General Smedley Butler is one of the more famous Generals from the US during the first World War and the interwar period, and I recently re-read his famous essay/lecture series War is a Racket. For some reason, it still felt like it resonated.
In the process of wargaming, I of course paint too many military figures, and often you loose the subtext and the nuance and end up with the ‘whoa, cool robot’ effect going on.
Anywho, I’ve been working on a triptych of pieces inspired by this treatise that, while unsubtle, tries to directly subvert the approach of propaganda pieces. I had a bust from Scale 75, a figure from the Model Cellar, and a custom piece I’m working on.
Here you can see the construction of the Model Cellar piece. I got some great coaching and feedback on the concept here, which was swell. I then painted it up, focusing on a monochromatic palette for the main figure.
Next, I had this Uncle Sam bust from Scale 75. The original sculpt was very traditional and straight from the original “I want you” poster. I added a few little details, painted the little dollar bill and added the little sign (which is just taped on).
It’s not exactly subtle, but I guess that is the point!
So definitely time to get some feedback on these, and to start on my last one! More updates on this triptych to come, certainly.
-BS