So last year, when I heard that one of the coaches in the league (Trickice) had been diagnosed with cancer, I approached Rafael again to create that coach's favorite mini - a Wight called Boneyard. Boneyard's career defining moment came in a game vs Zons, where the MB/Tackle/Guard Wight dodged out to blitz the Amazon star thrower, Pookums. The result of the blitz was a dead Pookums, as well as Boneyard scooping up the ball on the same play and running it in for a TD - so we tried to get the mini to reflect that specific play and I think Rafael did an outstanding job. Trickice worked with me and Rafael and approved the final version which went to print.
Sadly, the Trickster lost his battle with cancer a few months back.
I had promised to paint the mini up for him, but with no-one to send it to I lost all interest. In truth, I lost all interest in painting for a long time, not least of all because Trick was the same age as me and left behind 3 kids and a widow. I couldn't bear to paint the wight, and I couldn't bear to paint anything else, as it felt like I wasn't keeping my word either.A few weeks back, Trick's widow reached out stating that she would very much like to receive the mini, so with renewed vigor I set to work. The team colors were black and blue, so I had little scope for too much creativity. At the same time, Trick was from Detroit originally and his facebook picture was the famous "D" that symbolizes the Detroit Tigers, so I tried a little freehand on the cloak. Not my best work sadly, but the only mini I have painted in about 12 months now. Hope you like it.
Rest In Peace Trick, miss you man!
PS the apparent white on Pookums face in the second shot is just light reflecting off the gloss varnish where I wanted the blood to look wet. Honest..
) and try to start painting again. No idea what I'll paint as I have so many unfinished projects, but I'm looking forward to getting back to it for sure.
