This find seemed like a good excuse to reminisce about first starting out, and some of the changes that have occurred.
The shots on this album are the only known photos of me painting, and I didn't even know about these until the other night. The figures are from the Chariot/Magister Militum Polybian Roman and Later Carthaginian ranges. I began with 2 DBM starter armies and built up from there, and Richard at MM was really helpful to a newbie. If I remember rightly these figures were then £1.85 a pack; they are now £3.00, but the DBM armies still give a surprisingly good discount.
Other nerdy things to note: these days I mount figures on card in groups of 4-8 rather than individually. I actually use lighting, and even lift the figures up to my face rather than the other way around! I also use the hobby room instead of the lounge. We have had three kids since these photos were taken and the lounge is now a little too messy to be shown to decent company...
Amusingly enough, I seem to be employing the lid as a paint dish here. I still use Tamiya and Mr Color paints occasionally (then ￥100, now c.￥150), but they are mostly supplanted by Turner Acryl Gouache. My choice of brush has not advanced much, however.
Lastly, I have considerably less hair now than I did then, and am probably about 5kg sturdier. But we won't dwell on that just yet...
Look at this for sublime artistry! Close observation will reveal the signs of early experimentation with a 'magic (brown) wash' on the hastati at the back there. It is not clear whether it did any good or not.
No, it didn't do much!
Ah, such innocence in this low angle shot! We have a better class of digital camera now. Sadly, that Junior Boggle box has gone the way of all flesh...
An intriguing morning-after clue to how I became 5kgs heavier?
But on a more positive note, I no longer indulge in my other 'head out to the balcony every hour and light up' hobby, so perhaps it all evens out!
So, there we go. I had a wee chuckle looking at these, and I hope you will too.
Oh, and before I go, here's a shot showing today's postal goodies, just to prove that some things haven't changed!
A great post, thanks for sharing,
ReplyDeleteall the best,
Phil
That is quite a breakfast! And smoking on the snow...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Aaron. We all start somewhere!
ReplyDelete..and I agree with Simon - that is quite a breakfast. 5kg in 7 years is not too bad - I have friends that have done that year on year (which is bad).
Thanks for dropping by, gents. It was a surprise to see we had some photos - I couldn't remember them at all. A bit of a shock to see how much I've aged in eight years, but I suppose it happens to us all!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Aaron
Aaron! Very enjoyable to see your old photos and a glimpse of your wargaming beginnings.
ReplyDeleteWhat the heck were you eating for breakfast? I wouldn't be able to move the remainder of the day having consumed that!
Great post.
Jonathan, I believe that's egg on toast, hash brown and sausages, with the whole bonded together by ketchup and Japanese mayo. Judging by the number of empty beer bottles on the bench, I must've needed it! Couldn't eat that now, I swear ;-)
DeleteLooking back is always interesting! Glad you've made some major upgrades healthwise. "Way back in 2005", LOL! I'd be "Way back in 1968... hey look, I actually had HAIR then, LOL!
ReplyDeletePeter
LOL; when I said I have less hair now I was being generous - it's more like no hair now!
DeleteClass of '68, eh? A fine vintage. There aren't many hobbies that you can still get as much joy out of 40 years later.
I actually started wargaming / thinking about wargaming about '82, but stopped when I was at university and had never painted figures before the time these photos were taken. Funny how we return to what we used to love :)
Cheers,
Aaron
Some great photos, the breakie looked nice....but how much tomato sauce????
ReplyDeleteI'm a Kiwi, Ray. For us there's no such thing as too much tomato sauce!
DeleteLove it! I was going to ask what was on the toast but I see it's eggs and ketchup. A love of ketchup and ancient history are at least 2 things we share in common. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your next Xyston project.
Ketchup and ancient history - two things an honest man need never fear! ;-)
DeleteGood for you for quitting, Aaron. I'm trying to kick the habit myself right now. Did painting probably play a role in helping you quit?
ReplyDeleteIt was the constant sore throat and the fact that I wasn't actually enjoying the cigarettes anymore that helped me make the decision. Luckily it was time, and everything went reasonably smoothly! Good luck with it. Hope the timing is right for you, as well :)
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