Miniature Hobby

Notes and experiments from the hobby desk — painting techniques, brush reviews, and miniature projects.

• Terracotta Army – Part 3: Ergonomics and Protocol Apr 26, 2026

  Before the first drop of paint, we address the ergonomic gap and define the protocol — four trials pitting 78 specialists against Raphaël 8404 and Winsor & Newton Series 7 controls.

• Terracotta Army – Part 2: Mechanics and Behavior Apr 25, 2026

  A dive into hair micro-mechanics — how snapback, stroke memory, and capillary flow explain why a 20-cent specialist brush might beat a $30 Kolinsky at its own game.

• Terracotta Army – Part 1: The Strategy Apr 24, 2026

  A $56 wager on 78 specialist Chinese brushes — testing whether extreme functional decomposition of quality can outperform a few expensive all-rounders in miniature painting.