool.

[figuremaster_les]

I agree. My favorite Les works are his Batman figures. Those are ungodly cool.


WOW! Thanks guys!
Funny thing is, I am not that big into superhero figures on the whole. I way prefer other stuff, but I am glad that my "reluctant" efforts have borne such kind words.

I will admit to being a bit tired of the Star Wars collecting thing, as I have been collecting and repainting 12" Star Wars Kenners for so many years now already, that to see them all coming out over again, by Sideshow (Admittedly much better!) is sort of a frustration and exercise in collecting futility.
And so as a result of all this, I am more into other custom areas that no one else seems to be making.

Still, custom superheroes are also somewhat overmade, and so I rarely venture into that arena unless it's to make something new and unseen. (See Ebay for examples...just how many 12" Custom Keatons can be listed at one time!:lol )

Regardless, I'll see what else I can dig up. Who knows what I may have n the works. My ongoing Batman 1939 project has several new additions planned, so stay tuned for those. And there is rumor of one more Nicholson Joker....
ONE....more....maybe...

Whatever the case, stay Tuned Bat-fans! :D

[Customikey]

My ongoing Batman 1939 project has several new additions planned, so stay tuned for those. And there is rumor of one more Nicholson Joker....
ONE....more....maybe...

Whatever the case, stay Tuned Bat-fans! :D

:bow I'm just so in awe of that particular Customizing tangent you've gone off to. I've never been able to maintain enough interest to do that many customs on a single subject. I can't wait to see what else you do. They are true marvels (I know, I know- they're DC.)

I know what you mean about Star Wars collecting. It's difficult to maintain a reasonable collection, not go overboard, and still have the characters you want. I stopped with the Hasbro figs around the time AOTC came out, and would have appily just watched the films and eft the merchandise at the stores if only Sideshow hadn't gotten the license.
:monkey1

[Ironman1188]

I love sci-fi and have many figures from the genre [both customized and not]but your heroes have me sorting back thru mine and reassembling teams of heroes and villains. Thanks!! [I think :rolleyes: ]

[DarkArtist81]

Les, that Supes is amazing.... I still am in awe of what you did with it. But that said, anything you've put out has had a level of quality to it that is just top notch.

[mastervader]

You are indeed, the master, Les. Your work on Sideshow Anakin is awesome and unmatched. Nicholson Joker, eh? Can't wait for pics....

[Zoomaround]

Les,

I don't always have lots of time to peruse the gallery but I always make sure to check out your thread every few weeks.

The Batman figures are OUTSTANDING! It brought me back so many memories of my childhood. Times were so different then....the Batman series was the coolest, innovative series ever! Thanks for taking this 44 year old back to the day....

Please keep sharing all your customized figures. I'm truly enjoying visiting this world of customizing.

Thanks!

[Buttmunch]

First off, wow! Great stuff. Absolutley love the Joker on page 1. Can't believe how much different he looks from the Phantom sculpt he came from.

I have a bit of a strange question. I noticed on your site at least 3 figures have canes (Joker, Holmes, Watson). I think at least one of them came from a Talbot figure, but the other two look different. Did you make them yourself, modify another Talbot cane, or did you buy them else where? I ask because I am going to try my first custom figure, Dr. Greg House from House M.D. and finding a cane has been a big problem in this. Any help would be great and once again great customs!

[figuremaster_les]

First off, wow! Great stuff. Absolutley love the Joker on page 1. Can't believe how much different he looks from the Phantom sculpt he came from.

I have a bit of a strange question. I noticed on your site at least 3 figures have canes (Joker, Holmes, Watson). I think at least one of them came from a Talbot figure, but the other two look different. Did you make them yourself, modify another Talbot cane, or did you buy them else where? I ask because I am going to try my first custom figure, Dr. Greg House from House M.D. and finding a cane has been a big problem in this. Any help would be great and once again great customs!

HA! I love House! Great idea!

Canes are a veritable B-word! I hate trying to find them, much less make them. I used the cane from two Doc Hollidays, GREAT CANE! And some from older, no-name figures that I was lucky enough to have on hand. The cane from the Wolfman is somewhere around here. That cane head is too familiar to use for anything but Talbot, and I wouldn't dream of messing that one up, but to make a cane, I am thinking just a nice straight shaft of wood or plastic, smooth sanded, and then fitted with a nicely curved handle is all you need. Yes, more canes needed!

Good luck on your Gregory House project. I definately want to see him when he's done! :D

Oh, and thanks for the kind words about my stuff!

[gdb]

:D

Hey, I thought about that caveman joke...in bad taste...I keep seeing how those cavemen get mad in those commercials...so, here is the new line...

Raising your HT Superman to new heights is so easy, even GDB could do it! :lol
(insert Rimshot sound here)

Sorry GDB. :D Had to do that.

But seriously folks....I'll be here all week! :rotfl



Ouch, man! :rotfl

I love that one caveman commercial in the airport with the music playing "everywhere I go..." and the Caveman sees the ad while on a moving walkway.... now I know how he feels... :monkey2

's'all good. I know you don't mean it... :rotfl

[Buttmunch]

HA! I love House! Great idea!

Canes are a veritable B-word! I hate trying to find them, much less make them. I used the cane from two Doc Hollidays, GREAT CANE! And some from older, no-name figures that I was lucky enough to have on hand. The cane from the Wolfman is somewhere around here. That cane head is too familiar to use for anything but Talbot, and I wouldn't dream of messing that one up, but to make a cane, I am thinking just a nice straight shaft of wood or plastic, smooth sanded, and then fitted with a nicely curved handle is all you need. Yes, more canes needed!

Good luck on your Gregory House project. I definately want to see him when he's done! :D

Oh, and thanks for the kind words about my stuff!

Thanks for the help. Glad you know House and knew what I was talking about. Some people I've talked to are like "what house?" :lol I'll try to keep you updated on it. If it comes out good, you might have to paint it for me since I have absoultly no painting skills. :o

[Customikey]

House is one of the greatest shows on TV right now.


Think canes are a ^^^^^^ to find? Try umbrellas. Haven't found one yet....:monkey2

[figuremaster_les]

Canes and umbrellas...man...someone could make a KILLING if they provided just those for 1/6 customs!

Here is something new I have been working on for some time now...my ongoing ALIEN 3 project....(I am making the way for all this ALIENS stuff with what I can for the other movies....

First up is the repainted Tsukuda ALIEN 3 and custom RIPLEY that I am making using a Sideshow Art S. Buck female head on another body. Trim the lower lip of that Buck head, and either paint as is for A3, or add a doll wig and go for it! She's the Rip for sure!!! Why wait for Hot Toys? Sideshow provides!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj037.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Ripley001.jpg

Early version of Rip in progress with the Alien 3 there to bother her some....

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj032.jpg

The Alien
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj017.jpg

More to come as I develop this further.

[twistedfreak]

Wow! That is amazing Les. Incredible. That look soooo good. That Rip is rocking hardcore. I see the likeness there... AMAZING. I am also really digging that alien. Man, you have some rare talent. Hats off to ya man, great f'ing job!

[pixletwin]

Incredible Ripley. Way better than the new one (I especially like shaved head and cuts and scrapes). An excellent effort Les! Makes me wanna touch her head and see if its really fuzzy! :lol

[Batty]

Les, I am stunned by how lifelike your paint apps are. The Alien looks fantastic, but Ripley is just... WOW!

[DarkArtist81]

GOOD GOD Les!!! Man, to think that you changed the Art Buck into Ripley so seamlessly is just insane.... And those paint apps are so real looking it just makes me drool uncontrolleably... :drool

Dude........ You are seriously the man...:bow:bow:bow

THIS is why you are always going to be my mentor and who I could only aspire to be!!

[orbitingx]

Awesome face mod.

Perfectly blended skin tone.

Stipple hair.

And that eye color.......... simply stunning :monkey2

FIGUREMASTER INDEED !!

[Customikey]

Absolutely beautiful paintwork, Les! Your skin, eyes, and lips never fail to impress.

[pjam]

Beautiful beautiful beautiful, Love the Rip Les, LOVE her. :D

[gdb]

Beautiful work, man!

[Sideshow Bob]

Killer Ripley Les! I like what you did for the Tsukuda Dog Alien as well!
Cheers!

Bob

[rabidwolverine21]

im speechless about it your great man.

[figuremaster_les]

Oh, you guyz! :o

Thanks.

More to come! :D

[King Darkness]

:bow:bow:bow:bow:bow:bow:bow:bow


Stunning Les, simply stunning. That Ripley is bad ass!!!!! You are a God amongst men!

[figuremaster_les]

KING! Please! Off your knees bro!:lol
Thanks but, you're the King baby!:rock
You bow to no one!

Appreciation...um...appreciated....:D

And now, for no good reason, I use the mummy icon...:mummy

:D

[Shai Hulud]

That alien duo(the alien & Ripley) is my all time favorite customs from you Les !!! I had that tsukuda dog alien and man..that paint job you did is just awesome !!!


The Grand God Figure Master rules !!!!

[DarkArtist81]

KING! Please! Off your knees bro!:lol
Thanks but, you're the King baby!:rock
You bow to no one!

Appreciation...um...appreciated....:D

And now, for no good reason, I use the mummy icon...:mummy

:D

And again Les' Comedic timing and talents make me laugh so hard milk shoots out of my nose!

And I didn't even HAVE any milk!! :lol :lol :lol :rotfl :lol

[danfaz]

As mentioned at the Heevo, Les, simply stunning work! Best mofo alien repaint I've ever seen!:winner

[figuremaster_les]

That alien duo(the alien & Ripley) is my all time favorite customs from you Les !!! I had that tsukuda dog alien and man..that paint job you did is just awesome !!!


The Grand God Figure Master rules !!!!

HAD!?!?!?!
You had that bad boy, and let him go?!?!?!
For shame! :D

God. You guys! :lol

Glad you like these two Shai. I spent a looooooong time on them both (between repaints, late at night, to relax my noggin before bedtime...got my mojo back painting that Alien...) so I am glad you like them.
I plan to shoot them in better light and setting etc., and maybe they will show more details then. I added a Weyland Yutani logo to the back of Rip's shirt, weathered her attire some, and the Alien is the most detailed thing I have EVER painted! Ever. Crazy detail stuff. But, relaxing in it's own way. You can mess up in plain view, and who will ever see it?! :lol Nice change of pace from the GET IT PERFECT EVERY MINUTE work of repaints, which is fine! Not complaining, I just have a different kind of painting release with an Alien.

Anyway, thanks. Got that and a classic movie Napoleon coming soon, so stay tuned.
Oh, and some other really nice classic movie icons....you'll know soon enough!
(Eh Gruff? :D )

[figuremaster_les]

As mentioned at the Heevo, Les, simply stunning work! Best mofo alien repaint I've ever seen!:winner

As always, thanks Dan! Since it was YOU in part that helped with your scans so I could get this thing done!
So, in your honor, I post a couple more shots of the details that your scans helped me properly acquire....

In development...(Ignore my messy A$$ desk there...move along...)

As it came out of box...yeah, it's huge!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj001.jpg

First coats...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj002.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj003.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj004cu.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj005.jpg

And finished detail...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj020.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj019.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj014.jpg

And in it's full 36 inch long glory!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj033.jpg


Thanks again all! Comments appreciated.

[Shai Hulud]

No one can paint like LES.Bow down to the grand master.

[Darren Carnall]

No one can paint like LES.Bow down to the grand master.

agreed.

:bow :bow :bow :bow

Just the idea of turning the sideshow blank figure into a Ripley is genius, and then making it look that good?? You sir, are amazing. And I happily join everybody else and get on my knees before you

wait... that sounded wrong, lol

[gdb]

Oh my god... That alien is a piece of art!!

[danfaz]

As always, thanks Dan! Since it was YOU in part that helped with your scans so I could get this thing done!
So, in your honor, I post a couple more shots of the details that your scans helped me properly acquire....


Cheers brudda, it's my pleasure!

And I happily join everybody else and get on my knees before you

wait... that sounded wrong, lol
LMAO!

[King Darkness]

No one can paint like LES.Bow down to the grand master.

:bow:bow:bow:bow:bow:bow

Again, I am stunned by your talents Les. I have said it a million times, but it still floors me what a master painter can do to a figure.



Your paint jobs are divine!!!!!

I do believe that in a past life Les painted this....
http://battellemedia.com/images/sistine%20chapel.jpg
(http://battellemedia.com/images/sistine%20chapel.jpg)

[KamenGuyver]

Perfect paint on the Alien. Just WOW ~

[Customikey]

Just remarkable work, Les. Now, where in hell are you going to put it?!!

[gdb]

Have you thought of adding drool to the dog-alien's mouth? In the film they used KY Jelly, but I remember a technique of stringing epoxy glue.

[dekadentdave]

Actually silicone works beautifully. I used it on my 1:6 Aliens Warrior Halcyon kit. Looks just like the drool in the film and it stays on.

[figuremaster_les]

Cool! Got a pic of that silicon drool Dave?
Can you post a pic of it in the ALIEN/ALIENS thread? They're looking for collection shots there anyway. I'd love to see what it looks like on the figure.

Regarding drool on the ALIEN 3, it actually didn't regularly have as much drool as the ALIENS ones did, and their's was usually milkier than the first ALIEN was. It may take several different mediums to get just right.

Love the KY jelly bit GDB. For photos, it would be perfect. Wouldn't last, but I wouldn't want permanant drool as it would be broken off at the first movement of the model/figure. At my home it would anyway. :lol

Must add in some future shots....

[dekadentdave]

Les, you should seriously consider adding some silicone drool. I think you will be amazed by the results. It will make your realistic-looking aliens even more amazingly realistic-looking.

[figuremaster_les]

Show me! Show me! :D

[dekadentdave]

I'd like to but my Halcyon kit is in the original box and packed up somewhere in my attic. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if I have the Ark of the Covenant up there somewhere. :D

I will try to take some pics of my Illusive Jabba because I applied silicone to his tongue and the corners of his mouth and the effect was basically the same.

[figuremaster_les]

That would work! As long as I can see the effect.

Ark of the Covenant...wouldn't have a 1/6 Ark would you? :lol Laying around...not being used....:D How 'bout Jimmy Hoffa?
(I got a garage like that...)

[DarkArtist81]

Man.... Nice shots Les.... And to see the thing in work was amazing... just the level of detail underneath the dome on his head was work it alone... Man, just looking at these is an inspiration all on it's own. I can only hope that one day I am 1/10th the skilled professional that you are, my man... Always a pleasure to see anything you do.

And nice to finally see part of the work desk!! :lol

[figuremaster_les]

And nice to finally see part of the work desk!! :lol

ZE VORKING DESK OF ZE FIGURE MASTER!
(Image may be out of date...note OLD, no longer existant, C Reeve heads on my "High Tech, Mobile Casting Lab! note THE CRAB, the weighted claw holder thingie....stay tuned for new and more disturbing work area images to come!)

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Myworkspace1.jpg

Yeah, it's small, but who needs a warehouse to paint one small spot on a 1/6 head? Or body? or...well, it is a bit too small for a 1/5 Alien! :D

We should post all our work areas somewhere....a Workspaces thread! :lol

[dekadentdave]

Alright Les, here are some shots of my Illusive Jabba. Hopefully it will kind of give you some idea of how the drool will look with your Aliens. If I ever get my Halcyon kit out of the attic I will snap some shots of that.

http://home.mho.com/decadentdave/jabba1.jpg
http://home.mho.com/decadentdave/jabba2.jpg
http://home.mho.com/decadentdave/jabba3.jpg
http://home.mho.com/decadentdave/jabba4.jpg

[galactiboy]

So what porn did Jabba just slither out of :lol But seriously, it does look pretty darn nice/disturbing!

Les, I am continually amazed by your work... this shot looks like something Giger would have done! Just brilliant!!!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/A3proj020.jpg

[samuraiwarrior]

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/1061/dsc00037resizeul1.jpg
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/6213/dsc00054resizezq4.jpg
http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9513/dsc00060resizebw0.jpg
http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/7443/dsc00064resizeis2.jpg
http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/2360/dsc00065resizega4.jpg
http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1571/dsc00077resizeyp3.jpg
http://img136.imageshack.us/img136/8158/dsc00078resizeoe2.jpg
http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/415/dsc00085resizetz6.jpg
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/1897/dsc00092resizeqb3.jpg

[figuremaster_les]

I guess some words are in order for the previous wordless Bruce Lee post by Samuraiwarrior. It should read "And now, a silent Bruce Lee memorial moment...let's just enjoy as he struts his wicked kung fu stuff!" :lol

But seriously, I did the head repaint for him, and under a VERY tight deadline, ahem!, as he needed it FAST for a buddy! So, I am glad it got back to Australia fella!
Glad to be of service! :lol

Enjoy my good man. (And hope your intended recipient enjoys it as well!)

BTW, great photos SW!

[TOE]

man...that Bruce Lee is so life-like:monkey3 with the killer combination of awesome sculpt and detailed paint-up, nothing can get better :chew

[orbitingx]

Here are the pics Les shot of my obi and ani before they ship out:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/AniObi004.jpg




http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/AniObi002-1.jpg


Looks like i'm one happy camper and very satisfied with the way this transaction has gone


THANKS LES!! :chew

[Shai Hulud]

Here are the pics Les shot of my obi and ani before they ship out:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/AniObi004.jpg




http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/AniObi002-1.jpg


Looks like i'm one happy camper and very satisfied with the way this transaction has gone


THANKS LES!! :chew




:rock :rock :rock :rock

The best ones yet.....

[Gruff Old Bear]

...that's why they call him da Figah-MASTER!

[pjam]

Great stuff. :D

Anyone want to see pics of a FML Medicom Jack Sparrow repaint? I mean a "Full Jack treatment" from the Master himself. Huh, do ya? :lol

Coming soon to a thread near you, including this one. :D

Stay tuned!

[DarkArtist81]

WOW! Man, Les.... great work!! Again, as Gruff said... THAT is why he is called the Figure MASTER! :lol

[Brent72]

Here's the pic Les just sent me today of my newly finished Sith Anakin:

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2430/sithanakinsswp7.jpg

:cool: :cool: :cool:

[dekadentdave]

Master Les Kenobi! :bow:bow:bow

[Shai Hulud]

I think the eyes of his custom figures are what makes them so good.

[Gruff Old Bear]

I think the eyes of his custom figures are what makes them so good.

I agree completely, and it's not just the high degree of detail. Les makes the figure seem to be looking at something, and that brings it to life. The Obi-Ewan Kenobi posted in this thread is looking right at someone.

The greatest flaw in factory paint apps is that they center the irises perfectly and make them equidistant and symmetrical. The result is an expressionless doll's face. Sideshow sculpts always have attitude. Factory paint apps tend to neutralize that attitude. Les brings the attitude out.

[DarkArtist81]

I agree as well Gruff.... Les brings out the life of a sculpt. And his eyes are very expressive, it's something I have been trying to learn for a while. That Obi is a perfect example of that... the eyes looking AT something and not just "zoned out" like many factory paint apps look.

Those eyes are perfect.... Best in the biz. :D

[figuremaster_les]

Thanks guys.
I think we all learn from each other, and it pays to have constructive criticism from all of you.
I do always spend a lot of thought, and time on the eyes. In fact, they are always the last thing I paint, so more time is spent in thought, even if I know what they are gonna be doing or how they will appear, than any other part of a figure.

What is it about them being the windows to the soul? Well, I take that to heart when painting. I appreciate that effort being noticed. Not sure how to convey what it is technique wise that I do, but I know I think a lot. Look at eyes, and think. And do a lot of what Josh (Dark Artist) is showing now, draw. Draw A LOT! :cool:

[abstractharmony]

Those Anakin and Obi re-paints are awesome but I have to say that I prefer the non sith Anakin there.

That's not to say they don't both floor me but Regular Anakin has that......

special zing!

[die]

Here are the pics Les shot of my obi and ani before they ship out:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/AniObi004.jpg




http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/AniObi002-1.jpg


Looks like i'm one happy camper and very satisfied with the way this transaction has gone


THANKS LES!! :chew


Wow.

That is simply amazing, I don't know how you made both of those sculpts display so much emotion. They should photoshop Hayden's head out of ROTS & put your headsculpt on top of his body, then re-release the movie. That's just simply amazing.

Les, you are the man.

[Darren Carnall]

the skin tones and eyes are especially fabulous. I always love seeing new work Les has done. It's like seeing a work of art each time

excellent stuff (again)

[Darthrazz]

Les!


You are the MAN!

I bow before you sir!

Your work is top notch! I always enjoy seeing your creations. Your paint jobs on the Ani and Obi enhance the GREAT sculpts that are buried beneath Sideshows paint jobs. Keep up the good work!:chew

Ed

[Customikey]

Talent and craft to aspire to. I never tire of seeing your work, Les, and it comes up all too infrequently.

[figuremaster_les]

Talent and craft to aspire to. I never tire of seeing your work, Les, and it comes up all too infrequently.

Sorry about that Mick. Been a bit overwhelmed by family matters of late.
Look for some new bits soon. Thanks for the kind words though everyone.
More to come...:D

[The Mike]

Hey Les, I love your work and looking through the HT Superman thread I see your CR Custom next to it. The body on CR is very bulky in comparision have you ever considered going back and doing one with another body to thin him out?

[figuremaster_les]

From Jedi Mike:
Hey Les, I love your work and looking through the HT Superman thread I see your CR Custom next to it. The body on CR is very bulky in comparision have you ever considered going back and doing one with another body to thin him out?


JM, If I ever found the right 1/6 body that actually resembled Reeve's body type, I'd give it a try. Most look way too small to me. That's why I used the old, original 78 Mego body. It give him some idealized mass, and gives the figure a sort of nostalgic attitude, as though it had been made back in the day....

But yeah, if I had one that was big enough. None yet...

[The Mike]

:lol True...Reeve wasn't a stick by any means....he just looks so burly compared to the much slimmer bodies of HT Superman...and if placed next to the Medi Supes he'd make him look damn near Kate Mossy...either way great work hopefully one day I can afford one!

[figuremaster_les]

Here some new work for you guys to review/ponder/pontificate...

My brother's BRAVEHEART custom.
Ebay bought head, Dragon bendy arm body, SS Connor kilt and shoes, handmade sword and scabbard (I didn't make it, but am darned appreciative of the gift it was to get! Thanks Jeff...), and custom gauntlets and bits...my paint...
Not the best ever likeness, but not too shabby. My brother is happy. It's his favorite film.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/DBH001.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/DBH003.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/DBH007.jpg

And the closeup...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/DBH009.jpg

And if you think this is one big historical based-on-a-movie dude....
Wait til you see the next guy I post! :D

Yeah...a bigger dude...well, not actually BIGGER...but...a bigger deal! By far!

[DarkArtist81]

Very nice Les! I love Braveheart... Only wish they had some decent figs... That one is well done indeed, especially that scabbard... or Baldric (not sure if that is the right terminology).... And as always your paint apps....fantastic! :chew

[figuremaster_les]

Another new custom figure...this time for my personal collection....

NAPOLEON BONAPARTE
as played by actor Albert Dieudonne in the 1927 silent film Napoleon.

Here is the real guy for reference...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/napoleonwHAT2-1.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Napcoat1.jpg

And now, my figure of him....(note old school silent movie makeup...)

He's mostly reworked Dragon and BBI parts and clothes, and body and some handmade costuming on top of that. Lot more work than you'd expect.
Oh, the head is a repainted Dragon "Adam", which amazingly, already greatly resembles Dieudonne.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/SepiaNap0001b.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/SepiaNap0002.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/IMG_1103.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/IMG_1071.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/IMG_1058.jpg


I told you he wasn't quite as "big" as Braveheart....but he is a much larger character in History... :D

Hope you all enjoy these latest two customs.

More to come....

[Batty]

You nailed the likeness, Les. Beautiful!

I love the silent version of Napoleon. Too bad legal muck is keeping it from being released on DVD.

[galactiboy]

Beautiful work as always Master... although I'm not sure I'm feeling the rooted hair on Napoleon. W/o the hat it has a bit like glam-rock look, but maybe that's historical accuracy for ya :lol

[DarkArtist81]

Rock on Les! I saw some mid progress pics of this one.... And I must admit... He's made strides since then.... Fantastic work. The costume is worth it alone. And I remember when I first bought the Adam body.... I kept looking at that head and wondering what I could do with it... :lol

I thought he looked a little like Liam Neeson.....:rotfl

[pixletwin]

Nice work Les. Did you sculpt the face as well?

EDIT: Nevermind.. I just READ that you used a Dragon head.

[figuremaster_les]

Thanks guys.
I am trying to up my own efforts. I have a ton of repaints and customs to get through by year's end, and apologies galore to those that are still waiting. All I can say is those that have paid for my services, are the best customers in the world! And I am forever grateful for them and their continuing desires of my work. I hope I can continue on with such projects.

Also, I have several major custom projects in the works, some I cannot even discuss at this time, one or two due by March. I am also committed to the notion, however out there or unrespected it is, of seeing some form of Medieval Kurgan made for the many that desire one. This is an oversight that has become both a nuisence and thorn in the side for many here. However, there is only one way to shut this Kurgan movement up, MAKE THE THING!
So, I am either going to do just that myself, or take what I can to the powers that be and get this ball rolling.

So, look for many new things from me in the coming months. New figures, new direction...and I hope it will all be exciting for all that see.

Got a lot to do! And I hope you all can be right here when I do it!

Oh, and I love the works I see from all you others. Customizers, as well as these AMAZING company made figures!
Sideshow has BLOWN ME AWAY this year! AMAZING releases!
And, don't let HOT TOYS steal your thunder either! They are kicking some serious butt too! All I see being released is a major dose of SHOCK AND AWE for me!

Keep it up guys! Kudos to you all!

Now, back to the bench!!!! :D

And, as always.....more to come!:chew

[orbitingx]

[QUOTE=Figuremaster Les]

Thanks guys.
All I can say is those that have paid for my services, are the best customers in the world! And I am forever grateful for them and their continuing desires of my work. I hope I can continue on with such projects.


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/DSC00347.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/DSC00349.jpg


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/DSC00351.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/DSC00348.jpg


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e60/5050mt7030/DSC00345.jpg





No....The thanks are to you les.

I wish i could capture your work with my camera like it looks in person.

I hope you will be doing this for a long time.

:D

[DarkArtist81]

Thanks for posting that OrbitingX.... Everytime I see those I just get chills... Wonderful work again by Les....:D

[Customikey]

Thanks for posting that OrbitingX.... Everytime I see those I just get chills... Wonderful work again by Les....:D


Agreed. Les' eyes are incomparable, and now I have some new techniques to try....:D

[figuremaster_les]

Thanks Orbiting X, for posting those amazing shots! Your camera is better than mine! Plus, glad to see Obi And Ani clothed and rockin'!

And as for technique, go for it! Like you guys have said in the other thread, it's seeing the finished work and reproducing that, that makes one learn new stuff best.


Anyway....

Got some new, original custom figures for you guys to ponder...


I seem to recall some kind words about my 1939 Batman set. Well, some of you may not realize, but that is a growing, and ongoing set.

I slooooooooowly, among other work, keep on trying to get some of the other characters done, and in. I needed Bruce Wayne and Alfred completed for an upcoming online comic like I did with my Dr. Death set. The set as it stands also includes my original Mr. Freeze and some gangsters.

So, here are my first run at a Bruce and Alfred.
A few words, The Bruce is exactly the same head I chose for the cowled Batman. I simply painted it with some dark character traits, (I hope!) and added some nice period attire.
Alfred didn't exist in the comics in 1939, and they had to develop him from a short, fat fellow, to the Alfred we all are familiar with today.
Since my BATMAN 1939 is less of an exact take on the comics of the time, and is more my idea of what either a cool modern, but period based movie or show would be, then this is the Alfred I was most interested in, the traditional look of a Gentleman's Gentleman. That faithful servant we all know and love.

So, here they are....


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BWA001.jpg

Note the pipe. I did take this aspect of the early Bruce Wayne from the first Batman comics.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BWA002.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BWA003.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BWA008.jpg

And Batman with his alter ego...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BWA009.jpg

"ALFRED, QUICK! BACK TO THE MANOR! IT SEEMS THE BAT-MAN HAS SOME WORK TO DO!"
"Yes Master Bruce. It would seem he does...."

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/BWA011.jpg

Hope that whets your appetites for the new online comic due in March 07. Look then for a period Commissioner Gordon and maybe even a particularly interesting feline villainess....:D

Enjoy!

[galactiboy]

Amazing work Les, I love your take on the Bat-Man. You seem to have a wonderful vision of how the characters all fit with each other. And a wonderful choice of headsculpts for you leading man!

Can't wait to see more of your work!!!

**cough, cough** Medieval Kurgan

[Darren Carnall]

that Obi-Wan, especially the eyes, is just amazing. And i'm about to paint my obi-wan while I wait for my Anakin mold to set. Hope i can get anywhere close to how your eyes look Les.

Simply.. as everyone else has said... stunning :bow

[DarkArtist81]

Man, Les..... Outstanding Bruce!!! I love the costume and his posture just says "billionaire playboy"!

Great work my friend, as always...

[pixletwin]

I was hoping after reading your site that you would be working on a Bruce Wayne. Outstanding. Great Job Les! :clap

[paulcarson]

How can one man have so much talent...

They are outstanding Les! I'm going to have to get you to paint up a couple of my figures for me! Just to say that I have one in my collection! I love the Bruce Wayne, the face screams playboy to me. Good choice! I'd love to know more..


( you can share it via pm if it is too sensitive? After all there are loads of bad guys who would love to Know The Batman's true identity! )

[Gruff Old Bear]

'swounds, man...you just don't quit! That Bruce Wayne just screams 1939!

And the eye details on Obi-Wan are outrageous! Love that fleck of brown in the blue iris...how real is that?

[twistedfreak]

Wow! Those are amazing customs. Top notch as always, Les. Wow man.

[Gruff Old Bear]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/IMG_1058.jpg

Your Abel Gance Napoleon is fantastic, Les. It's amazing how much the Adam head resembles Albert Dieudonne.

Come to think of it, Albert Dieudonne kinda resembled Ron Wood.

[King Darkness]

Love the Bruce figure. The paint apps on his face are perfect. I love the eyes. Great work as always Les.

[pjam]

Hey Guys,
To commemorate my 3,000th Post and the DVD Release of POTC I am posting some pics of my FML (Figuremaster Les) repainted Medicom Jack Sparrow!

I first want to say some of the repaints I've seen here are extraordinary, kg and DarkArtist's are some of the best I've seen anywhere.

Here I asked Les do do a "Full Jack" including some reweathering, weapons aging and a special request to repaint the arm tattoo blue and include the "P" scar.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Johnny Depp a few weeks ago at a photoshoot at my cousin's studio and can say he is a really nice guy.

These pics aren't great but decent enough to get a pretty good idea and as usual the figure is 100X better in hand...

Thank you Les, the detail on this is stunning, you are the Master!

Enjoy...

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02211.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02230.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02082.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC022372.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02252.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02259.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02263-1.jpg

Also first posted in the general forum

http://sideshowcollectors.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13573&page=3

[Shai Hulud]

Hey Guys,
To commemorate my 3,000th Post and the DVD Release of POTC I am posting some pics of my FML (Figure Master Les) repainted Medicom Jack Sparrow!

I first want to say some of the repaints I've seen here are extraordinary, kg and DarkArtist's are some of the best I've seen anywhere.

Here I asked Les do do a "Full Jack" including some reweathering, aging of the weapons and a special request to repaint the arm tattoo blue and include the "P" scar.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Johnny Depp a few weeks ago at a photoshoot at my cousin's studio and can say he is a really nice guy.

The pics aren't great but decent enough to get a pretty good idea and as usual the figure is 100X better in hand...

Thank you Les, the detail on this is stunning, you are the Master!

Enjoy...

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02211.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02230.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02082.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC022372.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02252.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02259.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j88/pjam07/DSC02263-1.jpg


Those pics alone makes me want to buy that figure and send it to the Grand Master for a job like that.

[DarkArtist81]

Very cool to see Les's version of Captain Jack! I've always wondered how it came out! As always, it's fantastic... but what else could we expect... :lol

[pjam]

Oh, it's absolutely amazing in hand, like having a mini Johnny Depp as Jack, simply jaw dropping... :D

[figuremaster_les]

Thanks as always Pjam. Watched Pirates 2 last night and thought about you and your new Jack. Glad you like him, and thanks for posting the pics.


On a side note, and blowing my own horn here a tad...if anyone is interested in owning one of my original customs, my vampire Radu, that is on a Sideshow body I might add...go search Ebay item #160059632572.
To all that might be interested that is. Wish I had more of this kind of custom, but I did lower the price significantly, so he's in range of many of you collectors here. End of shameless plug.

Again, thanks Pjam.

[pjam]

And well deserved as always Les, I couldn't be happier, as always! :D

[Zoomaround]

I love your Captain Jack. It's kind of creepy how much it looks like Johnny. I especially love the "sparrow" tattoo. Great work, Les and congrats to PJAM.

[miles]

Hey Les your work is outstanding!! By the way, do you know what happened to the Jaws thread in the Horror section that concerned Trev's Hooper sculpt.It looks as though the plug got pulled on that thread.:monkey2

[figuremaster_les]

Miles, you'd have to ask Trev about that one I guess.
Thanks about my work. Appreciated! :D

[figuremaster_les]

I think I forgot to post this earlier...

This is a Pippin statue I repainted for board member Beruthiel sometime back.

This is how it came out of box:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Pippin003.jpg

and my repaint:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Pippin004.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Pippin006.jpg

Hope you folks enjoy that.
It was some small work for me! Used to 1/6! :D

[twistedfreak]

Wow, that is amazing. It looks WAY better then the original. Nothing short of top notch as always, Les. Truly outstanding.

[Beruthiel]

And Pip looks better IRL then in the pics, but I take horrible pics myself, so we have to be happy with Les' pics here. :) And I am very happy with the results!

[figuremaster_les]

Bless you Queen B!
Glad to be of service.
:D

[DarkArtist81]

Yeah, that Pippen is amazing Les.... You seriously saved that statue... That thing never really looked up to par, one of the weaker ones in the series. But with your paint, it looks far more authentic and nice..... as it should have been.

Outstanding work!!

And as for your Radu... I have to check that out... I always loved that custom! :cool:

[Zoomaround]

Great job on Pippin. I've always felt sorry for my Pippin. I have him on a bottom shelf -- hidden away from a clear view. He looks good from a distance but not from too close up.

[figuremaster_les]

Great job on Pippin. I've always felt sorry for my Pippin. I have him on a bottom shelf -- hidden away from a clear view. He looks good from a distance but not from too close up.

Poor little fella.
There is a solution for your statue's suffering. Just ask Beru.

[abstractharmony]

Poor little fella.
There is a solution for your statue's suffering. Just ask Beru.


Pimp it Les! Pimp it!

:lol

[Zoomaround]

:mwaha Les, the Pimpmaster?

No need to ask Beru. I've seen your incredible work.
Unfortunately, at this time of year, $ is tight...
Pippin will just have to continue hiding on the bottom shelf.

Thanks for sharing your talents with us all.

[abstractharmony]

Les, Oh great one...

I the Maul Image thread there was a picture of your AOTC Anakin. I was just wondering if this was a straight repaint of the Hasbro or if there was any cheeky resculpting involved?

What ever you did to it - it looks awesome. Possibly my favourite work of yours - seriously!

[figuremaster_les]

Hey Abstract, thanks a bunch.
No cheeky resculpting! :lol
Just paint.

Here is a closer look at that Ani head, with my EpII C3PO...Ani is a SS body with the Hasbro head attached. Trimmed out the neck to paper thin, then slid it down the neck of the London After Midnight body neckpost. Perfect fit. Clothes are Hasbro for color accuracy. Cloak is SS.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Anakinep2003.jpg

And just for fun, unreworked SS Maul again with some decidedly EpI characters...
I reworked that rare, but really cool electronic C3PO figure very extensively, added wires and repainted him, as well as repainted the Lil Ani. His goggles do have clear lenses. That podracer helmet is a carved down soapbottle cap from 1999...fits perfectly.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Anakinep1002.jpg

[paulcarson]

Love the Anakin repaint Les! Those eyes look amazing! Would we be able to see more of your Vader figure? I saw a shot of it in another thread and I'd love one myself!

[twistedfreak]

As always Les, nothing short of top notch work. Your work sets a higher standard all the time. Amazing man.

[Darren Carnall]

it's amazing how much you can change the appearance of a inaccurate sculpt with some sneaky repainting isnt it (changing the shape of lips, hairlines, eyes etc)

That Ani looks great... simply fabulous work. ...and makes me really want to try to rework my ROTS Ani into the younger version....

see what your work drives me to??? :rotfl it'll be the end of me

I had that electronic threepio too.. and always wanted to add wires and hollow him out to look better.... but had so many other things to do I just ended up selling him. good figure though

[Gruff Old Bear]

Les, your real mastery is never more apparent than when you rework a figure most folks wouldn't look at twice. Hasbro? Your eye for what lies beneath the factory paint is what lets you begin your efforts a step ahead.

When your mastery of acrylics comes into play...simply superb. And all without an airbrush.

Wow.

[rabidwolverine21]

you are amazing. simply put

[figuremaster_les]

it's amazing how much you can change the appearance of a inaccurate sculpt with some sneaky repainting isnt it (changing the shape of lips, hairlines, eyes etc.)

You've given my life new meaning and clarity, Hunky Artist!
I never really knew my true calling until now....

From henceforth on, I shall be considered,
The SNEAKY REPAINTER OF DOLLS!
Never knew I had it in me! :D

Plus, I can finally change out that old Jaws Avatar :lol

Oh, and thanks guys. I do appreciate all the kind words.

[King Darkness]

LONG LIVE THE The SNEAKY REPAINTER OF DOLLS!!!!!!

[figuremaster_les]

Love the Anakin repaint Les! Those eyes look amazing! Would we be able to see more of your Vader figure? I saw a shot of it in another thread and I'd love one myself!

Here ya go Paul....
A closeup of the helm (it's dustier than I realized...) but you can just see the Sith eyed Anakin inside....

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Ep4VaderEyes1.jpg

Plus, my attempt at a Maul repaint....(note my original Ep III Obi Wan in background)
Might redo Maul's eyes. Not sure yet. Not angry enough to me somehow.
But, close. Maybe I have the pensive Maul figure....

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Maulr001.jpg

[DarkArtist81]

Good Lord, man!!! Just amazing work!! That Maul and that Vader are inspirational in ways you will never know... You continue to raise the bar, my friend....

I'm seriously rendered speechless yet again... :drool

[miles]

Hey Les,you think you could do anything for this sculpt???............Instead of burn it!! Ha Ha Ha

http://www.rebelscum.com/swsaga/sw0312anakinhead.jpg :lol :lol :lol

[figuremaster_les]

Hey Les,you think you could do anything for this sculpt???............Instead of burn it!! Ha Ha Ha

http://www.rebelscum.com/swsaga/sw0312anakinhead.jpg :lol :lol :lol

GOTT IN HIMMEL!
:lol :rotfl :lol

I had that! HAD...I gave it to my little nephews rather than try to repaint it.... In my opinion, it just doesn't look enough like Hayden's headshape to adapt without resculpting. Maybe it's the sculptor's head!

Paint it? Probably, but you are talking some THICK paint! :D

Looks like a young Kirk Douglas...just deepen that chin dimple...
"I DONWAAANNNA BE A JEDI!"

[twistedfreak]

Simpley put, Les.... bar none, as always.

[Brent72]

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Ep4VaderEyes1.jpg




WOW. WOW. WOW. Those are the only words in my head right now. :cool:

[wofford29]

Great work Les. I'm not sure what your schedule looks like for a commission but I was about to send a very rare 1/6 figure head over seas to be repainted. Let me know what your schedule looks like because I'd rather keep it state side.

The head I'm wanting repainted is the Hot Toys Detective Mills (Brad Pitt) figure from the original release.

Here is a picture of a great repaint, and the look I'm wanting. The Pitt likeness is there it just requires some work like this...

http://i17.tinypic.com/34pywjr.jpg


Let me know if you think you could get this look or better and if you'd have the time to fit it in. Another reason I'd like to keep it over here is because of it's rarity. Thanks for the consideration and keep up the great work. Shoot me a pm with details if you'd like to work it out.

[King Darkness]

Now thats sick Les!!! Love being able to see his eyes.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Ep4VaderEyes1.jpg

[Bannister]

Now thats sick Les!!! Love being able to see his eyes.
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Ep4VaderEyes1.jpg
I second that. :rock:rock:rock

[figuremaster_les]

Thanks King. Honored bro!
That is my 77 Vader too. Need to get a better helmet off headshot....
All these crispy Anakins posted lately! :lol

[gdb]

Hey Abstract, thanks a bunch.
No cheeky resculpting! :lol
Just paint.

Here is a closer look at that Ani head, with my EpII C3PO...Ani is a SS body with the Hasbro head attached. Trimmed out the neck to paper thin, then slid it down the neck of the London After Midnight body neckpost. Perfect fit. Clothes are Hasbro for color accuracy. Cloak is SS.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Anakinep2003.jpg

And just for fun, unreworked SS Maul again with some decidedly EpI characters...
I reworked that rare, but really cool electronic C3PO figure very extensively, added wires and repainted him, as well as repainted the Lil Ani. His goggles do have clear lenses. That podracer helmet is a carved down soapbottle cap from 1999...fits perfectly.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a10/angremien/Anakinep1002.jpg

WOW!!! I love what you've done to Ep. I 3PO. Do you have more pics of the Ep. II C-3PO you could share?

[Mookeylama]

When your mastery of acrylics comes into play...simply superb. And all without an airbrush.

Wow.

u don't use an airbrush Les? figured u did.

[figuremaster_les]

u don't use an airbrush Les? figured u did.

Personal response, speaking only for myself here...Nope. Never even owned one.
They make me nervous.
I generally go with what I am comfortable with, and blending paint with hand held brushes is something I can totally control. Constant shifts between washes and drybrushings.

The argument is there that there are places for an airbrush, large smooth surfaces that need that exacting blending, but I have found that for most of my uses, 1/6 human skin for example, that brush blends tend to look much more natural and less manufactured.

You see the response my hand blended skin tones get? Must be something to it. Sometimes, even stymies me. Not something originally set out as intentional way back when, but I think flaw is actually a part of what makes a body or facepaint look more organic, and so as I have learned to paint this way, and lack of an airbrush has served me.
That plus years of hard, cold, accurate observation and learned brush methods. Just how to hold a given brush while using it...stuff I am not even sure how to convey to someone else, are all part of the result. My own manner, preferences and indiosyncrasies... that sort of thing. All of it adds up over time to where you cease being a guy painting something, and you are the airbrush, or tool, yourself. Hard to explain.

I will say this, true masters of airbrushes always amaze me, but most airbrushed art looks like those booth art guys in malls to me...cheap. Quickie T-shirts or car tags. Extended to models, this looks much the same to me. I can always tell that airbrush look. Very rare are the exceptions.
H.R. Giger, designer of the Alien, remains the best user of an airbrush in his art ever to me. He can paint walls or 3-D figures with the same amazing results. And, I am no H.R. Giger, so...hand brushing it is! :D



One more thing while I am talking this theory stuff...

See, I have a hard time explaining my personal philosophy about my art...I feel like, yes, I am the guy doing the art, of course, but, and here's this weird part, I too am always surprised by the outcome. Always. I know I visualise what I want, sort of, but I am always surprised by it.

Don't trust any artist that says they can just control it consciously every time. I don't believe that. Whatever happens when we/me/you/anyone is being creative, flows though us from somewhere else. I know, sounds like the Force. I don't mean it like that exactly, but I know I am not the only one doing the work. The creating. It's a source that I tap into.
That's why I have trouble telling folks how I do my art.

Think of it this way, I am like a water faucet. I can open it up at will to any level, and control the flow, and make something happen, but I am not ever the water. Ever. That is what makes taking total credit for my work and it's outcome so hard. I think anyone honest enough about their art can admit this. All but the most egocentric. They have to take all the credit. I cannot do this. I know I am just some living tool. A conduit. Glad I am though!

What's this got to do with my not using an airbrush? Not sure. I just know I can do what an airbrush does, and I don't know how or why. :lol

Good enough for you? :D

[Gruff Old Bear]

http://i17.tinypic.com/34pywjr.jpg

Let me know if you think you could get this look or better and if you'd have the time to fit it in.

Very handsome repaint. Les can do this look or better blindfolded. Oops, I seem to be pimping...

Seriously, check his repaint of my CRM Crime Cure Boy at right in my sig:

[figuremaster_les]

Oh Lord, I've compounded the error of posting someone ele's repaint in the Les thread! Very handsome repaint. Les can do this look or better blindfolded. Oops, I seem to be pimping...

Seriously, check his repaint of my CRM Crime Cure Boy at right in my sig:


That's ok Gruff. I may get a shot at this headpaint anyway. If so, your compounded error may serve. Nice headpaint though. SUPER sculpt!

And I am SOOOO jealous of your having that Little Tramp!

[pixletwin]

Yup. That Vader helmet is the bees knees Les. Can we get some head shots?

[paulcarson]

Thanks Les! That Vader is awesome! If it were my choice I'd leave the Maul as it is, to me it looks like a living breathing thing - you've really captured the look of his eyes with this one! Amazing , just amazing!