"List the top historical miniatures painters..." Topic

Okay, so I've been wondering a bit, just how many 'top' historical painters are out there, really? By top painters, I mean those whose work is good enough to grace the pages of the slick magazines, especially a cover or center spread. Doesn't mean the painter has to have been published, but the level of quality on his or her paint job is in that league.

A couple of quick examples would be Alan and Michael Perry or Kevin Dallimore (this is a worldwide question even though those examples are UK based).

The reason I ask is to compare just how many names can be collectively put forward here as against the general number of people in the hobby who paint figures. There is no agenda here, just really curious. I started to wonder if the list could make it to 100 names. I know I'd have to work hard to come up with anything close to a third of that number. And I've observed a few of the painting contests that LAF puts forward.

Also, doesn't matter if the painter is professional or pure amateur who paints for self and/or mates. The named painter just has to be in top form – and the form has to be historical. Why? Because you can't really judge a fantasy or sci-fi painting against any real empirical standard even though the work might be really good. (for those who don't like that 'restriction' might I suggest lists for painters in those areas).

Last, for the record, I'd rate my own painting ability as decidedly pedestrian.

Name away…

tried to crosspost for other countries but didn't see links after posting to American board…???

Well, there is me of course.

Well, there is me of course.

Yes, there is, but how is that relevant to the topic at hand?

And what about the painters who go all out to paint figures, not for slick magazines, but for their own table top and enjoyment? Your post seems to assume that if they aren't in the slick magazines or well-known, then they aren't an excellent painter.

OK, I'll play along. I nominate Giles for best AWI figure painter.
I would be willing to wager that his examples have inspired quite a few wargamers to try their hand at AWI forces.

So, for AWI, Giles is your man.

Sundance: from my post "Doesn't mean the painter has to have been published, but the level of quality on his or her paint job is in that league." and "Also, doesn't matter if the painter is professional or pure amateur who paints for self and/or mates."

Ok I'll bite, how about Sasha Herm?

I've had work done by the following three artists. All three are top top notch:

Toby at Artmaster Studio

Scott MacPhee at MacPhee's Miniature Men (his blog)

Darren Smith aka Paxx88

I've seen some very good painters on TMP.

My mate Thomas.

Never shows his stuff online, but better than most professional painters in 28mm.

And my mate Rob, his 20mm work is truly works of art.

Bill Moreno makes anyone's short list. His games and figures HAVE graced many a gaming magazine. He routinely wins painting competitions at the various shows. There doesn't seem to be a period he doesn't do well in. A search on "acwbill" here will show some of his truly amazing games and figures off.

My good friend Doc Ord (TMP name), who we swear paints with a single hair brush sometimes.

Jim

Rafa the Archduque. I probably misspelled his name, but damn he can paint. Does a lot of work for Khurasan Mini's.

RedZed does some pretty amazing stuff.

Bigredbat.
See his blog: link

I second Simon the Big Red Bat. Also, his figures have started appearing in some of the wargames magazines.

While Jen Haley is best known for her fantasy work, she does do historical pieces as well.

In addition to the above:

Tom Weiss
Piers Brand
Sidney Roundwood
Clearance Harrison
James Roach

I recall a series in – I think – WI some years ago that featured the work of 'masters' of miniature painting. The editor's judgement seemed to be spot on. Mr Dallimore was there, of course, and with each issue the work of another brushman of his equal would be trotted out, until…. there was a resounding clunk: Bruno Allanson.

With all due respect to Monsieur Allanson, I couldn't see how his relatively crude efforts in any way compared to the technically sophisticated and nuanced work of the rest of the featured artists. Am I alone in holding this viewpoint?

I'm biased of course, but I always admired my friend Dan Richardson's work. I knew him well when he lived in San Diego, but now he lives somewhere in the Dallas area. Our late friend Chuck Vadun was also a phenomenal painter. I have cherished samples of work from eaech of them.

Chris Hughes (does museum quality terrain, too)
Mike Tyson

I've always admired Steve Dean's work and his forum is a treasure trove of top end painting as well.

link

I don't go to shows very often but when I do I'm often staggered by the quality of figure painting. I'm sure there is a whole raft of gamers and painters who have little interest or exposure on the net but that could give many of the established names, who would appear in a top 100, a serious run for their money.

Ultimately a lot of what we make our judgement on comes down to whether or not the style appeals to us or not. For example, there are a lot of painters who's skill in laying down seamless blends of tone I greatly admire but because they paint in colours that I find garish and not natural enough their work doesn't have any lasting appeal to my eyes.

I won't name him but one painter, who has a high profile, insists on painting cartoon eyes on his horses and I can't help but wonder if he has ever studied the real thing. So I would say his work is style over substance but yet his work is very highly praised and so I guess he would fit into top 100 slot.

I'd also say that once you step into the field of 54mm model soldiers, that could be war-gamed with, then the standards tend to get significantly higher.

My nomination would be Keith, of Empress miniatures. His painting and photography of some AB WW2 figures has been the only time I've ever done a double take and thought that they looked real. To me that is what I base my judgement on – how realistic do they look.