The art of miniature
or the art of transmuting lead into characters
Miniature art is a form of artistic expression that is both modern and traditional. He invites artists to miniaturize imaginary worlds, to capture tiny details and to resurrect historical characters. This practice has its roots in ancient history, where figurines were used to represent scenes from life, epic battles and mythological stories. Today, it has become a fascinating hobby for many amateurs and a demanding profession for professional artists, whether they specialize in toy soldiers or collectible para-comic figurines.
A noble material
If we used to talk about tin soldiers, we should now call them tin soldiers. The white alloy replaced the gray metal, guaranteeing more longevity to these statuettes. If resin and plastic are increasingly present in the figurine industry, the Figurart workshop makes a point of using noble materials that are as respectful as possible of the environment. Tradition, conservation, preservation and quality are the reflection of our artisanal manufacturing.
The foundry
Once the adage of the alchemist, today that of a cutting-edge industry, the casting of alloys is at the heart of our craftsmanship. The mastery of fusion points, the design of the prototype, the creation of the molds rhymes with the beautiful object that the child would dream of having as a toy! Here the metal is melted before being poured through chimneys irrigating the footprint of the figurine. Experience and know-how allow for the finest details that will bring the figurines to life.
trimming
deburring is an important stage where artistic craftsmanship surpasses that of industry. The design of the two-part molds leaves a junction line on the object which must be filed and scraped before painting. The welding points suffer the same fate, and with precision the curves and angles are asserted. If ancient toy soldiers were just toys, art figurines are objects of great precision requiring the greatest rigor.
Painting the figurines
Our Compiègne workshop perpetuates the art of artisanal painting of metal figurines, a meticulous process that brings life to each creation. Each part is carefully inspected for possible defects before an undercoat is applied, ensuring optimal paint adhesion. Colors are meticulously chosen, and appropriate techniques adapted to each subject, using a palette of premium paints to create striking effects of light, shadow and texture.
Patience and precision are paramount at every step of the process; every brushstroke is deliberate and every detail carefully considered. Once painting is completed, a protective varnish is applied to preserve the beauty of the colors and ensure the longevity of the miniature. Each figurine is then subjected to rigorous inspection to ensure its quality, then packaged with the utmost care before being shipped to our customers, ready to join their collection.
Our commitment to excellence is deeply ingrained in every piece we create, reflecting our passion for unique artistic craftsmanship. Located in Compiègne, our workshop is one of the last to preserve this know-how and to maintain a capacity for manufacturing figurines in France, thus perpetuating a centuries-old tradition of quality and authenticity.
Colors
The magic happens as soon as a binder and a pigment meet. Whatever the subject, we opt for the best paints to ensure the longevity and quality of our figurines. While toy soldiers used to be painted in oils, today we prefer acrylic paints for their vividness and durability. Unlike the shiny finishes of toy soldiers, modern figurines often have matte finishes.
Expertise
Mastery of the subject is essential in our craft profession. We rigorously study soldiers' uniforms to ensure historical authenticity. This same requirement is applied to all our projects, in order to bring to life the figurines sought by collectors while respecting the author's vision. Today, the para-BD figurine in resin or metal perpetuates this tradition while adapting it to modern trends.
Precision
"The art of the figurine lies in the meticulousness of the application of colors on the tin alloys. We select the best kolinsky brushes to allow the figurineist to express the smallest details with unequaled precision. Among the techniques used , we find wash, brushing, pointillism, but none can match the experience and mastery of the artist Here, beauty finds its harmony in "made in France".
