Green Stuff Sculpting

Miniature Mentors for those of you that do not know is a company that specialises in producing tutorial videos for those that wish to learn how to paint and sculpt to a higher standard. The artists that are doing the teaching are without a doubt some of the most talented people in their field, with experience that is second to none.

All of the video tutorials that I have watched so far are probably the best quality tutorial videos I have seen on the market. They're captured in Hi Definition that not only gives you a up close view of the artists creations, but also brings the figures to life, whether they're being painted or sculpted.

The tutorial we have today is by a sculptor named James Van Schaik who is a world renowned sculptor that has worked for some of the biggest miniature companies in the world, such as Reaper Miniatures and Pulp City Miniatures. The miniature itself is of a female brandishing a gun that would scare off the bravest of hero's.



Like all of Miniature Mentor videos we start off with an Interview with the sculptor, where he is asked some general questions about his career, he also shows the viewer the tools of his trade, and finally gives some advice on becoming a sculptor yourself. From the interview alone I found myself liking Mr Schaik as he was quite down to earth, and seems a friendly enough guy.

Unlike most of the tutorials I've read or seen when it comes to using Green Stuff and sculpting, James doesn't use a wire armature; he in fact uses a pre-made cast armature manufactured by Reaper Miniatures, which I personally found original as I'd never seen one before.

Every segment of the tutorial is filled with information by the artist for you to try and place into your own advancements in a sculpting career. I even at one point thought to myself "That doesn't look too hard". However, that soon evaporates from your mind when you get to details on clothing, facial features and the hands. James even goes on to talk about the art of fold making in clothing, and how it's a completely different art form altogether. From watching how the folds are implemented, and seeing the figure change right in front of you really do start to appreciate why it takes so long to become a Master, which I might add James Van Schaik certainly is.

My only gripe with the video is that the timing of the video seemed slightly out. What I mean by this is that towards the end of the video it came across as a little rushed. The seemed to be a jump from a certain proportion of the miniature being done, to bits added that I'd not witnessed. To their credit though, it was explained that some of the parts weren't filmed as it was too advanced for the tutorial specifications I guess you could say, and that they'd be covered at a later date in a more advanced tutorial.

All-in-all I would certainly recommend this to anyone wishing to either pick up tips on how to sculpt different parts of a miniature; or who is wishing to start sculpting with Green Stuff and learn the basics; or who simply wants to see a master at work. I personally feel that the £20/22 (EUR)/ $30 is well worth it for what you're getting. At the moment the tutorial is only available for download, but there is a DVD on the way as far as I'm aware.

As a final thought, the miniature sculpted in the tutorial is also available for purchase from RAFM Miniatures & Games.

That just about wraps it up for this review, until next time.

-Green Stuff Sculpting

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