Sheperd Paine was a giant in the world of miniatures
Published:
August 3, 2015
Legendary scale-modeling artist Sheperd Paine died on Aug. 1 after suffering a stroke at his home in Northwest Chicago on July 27. He was 69.
Many scale modelers came to know Paine’s work via specially printed inserts on diorama building that were included in Monogram plastic kits in the 1970s. He wrote dozens of articles for scale-modeling publications, and four books for Kalmbach Publishing Co.: How to Build Dioramas (first published in 1980), Modeling Tanks and Military Vehicles (1983), How to Photograph Scale Models (written with former Sports Illustrated photographer and hobbyist Lane Stewart in 1984) and Building and Painting Scale Figures (1993).
The initial book on dioramas has been one of the most successful in the scale-modeling field, selling more than 100,000 copies worldwide and translated into Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Chinese. Kalmbach’s FineScale Modeler magazine was launched on the strength of that title’s sales.
Immediate services will be private, but the Military Miniature Society of Illinois is planning a “Celebration of Shep Paine’s Life” for the public following the group’s annual show in Chicago on Sunday, Oct. 25. Details are yet to be announced.
In accordance with Paine’s wishes, the MMSI has established the Shep Paine Education Fund, which is accepting tax-deductible donations in his honor to continue his work as an instructor in the art of miniatures via classes, seminars and other projects. Contributions to this dedicated fund can be made via PayPal at [email protected] or by mail to the Shep Paine Education Fund care of MMSI Treasurer Tom Surlak, 3136 Secretariat Dr., Aurora, IL 60602.
Jim DeRogatis provided a tribute to Paine on the MMSI site, www.military-miniature-society-of-illinois.com/new-page-2. |