Frances Hull of Hometown Comics and Games has been painting miniature figures for 10 years, but more so recently. She also teaches a monthly class on painting.
Editor’s note: The Daily Reporter will feature our “Neighbors” each month, whether it be someone with an interesting hobby or profession, or a nonprofit group making a difference in our community. Here, Frances Hull, manager and co-owner of Hometown Comics & Games in Greenfield, tells us about hand-painting tiny mythical creatures for games and role playing sessions. Hull teaches painting at her store the third Wednesday of each month, and gaming sessions are held regularly. For a schedule or to learn more, visit https://hometowncomicsandgames.com. If you know a person or a group that you’d like to see featured in Neighbors, email [email protected].
Daily Reporter: How did you get started in painting figures?
Frances Hull: I needed to understand the products we sell, so I tried it out.
DR: How many years have you been painting?
FH: More in the last couple of years, but I painted my first figure about 10 years ago.
DR: How long does it take to complete one?
FH: Depends on the size and detail of the figure. Usually, it takes about two hours for a detailed figure.
DR: Why do you enjoy it?
FH: I love being able to take what I envision in my head and bring it to life.
DR: What kind of pieces do you paint?
FH: I use the miniatures that we sell in the shop. I also paint custom pieces that some customers bring to me and commission me to paint.
DR: Are they used for anything after they are complete?
FH: Most are used during role playing sessions, such as “Dungeons and Dragons.”
DR: What has been your favorite piece, and why?
FH: I think one of my favorites was the large archangel that I was commissioned to paint. He is such a beautiful piece and required use of just about all the techniques that I teach monthly here at the shop.
DR: Do you have a collection of these yourself?
FH: There are a couple of pieces that we keep as shop pieces (a red dragon and a giant snake). There are terrain pieces here that I have done that are used for miniature wargaming. I have also painted some figures that are in a game that is in our library of games that can be played.
