Star Wars Watercolours - Great for focus collectors

Hi,

You may have seen this in the LA thread.

I recently got put onto a guy who paints the vintage figures in watercolour and asked if he could produce a piece to fit into my Luke Jedi focus which he was more than happy to do.



I composed a shot of the figures in a similar pose to the picture on the Luke Jedi cardback and let Ali do the rest. I'm very pleased with the end result and think the guy is very talented.

Check out his website.... http://ali-watercolours.blogspot.co.uk/

If anyone is interested in having a piece commissioned for their collection Ali is more than happy to discuss this. He is very friendly and accommodating and I had no issues when dealing with him. At every step of the way he made sure I was informed and happy with what was happening.

Thats a very nice addition.
The vintage figures arranged into the mini diorama, is a great idea.
I also wanted to lend some support for Alastair,
here is his Darth Vader from his first run of paintings.
It looks much better in hand.
His prices are very reasonable.

Thanks guys!

Here's my new work.

Most of this project is roughly to Kenner action figure scale 3 3/4 - however I have started painting bigger. This Bespin Luke (yellow haired variation) is approx 10 inches in height.

Sticking with the Luke Bespin theme - here Luke in Bespin Fatigues MOC watercolour illustration. I am happy with one!!

I think the scenes have come out the best so far, mumbo's image is definitely my favourite. The loose Vader without a saber seems a rather unusual choice although if that's all you had to work from at the time then it makes sense. Not too keen on the carded Luke Bespin, would rather see more "action" shots and posed scenes recreating the art and photography on the packaging of the toys.

Here are some examples that I think would look pretty good as watercolours from Kim's site:

Thanks for the suggestions - really cool dioramas.

By way of an explanation - I am attempting to depict the complete Kenner Line of Star Wars action figures (1977 - 1985). For the most part I set out to portray the figures as a documentary: compartmentalised and usually with a white background. I had in mind a SW collection in watercolour, this includes cardbacks, MOC and loose figures in all states; from broken, missing to pristine c10 with accessories.

It might appear a bit weird to paint a broken / missing accessories toy, but for me there is something loaded and meaningful in it, I find watercolour brings this quality out.

Also, many of my friends who are not into vintage Star Wars and who would not look twice a an old bit of card, actually take time to look at my watercolour versions of the Star Wars Cardback Artwork. Just for a moment, I hope they see something that, as a vintage SW fan, I see in these old pieces of card.

I have painted a few dioramas, which I have enjoyed doing, however they are only done for commission work.

I hope I didn't come across as too much of a critic with my post Alastair, appreciate your reply.

I think all of your watercolours so far look great, I was really only trying to get across what I thought looked the best. I really like the complete Luke Bespin vs the Vader with no saber but both are great to look at. Perhaps it's just my collecting tastes (preferring a complete figure over an incomplete one) coming through in my opinions!

Looking forward to seeing more of your work as time goes on, are you a collector yourself?

Hey Joe, you did not come across as too much of a critic. I really appreciate feedback, and I love the dioramas you have took time to post up. Without comments and feedback it is very hard to gauge which direction to take with my illustrations.

I just thought I'd explain what I am focusing on and why - so you don't think I am too crazy when I post up a watercolour of a Han Solo missing his head :evil:

I also prefer complete figure with their accessories, but I also like the contrast of the broken ones too.

In answer to your question do I collect vintage SW? I used to have quite a sizable collection of boxed vehicles and all the loose figures including last 17 and a Blue Snaggletooth. But due to financial constraints (and the fact me and my girlfriend moved house) I sold off my collection. I really hope to start collecting again soon, and reading the posts on this (useful) forum I have lots of ideas for more focused collection!