After assembling the Epyon model, it didn’t look complete. Typically Gundam models are finished by inking in parting lines and adding decals. After I proceeded with that step, it still didn’t look complete.
I stumbled upon some youtube tutorials on weathering Gundam models. I tried some of those techniques on smaller parts and was very satisfied. I moved onto bigger parts, and then spent a few hours drybrushing to get the effect that I wanted. I wanted to indicate maroon and dark grey paint being worn out from use.
I was very satisfied with the results. This motivated me to work on another model.
Gundam Epyon HG model
With things slowing down, I have a little more time on my hands. I decided to catch up on things that I’ve been putting off. One of those things is a Gundam HG Epyon model. I bought this around 7-8 years ago at an anime convention in San Diego. Its traveled with me and been taking up space. A couple months ago, I decided to finally work on it.
It brought back many memories watching anime in my early 20s. I used to collect the 1/144 models from Gundam Wing. I rewatched some of those episodes now, and they were ridiculous! The series was very dry, but there were some great giant robots in that series.
My completed Munny
It took three coats of clearcoat to get the desired gloss that I wanted. After the first coat of clear, I wetsanded using the 1500 grit board. I waited two days for the clearcoat to cure, and then used a 2800 grit board with polishing compound to eliminate the orange peel.
I noticed that I was sanding down to the paint layer. That was a good sign to put on another layer of clear. I applied a nice wet layer of clearcoat and let the pieces dry for another few days. After the clear was fully cured, I was very satisfied with the results.
I may have been a bit obsessive with this project, but I wanted to apply some of the skills that I’ve learned during school. I used to make finished car clay models and prototypes. Most of my work nowadays is on the computer, or with pen and paper. It feels nice to work with your hands and transform raw materials into art.
My Munny project
Lately, I’ve been catching up on personal projects that I’ve been putting off. One of them was working on a Munny figure that was given to me by a former coworker. Initially, I was going to make a design that matched my desk. After applying the basecoat, I decided to add detail with woodgrain.
I was very satisfied with the woodgrain patterns, but then wanted to see how this would look with a fully glossy finish. I used processes that I learned from making car models during school. Right now, I’m going to let the second layer of clearcoat fully dry before another wet sanding and polish.
A sketch for my friend Michael grey
This past weekend was my friend Michael Grey's birthday. He's someone who's really contributed a lot to the art community in Austin with his Cherry Cola Dog events. In the past, he had an old hangar that was turned into an artist space. He used to throw parties with live painting and performance. I painted at a few of these events. It was something that was really exciting and took me out of my comfort zone. I met a lot of great, talented people at these events.
A little later on, he had Tuesday life drawing sessions at his space. Compared to other life drawing sessions, it was a lot more laid back. There was a great soundtrack, you can have a cold beer and be around great company. There were a lot of really talented artists who attended. It motivated me to push myself.
Michael sold the hangar and got a country property out in Smithville, which is 45 minutes outside of Austin. His space was great for campout parties at the end of the month. I volunteered to help out with a lot of these parties and continued to make more friends. The country setting was like a mini vacation away from the bustling routine of Austin.
Michael Grey made Austin a lot more fun and brought a great community together. For his 40th birthday, I sketched out a modified Cherry Cola Dog RV. It would be the ultimate vehicle for burning man events, which is something that he's really passionate about.