Saturday 1 July 2017

an Italian late Medieval/ Early Renaissance retinue

This contingent has been one of my 'bus projects' being painted recently within the confines of a school bus while I wait for my passengers to complete their field trip.  While not very comfortable, I have gotten the 'logistics' of having paints, brushes, water, lap tray and the figures packed for transport in a small carry bag, to a well organized degree helps the process.
The six 2-crew unit of gunners
Depending upon the type of figures, I will paint only the "basics", that is to say, the pants, tunic, pack etc.; or more should the detailing be less sophisticated, such as these figures, I can do more details as I did with these including much of the basing.
The head-swaps and different paint schemes and figure-positions give more variety than would normally be the case.
While this retinue is created from many different manufacturers, the handgonne units were composed of very old Citadel fantasy types which certainly show a less fantasy and more historical if not entirely accurate look.  These were picked up very cheaply years ago and finally have a home in this collection. While only two sets of two crew each, with some head swaps and different paint jobs, I can create enough variety to not make them too boring. A few of the heads I have modelled early Renaissance headdresses for more variety and era identification.
The separate stand allows for casualties to be removed for each unit.

The color scheme is very basic with a red/white livery placed on tunic or leggings and the other clothing in various shades of green. (to mimic the modern Italian flag!).  A late medieval mix of clothing but at the same time, an appealing consistency.