In the best tradition of slight-of-hand magicians, I plan to occasionally feature images of some of my favorite figures. As created by others, that is. Kind of a diversion from my own lack of steady production. However, today’s subject is actually a “two-fer”, as you shall soon see.

At the 2002 MFCA Show, Bill Horan displayed a new AWI piece labeled “Black Watch 1781”, being a rather unkempt Highlander showing the effect of long campaigning in the Southern states with Cornwallis. Unruly hair, partially buttoned non-regulation trousers, patched coat, torn stocking – definitely not some parade ground dandy! The figure hit several of my “like” buttons: AWI; Horan; Highlander. This was the sculptor/painter at his best, creating a unique figure that captured, in miniature, the presumed reality of life in the field. Some lucky collector undoubtedly carried this figure home, where it likely sits today; hopefully, it gets appreciated on a regular basis! [B.Horan image]

Bill Had several RevWar pieces at that show, so I was somewhat giddy already, but I kept coming back to this piece. I noticed the dirt on the bonnet, as well as the faded red coat, the floppy gaiters, the pipe in the right hand, and the fatigue etched in the face. Even the groundwork was impressive. [Author image]

I won’t try to convince anyone of Horan’s preeminent skills and artistry, or his impact upon our hobby/artform. I am an unmitigated fan of his work. I hope you are, as well, but I will certainly allow for differences of opinion. Just do me one favor – disagree somewhere else! 

Fast forward a few years. British sculptor Maurice Corey produced a 75mm figure for Michael Roberts Ltd. in 2007, depicting an AWI Highlander which was, in pose and disordered dress, at least reminiscent of the earlier Horan piece. I’m casting no dispersions here – who can say from where an artist’s inspiration flows?

Having previously acknowledged my preference for AWI subjects, there was little doubt that this figure would get a Draft Notice to join my Grey Army at the earliest opportunity. Eventually made its way to the head of the painting queue in time for the 2010 MFCA Show. [author image]

For my version, I wanted to work on producing white pants with more dramatic highlights and shadows. The sharp, deep folds provided by the sculptor almost begged for a bold treatment. 

I primed with Black (Vallejo), and using a succession of greys, from Grey Black to Deck Tan, blended and layered my way to what I felt was a realistic representation of white heavy cotton breeches and waistcoat. I purposefully stayed away from using washes, preferring to layer/blend to get the desired shading and highlighting. [author image]

Overall, this project was very enjoyable. If I can’t have Bill Horan’s version in my display cabinet, I can at least have a very good facsimile, painted in an acceptable fashion.  If another copy of this figure ever crosses my path, at a reasonable price, I could easily be persuaded to attempt an encore, going for the brown pants this time!