Favorite Figures I painted in 2025

 It's that time of year again for lazy writing . . . I mean showcasing what I have done this year.

Mike Mason aka as Special Agent Roger “Race” T. Bannon: A special agent from Intelligence One assigned to safeguard Jonny 24/7. He is also Jonny and Hadji’s tutor, companion and all around watchdog. He is an expert in judo (are we seeing a pattern?), having a third degree black belt and the ability to defeat notorious experts in various sporting techniques including sumo wrestlers. An expert with weapons he is also an excellent pilot. Rumor has it that there is a mysterious woman in his past . . .

This great figure comes from Pulp Figures and is part of the "Team Chase" pack. At first it looks like a simple figure to paint; but, if you want to replicate one of your childhood heroes, you better get it right!

"As a Space Marine officer, I prefer not to wear my helmet into combat. Heads up displays, thermal imagery, communication nets, real time location and the status of my Marines - plus the protection it provides are for sissies. Plus I can see my chain sword better without it."

I love Space Marines. This is my new commander of my heavy strike force for the game Xenos Rampant.

Naval Ensign of the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

My big project this year is the Boxer Rebellion. When I found out the von Trapp of the Trapp Family singers had participated and was decorated for bravery during the Boxer Rebellion, I knew I had to have the Austro-Hungarian Navy. And I needed a flag. I am particularly proud of this flag as it is entirely hand painted by yours truly. The figure is a converted Russian Navy guy from Copplestone Casting's Back of Beyond range.

Did I mention I was doing the Boxer Rebellion? For the Chinese forces, I decided to concentrate on the Chinese Imperial Army and this is one of the infantry officers. Figure from Wargames Foundry.

Standard bearer from the same unit and also Wargames Foundry. The banner is from Crusader Miniatures.

The great thing about Chinese armies is that you can never have enough flags! The officer with revolver has an open hand so I added a banner which is also available from Crusader Miniatures. The flags for the Kansu Braves are described as primarily yellow and red.

Shiba Gorō (柴 五郎, June 21, 1860 – December 13, 1945) was the military attaché assigned to the Japanese Legation in Peking. A warrior of exceptional ability. Figure from Crusader Miniatures.

"Growth", February 13, 2025.

I took up Watercolors 3 1/2 years ago (good retired stuff) and each year I participate in several shows; some are judged and others are not. My favorite show is sponsored by the Veterans Administration (United States) and for the second year in a row I was awared 1st Place in Watercolors at the regional Veterans Creative Arts Competition. The added bonus was also receiving "Best in Show". On to Nationals!