What's Included in the Cost?
These prices do not include clean-up of the casting (removing flash and seam lines), assembly (gluing of riders to horses,
attaching shields, etc.), priming, flags, shield decals, or basing. I will gladly do the above but with a small additional
charge per figure. (Note: some figures may be easier to paint before assembly particularly in situations where the
figure is carrying a large shield. We can discuss this before finalizing the commission.) The customer can save money
by preparing the figures for me; however, any figures that are poorly assembled or primed by the customer will be redone (if
possible) and have a preparation fee added to the cost. The customer will be notified about any perceived problem
and the proposed solution. The painting price does include the customer's choice of protective varnish (gloss,
satin, or flat).
Regarding Basing
Since there are so many different ways of basing figures, I'll require full instructions telling me dimensions, number
of figures per base, etc. If the customer includes pre-cut bases with the figures, the cost of basing them will be reduced.
The customer should not put the figures on bases before sending them to me as this could make them very difficult
to paint.
My usual basing material is matte board for bases with multiple figures or steel fender washers for individual skirmish
figures. If the customer requires something other than these materials and wants me to provide them, please understand that
this may delay the completion of the commission as I do not stock other materials at this time and will have to order them.
The price for basing includes covering the base with the finishing material of the customer's choice (flocking, sand,
etc.) and painting of the base edges if required. If the customer wants bases with more detail (fallen trees, logs, defensive
stakes, rocks, tall grass, battlefield debris, etc.), these can be provided but at additional cost.
Do You Offer Different Grades or Styles of Painting?
I do not have different grades of painting; all of my figures are painted neatly to a high standard with highlights and
shadows and with close attention paid to details of equipment and dress. If the customer doesn't require this
standard of painting, we can discuss what's desired and come to an understanding. I am flexible and I want to have satisfied
customers.
As far as style is concerned, I suppose each painter has his or her own basic "style" of painting, but I am able
to finish figures in various ways ranging from the usual flat finished wargaming figure to the glossy "toy soldier" look.
Just let me know what your requirements are.
I do have two main methods of painting. The method I usually use with 25mm or larger figures is
the traditional white undercoat that is then shaded and highlighted and I may use several color washes, glazes, and
drybrushing to achieve the desired effect. (The Gripping Beast peasant figures pictured on this site were painted this
way.) The method I usually use with 20mm or smaller figures is a black undercoat that is then dry brushed white
to reveal highlights and detail on the figure; it is then given color coats and washes as necessary to finish the figure.
(The Revell 30 YW figures on this site were painted this way.) Either method can be used with any size miniature,
so if you have a preference, please let me know. All of my figures are painted with acrylics with the exception of sometimes using
enamel metallics for weapons, helmets, etc.
References and Research
Although I have a fairly broad reference library for uniforms and equipment, it is far from being comprehensive. The
customer should be very clear about what they want regarding the details of uniforms, flags, etc. A detailed written description,
a photocopy of a color illustration, or a book should be provided. Any reference materials provided by the customer will
be returned when the commission has been completed.
In Conclusion
Each commission requires clear communication between the customer and myself because there are so many details to be
worked out before any painting can begin. Please be assured that I will do my best to understand the customer's wishes
and will communicate with them as often as needed to ensure their satisifaction. When the written word fails to clarify
things, I'd be more than happy to talk with you on the phone. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.
Good Gaming!
Patrick H. Lewis
