USGD 2002 Prince Tyrion

This model is truly a fantastic sculpt, both in detail and composition. It is due to these elements that I chose to do the model for USGD. I decided in the beginning that I would do the model on a standard horse base vs the 50mm large monster base he comes on. This is because from a playing point of view the diorama style base is just not needed or desired. So, once I decided to put him on a standard base I had to come up with a suitable environment to place him on. I decided to put him on a rocky outcropping with waves breaking on the rocks. He would be rearing up right at the water in a very dramatic pose. If I had used a plaque for the entry it would have read, 'Suffer not the unclean to set foot on our shore'. This kind of defiance is inherent in the High Elves and perfect for such a regal piece.

I must say that sculpting the waves was a unique challenge requiring all my skill as a sculptor to bring them to life. I also wanted to include some colour on the base and further emphasize the 'ocean' scene I was building so I sculpted a starfish and some barnacles on the rocks. These little marine creatures did wonders for bringing the scene fully to life.

As you can see I did not paint in in the standard GW blue scheme. I thought that was too overdone and that purple was actually more regal and lordly. From the outset I decided to do patterns on the cloth like I imagine a real elf prince would have. So, to this end I did a swirl pattern on the underskirting of the horse and the cloth of the reigns. I also did a subtle swirl pattern on the caparison [much more subtle than in the photo]. This design was very time consuming and difficult to repeat but looks very realistic and stunning in person. Also on the caparison I did a gold swirl pattern in the inside fold that can be seen in most of the shots. The gold NMM was done in three different stages and that is why there is subtle variations in the tone. The gold was started at Bestial Brown and then worked up through Snakebite Leather by adding bleached bone and white. It was ended with pure white at certain points for maximum shine. Many of my friends have said the model is so cohesive that it doesn't look too much like my work. I endeavored to achieve this effect even though it is not my normal style. That was one of the hardest parts of this model, the need to paint more subtly and to strive for maximum cohesiveness.