Monday 17 August 2015

2D to 3D: Creating an Eldar Adventurer

This is probably the last post for a few weeks as I'm heading off on holiday later in the week. I've managed to squeeze in one last project before I go however. This time it's a rather self-indulgent recreation of a character from the Rogue Trader rulebook, specifically the un-named Eldar Adventurer on p188:



The character appears on a full-page illustration (I believe by Bob Naismith) with some other rather interesting characters. The navigator with his pet lizard is also a particularly good subject to turn into miniature form I think.


I wanted to make a recognisable approximation of the Eldar Adventurer, rather than a 100% accurate copy. Some of the elements needed to be streamlined or toned down to stop the resulting figure looking too cartoony.

I based the conversion on the figure of Caetra Darkflight from the early Space Elf range:

Photo from Stuff of Legends

I removed his helmet and added the head from Kern Proudbrow. The gun was made from the stock/hand from an Eldar Scout/Ranger, mated with the shuriken catapult from Eoan Fireheart. I tucked the helmet under his arm, then sculpted the fur mantle, a new hairstyle and the tabard.


Here's the painted figure. You can see I desaturated the colours a little, and painted the fur a contrasting colour, unlike the illustration where the fur is pretty much the same colour as the armour.



Caetra Darkflight and the conversion based on the same model.


Finally, a comparison shot. I think there's enough of the elements to make the figure recognisable, whilst at the same time being a more gritty version of the character.


I still need to work out a name for this character - any suggestions?

26 comments:

  1. Aodh Sweetfur

    I love hims tons, It's more intersting for me to see interpretations than direct portings (though these can be nice to work on skill).
    You've sacrificed part of the cunning look for some more adventuresque vibe which I like.

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    1. Thanks JB! I think sometimes things work better if they're not exact copies...not least because it can be difficult to do ;)

      Oh, I meant to say, I used the micro-scalpel to to the edge of the tabard. Worked a treat - thanks!

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  2. Top shelf!

    There's more than enough material in those old tomes to keep you creating for years.

    Cheers.

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    1. Oh I know! The difficult thing is trying to work out which are feasible, rather than which are cool enough (because they all are!).

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    2. Sorry dude, You're usually full of nice advice but I really think "top shelf" is a weird name to give to an eldar...

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    3. :D:D:D

      I didn't mean it as his name JB, just a "classy" compliment on his work.

      Hehe.

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    4. I hate to be difficult - honestly - but I'm going to end up calling him Top Shelf now anyway. It's kinda apt for a androgynous, fur clad, sexy elf from space.

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    5. I suspect "Top Shelf" is an inccurate Imperial translation. His name is probably better translated as "Of the Celestial Tier", which actually means he's particularly high-born.

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    6. Tell me you understood I was Joking Shane please ^^

      The translation issue is probably the best of ideas, nice one guys.

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    7. I do now :)

      I wasn't sure, thought my attempt at humour had failed.

      My resolve is strengthened, l won't allow this dark period in my life to disuade me from engaging in feeble comedic statement's in the future :D

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    8. I believe the Quenya (quite literal) translation for 'top shelf' is something like 'Cas Palta', which doesn't sound that bad! :D

      Ahem, apart from that... The mere concept is great, but the fact that you dared to make the mini is absolutely genius!!

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  3. I woudnt call the realisation of a character like that in miniature indulgent. In regard it as a particularly good way to spend hobby time really.

    Great work. Enjoy your holiday.

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    1. I guess indulgent in the sense that it doesn't really add anything to any particular project or range :)

      Cheers!

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  4. Jon, that is frickin' awesome dude - I was looking at that pic just a few weeks ago and wondering how feasible it would be as a conversion subject. Bravo sir.

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    1. Thanks! It wasn't too much hard work - mainly sawing and repositioning :)

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  5. Excellent job Axiom. Love the conversion.

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    1. Thanks :) I'm debating whether I need to make an Eldar starship crew to go along with him.

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  6. Wow, this guy came out of nowhere and is bloody brilliant! Now please make Rogue Trader Joff Zuckerman so I can rip off your idea ;)

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    1. Ooh, now there's a challenge! I would need to spend a bit of time thinking how to make Joff ;)

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  7. Great conversion and nice painting - excellent!

    Warburton

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  8. Sweet Conversion and a nice rendition of the artwork to miniature. Top job :D

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    1. I need to work out which bit of artwork is next ;)

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  9. Nicely done. Splendid conversion.

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  10. Great conversion! Both the sculpting additions and the paint job. My conversions tend to be restricted to just the paint job (I know I know, some don't even consider them conversions) i.e. using existing miniatures as proxies for some character or other.

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