introduction

Mr Black Publications, a new company by Stelios Demiras located in Athens-Greece, released a series of scale model handbooks for figure modelling. Despite many of the modelling books on market display the works of a single or a few modelers or specialized on a certain subject like painting or sculpting; each of the handbook series includes the works of many well-known artists with the full detailed explanations of builts, color photos of building steps and also color recipes . The books can be referred by modelers of all levels from beginners to masters.

The first book of the series SMH-FM01 Scale Model Handbook Figure Modeling 1 includes 9 articles by 8 modelers with historical notes, sculpting and converting techniques, painting in acrylics, enamels and oils, groundwork and presentation.

book basics

The book is first published in 2012 with ISSN : 2241-1054.

A4 format in 21x28 cm dimensions

Matt laminated cover

Translated from Greek to English

52 pages

140 color pictures

9 detailed step by step articles on sculpting and painting with artist’s color recipes

5 award winner models displayed in high standard competitions

Strongly recommended by Pegaso Models

book in detail

The book starts with a preface written by editor Stelios Demiras explaining the aim of the series, the characteristics of Figure Painting 1 book and thanks to contributors.
The book includes 9 chapters. The built stories of award winner and very high standard models show a variety of different sizes from 50, 54, 75 mm figures and 200 mm busts. Painted models also vary from ancient times to World War II that can be helpful for painters of all periods. The built stories are very explanatory with the artist used color codes, recipes, personal techniques, hints, tips and answers to possible questions.

The chapters are;

How to Paint a Large Scale Bust - Seleucid General - 200mm
Pegaso Models 200-018 by Ernesto Reyes Stalhuth

Figure Conversion - Roma Victor, Germania 180 A.D. - 75mm
Pegaso Models 75-018 by Grigoris Marmatakis

Painting Leather & Metal Parts – Hero Saxon Warrior, 5th Century A.D. - 54mm
Latorre Models 54-15 by Christos Katselos

Building a vignette from Scratch - The Old Servant Tells His Tale, early 19th century - 54 mm
Scratch-built figures by Radek Pituch

Simulating Different Kinds of Fabrics & Materials - Comandant des Mousquetaires du Roi - 75mm
Alexandros Models ASL-5 by Alexandre Cortina Bonastre

Making a Unique Horse - Micro Converting a Horse - 54mm
Metal Modeles MM68 & MM74 by Chris Tasker

Painting a World War II Figure - Oberleutnant of the 1st Fallschirmjager Div. - 50mm
Mantis Miniatures 35001 by Artur Miniszewski

Painting realistic Flesh with Oils - Maya Warrior Middle Ages, XV century - 75mm
Pegaso Models 75-053 by Pietro Balloni

Combining Acrylics with Oils - Highland Warrior 12th-13th Century - 75mm
Pegaso Models 75-051 by Pietro Balloni

conclusion

The book is very helpful, inspirational and motivational with its print quality, colorful content and easy to understand texts. I wish the rest of the series will continue in the same standard.

Highly Recommended