From an unpainted figure to the recreation of a character: advanced techniques to bring historical miniatures to life
Painting historical figures is also a way of interpreting the past. Each character represents a particular period, a style of dress, a set of materials and specific circumstances. Through painting we can recreate these elements on a small scale, so that a figure conveys not only its appearance but also part of its context.
Light and shadow: giving volume to history
One of the first challenges of miniature painting is making a small figure keep a sense of volume and depth. Working with light and shadow brings out folds, reliefs and the different elements of the clothing and equipment.
Washes help to strengthen this effect. Because the paint is thinned, the pigment settles in the deepest areas, picking out recesses and details. Combined with successive layers of highlights, they gradually define the volumes of the figure.
Thinning: controlling colour
Today most painters work with acrylic paint. The amount of water used when mixing the paint is essential for a good result. Thinning makes it possible to work in thin layers, blend smoothly between tones and apply glazes that change the colour little by little.
This technique takes practice and precision. However, it is essential for achieving more natural finishes and keeping the small details of the figures visible.
NMM: depicting metals
NMM (Non-Metallic Metal) is one of the most advanced techniques in miniature painting. Its aim is to depict materials such as steel, silver or gold with ordinary paints, without using metallic pigments.
Through careful work with light and shadow, the painter tries to reproduce the way light reflects off a metal surface. As a result, elements as characteristic of historical figures as weapons, armour or pieces of equipment can be recreated in great detail.
Pigments, rust and earth: the marks of time
Materials also tell part of a figure’s story. Using pigments, rust and earth effects makes it possible to recreate dust, mud, dirt and corrosion, which adds a greater sense of realism.
These effects can show the wear on weapons, armour, footwear and other items exposed to use and to their surroundings. In this way, the figure no longer looks like a newly made piece and instead takes on the marks of its own history.
Weathering and battle effects
Weathering covers several techniques designed to reproduce the ageing and deterioration of materials. Scratches, chips, stains, mud or rust help to recreate how the pieces might look after a long period of use.
Battle effects take this work one step further, especially on figures from military contexts. Every mark, stain or sign of wear can help to show the conditions the character and their equipment were in.
Painting historical figures to bring us closer to the past
All these techniques turn miniature painting into a tool for historical recreation. Through colour, light, texture and the treatment of materials, we can recover details from other periods and bring them down to a small scale.
In the workshop of L’Iber, the Museum of Tin Soldiers in Valencia, technique and history meet in every figure. It is a way of looking at the past from another perspective and discovering how small details can also help us to understand it.
Frequently asked questions about painting historical figures
What paint is used for painting historical figures?
Mainly acrylic paint thinned with water. It allows thin layers, smooth transitions and glazes without hiding the details of the figure.
What is the NMM technique for painting historical figures?
It is a way of imitating steel, silver or gold with ordinary paints. Light and shadow reproduce how a metal surface reflects light, without any metallic pigments.
Where can you learn to paint miniatures in Valencia?
The Museo L’Iber (Calle de Caballeros, 20-22) runs a miniature painting course for children, and its galleries display thousands of painted historical figures.
Would you like to see thousands of hand-painted historical figures up close? Buy your ticket to the Museo L’Iber and discover our collection of tin soldiers.
About the author — Jesica Bacete, creative designer, painter and model maker at the Museo L’Iber. She creates models, sets, painted backdrops and miniatures that turn historical content into visual elements for the exhibitions. You can meet her on the museum team page.
