Introduction

Second book of MrBlack Publications new series -Theme Collection is dedicated to Knights, especially Crusaders - those who participated in the period covering the Nine Crusades in the Holy Land. Theme books include articles previously published in Figure Modelling Scale Model Handbook editions but they are chosen articles to cover a specific theme.

As the first issue, this one is also printed in A4 format high quality paper of 84 pages with digital print and has a matt laminated cover.

Review

Book includes 9 articles. 7 of them are for Pegaso Models figures which are the best white metal Crusader figures on market in different scales. All of them are boxarts or award winning models painted by the same artist. 2 articles are for Young Miniatures busts painted by two artists including a sculpting article.

Chapters are as follows;

The book starts with 3 step-by-step articles by regular contributor Ernesto Reyes Stalhuth for spectacular Pegaso Models figures sculpted by Andrea Jula.

A Comprehensive Painting Guide : He builds and paints 54 mm Knight of the Holy Sepulchre Order. In 18 pages, he explains in depth how to assembly the horse and the figure, detailing them, how to paint the horse and rider giving color codes for all parts, painting shield and banner, and also making the groundwork. 114 step by step photos marked in numbers , a very well detailed text and 3 photos for the finished figure. The article is like a small handbook itself.

Painting Realistic Metal, Leather & Black Fabric : He brings us another SBS article for another 54 mm figure Fratres Militiae and groundwork for the figure. Article includes 2 photos of preparation, 3 for face painting, 3 for tunic, 3 for cape, 3 for leather parts, 5 for metal parts, 2 for shield, 5 for the finished figure. As always, he tells his color codes for base paints, shadows and highlights.

How to Paint a Mounted Figure in Acyrlics and Oils : He starts how to prepare and assembly 75 mm mounted figure Roaming Knight, 15th century in one page as this is a quite complex figure with 41 white metal parts. Then he paints the horse, reins and straps, metal parts on the figure, skin tones and clothing like tunic, cloak, gloves and boots and finally the figure base. 30 photos for the process and 3 for the final.

Painting a Medieval Knight Bust with Different Types of Material Textures and Weathering Effects : A very explanatory text by Jason Zhou for painting Young Miniatures 1/10 scale Templar Knight bust in acrylics and oils. Detailed text to paint face, mantle, tunic, leather parts, metal parts and shield. He shows his greatwork with 6 photos for painting cape, 6 photos for damaged shield and 7 photos for the finished bust. Wounds and scars, blood and sweat effects are perfectly painted and should be seen.

Painting a Medieval Knight with Oil Colours : A short article by Daniel Milosevic telling color used and 5 photos for the painted 54 mm Mounted Crusader Knight.

Again 2 articles by Ernesto Reyes Stalhuth for 90 mm figures.

How to Paint a 90 mm Medieval figure : He paints Templar Knight, 12th Century in Vallejo acrylics and Winsor&Newton oils explaining his process step by step for skin, tunic,cloak, leather parts,shield and groundwork in 34 photos.

How to Paint a Medieval Figure : He shares paintwork of his award winning figure ,Knight Hospitaller, 13th Century. He explains his painting process by color recipes in his article supported with 20 photos. Nice article to paint black, white and metal tones and heraldy.

14th Century Medieval Knight - Sculpting a Large-Scale Bust Master Pattern for Commercial Purposes Using Polymer Clay and Other Materials : A very useful and well organized step by step sculpting article by Myouchin about sculpting. He sculpts a 1/10 scale 14 century Medieval Knight bust using different materials. With 44 step-by-step photos, he describes sculpting the head and upper torso, making chainmail, bevor and rivets. Then he shows how to make the sword and shield. 4 photos for the finished sculpt and 5 photos for the painted bust. Really a great article to see the great effort of an artist to make a master for a commercial piece of Young Miniatures.

Painting A Colourful Medieval Knight with Oils : Daniel Milosevich brings a well detailed step by step article for his painting of Pegaso Models 75 mm Hospitaller figure. Daniel first explains how to prepare the figure and base for painting. Then he paints the figure in 34 step by step photos supported with an explanatory text and color codes. Finally 6 photos for the finished model.

Conclusion

This is a great reference book for painting Crusader Knights in different clothing and painting horses. As always, MrBlack Publications keep their standard high quality on printing and photos. Numeric sequence on step by step articles, explanatory texts with acrylic and oil color codes for base, shadows and highlights, artist’s paint recipes , makes it a worthy handbook.

Stelios Demiras always states he will be pleased to hear feedback and suggestions to add new articles due to readers demand on next issues. Please don’t hesitate to send your opinions to him by e-mail to [email protected] or visit at MrBlack Publications –Facebook