Thoughts are with you today m8e :)

I have only just read the news about Ian in the last few minuits and am truly shocked and sad, Ian Stables inspired me to re-think my painting and as a consequence changed my 30 year Napoleonic hobby forever. i had the pleasure of dealing with him over some Cossacks for Landwher and his help and generousity came thru clear. I told him how much i admired his work,and how it inspired me, but that i could not afford to commision any from him, He still gave advice freely and when he sent the cossacks in exchange for the Landwher, he included a painted figure anyway, which i have to this day, that was the measure of the man.
My deepest sympathy to his wife and family, His work and insperation will Live on forever.

Dear Gaye,

just discovered the site by coinsidence and would like to express my condolences to you.

After last years Salute painting competition, he wrote to me congratulating me on my win. He had a French Unit there as well (which I did not know at first). Beautifully painted. I unfortunately never met him personally but he must have been a real gentleman and true sportsmen to write to me like that. It really impressed me immensely.

We exchanged a few emails, while I was asking him for some painting advice. I was very amazed e.g. by his Shako ornaments and he gave me some very useful tips on how he painted his metallic.

So it did came as a big shock to me when I heard about the sad news last year, just few days after I received his last email. Could not believe it.

His figures were and still are a big inspiration to me. I wish I could have get to know him better and a lot earlier. I bet everyone would have learned a lot from him during some figure related or other conversations.

I am orignally from Germany but his name was well known to me even before he wrote to me. It was a big honour for me to meet Ian, despite the fact it was only through email.

Kind regards from the Blackforrest in Germany

Sascha Herm

A sad loss to the wargaming world his painting was inspirational to us all. He will be gtreatly missed.

Did not know Ian personally but loved his work, spent many a day staring slack jawed at his painted napoleonics...beautiful work and from what ive read just as wonderful a person, god bless.

A tragic loss. A skilled and admired painter whose work is well known and respected by all fellow painters worldwide. Inspirational and unique.

i loved Ians work and in his attention to detail he was a true master at his craft and i will miss seeing and being inspired by his painting. He will be greatly missed by all that have seen his painting and the hobby has lost a true giant.

A lovely man to deal with who was fair in his prices to an old cheapskate like me. Sad loss!

A tragic and shocking loss to the hobby. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Henry

comments : Sorry to hear about Ian Stables . I am a huge fan ! Let his family know that even here in good old Kansas USA we were proud of his work . I can only hiope that somedat I can paint as well

I cant believe this tragic news. Ian Has painted a number of figures for me , and in our exchanes of banter had enormous fun. ESP when england finally beat us(Australia ) at cricket again.To Gabby i hope all is ok.
Tragedy!!!

I didn't get to meet Ian or know him personally well. It started with
the EBay purchase of his Hannibal Salute `04 figure. I had emailed
about colours/styles and other painting stuff since then. What
surprised me about Ian was his friendliness and enthusiasm. I once asked about
painting Napoleonics. I got lots of advice, some photocopy pictures too.
The knowledge he had on the Napoleonic period must have been immense !. I
was hoping to see him at this years Salute but he sadly couldnt make the
event. Anytime your stuck, wanted some advice, or just ask him about his work -
Ian was your man.

Thank you for all the advice Ian, knowing you, youҒre probably teaching the Angels to paint. God Bless.

Darren.