Member Spotlight

John Espey

LIMCS member John Espey, currently lives in Pennsylvania. He is retired from the New York City Police Department and now works part time up on Masthope mountain for ski big bear. John's interests other than figure painting include skiing, ATV riding and armor models. He says going back and forth between models and figures gives him that needed break.

Q &A

1. What was the 1st figure you ever painted?

Verlinden Productions Private 50th Bn 60th foot British Napoleonic

2. What's your favorite painting medium and why?

Oils. Started with them after reading Shep's book cover to cover. Love how they blend. Love the strong colors you get from them and love how they’re easy to work with. Yes, I know acrylics have come a long way and are popular, but I’ll most likely never change over.

3. Do you have a favorite figure manufacturer?

Definitely not an easy question still list a few. Troop54, FER, Pegaso and anything sculpted by Raul Latorre.

4. What are your favorite topics and or historical periods to paint?

Easy one. Napoleonics. Then WW1 and Civil War.

5. Do you have a favorite artist and why?

Again. Not an easy question. But I have to put Greg DiFranco as my choice. No one inspires me more than Greg.

6. Do you have any advice for beginners?

Yes. Don’t give up. The hobby is not easy. Ask questions. Show your figures to members of clubs, at shows or to friends to critique. Listen to what they say. And try and apply what they’ve critiqued to your next figure. I’m where I am today because of all of my modeler friends.

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