tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27429476777561870142023-11-16T11:35:58.117+00:00Painting From ScratchTiny angry man handling at its finest; by an idiot with a brushLethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.comBlogger135125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-69467349618629164312016-07-13T13:51:00.000+01:002016-07-13T13:51:56.055+01:00Imperial Knight Part 2 - iiHere's the Knight in its current state, partially assembled. Biggest thing Im facing at the moment is how to fix up spray paint overfill while being rubbish with a brush.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttfq5HpKD8Avuy7irB97G2g0T0krg4XHczHiwQC67YSd03RzeMFm4fKgObKa5QNM_3OE8psIu1wRwfYWx236Hd84lJy2w6dnxBHb36TF7Qiej-jqHgBMOPm24KJ7-dUMkLJ0tPyXxzyM/s1600/IKA1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttfq5HpKD8Avuy7irB97G2g0T0krg4XHczHiwQC67YSd03RzeMFm4fKgObKa5QNM_3OE8psIu1wRwfYWx236Hd84lJy2w6dnxBHb36TF7Qiej-jqHgBMOPm24KJ7-dUMkLJ0tPyXxzyM/s640/IKA1.jpg" width="576" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk35oce2hbtYyDSAwQAUgKz7MvJAcJdR3SJqnsKGhoiPNhxSfOTowbHDhyphenhyphen-o6lhFcZa75f8lfg7W7hVt4PhJbf5LoPNjifGl-w9WZVRm6zHeNJm0VLvNUa7l8LE10L77qzUAXBfxxKaYg/s1600/IKA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk35oce2hbtYyDSAwQAUgKz7MvJAcJdR3SJqnsKGhoiPNhxSfOTowbHDhyphenhyphen-o6lhFcZa75f8lfg7W7hVt4PhJbf5LoPNjifGl-w9WZVRm6zHeNJm0VLvNUa7l8LE10L77qzUAXBfxxKaYg/s640/IKA2.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6fEIn_mUuWz-pjfHkcOZRMvZv1VNKs9_lTCWhzy6iXuFBEs48REyyteBR_n77Gkx6LNQDsY2Lqjr9ab1mvklvqRnXfo2ZkHPPSTCuuEAOfS0MN_3GP2wfukrozhG0gAxeOaPtAOTxUY/s1600/IKA3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy6fEIn_mUuWz-pjfHkcOZRMvZv1VNKs9_lTCWhzy6iXuFBEs48REyyteBR_n77Gkx6LNQDsY2Lqjr9ab1mvklvqRnXfo2ZkHPPSTCuuEAOfS0MN_3GP2wfukrozhG0gAxeOaPtAOTxUY/s640/IKA3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtrZPJiAju6IELjoKzhdHD_shgFct1fNLm4FT_NWEqkhrjjamfC23kmHQNQle-ysBAfNNl2RFvh9BvtYXfpL0VkKqr65pjPijKlt4MSniIY-GXfDfOAQDejr4Dvb0uoS11EM0ADUKGRw/s1600/IKA4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtrZPJiAju6IELjoKzhdHD_shgFct1fNLm4FT_NWEqkhrjjamfC23kmHQNQle-ysBAfNNl2RFvh9BvtYXfpL0VkKqr65pjPijKlt4MSniIY-GXfDfOAQDejr4Dvb0uoS11EM0ADUKGRw/s640/IKA4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeQ8mfJIV88KqMSDPVkhheDe6iu90crwRFqIahyuqxo_N-_cnmEYuoRW0J4qib5hG_VwgcbL4V1lOTkJo-e56tLk6MKlagk3P3wEGNQMsldZnaEZz4Y1m71oU8bfSjls24AuBhKBPm9k/s1600/IKA5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBeQ8mfJIV88KqMSDPVkhheDe6iu90crwRFqIahyuqxo_N-_cnmEYuoRW0J4qib5hG_VwgcbL4V1lOTkJo-e56tLk6MKlagk3P3wEGNQMsldZnaEZz4Y1m71oU8bfSjls24AuBhKBPm9k/s640/IKA5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Trying to work out what colours to paint the chest piece and a few bits not seen here like the loincloth (what mech doesnt have a loincloth?).<br />
<br />
Retributor gold runs nicely through the airbrush but I hate brushing it on. Too hard to smooth out, goes grainy very quickly.<br />
<br />
In the meantime Im going to be gloss spraying most of the metal parts and then doing point washes to bring back all the detail and texture.Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-10571545073738696602016-07-12T22:18:00.000+01:002016-07-12T22:18:10.446+01:00Imperial Knight Part 2A few update pics for the evening;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbdu_JYHq-n5-30QKremwsHl6zqJjMJQX0v2XzgEZ266tki-2QHnln9oZN1wbg_xTdesnkQEBZf2fapqIBPSAsqtfMnqAlYWQzSxHXGVagXmvbDoN9yUm21TO_mdHSorLmRrjo-R6FS4/s1600/IKgold2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFbdu_JYHq-n5-30QKremwsHl6zqJjMJQX0v2XzgEZ266tki-2QHnln9oZN1wbg_xTdesnkQEBZf2fapqIBPSAsqtfMnqAlYWQzSxHXGVagXmvbDoN9yUm21TO_mdHSorLmRrjo-R6FS4/s640/IKgold2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7gTXhDsaXMuUxzZnPZ54_sQy5WeJs1hxeYngNHFfJ3Mm2svnkg6QiKf2t8OKRkzXY5hbcRTCBRqtPyA5_ubO4J3cK3zHRSIbRaffDO9gYgbf_2ChVFVCe3AtDWFpxGLvviQutekuEzc/s1600/IKgold1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7gTXhDsaXMuUxzZnPZ54_sQy5WeJs1hxeYngNHFfJ3Mm2svnkg6QiKf2t8OKRkzXY5hbcRTCBRqtPyA5_ubO4J3cK3zHRSIbRaffDO9gYgbf_2ChVFVCe3AtDWFpxGLvviQutekuEzc/s640/IKgold1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWvJUlTX1NWHAhB5jrL2oheE74Xt4P1MsUovTiDvcbmQ2DItfT1Rpi2VhHVPzTzIBojVEvSIn9B17ZcVYJXsjtkqVR7tr-EWJDnpE_QnQm5Nhuk6olJDVF-Ju1Jtm6tajKHj28ZbEUWg/s1600/IKgold3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWvJUlTX1NWHAhB5jrL2oheE74Xt4P1MsUovTiDvcbmQ2DItfT1Rpi2VhHVPzTzIBojVEvSIn9B17ZcVYJXsjtkqVR7tr-EWJDnpE_QnQm5Nhuk6olJDVF-Ju1Jtm6tajKHj28ZbEUWg/s640/IKgold3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPweYigHpfOrEggdvmXr9oEHwr0U0dkJnmUPFRlxPE8G5YYU_cPoGyStK8EZdwPdeSxh_3NvkAQJePYUpn_ncVmZFRm5HX6vJQNTvpyy3yi2yzs9B2ASB5Ryj3KEbYSQEpbuFgWDo8gyk/s1600/IKgold4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPweYigHpfOrEggdvmXr9oEHwr0U0dkJnmUPFRlxPE8G5YYU_cPoGyStK8EZdwPdeSxh_3NvkAQJePYUpn_ncVmZFRm5HX6vJQNTvpyy3yi2yzs9B2ASB5Ryj3KEbYSQEpbuFgWDo8gyk/s640/IKgold4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
These were taken on my phone which has done some odd; warm colour correction. You can get the general idea though.<br />
<br />
Gold basecoat was Retribution armour by citadel followed by gold from the model colour range. Going to be followed up tomorrow with some washes to deepen colour range.<br />
<br />
You can see in these pictures how I went back over the blue to give the shadows a deeper tint. I used a 1:1 mix of Royal blue and royal purple from model colour and airbrushed that onto the parts I wanted to be darkest.<br />
<br />
I have to go back over the blue tomorrow because I managed to overspray a very fine cover of gold onto the body and couldn't get it off without scrapping away the paint underneath. Doh.<br />
<br />
Next up: learning how to fix the spots you couldnt mask off properly before applying a completely different colour. I cant wait.Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-80631293161837952422016-07-12T13:27:00.001+01:002016-07-12T13:27:24.059+01:00Imperial Knight Part 1I have the Renegade box set from Games Workshop - 2 Imperial night models for just over the price of one on its own. I had intended to do blog about the whole process but the assembly and preparation of the model has taken so long and been so un-fun that I couldnt face writing about it after doing it.<br />
<br />
I wont get started on why I hated it because I'll start on a tangent I'll never get off of. Suffice it to say, I normally enjoy the assembly stages but for this I just wanted to put it all back in the box and never bother with it.<br />
<br />
I persevered, and have reached the part I do enjoy with every mdoel - painting!<br />
<br />
Back to the airbrush with this one. I am only painting one for now - the other I have secret plans for that will be revealed when it is closer to being finished...<br />
<br />
I had trouble settling on a colour scheme. I want to sell it when its finished, but had no idea what paint scheme I should go for to give it the broadest appeal to potential buyers. I dont know enough about specific army paint schemes and what insignia matches what and would exclude things from being thematically appropriate for what groups. I've tried wading into it. I waded out pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
Surprised myself by settling on a colour I normally hate due to its pervasiveness in GW marketing and how flat it tends to come out in paint jobs: Blue. Not only is it a colour I normally stay away from, I hadnt even brought my blue paints with me. To the paint shop!<br />
<br />
After oscillating between different paint stands for an hour and painstakingly inspecting bottles as I held up almost identical paints to the sunlight, that I found a shade that has turned out beautifully with more depth than I thought I would get out of a blue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2_NJgQYEsWLo7m1p5CmE5SpFjWJh8WejyHP3TVBaJfwaVYVDr_YeuUwiuWLRtcGNhyoyfrw8-6EUrYCZRojV5iqkleLE5Yo5BofUPCanmYFKR0AtAKDtcphHxsFlSG60tMlNa8pl6Es/s1600/IK12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK2_NJgQYEsWLo7m1p5CmE5SpFjWJh8WejyHP3TVBaJfwaVYVDr_YeuUwiuWLRtcGNhyoyfrw8-6EUrYCZRojV5iqkleLE5Yo5BofUPCanmYFKR0AtAKDtcphHxsFlSG60tMlNa8pl6Es/s640/IK12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The royal blue here. I picked up the andrea blue so I had a blue highlight to hand but the star of the show is definitely the Royal Blue.<br />
<br />
The Retributor Armour I picked up to try on an Iron Man model but ended up using for details on the Knight.<br />
<br />
Here's the blue pieces in their current state:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtMLbh9mGUTF5jmm5k59wqRxXmzk1Y3g80fXKKDfj0VipGgYykNtjHCYeQgLRrI3RQMhC7Nydee-i6ZjsiaQ3ufALooyKQ3PSXhVwEQtEGAuhUtmqpick_j11OeF27VP55oclWXWvDrw/s1600/IK2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtMLbh9mGUTF5jmm5k59wqRxXmzk1Y3g80fXKKDfj0VipGgYykNtjHCYeQgLRrI3RQMhC7Nydee-i6ZjsiaQ3ufALooyKQ3PSXhVwEQtEGAuhUtmqpick_j11OeF27VP55oclWXWvDrw/s640/IK2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm-yyvcDZi3i9wBVQxVVA8mK6_LRvIuF9UELTG7YuFV1OKLVJnPE2-2vbhOCD-8fZtkDhRzI0KLFdt0BLlYeJbcoGwq2ly-H8sDfSfNJ7Y_0x8XJuhPy2sa7T47O1A9nj4OhEBmZCAv0/s1600/IK4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBm-yyvcDZi3i9wBVQxVVA8mK6_LRvIuF9UELTG7YuFV1OKLVJnPE2-2vbhOCD-8fZtkDhRzI0KLFdt0BLlYeJbcoGwq2ly-H8sDfSfNJ7Y_0x8XJuhPy2sa7T47O1A9nj4OhEBmZCAv0/s640/IK4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh7K65qs2ZQFBVVM2FStZ00E_W1mRBDTr2KoVX9NmcD5qfbONUEpMuQSrZ3F66Pt6jZC-T2g508LlGSBVxn2Zm8WHXb0ITtXRAaazZj5uMaq2C6I4kZ89B30HXQ5L29bj3gFDBWHNoYg/s1600/IK5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAh7K65qs2ZQFBVVM2FStZ00E_W1mRBDTr2KoVX9NmcD5qfbONUEpMuQSrZ3F66Pt6jZC-T2g508LlGSBVxn2Zm8WHXb0ITtXRAaazZj5uMaq2C6I4kZ89B30HXQ5L29bj3gFDBWHNoYg/s640/IK5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0ynhXzME-JKbPVr0rmuNDf0ahwkWTHmVA9ISpN6D-Y2rQvn8FHVo-hxg_K2w4zznEm9zqna5WYyHh-4m5AFdt9JDM3zE8IUcjAUTUtyq6fHmgRi9xTCuTS0znp-CfrdOwcEiTClNVzk/s1600/IK7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0ynhXzME-JKbPVr0rmuNDf0ahwkWTHmVA9ISpN6D-Y2rQvn8FHVo-hxg_K2w4zznEm9zqna5WYyHh-4m5AFdt9JDM3zE8IUcjAUTUtyq6fHmgRi9xTCuTS0znp-CfrdOwcEiTClNVzk/s640/IK7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There's a few more - shields and guards that go on the legs that have been painted the same.<br />
<br />
Layers were simple;<br />
<br />
Everything thinned with vallejo airbrush thinner; my new airbrushing holy grail.<br />
<br />
Layer One: Royal blue, all over.<br />
Layer Two: One drop Royal blue, two drops Andrea blue<br />
Layer Three: Two drops Andrea blue, One drop Ivory<br />
<br />
Second two layer were applied on progressively smaller, higher parts of each surface. When Ive assessed how the pieces look together Im going to do some work to deepen shadows and get some subtle contrast in.<br />
<br />
In the long run learning high contrast painting is my main goal. I keep trying to sneak it in here and then but I dont know enough about colour to achieve much.<br />
<br />
The gold has a nice warm, reddy undertone which matches it nicely with the royal blue base.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichtEqrxf-VuKjrnJ5g_iuPetVt-M1XasacsNo9jF1O5mE3gdCzgb-y2VPX3lbyV0-oCtY_pfT8vzPukVY3NSDMnwzXnTG5cDs_35gZ7JLNdmu_Q_tDX20haoUpLPbAbHsaxQHE71Sp_s/s1600/IK8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichtEqrxf-VuKjrnJ5g_iuPetVt-M1XasacsNo9jF1O5mE3gdCzgb-y2VPX3lbyV0-oCtY_pfT8vzPukVY3NSDMnwzXnTG5cDs_35gZ7JLNdmu_Q_tDX20haoUpLPbAbHsaxQHE71Sp_s/s320/IK8.jpg" width="277" /></a>Im using new metallic paints as well. I bought them a while ago and just havent used them until now. Im not sure what they are made with - they are still vallejo paints but so far seem far better than any of the other vallejo airbrush metallics.<br />
<br />
I started on the model with vallejo black metal. The finish wasnt very smooth and it was leaving huge amounts of pigment drying up in my airbrush cup and nozzle. Granted - I havent retried it using some of the vallejo airbrush thinner BUT they are supposed to be used straight out of the bottle. When I gave up I had to disassemble to brush and pull out big lumps of dried up metallic paint. Not impressed!<br />
<br />
I can find the name of this group of paints. I think it might just be "Metal Colour". So they have, air, game, model and metal colour paint lines.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXm0_FqLS2lm-0Z_-5bxGDb-flbFbN1BvBXh6gqlvOsDv1OqS2J47e2ifWNrrO2NpXBeESNjlbmQx2aDFnDcZfdJrAbSem91ZojpTm1s_J4T-ggQvYAfsmS2GmQk0v3rsV2UUiHV3P_Y/s1600/IK11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXm0_FqLS2lm-0Z_-5bxGDb-flbFbN1BvBXh6gqlvOsDv1OqS2J47e2ifWNrrO2NpXBeESNjlbmQx2aDFnDcZfdJrAbSem91ZojpTm1s_J4T-ggQvYAfsmS2GmQk0v3rsV2UUiHV3P_Y/s320/IK11.jpg" width="286" /></a>These paints are thinner than any of Vallejo's other paints. They self level on the surface. Once you've got the hang of them getting a really shiney, flat finish is easy. Much better than the surfaces and reflectivity Ive gotten from other metals. They are designed to be airbrushed and Ive read a few reviews saying if you want to brush paint, normal metallic paint is better/easier.<br />
<br />
I love, love, love them. Ooooh super love these paints. I started with steel all over then aluminium from above. Next stages are going to involved airbrushing light layers of thinned black wash on deeper areas to intensify and mattify the shadows.<br />
<br />
I couldnt get a photo showing off the excellent finish anywhere near as well as it appears in real life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlftgkZ-g-Ggyzl4yhMXEezwsTWuopOc2sgXblLBC1t2ak2s5gvCI9BTmHt8O0TRDuIRLhKTzuSXWvuuD3b3WkStGmU2uovJXv3hx7I3SVWNYfAIQB1Eunw92Mi1a1rvMfCvaIcH7FmFI/s1600/ik9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlftgkZ-g-Ggyzl4yhMXEezwsTWuopOc2sgXblLBC1t2ak2s5gvCI9BTmHt8O0TRDuIRLhKTzuSXWvuuD3b3WkStGmU2uovJXv3hx7I3SVWNYfAIQB1Eunw92Mi1a1rvMfCvaIcH7FmFI/s640/ik9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0alPQwvOHo6WrrmQndPjSImflWKJNCppkCjTsmoHt4YHSlIVV7ubxcNj9YQzIxXTuZm6wwB1RfAYrjqafCr2HZF4DvT8jHQbHNnH37khSEn08TLfAUmDK6LZx6phuhuHprP86P2ZHn3U/s1600/IK10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0alPQwvOHo6WrrmQndPjSImflWKJNCppkCjTsmoHt4YHSlIVV7ubxcNj9YQzIxXTuZm6wwB1RfAYrjqafCr2HZF4DvT8jHQbHNnH37khSEn08TLfAUmDK6LZx6phuhuHprP86P2ZHn3U/s640/IK10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The texture you can see is down to my not airbrushing it on correctly. It takes a moment to self level then dry in place. You can blown it around while its drying and it bunches up, similar to pushing a brush through partially finished paint.<br />
<br />
On the chest piece I used the Vallejo Metal Colour Exhaust paint. It has that oil stained, offcolour grimey look that heavily smoked or heated pieces of metal get. Highly recommend the paint even though the picture doesnt show it off very well. If the sun comes out again Ill try and get some better pictures of everything.<br />
<br />
The Vallejo washes that come in the same pots are great too. Im trying to control ùyself and not buy all of them and the rest of the metal colour paints.<br />
<br />
The local shop has a Harder and Steenbeck 2 in 1 airbrush with .2 and .' mm nozzle/needles that Im also wringing my hands about buying. Super want, do not need.<br />
<br />
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-49985832802427591912016-07-03T12:46:00.000+01:002016-07-03T12:46:01.189+01:00Metalwork and LeatherThe bits I'm painting on my ork at the moment are metal; gun, claw hand and boot covers.<br />
<br />
I want to go a step above the normal approach of black, metallic, wash, highlight and maybe some scratches. Get some texture and miniature realism in there! Any time I do something new I prefer to collect a bunch of images and examples to emulate rather than wade in blind.<br />
<br />
First I rummaged through online photographic libraries for different types of metals to find what kindof thing theyd look like.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://texturelib.com/Textures/metal/bare/metal_bare_0043_01_preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://texturelib.com/Textures/metal/bare/metal_bare_0043_01_preview.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://texturelib.com/Textures/metal/bare/metal_bare_0056_03_preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://texturelib.com/Textures/metal/bare/metal_bare_0056_03_preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In typical lore Orks are not careful with their equipment, either in battles or when it comes to maintenance work. I wanted to go for a beaten, well used and poorly looked after look to everything on the model. One thing that stood out to me is how... unmetallic all the photos of metal I looked at were. Quite far from what shines back at you from any pot of silver paint.<br />
<br />
I didnt want to dive into non-metallic metal out of the gate. It requires too much brush skill and know how than I have yet. Instead I decided to try painting on some texture similar to what you can see above, on the metal parts of the model.<br />
<br />
Not completely succesful. I would get what looked like the start of some texture down and then go to far and end up with a smooth silver blend. Over working and my brush strokes were too heavy. I wanted to make tiny dots and scratches but would put down marks I thought were too visibly "brush-like" and work it over.<br />
<br />
In the end Ive settled for doing a smooth blend of lead belcher + black to pure boltgun metal with black glazes. I might go back later on to try and introduce the texture I was going for but I dont want to let myself just paint one element repeatedly until I think its perfect. I know from experience I never think anything is finished and dont want to stop redoing it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3ABwo_TKVXjlbgh_IcNEwTU64SGEQZiV1ckPc-kTuwrEM_PkAlptaxjUEGqS67ODupwJhJEEqSuyZhLB48N25NEmGKV_emwoWv2aFINVL_K0bVe3_un78MkTWfDWBNvnQr92DH8Qp3w/s1600/orkmetalfoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3ABwo_TKVXjlbgh_IcNEwTU64SGEQZiV1ckPc-kTuwrEM_PkAlptaxjUEGqS67ODupwJhJEEqSuyZhLB48N25NEmGKV_emwoWv2aFINVL_K0bVe3_un78MkTWfDWBNvnQr92DH8Qp3w/s320/orkmetalfoot.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1cVLecAcpfyDOrtJwrCBDMN4dq2H5oBhbm8efnUA0ZO0_DbirEc2P1w5Ln605gr5z9Yjpo_QPwDc-ifHtby9z-1h30qUVmtd7c33NJtFqexclDt_-Rrtinsy0QcqFKRBdtWXMAvpI1k/s1600/orkmetalclaw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1cVLecAcpfyDOrtJwrCBDMN4dq2H5oBhbm8efnUA0ZO0_DbirEc2P1w5Ln605gr5z9Yjpo_QPwDc-ifHtby9z-1h30qUVmtd7c33NJtFqexclDt_-Rrtinsy0QcqFKRBdtWXMAvpI1k/s320/orkmetalclaw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Instead I moved on to trying out painting the leather on the model. This was easier than the metal because there were plenty of mini painting tutorials on painting the type of leather I wanted to have. I was surprised by how difficult it was to find any tutorials on painting damaged metal to be honest. Come to think of it, I couldnt find any examples of what I wanted on any minis I looked through either.<br />
<br />
My approach to learning new things is to find and emulate lots of examples before I feel confident enough to make stuff up. I hate the sensation, if I try doing something new without an arsenal of known methods and tricks, that I'm wasting time on something that wont work out and I wont be able to recover. So for stuff like this I start by finding examples that are aesthetically pleasing and doing my own ham handed versions of them.<br />
<br />
I have trouble imagining what I want without references to base it on - my brain is too permanently frazzled to hold specific images in mind and know how to translate it into reality. With words, concepts, or action its easy. Specific static images I cant do at all. What a good characteristic for a wanna be artist!<br />
<br />
The combination of this with not having refined brush skills makes me very unwilling to jump in blind. Hence all the rambling and collecting images and tutorials all the time.<br />
<br />
Back to the leather!<br />
<br />
These were the guides I found that gelled with how I imaged the final Ork.<br />
<br />
I know I just said I cant imagine how things look; I do have a general sense of the impression I want things to give and the art style I want to achieve. I can hold rough colour schemes, effects and tone in my head. Just not how it is expressed technically.<br />
<br />
Another reason I like setting out looking for particular tutorials and WIPs is its a very good way of stumbling across blogs and resources you wouldn't have come across otherwise.<br />
<br />
Like this blog with these two leather tutorials;<br />
<br />
http://twistedbrushes.blogspot.be/2012/09/textures-leather.html<br />
<br />
http://twistedbrushes.blogspot.be/2013/06/einsteins-apron-leathers-sbs.html<br />
<br />
Not updated for a year but still an archive of great painting and walk throughs.<br />
<br />
And more;<br />
<br />
http://thor-modelling.blogspot.be/2012/10/tutorial-how-to-paint-cracked-leather.html<br />
<br />
http://www.planetfigure.com/pages/Painting-Leather-Boots/<br />
<br />
<br />
Neither elements on the model turned out as well as I aim for, but it's all an improvement in brush work nontheless. I definitely got some more visual interest on the claw than I'd normally get, but the shoe covers just look like I'm bad at putting a wash on.<br />
<br />
The trousers I had problems with one of the colours I used - the base was a mix of brown and yellow to try and recreate a colour similar to citadels old ochre foundation paint. The yellow I used is too old and the some of its has turned into tiny dry balls in the main body. Gave up getting a smooth coat and covering the texture problems to save my sanity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV3nSwj1SPyN58vQSPz5LNFQ2kgwggwd922S1cJBksxPNLGa5qNNbMSsM3AeJZInTPtdD3xur57B4ZGRQJZD2wD1PybrIe-rxtq8GeUIyFnB1Yx0oPAleRIuoBz0SLXn1C-xHTweo6ec/s1600/orkleatherbum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilV3nSwj1SPyN58vQSPz5LNFQ2kgwggwd922S1cJBksxPNLGa5qNNbMSsM3AeJZInTPtdD3xur57B4ZGRQJZD2wD1PybrIe-rxtq8GeUIyFnB1Yx0oPAleRIuoBz0SLXn1C-xHTweo6ec/s320/orkleatherbum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmZMXLHHYW05qklNlshUq3VJ1pzmH8A6Rt7hkj_B06PbFma8QjiZwdTUXtnKn9GoV-Bx3_WQPqC1cIm6jFNoYj5cJ0N2KR7cec8ivTiTYHnLVHafMDLzz23ZADpsVY-aHBPd9ebXLhJE/s1600/orkleatherlegs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmZMXLHHYW05qklNlshUq3VJ1pzmH8A6Rt7hkj_B06PbFma8QjiZwdTUXtnKn9GoV-Bx3_WQPqC1cIm6jFNoYj5cJ0N2KR7cec8ivTiTYHnLVHafMDLzz23ZADpsVY-aHBPd9ebXLhJE/s320/orkleatherlegs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had real trouble with the face plate on his chest - I had absolutely no idea how to paint it and in the end just went with dry brushed metal to get it over and done with.<br />
<br />
The leather on the shoes and top proved to be too difficult for me. I couldnt get it to look like texture rather than badly applied brush strokes. Colour choices weren't great either. The leather weapon holder on his back I was happier with. Having given up on texturing the shoes I focused on putting down some more colour variation here instead. It looks better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWPYB5ykW6vBTuYWyAUqMvaPGJT_bcqGiTn9aDFKIxOwGKRGGCEWalCkLc-X8WyNU-RON7azSXDSTT8kGYvGN3NpggdMZm3-d-g516edWgq64j9u1cTbCq__uYy67qth8wg3NgsZ2ATA/s1600/orkleatherbackpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWPYB5ykW6vBTuYWyAUqMvaPGJT_bcqGiTn9aDFKIxOwGKRGGCEWalCkLc-X8WyNU-RON7azSXDSTT8kGYvGN3NpggdMZm3-d-g516edWgq64j9u1cTbCq__uYy67qth8wg3NgsZ2ATA/s1600/orkleatherbackpack.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The skin is the part I felt I have done best on. I wanted to push it more but ran out of both time and patience. Perhaps after taking a break on another model I'll be happy coming back and putting more work in. I tried using yellow wash and glaze to bring out some final highlight layers but that actually just messed up my final few layers of work. Beginning to get suspicious of the quality of several things I bought from games workshop recently. The tiny yellow dots you can see on the model are from the glaze and something I couldnt remove without scratching the paint around off.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDDlfjLTasDw8hb9-JrI38HaJSyJY9-IKkJgXMvNj5kgc-AHlaWy__sHCcpe1kjHZX0HWi9h1YYBgGS_ULH4j8ZgkYboVgJyAYx0yHTgghgOlP5KqjSb7HokTG7ii8LlhZRe_TfuQLwA/s1600/2cWPDyE0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDDlfjLTasDw8hb9-JrI38HaJSyJY9-IKkJgXMvNj5kgc-AHlaWy__sHCcpe1kjHZX0HWi9h1YYBgGS_ULH4j8ZgkYboVgJyAYx0yHTgghgOlP5KqjSb7HokTG7ii8LlhZRe_TfuQLwA/s1600/2cWPDyE0.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-acGx5-vg5FIcVMO8NWa6CyH-wOEVDI9TTddjLgTuxEfeVFPTkk80plFMByMxZi8NykbpWtgJ2c2HuPxOIRlWbdtdhurVUbQ7mgr1t5W_dlc8L255LOtFEHAXpasx9VAuYznxy7ZMLs/s1600/orkskin1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-acGx5-vg5FIcVMO8NWa6CyH-wOEVDI9TTddjLgTuxEfeVFPTkk80plFMByMxZi8NykbpWtgJ2c2HuPxOIRlWbdtdhurVUbQ7mgr1t5W_dlc8L255LOtFEHAXpasx9VAuYznxy7ZMLs/s1600/orkskin1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg1dXhFWH_Bs0rLxbK2ajzHT6awG7dfi0gGXXIbRtNd3fuS8IRfpgG1G2Z8zamMpXF2AH9nqVSIc2c39WFCWzVNpKLjY_NjE8SJdVBdf2zfJoRJ_pU2W55ewwd6qOUVm9DLr8t89c52g/s1600/orkskin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg1dXhFWH_Bs0rLxbK2ajzHT6awG7dfi0gGXXIbRtNd3fuS8IRfpgG1G2Z8zamMpXF2AH9nqVSIc2c39WFCWzVNpKLjY_NjE8SJdVBdf2zfJoRJ_pU2W55ewwd6qOUVm9DLr8t89c52g/s1600/orkskin2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I havent glued the whole thing together and sculpted the joins because I anticipated not being happy with the results and stripping it to start over.<br />
<br />
Nothing turned out the way I wanted to or expected. I definitely improved my brush skills and general approach to painting, however, so it's far from a waste of time and effort.<br />
<br />
Onto the next tiny plastic thing!Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-12088527727304819792016-06-16T17:57:00.002+01:002016-06-16T17:57:32.758+01:00Im terrible at PaintingSalutations fellow nerds! Ive decided I want to work on my brush painting. Ive reached a point where with the right model I can get some pretty nifty paint jobs done, like the screamers and the pheonixes Ive painted.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAeE9AVckvUUPo2GDufr5vcSmn8fEEQBSbOpnxEuoxXwStHBXMEh0k-5yyQ48go4li2tNBRliwa_r9NxkiUjPxm3Jt8gJMhzQUoShi1siO7RN5-JJWw-nbtRwQmKLh4BV3GW_VPEQ-uc/s1600/DSCF4665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAeE9AVckvUUPo2GDufr5vcSmn8fEEQBSbOpnxEuoxXwStHBXMEh0k-5yyQ48go4li2tNBRliwa_r9NxkiUjPxm3Jt8gJMhzQUoShi1siO7RN5-JJWw-nbtRwQmKLh4BV3GW_VPEQ-uc/s400/DSCF4665.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliSyjvQ4aiObX22i9OaR4QKd5ev2gdKkT48I8SZc21P5LxBCuG9KYiBxVTWfXm-LtK3kFyrjzUSK7Rl1V080gGZSOljxcSiwS4IsurtUFC9u3M87d7h30H9Zr0t2AzLfChsLyZylby3k/s1600/img573dbbcebfe35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhliSyjvQ4aiObX22i9OaR4QKd5ev2gdKkT48I8SZc21P5LxBCuG9KYiBxVTWfXm-LtK3kFyrjzUSK7Rl1V080gGZSOljxcSiwS4IsurtUFC9u3M87d7h30H9Zr0t2AzLfChsLyZylby3k/s400/img573dbbcebfe35.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpL8NGF_hrSeOtpO7yNZwBJcxtOjWm0vHCTm_lZYICtELyScj1K4rRNTCepp_6Rg2TDxeCNE-xHvQeZd4dAAn36rsgBcaNl16smSULI5pX2lGzVTBYgow39RdDCc8yBCsAhyphenhyphenWcclk72U/s1600/img53e405bc85b2d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpL8NGF_hrSeOtpO7yNZwBJcxtOjWm0vHCTm_lZYICtELyScj1K4rRNTCepp_6Rg2TDxeCNE-xHvQeZd4dAAn36rsgBcaNl16smSULI5pX2lGzVTBYgow39RdDCc8yBCsAhyphenhyphenWcclk72U/s400/img53e405bc85b2d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkOopnQoSlW9kLyfFFrjQmmzNPNIsZmMOR7uyy_76RftkSObF-LDNUVzOwwb_fO0EAXASEp63QfkiGPOFNZmZxCAFyE3Vjd0tGJteulg-5mBc1D4tTDAz7hVaAondK4MHFkHh1Zwa9FI/s1600/img5226407c78679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkOopnQoSlW9kLyfFFrjQmmzNPNIsZmMOR7uyy_76RftkSObF-LDNUVzOwwb_fO0EAXASEp63QfkiGPOFNZmZxCAFyE3Vjd0tGJteulg-5mBc1D4tTDAz7hVaAondK4MHFkHh1Zwa9FI/s400/img5226407c78679.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I want to catch up the standards of my brush work before I continue forwards with my airbrush. I keep reaching points where I have things that have to be done by brush but I can't match how the rest of the model looks - its jarring seeing good airbrush work next to ham handed brush work!<br />
<br />
I oathed the special Ork model from the Assault on Black Reach set, meaning I have to finish painting it by the end of the month. I'm trying to do it all by brush and uhh... Its not going so great.<br />
<br />
The current problem is the finish of the paint. I keep ending up with a very plasticky finish that doesnt take subsequent layers very well. Ive tried everything from super thin to super thick layers, only thinning with water, thinning with mediums and so on. No matter what it seems I always do something slightly wrong that leaves me with this imperfect finish.<br />
<br />
It would be like picking up a random plastic toy from a shop and trying to paint straight on it, that's how it feels.<br />
<br />
When I reach that point I use a liberally applied wash over the part that's gone plasticky because I know even a flood of games workshop wash dries to a good, toothy finish. Then I start again with a new type of layer and keep trying.<br />
<br />
It doesnt help that Im painting with greens and yellows which are my least favourite colours of mini paint to use, since they seem to have an inherent tackiness to their texture. The only exceptions Ive come across so far are a couple of the old green foundation paints by Games Workshop and some of the panzer paints from Vallejo. I havent tried the new games workshop base coats so I might try having a poke at them soon.<br />
<br />
I'll add some pictures of the work so far to this post later on when Ive managed to pry them off of my phone.Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-24615450943049445542016-05-30T14:41:00.000+01:002016-05-30T14:41:01.067+01:00Tutorials II'm a sucker for tutorials. Especially step by step painting ones or sculpting videos. Even when I'm not up for painting at the time, I find them really relaxing to watch or read through. I spend quite a bit of time scouring the information superhighway looking for ones I haven't read before. Here's the latest bundle I've found.<br />
<br />
Some of these are in other languages but you can use the google translate option. If it doesn't have a dedicated "Tutorial" section but I've still included it on the list it means they still do WIP and guide posts. Flick through!<br />
<br />
http://haekel.free.fr/spip.php?rubrique5<br />
<br />
https://davidneat.wordpress.com/<br />
<br />
http://www.feldbahn-modellbau.ch/<br />
<br />
http://gidian-gelaende.de/&usg=ALkJrhiCXuAODo2EmxPivoIinbq-0wQnQA<br />
<br />
http://tabletop-fantasywelten.de/&usg=ALkJrhhevZXl-0pFFOPcm1TI_OIZoeKtIg<br />
<br />
http://smallscaledugout.blogspot.co.uk/<br />
<br />
http://rustandthecity.blogspot.co.uk/<br />
<br />
https://manorhouseworkshop.com/<br />
<br />
http://dievincis.blogspot.co.uk/<br />
<br />
http://taleofpainters.blogspot.co.uk/<br />
<br />
http://fantasy-gelaende.blogspot.co.uk/<br />
<br />
http://cursedtreasures.blogspot.co.uk/<br />
<br />
http://mistralvernati.blogspot.co.uk/<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-89887479384773659562016-05-30T10:38:00.004+01:002016-05-30T10:38:54.448+01:00Necron ScytheI've ~ kindof ~ completed a model. Less completed, more painted to a point where I could say "It's finished" and then hide it in a box.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qFuiDresgWVDrOsUSzQxw8bCFCiShui-EdWFU6vpAdE4cecek2T9YD-V8GYTKj4v89VdijT4WvlM6AaPC-EZqeYzVb0Vh6vrJhlHIogOnOtbeT1o-Iy_83fBJ2wfjmdNv0Dl9imPr9w/s1600/necronscythecomplete2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qFuiDresgWVDrOsUSzQxw8bCFCiShui-EdWFU6vpAdE4cecek2T9YD-V8GYTKj4v89VdijT4WvlM6AaPC-EZqeYzVb0Vh6vrJhlHIogOnOtbeT1o-Iy_83fBJ2wfjmdNv0Dl9imPr9w/s640/necronscythecomplete2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-5s-IgbNtRuHdKSCEWRs3qRWSdwq5XIPfG-HXJMYj-BwW-L9OmBpvJRWWD1z58r8oH3PUPS3aeiHvpbDcQEMcsiCit-jnq89wYbNNQvqY8-wk1Q8qOPoNXqy8YbtnW0c-NRKHOJC6Nk/s1600/necronscythecomplete1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-5s-IgbNtRuHdKSCEWRs3qRWSdwq5XIPfG-HXJMYj-BwW-L9OmBpvJRWWD1z58r8oH3PUPS3aeiHvpbDcQEMcsiCit-jnq89wYbNNQvqY8-wk1Q8qOPoNXqy8YbtnW0c-NRKHOJC6Nk/s640/necronscythecomplete1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
To help me enjoy painting more and paint more consistently I've been going into models and writing down specific things I want to achieve. I plan the paint scheme ahead of time and what technique I want to use/practice.<br />
<br />
In this instance I was looking to brush up on my air brushing skills. It's been a long time since I've done it and I've got some really nice models I need to use it for. (I have a couple of Imperial Knights waiting, for example. Not models you want to use a brush on)<br />
<br />
As mentioned in a previous post, I have a problem with patience, blockages and cleaning. Of the airbrush, I mean.<br />
<br />
When painting this I made myself slow down a bit and clean out the airbrush whenever the flow started to change or it felt/sounded different. Theres a characteristic sound to paint that's flowing neatly and a distinct change when it's interfered with. Even though I was taking it apart and cleaning it out fairly frequently at the beginning, doing it properly meant I wasn't letting huge problems build up that required dedicated fixing. After a while, as I got used to using the kit again, the problems became less frequent and overall things sped up and became more fun.<br />
<br />
I still had problems with the surface my paint was leaving behind. A problem on two fronts: paint wasn't sticking to my primer properly and wiping off the moment it brushed again something. I had to touch up all the edges and corners with thicker and thicker paint using a brush before I could take my finished photos. Second problem: graininess.<br />
<br />
I dont know if you can tell in these photos but the base coat colour (A 2:1 mix of dark angels green and chaos black, thinned about 1:1 paint to vallejo airbrush thinner) was leaving behind a minutely speckled surface. The kind that needs stripping and redoing to fix properly. It happens because paint is drying en route to the model. Forms tiny dry spheres before meeting the surface and getting sealed into place.<br />
<br />
As mentioned in my previous airbrushing post, this can be down to many factors. There's no real formula to stopping it happening because you can change each of these things in different ways to come up with a unique solution.<br />
<br />
I changed a lot while I was working and ended up in the general situation of keeping the 1:1 paint to thinner ratio, a PSI ~ 12-20, and working a few inches from the surface. Keeping on top of the state of the tip/cap and stopping before blockages helped prevent paint drying or blobbing as well.<br />
<br />
Moving on to the green elements and the glows the smoothness of the paint improved greatly. In fact, it was originally much better than you can see in the pictures above. I was trying to build up really thin layers while putting down the green blends and had a few incidents of pooling paint and creating tide lines/spider legs but nothing I couldn't fix.<br />
<br />
I reached a point where I was really happy how those parts had come out, not least of all because I had found with very careful manipulation I could use my Iwata Neo to paint lines as thin as the dividing sections on the hull of the scythe.<br />
<br />
To make it really pop I wanted to use a yellow glaze. Oh I thought the yellow glaze would look great!<br />
<br />
Fuck the yellow glaze.<br />
<br />
I used a brush to paint the games workshop glaze over the sections. It was fine while I doing it. I looked back half an hour later to see if everything had set to find that it had resolvated the lower layer of paints and then dried in all the edges, like I'd put a thick wash on too soon.<br />
<br />
Partially my fault - I need to add more matt medium to the mixture when I'm using super thin layers because they keep lifting if I use a brush on them. Or just continue airbrushing over it. I'm flipping the bird at the glaze though. I put on a thin, careful layer. It ended up slipping about like a wash and ruining the smooth surface.<br />
<br />
Overall though, good practice piece. Fixed a lot of problems. Sadly I just found the model unpleasant to paint on top of being ham handed about it. It will go into a foam case until I did it out and strip it in a couple of years, hopeful that I'll enjoy it this time.Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-3238168014150062662016-05-29T13:19:00.003+01:002016-05-29T13:19:39.075+01:00Reviving and Repotting <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x-2FirZxfBTqXExPOp-1pRh-PDagP13CtwBI5CpHuGl5L7XVqeLHSHjFskeSVl5y1qf_XICpuCmqruU1sHBZgIt1u70SIYxbWMLo0_DBvh_bakkUZv7tVkYno-GLQh1vG91D_jeO5cE/s1600/finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x-2FirZxfBTqXExPOp-1pRh-PDagP13CtwBI5CpHuGl5L7XVqeLHSHjFskeSVl5y1qf_XICpuCmqruU1sHBZgIt1u70SIYxbWMLo0_DBvh_bakkUZv7tVkYno-GLQh1vG91D_jeO5cE/s640/finished.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have lots of citadel paints from various generations. I even have some of their tall flip top pots from one of their first lines! I went to buy some more boxes to store my growing collection of paints in when it occured to me that some were old and probably, sadly, dead. I also decided that I hated the type of pots citadel paints come in - both for storage purposes and the fact they seem designed to dry paints out faster. Poor seals and large surface area on the paint inside is rubbish, and the new line of paints all separate quickly.<br />
<br />
I bought a set of 17ml dropper bottles and tiny ball bearings to go in them. A number of beloved paints had to go in the bin; scaly green, hawk turquoise, boltgun metal. Luckily, more of them just needed a bit of TLC (aka some diluted matt medium and a vigorous stir) to revive them for pouring into dropper bottles and using once again. Envy me, for I have tentacle pink within my grasp!<br />
<br />
I chose dropped bottles for two reasons. To make it easier to right down, copy and keep track of paint mix recipes, and because I've had much better luck with the shelf life of any paint that came in a dropper bottle. Oh, and topping up an airbrush is easier with a dropper - you dont need to pick up and dirty a brush.<br />
<br />
And they take up far less space in my paint storage boxes than the original pots do. I can stack them four to a compartment whereas before I could only fit three in.<br />
<br />
Here's how I did it - hopefully you'll try it to because I found it really helpful and much easier than I thought it would be!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe2FW3-R2sCfuPZVBrSqYegiZfgJVG4K1WF5L29O147X5p9dsZI8DARKPVn4vMkMaEKGm7rK7b5QHSpqY2Y7GpWmay7PjpICf4UdAgGBwQSSULOtaw9pitb7btKcKMGibJZirPFjkzaA/s1600/step1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe2FW3-R2sCfuPZVBrSqYegiZfgJVG4K1WF5L29O147X5p9dsZI8DARKPVn4vMkMaEKGm7rK7b5QHSpqY2Y7GpWmay7PjpICf4UdAgGBwQSSULOtaw9pitb7btKcKMGibJZirPFjkzaA/s320/step1.jpg" width="320" /></a>What you need:<br />
<br />
Paints in terrible flip top pots<br />
Stirring sticks<br />
Dropper bottles (Bottle, dropper insert, lid)<br />
Painting medium (Mine is a 50% matt medium, 10% flow, 40 distilled water mix)<br />
Teeth<br />
Label maker you bought 8 years ago from costco on a whim and are delighted to finally use<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGj7pauOJ6_VfTso4VkRtB-ILo6LMBZlw-EQCRxRXZJ4Si66M6zIhLPAM0gXgr_mZ5UCAJlBdNRkMp-02gA1vsDVHRg4dd7_KSM7lIAacAy3QksA4F0dgdKbLgp9vFvk4Jq3uJjdr8CE/s1600/step2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGj7pauOJ6_VfTso4VkRtB-ILo6LMBZlw-EQCRxRXZJ4Si66M6zIhLPAM0gXgr_mZ5UCAJlBdNRkMp-02gA1vsDVHRg4dd7_KSM7lIAacAy3QksA4F0dgdKbLgp9vFvk4Jq3uJjdr8CE/s200/step2a.jpg" width="200" /></a> Step One:<br />
<br />
Check the state of your paint. If its a solid lump that you can't penetrate with your stirring stick, dig an incredibly small grave and build a scale coffin for it. If its chunky or grainy there is still hope.<br />
<br />
This paint was separated and a little drier than it started but otherwise was in good condition. Pull the lid off. I do this with my teeth and it goes about as well as you can expect. My mouth tastes weird.<br />
<br />
Step Two:<br />
<br />
Stick your advanced stirring apparatus in there and mix the hell out of it. If your paint was drier or chunkier this will take longer. Add small amounts of your paint medium to bring it back up to scratch. It's better to add small amounts at a time and top up as you stir than to add a huge splurge in one go.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtkUjxw0Tm8xa7sVIVxHYRRgWr0GhOAN-hwrupokVdg-vWAWNh6G8_ReLNr_jb3CMAPXkPQkWfJdXK4I_e6KLsvHMvtdvQ3r8LjAwLH9W9Qrv1DEXynO7-lmL9zJEAfBVZ-DCChoKrJU/s1600/step2d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdtkUjxw0Tm8xa7sVIVxHYRRgWr0GhOAN-hwrupokVdg-vWAWNh6G8_ReLNr_jb3CMAPXkPQkWfJdXK4I_e6KLsvHMvtdvQ3r8LjAwLH9W9Qrv1DEXynO7-lmL9zJEAfBVZ-DCChoKrJU/s320/step2d.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and after a good stir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Step Three:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLF4tVgE0ZnCtV0xiosS3rT2-vBzbIam3ZiQ-IElE-d8BdDSHFkMWslJy-tuHn1fOhhbI22jWnsDT82PWhDfMvX5jD44VpUYyDWQwrW9dsa_ggiKPF_93ALqL_O8kyamT7UMdHoLpMBGQ/s1600/step3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLF4tVgE0ZnCtV0xiosS3rT2-vBzbIam3ZiQ-IElE-d8BdDSHFkMWslJy-tuHn1fOhhbI22jWnsDT82PWhDfMvX5jD44VpUYyDWQwrW9dsa_ggiKPF_93ALqL_O8kyamT7UMdHoLpMBGQ/s320/step3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Scrape the paint off the stick into the bottle then pour the contents from your paint pot into your new one. If it's a little think or chunky add some paint medium and whisk it up a bit again.<br />
<br />
If too much pours in and the top gets blocked just tap the bottom on the table and the paint will fall through.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I pinch the bottle when I see a big splodge is going to fall in and block it off - when you release the pinch it sucks the paint in quickly.<br />
<br />
<br />
Step Four:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xqAgPn3h3dhq3bMRgltcn9LXF-IEFtyTwWLBMInSwnsFZ5daq4X880E9nNhb5CJUwM_wT_gP_B-bijsaYIcC83GF_AhIcgf5v1wcoz9MNN22z2wmt4iO1PpodnkmtUVIZ9mz_4mHuRI/s1600/step4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xqAgPn3h3dhq3bMRgltcn9LXF-IEFtyTwWLBMInSwnsFZ5daq4X880E9nNhb5CJUwM_wT_gP_B-bijsaYIcC83GF_AhIcgf5v1wcoz9MNN22z2wmt4iO1PpodnkmtUVIZ9mz_4mHuRI/s1600/step4.jpg" /></a>Now the super fun step. Scrape as much paint as you can out of the pot and into the dropper bottle. Don't try and get all of it because it's not physically possible.<br />
<br />
You can mix in some paint medium to dilute what's stuck to the sides but I try to do this as little as possible. I want to control how much I dilute my paint when I use it, not be constricted by how thin it is in the bottle.<br />
<br />
This pic shows the point at which I generally stop. It amounts to a few drops of paint, even though it looks more.<br />
<br />
<br />
Step Five:<br />
<br />
Assemble your bottle! Throw in agitators if you want to, attach the dropper, screw on the lid and then use that label maker you never thought you'd find a purpose for!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuL8ctkyYkq_-l10DVWSrvQCHGrgk7hhQ3RO5n3FJleMPhB9xQLTCwKNrB6QK9DpkyqzOmxOAGLpV83dmyUHUJS8Hclob3seJNmZHHZWAr7X0hBEOuqqvUPOYyHdQLga1KhNr-KSDt5Eg/s1600/step5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuL8ctkyYkq_-l10DVWSrvQCHGrgk7hhQ3RO5n3FJleMPhB9xQLTCwKNrB6QK9DpkyqzOmxOAGLpV83dmyUHUJS8Hclob3seJNmZHHZWAr7X0hBEOuqqvUPOYyHdQLga1KhNr-KSDt5Eg/s1600/step5b.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
To remix paints I started off using a paint brush but this was too time consuming - I had to keep cleaning it and lost a lot of paint on the actual handle of the brush that I then couldnt scoop off very well into the bottles. Switching to lolly pop sticks that I have lying around for scenery building was much better.<br />
<br />
Chose ones that can fit inside the width of your dropped bottle and scrapping any excess paint off from the manic stirring becomes far easier. I'm never going to get every drop of paint across but the tiny bit of waste is worth the easier usage and not risking them drying up into hard coloured rocks like so many of my citadel paints have done.<br />
<br />
I do a couple at a time when I take a break from other stuff. I have a LOT of these paints and I'm still getting them done quickly.<br />
<br />
Word of warning: do a test pot first. I was very paranoid that my bottles wouldnt fit together quite right and they'd leak. I did one and left it lying on its side for a while just to make sure it wasnt going to pour out of a badly fitting lid. All of them have turned out perfectly but better safe than sorry!<br />
<br />
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-53943082961381104422016-05-26T12:29:00.001+01:002016-05-26T12:29:34.383+01:00Airbrush PracticeSometimes when I airbrush I end up with the lovely smooth finish and blends the equipment is known for. Sometimes I end up with a stippled surface, tide lines, spider legs, chipping and portals to hell on my miniatures.<br />
<br />
I never write down or pay enough attention to what I'm doing differently. Now I want to paint a bit more seriously and sell things on a more regular basis to keep my afloat while I finish uni, I want to streamline and improve my use of the airbrush.<br />
<br />
There's many ways to tailor the output of your airbrush which is why you can use it to achieve so many different effects and styles of painting. And screw it up in infinitely more ways. Well, really you can do anything with a brush that you can do with an airbrush. The difference is in speed and ability required. But, if you're making hundreds of mistakes and constantly trying to fix or cover things you cancel out any time gained. I know this well.<br />
<br />
In true turbonerd fashion I sat down and wrote out what I wanted to achieve with my airbrush and what my current problems were and find solutions for both sets. Kinda looks like a pro and cons list to owning an airbrush.<br />
<br />
Aims/Pros to airbrush use:<br />
<br />
Paint quickly.<br />
Easy blends.<br />
Sweet blends.<br />
Sweet blends on large surfaces.<br />
Paint a go faster stripe on dog before anyone can stop me.<br />
Good opacity with fewer coats.<br />
More economical paint usage.<br />
I like the smell of vallejo air colours.<br />
I probably shouldnt be sniffing them.<br />
But the smell does not dissaude me.<br />
Smells good, trust me.<br />
<br />
The main selling point of the airbrush to the new user is its speed - it lays down colour, and more opaque layers of colour. Faster than brushwork will with the same thickness of paint. Obviously if you load a brush with unthinned paint and slop it on it will cover faster than an airbrush with much more thinned paint. But consistency the same across both, the airbrush is much faster.<br />
<br />
Airbrush also lays down a more even, opaque coat for the same amount of paint compared to with a brush. I have never bothered looking into why - something about how it lays down the paint compared to pulling a brush across the surface.<br />
<br />
Highlighting with airbrushing is also much easier. With a brush you have to apply them individually and think carefully about where they'd hit. With an airbrush you can aim where your light is coming from, spray paint, and see where it hits and misses. With careful angling it's not going to hit the places that light would not hit if it was coming from the same location as your airbrush is placed.<br />
<br />
Blending is easier because you can simply build up translucent coats of colour, with more layers going away from the point at which your colours join. It's how I paint my screamers. I put down a solid basecoat across the whole thing with one colours, then make up thinned and translucent mixes of the paints I want to go over it. Then I spray one or two coats over where I want the colours to join, then progressively more layers moving away from it and towards the area I want to be opaque in the colour I'm using. Sometimes I will instead lay down two opaque coats that meet together and then take a translucent mix of one of the colours and make a smooth join. Depends how big the area is, how lazy I'm feeling and what phase the moon is in.<br />
<br />
Now, these only apply if you are airbrushing correctly. Which I frequently am not.<br />
<br />
The model I am currently practicing on - a necron boomerang - now has a grainy surface from where I put down the basecoat colour like a chump.<br />
<br />
Along with getting grainy surfaces I frequently end up with paint spidering out - where too much (often very thin) paint hits the same surface area and ends up being blown outwards in a bunch of different directions. Tide lines are common, something that happens with brush work as well.<br />
<br />
The latter two - spidering and tide rings are my own laziness and incompetence. I have a habit of leaving my airbrush when it clogs or the paint flow changes due to drying inside the end piece. I just up my pressure or move the brush closer etc. Eventually the blocks clear and WHOOSH suddenly I have very high paint flow very close to my model. I struggle to mix and prepare paint that doesnt dry at all on the inside and cause problems.<br />
<br />
For ages when I first started airbrushing I would spend so much time disassembling the brush, cleaning it, and wasting paint by havng to do so in the middle of painting that it became a very frustrating experience. It carried over - even now when I only have to clean out and clean up once in the middle of painting during a session over multiple hours I get really annoyed and either stop or try to blast through it.<br />
<br />
That is simply fixed by relaxing when it happens, and sorting it out the moment it happens. I'm gonna read up some more on mixing paints and preventing drying.<br />
<br />
The first problem is the most difficult one I have. Not achieving a smooth surface with an airbrush is down to the paint being to dry when it hits the surface, or layering too quickly or solvents evaporating weirdly. There's numerous reasons it can happen and multiple factors that can cause each to happen, or combine to cause it.<br />
<br />
Air pressure, distance from surface, type of paint, type of thinner, thinner: paint ratio, drying time, humidity, temperature, and more things I probably haven't come across.<br />
<br />
Its a butt.<br />
<br />
I've done some reading around to see what seasoned airbrush users have to say about how they get smooth coats and thus far the common factors seem to be:<br />
<br />
As low PSI as possible.<br />
A proper airbrush thinner because the solvents evaporate at a different rate than water or water mixes.<br />
Letting it dry properly in between layers.<br />
Being around 8cm from the surface sprayed.<br />
60-70% humidity.<br />
Clean, smooth needle tip.<br />
<br />
The basic goal is not letting any of the paint start drying before it hits the surface. You want it to hit the surface, level and then dry. This is still super fast when done properly. But if even some of your paint it drying on the way to the surface you have tiny, tiny spheres of dry material laying down and then being covered by water layers and sealed in place. Hence grainy surface.<br />
<br />
I'm going to do a bunch of test spraying and write down how I actually do each run through and what it looks like. Sometimes I have to take long breaks between painting and when I come back I completely forgot what point I got to. Its very frustrating having to do trial and error testing with the same piece of equipment every time I start again.<br />
<br />
I can't control temperature or humidity of my working area but I have enough other factors to fiddle with that it wont matter.<br />
<br />
Time to go paint stuff badly, I guess.<br />
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-26876726343202358542016-05-22T11:29:00.000+01:002016-05-22T11:29:07.792+01:00Dark Souls Project IUnless you've been living under a rock you saw the Dark Souls miniatures kickstarter. Supposedly theres a game to be played there as well but all I saw was hundreds of beautiful miniatures made for a game series I love. I have... A LOT of these miniatures. I may have procured a ridiculous amount of the box sets, expansions and stand alone boss models through the kickstarter.<br />
<br />
Its probably going to be a couple of years before I get my hands on these but I'm already preparing things. I want to reproduce the models in game looks as accurately as possible. I'm working on two steps to start with: collecting hi res glossy jpegs of all the in game models, and cataloging a bunch of awesome tutorials that pertain to painting the variety of materials of the monster collection.<br />
<br />
Here's a list of what I'll be painting:<br />
<br />
<u>Bosses:</u><br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 179px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 6546; mso-width-source: userset; width: 134pt;" width="179"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Dancer
of the Boreal Valley</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Ornstein and Smough</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">The Pursuer</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Sir Alonne</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Smelter Demon</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Sif, Great Grey Wolf</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">Artorias</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="21" style="height: 15.75pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Gaping
Dragon</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Black Dragon Kalameet</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Guardian Dragon</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Four Kings</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Asylum Demon</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Old Iron King</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Last Giant</td>
</tr>
<tr height="40" style="height: 30.0pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="40" style="border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Manus, Father of the Abyss</td>
</tr>
<tr height="21" style="height: 15.75pt;">
<td class="xl64" height="21" style="border-top: none; height: 15.75pt; width: 134pt;" width="179">Executioner's Chariot</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
<u>Mini Bosses:</u></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 168px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 6144; mso-width-source: userset; width: 126pt;" width="168"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 126pt;" width="168">Titanite</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Frost Knight</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Invader</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Winged Knight</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Gargoyle</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<u>Grunts:</u></div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 168px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 6144; mso-width-source: userset; width: 126pt;" width="168"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 126pt;" width="168">Hulking Hollow</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Crossbow Hollow</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Armoured Hollow</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Fire Bomb Hollow</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Silver Knight Archer</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Silver Knight Swordsman</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Silver Knight Lancer</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Sentinel</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Alonne Sword Knight</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Alonne Knight Captains</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Alonne Bow Knights</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Ironclad Soldiers</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Mimic</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Crystal Lizard</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Plough Scarecrow</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Shears Scarecrow</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Demonic Foliage</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Stone Guardian</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Stone Knight</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;"></td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Mushroom Parent & Child</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<u>Player Characters:</u></div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 203px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 7424; mso-width-source: userset; width: 152pt;" width="203"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Assassin</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Cleric</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Deprived</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Herald</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Knight</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Mercenary</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Pyromancer</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Sorcerer</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Thief</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 152pt;" width="203">Warrior</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<u>Armour Sets:</u></div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 192px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 7021; mso-width-source: userset; width: 144pt;" width="192"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 144pt;" width="192">Adventurer</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Black Iron </td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Black Knight</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Catarina</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Crimson</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Dark</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Gaurdian </td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Gold Hemmed Black</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Havel's</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Set of Favor</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<u>Invaders:</u></div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 157px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 5741; mso-width-source: userset; width: 118pt;" width="157"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 118pt;" width="157">Armourer Dennis</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Fencer Sharon</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Kirk, Knight of Thorns</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Maldron the Assassin</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Maneater Mildred</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Marvellous Chester</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Melinda the Butcher</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Oliver the Collector</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Paladin Leeroy</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Xanthous King Jeramiah</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<u>Summons:</u></div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 173px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 6326; mso-width-source: userset; width: 130pt;" width="173"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 130pt;" width="173">Eygon of Carim</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Horace the Hushed</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Lucatiel Mirrah</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Ruined Aflis</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Seigward of Catarina</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Sellsword Luet</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Sirris of the Sunless Realm</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Sword Master Saber</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">Witch Beatrice</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
I have a lot of things to learn before this stuff turns up! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With the Invader and Summons models, I'm caught between painting them as they appear in game (the red/black and white/grey appearances respectively) or painting them as they appear in their own worlds. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Time to collect hundreds of pictures and tutorials. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-81053124302496499462016-05-19T14:22:00.002+01:002016-05-19T14:22:36.316+01:00Photography FailuresFor the first time ever, Ive painted some models that I really like and am actively proud of. And I'd love to show you them!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, unless you come to me and I furtively extend my palms towards you, tiny models balanced upon them, you wont get to see them. I am REALLY bad at photographing my miniatures accurately.<br />
<br />
I think I'm almost there. I've spent the last few days flapping about with backgrounds, light tents, lights, flashes and a pair of white shorts - and I may have finally taken some accurate photos.<br />
<br />
They look good on my screen - no idea what they'll look like on anyone elses.<br />
<br />
"Surely this is good news?" I hear you ask. "Doesn't this render your opening statements pointless? You've worked it out!"<br />
<br />
Yeah, guess who didnt write down any of the camera settings they used to get the decent photos out of the huge batch they took. I am clever.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGEny7VKpE_rropHunGX0MHh3GwL3ZMjKNCcz0N2iEgUjHRbbqyHH_r2mhG9tMhf6SbIkjY5gS4ZWasVwQxAHUbXd0ZxDuKgAvbyPQ7StzqeCw16fkUfn7Y6_-eZkaVVa5vidLX-Unv0/s1600/Screamerlighttent+%252827%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGEny7VKpE_rropHunGX0MHh3GwL3ZMjKNCcz0N2iEgUjHRbbqyHH_r2mhG9tMhf6SbIkjY5gS4ZWasVwQxAHUbXd0ZxDuKgAvbyPQ7StzqeCw16fkUfn7Y6_-eZkaVVa5vidLX-Unv0/s640/Screamerlighttent+%252827%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmz5DNA4dEW497fqp6kl5M5yS1ywozwo1yLxpqQbWa56jfIMln4zxnY52bpM5SAktcg7LrBqNPMqFQ27MlD6yYG-zjbOfKGuCSclFZ4aIqppC4WPWkPsgaFVaW0LZJ8ZhudPFqfCTjk0/s1600/Screamerlighttent+%252816%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmz5DNA4dEW497fqp6kl5M5yS1ywozwo1yLxpqQbWa56jfIMln4zxnY52bpM5SAktcg7LrBqNPMqFQ27MlD6yYG-zjbOfKGuCSclFZ4aIqppC4WPWkPsgaFVaW0LZJ8ZhudPFqfCTjk0/s640/Screamerlighttent+%252816%2529.JPG" width="576" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHom_OqgwCPJTfMHrSmZAMtIpwYENDlIhofA4sZ619GFSaUtUfVmwaW6ETfVQqTFzcIr8DwhWoaqbElsp7qd6hpvJx7lO2CudpJbeQ9QwDx3uKZiNlvijO7jZjpKmSBQYvww7wyCLdUc/s1600/Screamerlighttent+%252814%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHom_OqgwCPJTfMHrSmZAMtIpwYENDlIhofA4sZ619GFSaUtUfVmwaW6ETfVQqTFzcIr8DwhWoaqbElsp7qd6hpvJx7lO2CudpJbeQ9QwDx3uKZiNlvijO7jZjpKmSBQYvww7wyCLdUc/s1600/Screamerlighttent+%252814%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-20792501112881606022014-09-07T00:35:00.000+01:002014-09-07T00:35:07.285+01:00I Ain't DeadBut I haven't painted for over a year!<br />
<br />
For the first in over twelve months I sat down in front of my brushes, paints, and tiny plastic creatures and tried to paint. I figured I'd be out of practice but still remembered the theory and method of everything I wanted to do.<br />
<br />
Turns out I was wrong. May as well have fingers made of sausage. It's like I've never picked up a brush before! I still pushed through and got some paints on stuff. Started building a piece of scenery. I'm hoping it will all come back quickly. If not - it didn't take me long to learn it in the first place and it is still enjoyable.<br />
<br />
My current models out are a set of the tiny nurgle minions stacked up, a WWII tank and what is going to be a set of marble stairs set in elf land, long abandoned. I'm doing the nurglings up to look like different types of poisonous (therefore colourful) frogs, the tank up in grey camo as practice for a baneblade, and the stairs as practice getting pva glue everywhere. I have already glued my water cup, tissue and a paint pot to my table.<br />
<br />
Fingers crossed I pick up speed soon. If not - there's always washes! Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-86622442248919321842014-08-08T00:39:00.002+01:002014-08-08T00:39:26.482+01:00A New Pheonix!Here's a Pheonix I actually painted for my mother as a birthday present last year, but have only just gotten the photos of.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUc9uNIMivCGaLUam9jVa0uGjBTC-EBO9tmCjUI1rkewY2SRKwe9UKmN8w1JzhBY7YXKufiOG2qc5Bt-ysUGnjVqkfZn_ZKrWH6775pv8tLyaciK-7Jsu-LgqAkbqtpUkXxfY3inUUlI/s1600/pheonix2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUc9uNIMivCGaLUam9jVa0uGjBTC-EBO9tmCjUI1rkewY2SRKwe9UKmN8w1JzhBY7YXKufiOG2qc5Bt-ysUGnjVqkfZn_ZKrWH6775pv8tLyaciK-7Jsu-LgqAkbqtpUkXxfY3inUUlI/s1600/pheonix2.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pnTtKv_NrFP999bFIcUWfaa8FfhStrRMGOo-MuCj7uXBlzpFePZ9JXmMXGcwyZcz7wKwVbZaH1bnS3Fb7lDeCi2mthiFgucZVmRUx7WAh7tsMzM__azkjX0XK6vX2ePa2j-OCpHvjPI/s1600/pheonix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pnTtKv_NrFP999bFIcUWfaa8FfhStrRMGOo-MuCj7uXBlzpFePZ9JXmMXGcwyZcz7wKwVbZaH1bnS3Fb7lDeCi2mthiFgucZVmRUx7WAh7tsMzM__azkjX0XK6vX2ePa2j-OCpHvjPI/s1600/pheonix.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't get to go as far as I wanted with features and detail because I was on too short a deadline, but I'm happy with what I achieved. At the time the best advice I got from fellow goon painters was to focus more on my colour choices. I wanted to see if I could bring together the paint scheme I used previously - all blues - and my mum's favourite colour purple.<br />
<br />
I like it! Hopefully I'll be able to paint again soon. I've just settled into a new flat and I've got some exams in a few weeks, but I'm free after that.<br />
<br />
:)Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-17636523035940711662014-04-19T17:18:00.000+01:002014-04-19T17:19:53.700+01:00Building an Overgrown Ruin BaseI painted another High Elf Pheonix as a mother's day present for my... mother. I couldn't seem to get any decent pictures of that painting process but it is definitely the best thing I've painted so far by a large margin. I did get photos of how I made the snazzy base though.<br />
<br />
I have a mold of natural, miniature rock faces and outcroppings. A few hours before making the base I mixed up some normal milliput and pressed it in. It doesn't have to be perfect or solid. It only needs to have the outside detail. I tend to just make a shell then fill it with aluminium paper to save on putty.<br />
<br />
I use different art pastes but it's because I'm a gadget freak who does loads of art stuff outside of miniatures. You can make up an approximation of any past using different amounts of glue, water and sized sand/rocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/MXEqSxu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/MXEqSxu.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I do find the artistic gels let you sculpt them a bit more and are easier to control but it's not a necessary cost to get cool bases. However you do it you do want to get some different texture and densities when making organic type scenery.<br />
<br />
I start by slathering glue on the bottom of the milliput pieces and pushing them into the base. I had played about with them earlier seeing which ones to use and where I would put them. I wanted the base to look like rock portruding from the ground, rather than resting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/4kXpin6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/4kXpin6.jpg" height="435" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/htW8tWp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/htW8tWp.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You want to put enough glue that it squelches out around the sides when squelched down to make the rocks look like they are embedded in the earth.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/s1QP0Vq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/s1QP0Vq.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have all of my different size/texture sand and rocks in one pot. I rarely dig out the original bags or separate grade materials in. If I want a specific size all I have to do is shake it side to side and either the top or bottom will have all the fine sand, the other will have the rocks etc. If something is natural, industrial, destroyed etc you still want a bit of variation to make it look more natural and the occasional different sized rock piece aids this.<br />
<br />
For the first step I just drop the gluey base in and poke it around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/vX9mzRK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/vX9mzRK.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We want the glue and sand to lay over the edges of the large rocks. Once I pull it out I grab my tweezers and add larger rocks where they would fall off and collect. Don't worry about looking 'right' if you can make something look better or more balanced though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/Ts8RWw6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/Ts8RWw6.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once that it done I move onto spreading paste everywhere. I use 'craft' sticks that look like they come out of lollies to scoop out paste and push it around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/E3fGLk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/E3fGLk2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I start with the fine sand paste. This one is super great because you can get a finer sand/dirt effect that is more in scale than using actual fine sand and glue.<br />
<br />
To integrate the paste properly with the rocks I smoosh it up against them so the edges are completely covered. Then scrape it down with the stick. This creates the right transition without leaving obvious edges or lumps. You want to scrape the paste down towards the base, not up over the rock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/OqGpVv5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/OqGpVv5.jpg" height="184" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
More sand follows. I want more control now so I put the base in the lid, shake the mix until I see the texture I want, then scoop it out with my fingers and sprinkle it on making sure to leave bit of the original paste showing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/qr8b6eQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/qr8b6eQ.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
For the rocks on the ground I make sure to paste around them too. I either drop them on the paste and then roll them over using a cocktail stick or use the stick to poke the paste up against them. Tiny rocks that look like they've just been dropped on the floor look very obvious and ruin the mini effect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/XdPu7mP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/XdPu7mP.jpg" height="465" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I use a different grain paste on the other side. Here you can see the paste over the rock before I scrape it back down. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/Y00cR9p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/Y00cR9p.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
More sprinkles of sand mix.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/TAluK4m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/TAluK4m.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I lightly brush some sand paste over the crevices in the rocks to show where material would gather over time. This is a good place to drop some mini leaves and sticks as well. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/b3R0nLk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/b3R0nLk.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The best stuff to detail your natural scenery with is the real stuff. I go to the field next door and gather up clumps of different shaped mosses and tiny leafed plants, and different size/textured stick. I lay them out on some tissue paper and leave over a radiation until it's all crinkly dry. Then I store it in tupperware until I need it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/uAwrqN0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/uAwrqN0.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
PVA glue to stick it down. These HAVE just fallen down on the base so they don't need to be smoothed into things as much, you don't need to fill in all the gaps between the tree and the base. I do have a bit of build up against it because it's supposed to look very old and untouched when finished.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/Xk0Q1DR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/Xk0Q1DR.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/F0GfXtM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/F0GfXtM.jpg" height="269" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I add another one on the other side, propping it up on a rock.<br />
<br />
I had to rush from this point because it was due to be collected the morning after. I will be making more and showing how I painted them then added the miniature flowers I collected from outside soon enough though. Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-8367493309034758432014-03-20T21:51:00.001+00:002014-03-20T21:51:36.351+00:00More Kaladrax Here's some shots of the pieces individually.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYNQKdeqJV-GM2mkqEyHrwaooc9oRBnApbpVNZnB9MSZI_HIbmI91F0L_ZWUgIYpiWkhW9ixzEqlMNHQ7PJMhkH6xkMOBsH0_0Bz_MOTDLhceGGapKMoEWFuoFczhSyXJ_iJM_OEqH-o/s1600/Final+(70).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYNQKdeqJV-GM2mkqEyHrwaooc9oRBnApbpVNZnB9MSZI_HIbmI91F0L_ZWUgIYpiWkhW9ixzEqlMNHQ7PJMhkH6xkMOBsH0_0Bz_MOTDLhceGGapKMoEWFuoFczhSyXJ_iJM_OEqH-o/s1600/Final+(70).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuPiZgcR5zROLkvBTMVNGehz1PzO3b3JpMPw_3YROjF-Ej97nNlrx541ckCBoExD0o7LyecsNziGA4R4aC7za1t31ZRM2On9jhcXZCaf844ozbE0p9AOnTRdm-W3VLsomDI03XsYwR6U/s1600/Final+(72).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBuPiZgcR5zROLkvBTMVNGehz1PzO3b3JpMPw_3YROjF-Ej97nNlrx541ckCBoExD0o7LyecsNziGA4R4aC7za1t31ZRM2On9jhcXZCaf844ozbE0p9AOnTRdm-W3VLsomDI03XsYwR6U/s1600/Final+(72).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmezpVdJzfiQj4HGfSxaTqPYFIQ-XMuzoXuB5sgOZeSc36RCJ171fejgzUSAXH6sYTjQg_eTlqZH7hfGOHwHFOMAm_HHHEFRLSS7PUyuYNt9Orxlh377XYHPMkcohev8eM3tFddk6P2Hw/s1600/Final+(73).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmezpVdJzfiQj4HGfSxaTqPYFIQ-XMuzoXuB5sgOZeSc36RCJ171fejgzUSAXH6sYTjQg_eTlqZH7hfGOHwHFOMAm_HHHEFRLSS7PUyuYNt9Orxlh377XYHPMkcohev8eM3tFddk6P2Hw/s1600/Final+(73).jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA6LTK_wcsy3g3UrN9W1NhLvuNnbW9JuqRD9IWoDIjXwXWvtXfmlWonwT28ciY0WTdMmGUZyHBHeRtTkm-iVCNA4v0TOZ7j9J_GYsqLWa_YUAAa6hBeT-QD-CNvFT9NIOfuAmcqAdlgw/s1600/Final+(81).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA6LTK_wcsy3g3UrN9W1NhLvuNnbW9JuqRD9IWoDIjXwXWvtXfmlWonwT28ciY0WTdMmGUZyHBHeRtTkm-iVCNA4v0TOZ7j9J_GYsqLWa_YUAAa6hBeT-QD-CNvFT9NIOfuAmcqAdlgw/s1600/Final+(81).jpg" height="519" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh045ElPfdMZez_LxDT6c4xonK9pSikFIPP7TrGFaJ6MRn1aYQrCyFOIpD-A2txYcEpE0l__OpAwBI-cuCL3RtDZI_o96bb2A76ulGZrXxl_40qs4utHo6o0N6aKSOeB4UFw8uM6X1Is2I/s1600/Final+(85).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh045ElPfdMZez_LxDT6c4xonK9pSikFIPP7TrGFaJ6MRn1aYQrCyFOIpD-A2txYcEpE0l__OpAwBI-cuCL3RtDZI_o96bb2A76ulGZrXxl_40qs4utHo6o0N6aKSOeB4UFw8uM6X1Is2I/s1600/Final+(85).jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ctxYnOK2R9FYQLD0mjseFA70MomU5oxTfW3iTVg7vbmNaQ_k92p39aW5mqAobG2kcsYYvfWv0h_dQaTduVoA07Xp0apqqcOML37oqM22RJBJS0aw0MbyozCyR0v_p1AhovWIXt9WwvI/s1600/Final+(89).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ctxYnOK2R9FYQLD0mjseFA70MomU5oxTfW3iTVg7vbmNaQ_k92p39aW5mqAobG2kcsYYvfWv0h_dQaTduVoA07Xp0apqqcOML37oqM22RJBJS0aw0MbyozCyR0v_p1AhovWIXt9WwvI/s1600/Final+(89).jpg" height="258" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjfzeSZIft95cfaGKjDtH4mHstAvf2hOujxzxRDhZ580iR6JvrmInsMkvhgXJwqwtEQ0PEYJPvVrQWd97EQHOanew8Om1NqYF7yM0Hz1cSqmsc4PUy_AByj5Vd1aC5sLeclhU0tz1h0Y/s1600/Final+(90).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjfzeSZIft95cfaGKjDtH4mHstAvf2hOujxzxRDhZ580iR6JvrmInsMkvhgXJwqwtEQ0PEYJPvVrQWd97EQHOanew8Om1NqYF7yM0Hz1cSqmsc4PUy_AByj5Vd1aC5sLeclhU0tz1h0Y/s1600/Final+(90).jpg" height="374" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m2sxvxPZJLV_SQ-ORroTzrSaGKx6ptD35ZQTd0RcTsbarvGHzBNAUS9H4ug_dJf2jMmLjq1RlSvG0mVXGl8kKV9N-sj3Cq257ZhSehkIsabteSoSNhpPX3hhJcDCHjGI_PodzAs353A/s1600/Final+(92).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0m2sxvxPZJLV_SQ-ORroTzrSaGKx6ptD35ZQTd0RcTsbarvGHzBNAUS9H4ug_dJf2jMmLjq1RlSvG0mVXGl8kKV9N-sj3Cq257ZhSehkIsabteSoSNhpPX3hhJcDCHjGI_PodzAs353A/s1600/Final+(92).jpg" height="262" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-86531232081724488542014-03-17T12:47:00.002+00:002014-03-17T12:47:07.630+00:00Kaladrax The FinishedOh I can't believe it's finally finished and sent! Whooohooo! Here's a collection of pictures I took before shipping off the massive mini. I will write up how I did some of the things I think are good later. For now admire my terrible photoshopping skills and images much wider than my blog. <br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/tUczQRo.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/oth9zxf.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/B3oSs4X.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/ficiiKp.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/BEyw5qb.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/Q4jkk85.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/kQH0AOx.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/zUtrzP2.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/rhWEsyb.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/d5cjPD5.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/2usB4DL.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/S4ksR8a.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/o75d8oe.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/Dj97F1f.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/GUsqXpw.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/UzZcBL8.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/MY9Coa8.jpg" />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/ybaNvvD.jpg" />
Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-58601444291829921652014-02-24T00:17:00.001+00:002014-02-24T00:19:01.337+00:00Big Bog Roundup: Part TwoHere is the second part of my big blog roundup. A number of these are in french. France produces some of the best artwork in the world and this is true within miniature painting. Even if you need to pop things through a translator and stumble through some engrish there's some great information in all of them.<br />
<br />
I am running out of platitudes to roll out about each painter. I'm only going to post good and useful sites and I feel shallow saying 'oh this painting is great and the tutorials are useful etc etc' every time. <br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Miniature Fairy Tales</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://miniaturefairytales.blogspot.co.at/">http://miniaturefairytales.blogspot.co.at/</a><br />
<br />
This is another blog by a small group of people. The posts are not the most frequent but there's a good backlog and a number of tutorials written up. There is sculpting WIP on display as well as painting at a variety of (high) levels of proficiency. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://splashurl.com/lo5285b" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://splashurl.com/lo5285b" height="403" width="640" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_2089350355"></span><span id="goog_2089350356"></span><br />
They post updates about what's going on in the world of miniatures; new tutorials, inspiring paint work, new resources.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">The Brush Brothers</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thebrushbrothers.blogspot.co.uk/">http://www.thebrushbrothers.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
Another group of great painters with tutorials, WIPs and display photos. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfNFkwseZkvhzv2eX4zAbQTRlJHVd9E4kxDsFsWgSf07qWXD2LH6dvT7gcy7Khx-4C9ddDxTbf-wfiQyMDznDTiCx3Ivg75BkKG7tCSbpgrgSCDYgwr05T0fYGI6buQJ96S-UfhKmcvU/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfNFkwseZkvhzv2eX4zAbQTRlJHVd9E4kxDsFsWgSf07qWXD2LH6dvT7gcy7Khx-4C9ddDxTbf-wfiQyMDznDTiCx3Ivg75BkKG7tCSbpgrgSCDYgwr05T0fYGI6buQJ96S-UfhKmcvU/s1600/11.JPG" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">ScratchMod</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scratchmod.com/">http://www.scratchmod.com/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://modelerssocialclub.proboards.com/forum">http://modelerssocialclub.proboards.com/forum</a><br />
<br />
These ScratchMod sites follow the strange habit of people to be great technical painters and then produce websites that look like the 90's exploded on their HTML. Work through the unintuitive site design and see some realistic/historical WIPs. The forum has lots of different sections, including one user pulling apart a Tumbler vehicle and re-rendering it more accurately to the films and addind LEDs, etc.<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u>
<u><span style="font-size: large;">5th Dimension</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://5-th-dimension.blogspot.co.uk/">http://5-th-dimension.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
Another collective of painters collaborating on a blog. I didn't realize this was so commonly done. Lots on it, including thoughts on miniature painting/hobbying in general which is always quite nice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YOvz-1j4mmo/UwOzCdsyNXI/AAAAAAAAYTw/Xighnl1mFYU/s1600/DSC00693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YOvz-1j4mmo/UwOzCdsyNXI/AAAAAAAAYTw/Xighnl1mFYU/s1600/DSC00693.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
Look at this amazing base and now go read the amazing words of the people who make and paint things like this!<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Mr Lee's Painting Emporium</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mrleespaintingemporium.blogspot.de/">http://mrleespaintingemporium.blogspot.de/</a><br />
<br />
As well as contributing to the 5th dimension Mr Lee has his own dedicated blog that has been going for a couple of years, has a couple of hundred posts and is an informative and easy read.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Tale of Painters</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://taleofpainters.blogspot.co.uk/">http://taleofpainters.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
Collaborative blog based on Games Workshop products. It's been running for a few years and updates regularly, covering everything from tutorials to building man caves.<br />
<br />
I've never had this problem. As the woman of the house I have just spread my modelling and painting supplies over everything and threaten to leave my housemate to cook for himself if he complains.<br />
<br />
They have a nifty format for doing their tutorials in. The blog design isn't the most ideal but viewable non the less.<br />
<br />
Ok I feel like like the undead at the moment but I really want to share the great blogs I've found. I will just list the rest for now. If you are the owner of a blog below please don't think I'm making a statement by not doing a little section - I am simply too tired for writing!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://eurekaminiature.blogspot.com.es/">http://eurekaminiature.blogspot.com.es/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://cursedmonkeys.com/">http://cursedmonkeys.com/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://leskouzes.blogspot.fr/">http://leskouzes.blogspot.fr/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mondedeptitsbonshommes.com/">http://mondedeptitsbonshommes.com/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.jbadiorama.com/">http://www.jbadiorama.com/</a><br />
<br />
This last link is highly recommended. Some of the most insane diorama scratch building I've seen. <br />
<br />
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-73774549696137348182014-02-22T02:06:00.004+00:002014-02-22T02:08:04.159+00:00Big Blog Roundup: Part OneI have sprained my shoulder doing deadlifts! I have learned my lesson: exercise is bad for you. It is my writing and painting arm so I'm out of commission for the short term at least. To fulfill my need to do something hobby based I've decided to review the hundreds of bookmarks I've accrued over the last few months and post the good ones. I will also be updating my links section accordingly.<br />
<br />
In this part I'm linking to general blogs. I may have a couple of parts as I trundle the internet feeling sorry for my arm over the next couple of days. I am also going to have a post where I have combed through the blogs individually and point out snazzy tutorials or WIP series. <br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Mistral Fantasy</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mistralvernati.blogspot.co.uk/">http://mistralvernati.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
This is an Italian language blog. Even if you don't get on with the google translate function, this blog is full of wonderful WIP images as the blogger makes amazing pieces of scenery and buildings. Inspirational work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O21k59t_Bbw/Ugsw54XYfZI/AAAAAAAABA0/CcstUahWOkQ/s1600/tempiowip0511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O21k59t_Bbw/Ugsw54XYfZI/AAAAAAAABA0/CcstUahWOkQ/s1600/tempiowip0511.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-it1FNQD35vc/UpH0LKAJMvI/AAAAAAAABPQ/DasEJh29xLE/s1600/insieme03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-it1FNQD35vc/UpH0LKAJMvI/AAAAAAAABPQ/DasEJh29xLE/s1600/insieme03.jpg" height="640" width="564" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Serpentarium</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://serpentarium-painting.blogspot.co.uk/">http://serpentarium-painting.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
This blog is a collaborative effort between five painters:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/Yellow+one?browseid=8266654">http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/Yellow+one?browseid=8266654</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/Ookami+%28aka+S.Gusev%29?browseid=8266656">http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/Ookami+%28aka+S.Gusev%29?browseid=8266656</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/ravenswood?browseid=8266658">http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/ravenswood?browseid=8266658</a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_384988271"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/Ringil?browseid=8266659">http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/Ringil?browseid=8266659</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/HopeRiver?browseid=8266660">http://www.coolminiornot.com/artist/HopeRiver?browseid=8266660</a><br />
<br />
Originally a Russian blog the painters have made the effort to translate their posts into English as well. A bit rough in places but overall readable and full of stunning miniature work. <br />
<br />
Three of them also have individual blogs where they post more about their own painting.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u>
<u><span style="font-size: large;">HopeRiver's Valley</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://z3r-river-eng.blogspot.co.uk/">http://z3r-river-eng.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
Two words: SPACE ELDAR<br />
<br />
Even more spacey than normal eldar.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3b1IyzMx3a74dMGE3J2vtOWORBfkYornvQqDsHNLRf_XOX5GfmhwsSpdfzFnHbKlDGRZpXjUPxVhUkROuVzp1WDtnC3R-50qzmFJiqXHK8lbpSYzkzFyvgNX2ikow2ZT7VUUETjsNuBm/s1600/IMG_2380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3b1IyzMx3a74dMGE3J2vtOWORBfkYornvQqDsHNLRf_XOX5GfmhwsSpdfzFnHbKlDGRZpXjUPxVhUkROuVzp1WDtnC3R-50qzmFJiqXHK8lbpSYzkzFyvgNX2ikow2ZT7VUUETjsNuBm/s1600/IMG_2380.JPG" height="401" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQttxR4w1Aq2b0ubRDp5pTSzWB3F8fj0iITAoeE5ogP8wAUzfTRHP1miOTIuM7UXxrQv7B5Edw-dDziK7OFm5v8HBXCC8F_wB55enKIGFXpa8pkcOxFWyUxNHJhmqO20G762Jg8UybRS4/s1600/IMG_2603+2000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQttxR4w1Aq2b0ubRDp5pTSzWB3F8fj0iITAoeE5ogP8wAUzfTRHP1miOTIuM7UXxrQv7B5Edw-dDziK7OFm5v8HBXCC8F_wB55enKIGFXpa8pkcOxFWyUxNHJhmqO20G762Jg8UybRS4/s1600/IMG_2603+2000.jpg" height="461" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She posts loads of different closeups of all her models, and really good walkthroughs. <br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Ringil</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ringil-do-urden.blogspot.co.uk/">http://ringil-do-urden.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
Lots of WIP shots and different types of miniatures. As a warning, a lot of them are stupidly sexualised tiny women figures and a bit creepy in places. (Naked lady painted to be crying, ok...) But in amongst it are things like Ar-Fienel being bad-ass despite unnecessary cleavage:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz5AMIehtWAs0N2H_CttcUkADjkuLWU2CRI15fzjixwkw6iTdo3a7N1YbwMSlsu4GiBZOsRvoOrgZqtJSYmkjNHSR_7U8bIRE_vY9qrMGkz8nrtENSnHcBb8aU6BhmolCkX5Vw8v-yuUr/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNz5AMIehtWAs0N2H_CttcUkADjkuLWU2CRI15fzjixwkw6iTdo3a7N1YbwMSlsu4GiBZOsRvoOrgZqtJSYmkjNHSR_7U8bIRE_vY9qrMGkz8nrtENSnHcBb8aU6BhmolCkX5Vw8v-yuUr/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Into the Ravenswood</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://ravenswood-art.blogspot.co.uk/">http://ravenswood-art.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
Ravenswood has just produced their first commercial miniature - a really cool dwarf model. Also on display are well painted but overly sexualised dwarves ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.coolminiornot.com/pics/pics16/img51a475ff23576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.coolminiornot.com/pics/pics16/img51a475ff23576.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
That weathered metal is so sexy it should be behind a mature content filter or something.<br />
<br />
Moving away from the Serpentinium group:<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Mirko Cavalloni Art</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://mirko-cavalloni.blogspot.co.uk/">http://mirko-cavalloni.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
The painting style here reminds me of old oil paintings depicting epic moments in time. Desaturated palettes and worn, aged look. Different and good to look through.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4ItT2gbawF4-k86gIfaXFBA3ohYRW3BZQzBLsdBsq6LnfpGuk4_scfwu_eIYIz3FminBPByRFJOV1BSua4hzby2v5xJhpOPNsEXQOh7kXSTCK9GTNdhJ_FmEMnHCwUQj9-LKSMM_-Gs/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG4ItT2gbawF4-k86gIfaXFBA3ohYRW3BZQzBLsdBsq6LnfpGuk4_scfwu_eIYIz3FminBPByRFJOV1BSua4hzby2v5xJhpOPNsEXQOh7kXSTCK9GTNdhJ_FmEMnHCwUQj9-LKSMM_-Gs/s1600/IMG_0696.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Tom Schadle Miniatures</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://tomschadleminiatures.blogspot.co.uk/">http://tomschadleminiatures.blogspot.co.uk/</a><br />
<br />
A lot of Infinity terrain/miniatures and Wild West Exodus pieces painted up with stunning contrast and colour depth. Interesting thoughts on each miniature and useful colour lists and painting tips with almost every post.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi8yh3Uz8HbklArCjykUQ93ZKOqvCSB_Ty4A-Mo9GJPojvafU_Ks6TF7B67m4h-Bhe92jZWw9_YMpbHMU9Pvf4CuAX47U20hhRVAAqFI-8uAHn5Hg_URcnRjB6e2VtKaF3CD1TBGhikk/s1600/DefWallFront.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPi8yh3Uz8HbklArCjykUQ93ZKOqvCSB_Ty4A-Mo9GJPojvafU_Ks6TF7B67m4h-Bhe92jZWw9_YMpbHMU9Pvf4CuAX47U20hhRVAAqFI-8uAHn5Hg_URcnRjB6e2VtKaF3CD1TBGhikk/s1600/DefWallFront.JPG" height="267" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNEtP2A4wWy3mkgLaQpBLfRsKSQqoTREIwQ8l1W96VVStQXd_Nm2BLOQOp66IsL3M6-VyJmveDFRn4PKPA7K4YELzN_R2HaGYBHROC64Oiac8eF3CzgZOr9nRDvZgfTEAE29g5W8WYC8/s1600/LargeCube2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNEtP2A4wWy3mkgLaQpBLfRsKSQqoTREIwQ8l1W96VVStQXd_Nm2BLOQOp66IsL3M6-VyJmveDFRn4PKPA7K4YELzN_R2HaGYBHROC64Oiac8eF3CzgZOr9nRDvZgfTEAE29g5W8WYC8/s1600/LargeCube2.JPG" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Chris Clayton</span></u><br />
<br />
Mr Clayton has two blogs:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ccmodelworks.com/" target="_blank">http://ccmodelworks.com/ </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://giganticminiatures.com/">http://giganticminiatures.com/</a><br />
<br />
The former is based more on his experience of miniatures as a hobby, and the latter is about his work producing models and paintwork on a professional level. Both are good reads. Even if you don't know him by name, you have almost certainly seen one of his latest pieces of work, Hush;<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ccmodelworks.com/images/hush/big_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ccmodelworks.com/images/hush/big_1.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
He is responsible for both the sculpt and the paint job. There are step by step WIP's of both on the blogs.<br />
<br />
As well as Hush he has painted and produced some mind blowing female figures that aren't creepy or purely focused on a female figurine as a representation of 'sexy'. I'm determined to get my hands on some one day. There's a couple of boob windows here and there but overall I really like Gigantic Miniatures' work. <br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Wamp </span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://wampforum.com/Landing/index.html">http://wampforum.com/Landing/index.html</a><br />
<br />
This is a site collecting loads of great painters. The tutorials section is much better than the one on CMoN and seems to have a much higher standard across the board in content. Lots of active posters. Hosts blogs, reviews, a forum and a gallery. I've been finding lots of good new painters on there, especially ones who do scenery/dioramas that I haven't come across on CMoN et al.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Armorama</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://armorama.kitmaker.net/">http://armorama.kitmaker.net/</a><br />
<br />
A military modelling website packed full of awesome resources regardless of whether your focus is realistic, sci-fi or fantasy. The website design isn't very fluid but worth learning to navigate. I have always been more invested in doing work that is interesting even if it means sacrificing realism (not that realism is inherently less interesting) but even as someone with that perspective the information and writing on the site is accessible and interesting. <br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Platoon Britannica</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://platoonbritannica.com/index.php">http://platoonbritannica.com/index.php</a><br />
<br />
A forum covering all details of miniatures. Excellent talent on show. There aren't hundreds of posts a day, but a steady flow of new posts over time and lots already existing to work through. Quite a few of the regular posters from CMoN are present here but there are a substantial number whose work I haven't seen posted anywhere else yet.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Spanish Team</span></u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://spanish-team.com/foro/index.php?sid=9e174bc9277ed00bc49762bb9a674d8e">http://spanish-team.com/foro/index.php?sid=9e174bc9277ed00bc49762bb9a674d8e</a><br />
<br />
A spanish miniatures forum! The google translate on this is quite rough. Lots of people have also posted in english alongside their native spanish. There's lots of demonstrations using images and WIP pictures anyway so anything you can't read you can see! Really some of the work being developed on this forum is pretty insane and people post on a regular basis. <br />
<br />
I came across this forum because someone linked to my articles on putty! Puts a big grin on my face when I see people pointing to any articles I've written. <br />
<br />
That's all I feel like writing up for now. The substantial amount of painkillers I've had pumped into me may have made this a ropier read than usual. Hopefully there is something new in here for you to read. <br />
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-83703922304032465552014-01-22T08:47:00.001+00:002014-01-23T09:28:29.723+00:00Kaladrax the Undead Dragon Painting Project Part One: Putty PreparationThis blog post is a bit scatter brained because I get insomnia during the winter. Please enjoy my sleepless ramblings. I haven't bothered correcting the colouring on all the photos until I reach the stage until paint it involved, because it really doesn't matter until then. <br />
<br />
Fellow goon SpaceInvader was a lucky git and got in on the first Reaper Bones kickstarter. One of his mega models was Kaladrax, the undead. Since he doesn't have an airbrush, and I love painting things I never have to look at again once they are finished, I am painting up the huge beast. I think it's going to end up as a centre piece for DnD games.<br />
<br />
When the kickstarter was running, they only had a sketch up for the model.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UxALnhYZKY79L1Xfst0EV6sCNfC7wWFDyg0s743Yu5gOcdGrxJatsemkbv4NuLc45Okjo2HKTxIgVEIXUyPF7U7qY6tvZTFoeIuoa_f71hNAFvSszZwMyxlNLA5Ieen-7ZBJmkzfIpQ/s1600/Kaladraxkickstartersketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UxALnhYZKY79L1Xfst0EV6sCNfC7wWFDyg0s743Yu5gOcdGrxJatsemkbv4NuLc45Okjo2HKTxIgVEIXUyPF7U7qY6tvZTFoeIuoa_f71hNAFvSszZwMyxlNLA5Ieen-7ZBJmkzfIpQ/s1600/Kaladraxkickstartersketch.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
A very cool looking model. You can see in the bottom right they have included a little sorceress model which should give you an idea of the scale they planned. Something went a bit wrong in the translation and the model ended up being scaled differently as it headed into production. It ended up being... huge.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So far preparation has taken 6 weeks. And I don't mean 6 weeks of occasional attention, I mean I've wracked up well over a solid 24 hours of work on this thing just getting it to the stage where it can be primed. More than that, by quite a way. I don't want to give an actual number because it sounds unbelievable and more like I'm an idiot who doesn't know how to use a file, rather than this model is massive and required a lot of work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started my work with the base, and I'll start the articles with it to. Here it is being massive next to my lovely hand. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2kzWuEg_q3KvFWWVdB-SUFJkKwpVQ3TaQgGDCmD5hIzOOhkoumv0ieWBiF4OaKbE0F3imXrL6akE_Agl2XJ_mBKnzrmko0IyBnYOK9_celSwAo3IkkdHGnOjI5Q9UmwoS3zhYpwMNOU/s1600/DSCF5063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI2kzWuEg_q3KvFWWVdB-SUFJkKwpVQ3TaQgGDCmD5hIzOOhkoumv0ieWBiF4OaKbE0F3imXrL6akE_Agl2XJ_mBKnzrmko0IyBnYOK9_celSwAo3IkkdHGnOjI5Q9UmwoS3zhYpwMNOU/s1600/DSCF5063.JPG" height="357" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Although looking at it now the perspective doesn't show it off very well. It's either smaller or my hand is huge too. The face is the focal point of the piece but here's some other angles and details.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYmKvzFDRWf1RJy882aWrEuPiaEIKlPxDGMoosG9eaUVBjJyqtoDEY62F8KfG7AywJH4iQ8qCNCJsX3hlExPZcAJQSZfg5FkSipoPSRb0nZ22IOawg4okQ9anWuIzDEk61UFJI5roJkU/s1600/DSCF5059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYmKvzFDRWf1RJy882aWrEuPiaEIKlPxDGMoosG9eaUVBjJyqtoDEY62F8KfG7AywJH4iQ8qCNCJsX3hlExPZcAJQSZfg5FkSipoPSRb0nZ22IOawg4okQ9anWuIzDEk61UFJI5roJkU/s1600/DSCF5059.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC-UwkeYDVLQ31Tmw-DIPOTyeNjcEaQc2S4vNaI9TCiPrm51v68Q0qwzeuz2oLz2YfGXAJfqLHq1ph3nZcaCad8xEgaoBTzQTyx_DEH6iL-csU8T7NEIjPn1_vBDR_trf5EyqYHQsYHE/s1600/DSCF5061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC-UwkeYDVLQ31Tmw-DIPOTyeNjcEaQc2S4vNaI9TCiPrm51v68Q0qwzeuz2oLz2YfGXAJfqLHq1ph3nZcaCad8xEgaoBTzQTyx_DEH6iL-csU8T7NEIjPn1_vBDR_trf5EyqYHQsYHE/s1600/DSCF5061.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH2hnrp66C_ZK4BFM6B_0wUephxrIoMXnXF4sn0Rbmgg5pnuF1jo_jMbMbO2ICzO50UwTLVS1RVVaNcC86Mlf2f2rwek41OocejiPv7BHfZrb7Oa2Mct_M4ybyJOTWVO3PVDggBUw4zg/s1600/DSCF5062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidH2hnrp66C_ZK4BFM6B_0wUephxrIoMXnXF4sn0Rbmgg5pnuF1jo_jMbMbO2ICzO50UwTLVS1RVVaNcC86Mlf2f2rwek41OocejiPv7BHfZrb7Oa2Mct_M4ybyJOTWVO3PVDggBUw4zg/s1600/DSCF5062.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCsXdsh7QUhTU5_pjjx2wuElq63bYf1jOkF5gaBaokV4Ed3HMGa9L34wPSC_hNXPcoXyIYdtoFld7WJWVaGD2Urckwg9EE8DfKiYExG-3iZwE4JzXvc2BqAKDnj7OzegNUTAz1itzMo0/s1600/DSCF5065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCsXdsh7QUhTU5_pjjx2wuElq63bYf1jOkF5gaBaokV4Ed3HMGa9L34wPSC_hNXPcoXyIYdtoFld7WJWVaGD2Urckwg9EE8DfKiYExG-3iZwE4JzXvc2BqAKDnj7OzegNUTAz1itzMo0/s1600/DSCF5065.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Honestly? The base is a pretty terrible sculpt. I had to do ALOT of work on it to make it presentable before I even started painting it. There are some really nice details on it: the broken bits of architecture and the statue head are cool individual pieces. But it is all linked by really mushy rocks and just... lumps. It doesn't really work as a coherent piece and feel very much like an after thought to the big ass dragon. Like someone said 'woops, gotta put this on something!'.<br />
<br />
First up though was filling all the bubble holes and removing lots of mold lines. It wasn't too bad considering the size of the piece but did take over a week working on it each night to get it to a point I was happy with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEljrrR17u2nawwRexJ17wcOnorPhmec_bRcikgORg3HtDvFf7_DZfHoNkaxP5KW3stVPv-g3j3hFezR1uxhiDCAIbSIow0ikkCnGJTSxltPL3k2ig4rViy95S03YrKXDgp4lA_7XFUs/s1600/DSCF5067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEljrrR17u2nawwRexJ17wcOnorPhmec_bRcikgORg3HtDvFf7_DZfHoNkaxP5KW3stVPv-g3j3hFezR1uxhiDCAIbSIow0ikkCnGJTSxltPL3k2ig4rViy95S03YrKXDgp4lA_7XFUs/s1600/DSCF5067.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
Here we are ready to start. I ended up switching to milliput grey-yellow because my above milliputs were old and dried out, and too hard to work with. Despite being a lower 'quality' I really like the yellow-grey milliput and find it easy to get everything done with. I haven't come across anything I can't do with it that I was doing with the superfine white so far, and it is much cheaper. I used milliput instead of greenstuff because I found it much, much easier to handle when filling and remolding, to remove excess, and once it was set I could carve and file it into shapes that were too fiddly to do while it was curing.<br />
<br />
I actually doing know what I would want to use greenstuff for over milliput these days, but I'm sure I'll find better uses for it one day. For now when it comes to filling and fixing pieces I wouldn't touch anything but a milliput type putty. I do have the squadron putty up there too but for some reason it is in a toluene solvent. I have not found any use for it that is worth having toluene evaporating around me. Do not recommend thus far.<br />
<br />
Now lots of the model surfaces had tiny pits where bubbles had burst at the top as it cured in the mold. Although it's a ruined base, I couldn't leave them as part of the damage. They very obviously looked like tiny holes in a miniature so I set about mixing up some putty and using my patented smoosh technique to fill everything.<br />
<br />
I ALWAYS mix up far more milliput than I end up using. By quite a way.<br />
<br />
For filling in holes I cut off a tiny sliver of putty and then roll it into a string. If you get a little box or block and roll the putty under it - back and forth - you will end up with a completely uniform cylinder. I've used a ruler and table in the following picture. Much better than doing it with your hands, it you ever need it. Notice my workspace has a piece of baking paper over it. Makes using any form of putty super easy. It doesnt stick - you can just peel it off it if gets squished down - and its a clean surface that your putty wont be picking up lots of crap from.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GjgvRGhG10_pXk2xr7DoSMqrxwj7ClYspTBbVALK3-sLVgnm1sGiVR6pO8TkuzPNm2iNZoagBP7EJaT35ODJaHmUxKAzxOwwq1BSd33zwjJUZ7givvPDy7fQEW0EbUIpkW0RVQMtuls/s1600/DSCF5087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8GjgvRGhG10_pXk2xr7DoSMqrxwj7ClYspTBbVALK3-sLVgnm1sGiVR6pO8TkuzPNm2iNZoagBP7EJaT35ODJaHmUxKAzxOwwq1BSd33zwjJUZ7givvPDy7fQEW0EbUIpkW0RVQMtuls/s1600/DSCF5087.JPG" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Apparently the sun was exploding while I took these pictures. Photoshop doesn't have an auto correct for that. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've just realised going through my pictures that I don't have any more on base preparation, just the dragon body. So let's switch across! Here's a quick view of all the parts, if you are curious:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx3cx_OLyxlb7gmZeOPZMMQMWwue5rGSkc93QPqLwy7jZaKlHDTUPA182fYA6zOW66zArjwEcqRrr7_y12rLMX0gWJdauggFPTLNrl8lW6yq_iQODUx4Y1OlZj_THSNiRY6Y93d5iKbM/s1600/DSCF5073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx3cx_OLyxlb7gmZeOPZMMQMWwue5rGSkc93QPqLwy7jZaKlHDTUPA182fYA6zOW66zArjwEcqRrr7_y12rLMX0gWJdauggFPTLNrl8lW6yq_iQODUx4Y1OlZj_THSNiRY6Y93d5iKbM/s1600/DSCF5073.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiYNXlDsshyphenhyphen0KeQ-T7OfhBXnCYeI7wyianNUWbitGJBy3K4v2LLS8GE-QS2rZziDpAFXnHv-uDbDTIeub4iy_zw71veFUJenObfzV5W3NEq9DJuN0stRtN5vjQyIXizEn7qpk4vWrJdk/s1600/DSCF5076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiYNXlDsshyphenhyphen0KeQ-T7OfhBXnCYeI7wyianNUWbitGJBy3K4v2LLS8GE-QS2rZziDpAFXnHv-uDbDTIeub4iy_zw71veFUJenObfzV5W3NEq9DJuN0stRtN5vjQyIXizEn7qpk4vWrJdk/s1600/DSCF5076.JPG" height="572" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When it came to the body of Kaladrax I felt far more like it was 'Collection of mold lines' and I was supposed to remove the bits of dragon in the way rather than the other way around. I do not know how you get FOUR MOLD LINES going down a 2 foot tail but I definitely know how you get rid of it now.<br />
<br />
I sold my soul. That's how. Also I inhaled lots of plastic dust. I'm probably going to die before this gets finished. If you scanned my lungs all you would get it an image of them screaming. Screaming out dust.<br />
<br />
But I'm supposed to be talking about filling things right now!<br />
<br />
When I have the piece of putty on the tip of my scalpel I just use it to push it into the gap I'm filling. Kaladrax's body has a very visible seam running around one section where it has been glued together from two halves in the factory. It doesn't look like much but from experience I know it will annoy me when I'm trying to paint that area. I've seen some people who have pulled the model in to so that they can remove the flesh from between the ribs and make a completely skeletal dragon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU9294JbBuJiqZasm1mIYZBWDJaitxmUoud06MIiiFQrBQEdCZzwGkjEyluoyf87gibaomIwWjKZIwaCfwqZfnP6BqfDl9LPbh5qwfW8btrxsZRfFKaMvx9JDX8J_xOyAfSG4AhMYnHw/s1600/DSCF5092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU9294JbBuJiqZasm1mIYZBWDJaitxmUoud06MIiiFQrBQEdCZzwGkjEyluoyf87gibaomIwWjKZIwaCfwqZfnP6BqfDl9LPbh5qwfW8btrxsZRfFKaMvx9JDX8J_xOyAfSG4AhMYnHw/s1600/DSCF5092.JPG" height="359" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4SrrJlOegaCjQ9WSY9GM1aFvlw6uJ5Mq-uL9mTdmLVTlHuq9kkKYouZwggLE-4KsLOxiaORr8SfE9MzjXfYtMJYFAUD6uN5zxmEiUMsqKd8gXGWIjkk_yY2wAJOa5yjPOKHkPnUQkgs/s1600/DSCF5093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy4SrrJlOegaCjQ9WSY9GM1aFvlw6uJ5Mq-uL9mTdmLVTlHuq9kkKYouZwggLE-4KsLOxiaORr8SfE9MzjXfYtMJYFAUD6uN5zxmEiUMsqKd8gXGWIjkk_yY2wAJOa5yjPOKHkPnUQkgs/s1600/DSCF5093.JPG" height="366" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzWxqYHxJAFbT5BGmnCsZiMIeiKZKm_wAzmJUgkjdzmAdyaeVkuzQll0dQkhhyphenhyphenTFNGiDirULbIwUwJ-rIFPRiwyRlGJu65tGSusJwu84_vZFKk0-ZUEoTgsY2yHZKbcp4FKU2KtGi0X0/s1600/DSCF5094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzWxqYHxJAFbT5BGmnCsZiMIeiKZKm_wAzmJUgkjdzmAdyaeVkuzQll0dQkhhyphenhyphenTFNGiDirULbIwUwJ-rIFPRiwyRlGJu65tGSusJwu84_vZFKk0-ZUEoTgsY2yHZKbcp4FKU2KtGi0X0/s1600/DSCF5094.JPG" height="436" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I just pat it in using the scalpel blade. With this material you should be extra careful not to nick the model - it's very easy to cut through. But scalpel blades are very flexible so you can smoosh away to your hearts content. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6OPEVFWAEoEqLt1EXlImEPe1J6OyFxuv856szLxVNp5kM2JoPsCfGxlk_ibFhlDCRz01OqXOnxzuaKaFrqxL3qEtKf0EafcrqaVThuxlwFPYiK7krw5KoFlpZtZPflvCz83Y0oi_Byo/s1600/DSCF5096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6OPEVFWAEoEqLt1EXlImEPe1J6OyFxuv856szLxVNp5kM2JoPsCfGxlk_ibFhlDCRz01OqXOnxzuaKaFrqxL3qEtKf0EafcrqaVThuxlwFPYiK7krw5KoFlpZtZPflvCz83Y0oi_Byo/s1600/DSCF5096.JPG" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When my heart is content with my amount of scalpel blade smooshing I move onto my tiny clay shapers. I use the conical ones for the most part, and apply pressure while rolling the shaper against the model. I do this against both edges so the putty ends up smoothing in and not making another ridge. I dip the shaper into water, dab most of it off, and repeat. Milliput is water soluble and this helps create an even finer blend at the edges.<br />
<br />
I have these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tQIkIUtOL._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51tQIkIUtOL._SL1000_.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
They are adorable and very good. Size 0 is perfect for anything I've come across in mini's. I have some size 5's as well for when I splat stuff around on terrain pieces. For some reason the small ones are called colour shapers and the large ones clay shapers. Regardless of it you do any actual sculpting or not I recommend picking some of these up if you see them at a decent price. Very useful doing model preparation. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLyNtPbvrohYsD7aeOQSE0FC62URzzCx_NAlEDEERZuEQpc4PS78VQl_EhBJNxwUqoj6exEgjCIImzqBWfbjzqp8YvPINeFL9xKrdv4A6VtOg0ROCSQttAaBvSTpdHgiiRQ7bxHsw6l0/s1600/DSCF5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuLyNtPbvrohYsD7aeOQSE0FC62URzzCx_NAlEDEERZuEQpc4PS78VQl_EhBJNxwUqoj6exEgjCIImzqBWfbjzqp8YvPINeFL9xKrdv4A6VtOg0ROCSQttAaBvSTpdHgiiRQ7bxHsw6l0/s1600/DSCF5097.JPG" height="382" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally I finish a section by taking a very slightly damp dry brush and just pushing it into the milliput and drawing it across in all direction. I don't do it hard enough to take out chunks of the putty, just as a final smoothing. It's very quick to do but I find it really makes a difference in the final product. Once it's primed you can't tell where it's all been filled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SVSjH_Qvk74zXnHuNEKEFHtN_XywPcNOl1USGrgRQ48AhSnqItIobkjOq17ZT23NkftERrNMXx81wNzlSHAouPJZw9MEQwkPjKIaJMcSZaOACt1He9Q4EGAetcHJ9derebKXFhO-Rx4/s1600/DSCF5099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SVSjH_Qvk74zXnHuNEKEFHtN_XywPcNOl1USGrgRQ48AhSnqItIobkjOq17ZT23NkftERrNMXx81wNzlSHAouPJZw9MEQwkPjKIaJMcSZaOACt1He9Q4EGAetcHJ9derebKXFhO-Rx4/s1600/DSCF5099.JPG" height="362" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I do it in sections at a time so I don't risk the putty drying too much to mush about. If I end up with putting somewhere I don't want - accidentally filling in some detail for example - I just take a stiffer brush (like one of the new citadel drybrushes) and push the putty out by poking it bristles first. It comes out very easily and softly. Even if you leave some to cure by accident it's very easy to sand off.<br />
<br />
There was a lot to do like this on the central body section. It took a few days and now Kaladrax looks like he has some kindof disease, but doesn't have any holes in his body. I guess that's a fair trade off. <br />
<br />
In part two I will show you the completely filled body piece and explain how I fixed all the damage on the tail. Then I will explain how to get rid of the mold lines on the Bones material.<br />
<br />
I did a lot of filling first because I knew I could file away the putty afterwards if it was in the way. That and I got rid of some very fiddly mold lines by completely smoothing them over with putty instead of wearing them down.<br />
<br />
I made a little video of the whole process, thus invalidating the long time I spent writing this post!<br />
<br />
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTHx137l4FQ&feature=youtu.be <br />
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-73345865316107223052013-12-25T05:44:00.003+00:002013-12-25T05:44:59.515+00:00Merry ChristmasYou saddos reading a miniatures blog on christmas day.<br />
<br />
I decided to extend the Kickstarters of 2013 post instead of breaking into several parts. As well as wanting less well known ones to be the content, rather than being the 1001st blog to go 'look at the Bones! Pretty!' I wanted them to be ones I could pull up information and images of the final products. I have a list of about twice as many kickstarters as I posted about, but a lot of them don't have retail standard products for viewing yet. I guess in a month or so I will do the follow up part covering the kickstarters that have actual products and not just promises to show.<br />
<br />
I've been working on Kaladrax the bone dragon for the past couple of weeks for a goon. Been taking lots of pictures and even filming bit of the process. Filming the process of me going mental as I shave the billionth mould line off a foot long jaggedy tail. Whoo.<br />
<br />
It's actually a gorgeous model and fun to manipulate but goddamn do I want to start painting it already. If I was doing the equivalent amount of plastic in normal sized miniatures I'd have a bundle off them perfectly polished and primed by now, and feel like I have something to show for the effort. Instead I have a single huge miniature that I still have not managed to finish cleaning after a couple of weeks solid effort. I think I've put in over 20 hours of filing and filling thus far.<br />
<br />
In my downtime from inhaling probably carcinogenic dust I've been collecting lots of inspirational pictures and texture images to work from. Since Kaladrax is a bone dragon this means I now have hundreds of pictures of bones on my laptop. Most are excellent shots in and of themselves, and do have an artistic value even outside of research. But if someone looks at my images folder without any context I think my laptop might end up with the police. Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-90640992638786532512013-12-18T15:42:00.002+00:002013-12-29T18:26:55.411+00:00Kickstarter 2013<span style="font-family: inherit;">The year is coming to a close - as are many more kickstarters. The advent of the crowd source funding has been a boon to tens, if not hundreds by now, of miniature and game makers. I went back over the last year of succesfully funded miniatures projects and picked out the ones I found most interesting to share with you. Rather than list the obvious ones like the massively successful Reaper Bones kickstarters I've looked for some you may not have noticed or seen. I'll be doing it from a painting and collecting perspective. I have absolutely no idea how the games work or play because I've never been interested in that side, so won't be able to comment on how good they are. Let's start from this time last year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fantasy Arc Bug Hunt Corridors</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Company: Fantasy Arc</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Website: Coming in the new year. Here's the facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FantasyArc">https://www.facebook.com/FantasyArc</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Kickstarter: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1812955737/bug-hunt-corridors">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1812955737/bug-hunt-corridors</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Category: Terrain - Modular - Sci fi - MDF</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This kickstarter began with an asking amount of $6000 and ended with $81,683 at 263 backers. Laser cut wood seems to be the next big thing in miniatures. This range is based on the same aesthetic as the Alien films' ship interiors. There's a surprising amount of detail on these. The design is excellent in general and I was struck by how atmospheric some of the views down these tiny bits of wood are.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There's straight corridors, t-sections, x-sections, ends sections, airlocks, storage rooms, stairways, loaders, and storage crates. The doors can be opened or closed as well: they sit in spaces between the joining sections and can be pull up and down with a tab at the top. You don't have to choose between permanently open or closed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw55fzAmFijIbu55yMpgKY0sKFgwDpkEUiFkJZpAuEYyFvPl3_7BeKgFxoj1M1iWAVPFEz7vuqMjn0P1jOMLlZLPaQfk-FGPCcp4MeLfR8IQPUShGk1FInyovRJEPtfDMeYBYd3D52GE/s1600/doormechanism.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw55fzAmFijIbu55yMpgKY0sKFgwDpkEUiFkJZpAuEYyFvPl3_7BeKgFxoj1M1iWAVPFEz7vuqMjn0P1jOMLlZLPaQfk-FGPCcp4MeLfR8IQPUShGk1FInyovRJEPtfDMeYBYd3D52GE/s320/doormechanism.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love the aesthetic (very much a fan of Alien and Aliens) and am definitely going to get my hands on some of these when the site and store goes up. And I have a job. And money. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">CMON commissioned a fully painted set to showcase the Sedition Wars skirmish game at a convention. This was assembled, sculpted and painted by Rob Hawkins. The models on the board are for the Battle for Alabaster game, and the infections and organic details sculpted on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcP6Zb0AtazphX4roJbSZ7qLdLmEaJgcp2r4tWCDImaH8Zr1qDv51o4CbcwtjhHHg3K4i9Yks-KigKmTOPe1dxws9DWifL8FWo0ewEEBhi93ZsurPsv6D-dGyXwqdpS14sfhPtrPMHiw4/s1600/933955_512076345535517_438960985_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcP6Zb0AtazphX4roJbSZ7qLdLmEaJgcp2r4tWCDImaH8Zr1qDv51o4CbcwtjhHHg3K4i9Yks-KigKmTOPe1dxws9DWifL8FWo0ewEEBhi93ZsurPsv6D-dGyXwqdpS14sfhPtrPMHiw4/s1600/933955_512076345535517_438960985_n.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He has a blog which includes a set of detailed photos of the finished board. The rest of the blog is worth a look too - terrain tutorials and more well produced work to look at.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://robhawkinshobby.blogspot.co.uk/p/sedition-wars-display-boards.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://robhawkinshobby.blogspot.co.uk/p/sedition-wars-display-boards.html</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://robhawkinshobby.blogspot.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://robhawkinshobby.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This blogger also received Bug Hunt Corridors and has a post full of very large, clear photos of all the pieces in various stages of assembly.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://mordian7th.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/terrain-bug-hunt-corridors-arrive.html"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://mordian7th.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/terrain-bug-hunt-corridors-arrive.html</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoNolUB9MWGS_AruzcJ4ZhiS_0zhLbS8XuZKwmmEIpCWdXjumwSamhu8jzQMhfvKtyMJ6_IROkcjYTdWgwWpvOTMrmOnqPgmheBm1jP5VnTkNnkeasqxS8bjabVagl5OSFGM32Y_E66I/s1600/Order.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoNolUB9MWGS_AruzcJ4ZhiS_0zhLbS8XuZKwmmEIpCWdXjumwSamhu8jzQMhfvKtyMJ6_IROkcjYTdWgwWpvOTMrmOnqPgmheBm1jP5VnTkNnkeasqxS8bjabVagl5OSFGM32Y_E66I/s1600/Order.JPG" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am very, very jealous of his terrain order!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He reviews the terrain pieces, the assembly instructions, easy of assembly and shows what each piece looks like fully assembled. Well worth a perusal. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Arena Rex</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Company: Red Republic Games </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Website: <a href="http://www.arenarex.com/">http://www.arenarex.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kickstarter: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1596689756/arena-rex-gladiator-combat-in-a-mythic-age-0">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1596689756/arena-rex-gladiator-combat-in-a-mythic-age-0</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Category: Miniatures - 35mm - Skirmish Game</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know how they managed to make the Clash of the Titans films so boring. They took insane, incredible stories about heroes and monsters and made it dull. The Greeks and Romans knew how to design crazy monsters. Their heroes knew how to slay them. These guys know how to make gorgeous minis that let you act out the same thing on a tiny scale. All without having a charisma vacuum playing the main character.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To start with the artwork drew me in. Watercolour tones and a cell shading quality made me go 'ooh' and click the link to see more. The miniatures are at once detailed and interesting without being crowded or fiddly. Varied dynamic poses, variation in equipment and clothes, and some cool female models who aren't just tits on a spine for once! The models have clearly different bodies types as well which is quite unique for a minis range.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAEu2fGEcLcs45bfjZZJMs7h5WBCLl45leUumbvKiWs-zAVBdshmDr6cGyDDp4Whp746NH0FlDvKiD2ChkG9um-mvQ7wwas3z9C27PwVYb9e9_2BU8dwmqKWkEXx61fVo5zGUVyF1JzE/s1600/arenarex2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAEu2fGEcLcs45bfjZZJMs7h5WBCLl45leUumbvKiWs-zAVBdshmDr6cGyDDp4Whp746NH0FlDvKiD2ChkG9um-mvQ7wwas3z9C27PwVYb9e9_2BU8dwmqKWkEXx61fVo5zGUVyF1JzE/s320/arenarex2.jpg" width="258" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS4AVi-mQaA3AQ5Epf_8rVFs7HxVs0TSKMGHay9wOyshrTBWbXpcfKvVkxV-wpvZnun_AUmFE64yklHKskty6HCZ_eng79Fs4vPZWbU8YkrNKntyU8wlCYfYhvZSPXnehm4nJ8KzEuxs/s1600/544581_718827204810790_164272186_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMS4AVi-mQaA3AQ5Epf_8rVFs7HxVs0TSKMGHay9wOyshrTBWbXpcfKvVkxV-wpvZnun_AUmFE64yklHKskty6HCZ_eng79Fs4vPZWbU8YkrNKntyU8wlCYfYhvZSPXnehm4nJ8KzEuxs/s320/544581_718827204810790_164272186_n.jpg" width="314" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI2OhjoORDyiEiz1AqgE4ca9JrWRPBSpJ7G6jlPHxbfBGfQbo8pe3qD08WDT3QoUJ4smpayuYN7ZMsHtrbyH8A4sqW3INc3qDfdwIUBtTgNkw4MOSHkX0ov2gm9vqs56_5d_xc3jCy_k/s1600/arenarex3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI2OhjoORDyiEiz1AqgE4ca9JrWRPBSpJ7G6jlPHxbfBGfQbo8pe3qD08WDT3QoUJ4smpayuYN7ZMsHtrbyH8A4sqW3INc3qDfdwIUBtTgNkw4MOSHkX0ov2gm9vqs56_5d_xc3jCy_k/s320/arenarex3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZDQiYeAxwxfF_pk8U3Ak7ygEfK4dh4FCEYVaKQiJCxzKUcUKBE2YyBENPzcenSAnmTkk4GUslt8QB3biqWg0yIx2wpFxSsRAFEtCxMCNmOGMcD2CQ_JUPSkFARHB5sCHsbqV8dmtu54/s1600/arenarex4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPZDQiYeAxwxfF_pk8U3Ak7ygEfK4dh4FCEYVaKQiJCxzKUcUKBE2YyBENPzcenSAnmTkk4GUslt8QB3biqWg0yIx2wpFxSsRAFEtCxMCNmOGMcD2CQ_JUPSkFARHB5sCHsbqV8dmtu54/s1600/arenarex4.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As well as Roman gladiators there are some Egyptian themed characters, and Vikings started making their way in towards the end. What is striking me as extra impressive now is how representative the artwork has actually turned out to be for the finalized miniatures. In one particular case the actual model is a big improvement on the concept art. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJtApdhB_7USE6F5DgSzWBgycOALcLKmkFTTO4dD3ZKAGPFyYt96awQqgk-TWSV8a2sui_2GjjUhNHam495qnqH-Mqk-b227SImayhwCGbnk4mtG7l8zs2O3bjCdBK53wiC5k2awQgmE/s1600/arenarex1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXJtApdhB_7USE6F5DgSzWBgycOALcLKmkFTTO4dD3ZKAGPFyYt96awQqgk-TWSV8a2sui_2GjjUhNHam495qnqH-Mqk-b227SImayhwCGbnk4mtG7l8zs2O3bjCdBK53wiC5k2awQgmE/s640/arenarex1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl00XJHe7wU4_0QXogdWtLykVA4VT8qRZ22NjqgmQd8ku5nHhDShmHL5gDBEnh5bLPfujDiBZVgLL4aMVy76eRcVG5cu66eCJFh8t6vIcGO8k-QOvzvtHUls8MJzX8WgFx1S7vDj9yWs/s1600/arenarex5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl00XJHe7wU4_0QXogdWtLykVA4VT8qRZ22NjqgmQd8ku5nHhDShmHL5gDBEnh5bLPfujDiBZVgLL4aMVy76eRcVG5cu66eCJFh8t6vIcGO8k-QOvzvtHUls8MJzX8WgFx1S7vDj9yWs/s1600/arenarex5.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And some of the monstrous sculpts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziHc0Jv15kl5CelLZSesiTN8Br5mDpa12UQfBkhaQsAWdNGgCtKNxkvJs0rYY87Ls-P6kk2aKMh2nrd2xIBpeZGJxamLo3LAcbVaN-fB7_tC7erXVoqMdfkrYWYPoOYcL6LQnjk-Odjs/s1600/arenarex6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiziHc0Jv15kl5CelLZSesiTN8Br5mDpa12UQfBkhaQsAWdNGgCtKNxkvJs0rYY87Ls-P6kk2aKMh2nrd2xIBpeZGJxamLo3LAcbVaN-fB7_tC7erXVoqMdfkrYWYPoOYcL6LQnjk-Odjs/s640/arenarex6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hiKzkYMn3viGknVeB5BxTZXTXY_y_NBPw77zXVWjJgzOp_XDAUX65fbNXnM8khzxrSHuNQuRNHULaTjofkOFJeiiMMR8fbpypysoxbgjHF8WFLCVQk7lTvf92T1htodKE8y6ONJPKiM/s1600/arenarex7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6hiKzkYMn3viGknVeB5BxTZXTXY_y_NBPw77zXVWjJgzOp_XDAUX65fbNXnM8khzxrSHuNQuRNHULaTjofkOFJeiiMMR8fbpypysoxbgjHF8WFLCVQk7lTvf92T1htodKE8y6ONJPKiM/s1600/arenarex7.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is one model in particular I'm looking forward to, that hasn't been sculpted yet. This girl:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh1uCUAC0J1GcIedu6Em4BtlcTBPxqz5Xe4wMhqVW4nPSDSNWFx9kmknPeT4wtKugLS3QBfzt1xJi_JJrMNg3_OO9bP8ZQtdAoYWgTD-jbf57VJQhRrczVAKh3UlLoZ8gjCqPMFInqTU/s1600/arenarex8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh1uCUAC0J1GcIedu6Em4BtlcTBPxqz5Xe4wMhqVW4nPSDSNWFx9kmknPeT4wtKugLS3QBfzt1xJi_JJrMNg3_OO9bP8ZQtdAoYWgTD-jbf57VJQhRrczVAKh3UlLoZ8gjCqPMFInqTU/s640/arenarex8.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I should move onto the next kickstarter but I really could just post sculpts and WiPs from Arena Rex. I really want all their female models. I hope they become available soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Heroes of the Dwarfs</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Company: Oathsworn Miniatures</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Website: <a href="http://oathsworn.net/">http://oathsworn.net/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kickstarter: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oathsworn/oathsworn-heroes-of-the-dwarfs">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/oathsworn/oathsworn-heroes-of-the-dwarfs</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Category: Miniatures</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a collection of new dwarf miniatures. I like them because the very crisp sculpting means that they have oodles of detail but aren't overwhelmed. Sometimes I find on models like these it gets difficult to paint and keep track of everything. On these I think it would be easy to paint everything distinctly without getting lost or overdoing it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAW4MgizeLOb6zYSHUt8W_osLpvWEYC43G_YJasiWmgG-S_6FhgRYfGbTYzNM_ToRWuEHARWZm3I6PhcmGFWV_sARKzKnoOV4srjr7BQ6Us0HIgsBhrv_zr2pdEq-PVFqkp5AzLfAKu0/s1600/oathsworn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAW4MgizeLOb6zYSHUt8W_osLpvWEYC43G_YJasiWmgG-S_6FhgRYfGbTYzNM_ToRWuEHARWZm3I6PhcmGFWV_sARKzKnoOV4srjr7BQ6Us0HIgsBhrv_zr2pdEq-PVFqkp5AzLfAKu0/s320/oathsworn3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That and the shambling mound model looks awesome. Would be great for a D&D set. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsGAQCeJgWTqj3nM_BwbfBnYDkfTCIj-LBQNaX5Jo1-YadITtVUrR59Cf0Sy0vNNaANbuMpnUtNzbtSQygHu_KfJO-qCImJYiw_0889FahlPq4K-7OmqBvNGDWln-3jLRuwDI16KqWpU/s1600/oathsworn2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsGAQCeJgWTqj3nM_BwbfBnYDkfTCIj-LBQNaX5Jo1-YadITtVUrR59Cf0Sy0vNNaANbuMpnUtNzbtSQygHu_KfJO-qCImJYiw_0889FahlPq4K-7OmqBvNGDWln-3jLRuwDI16KqWpU/s320/oathsworn2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maki Games Scenery</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Company: Maki Games</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Website: <a href="http://www.maki-games.com/">http://www.maki-games.com/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kickstarter: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rolljordan/maki-games-high-quality-modular-wargaming-terrain">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rolljordan/maki-games-high-quality-modular-wargaming-terrain</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Category:Terrain - Modular - Sci fi - Plastic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was another terrain based kickstarter, this time cast plastic pieces rather than laser cut MDF. These guys had a trick up their sleeve that I haven't seen anyone else do yet: the terrain is reversible and features a different theme on each side. First is a standard modern/sci-fi texture. Second is much more in line with the sci-fi future gothic style that is popular in a lot of 40k scenery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohI85N6CqDZ_lJ6P6772SYEb7jXtfNMPItXw6R_tWjN_RhvOZvU9JedfS9FpwTp7f_W-zQ8kh50eqWjD76JIBNDxLOkkUgyagZz_TdGcxGmFphgdixmuL2ZZwfVsheQwKUAU20KGsLyQ/s1600/make1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiohI85N6CqDZ_lJ6P6772SYEb7jXtfNMPItXw6R_tWjN_RhvOZvU9JedfS9FpwTp7f_W-zQ8kh50eqWjD76JIBNDxLOkkUgyagZz_TdGcxGmFphgdixmuL2ZZwfVsheQwKUAU20KGsLyQ/s400/make1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27dJVP7v7ObtIJBg_sH2Aj2k8W_tw9jY3w-zuroWMBw_66itFc6B2SJgXGYw_jqQaTXf7IXki-WNP2GIZ91vWR5oD-1IBIjyqA6ntfNeUX-NP5fXxU7TMUkvIeG7O8-D_cOnY-ioTm2Q/s1600/maki2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27dJVP7v7ObtIJBg_sH2Aj2k8W_tw9jY3w-zuroWMBw_66itFc6B2SJgXGYw_jqQaTXf7IXki-WNP2GIZ91vWR5oD-1IBIjyqA6ntfNeUX-NP5fXxU7TMUkvIeG7O8-D_cOnY-ioTm2Q/s400/maki2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The pieces can be used to make cargo containers (cutely referred to as makitainers on their website), multilevel structures with stairs, bridges, or interlinked corridors. As the kickstarter progressed they introduced new 'themes' to some of the panels meaning more variety and customization. Even the dedicated floor pieces have something different on each side!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnnE58huDnhSJ4ZIy1jhl46Q2ISu3rFFQzgnmF24evjIzcRfEDOvCCdmu3bNwTUP1w1kyv5nlv_MzyRhgSviMT7sRuQgwFd2GvF0NZBEbO21dnekNbrwk5SXi2WdAcNXtjG2qByEOO_8/s1600/maki3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnnE58huDnhSJ4ZIy1jhl46Q2ISu3rFFQzgnmF24evjIzcRfEDOvCCdmu3bNwTUP1w1kyv5nlv_MzyRhgSviMT7sRuQgwFd2GvF0NZBEbO21dnekNbrwk5SXi2WdAcNXtjG2qByEOO_8/s640/maki3.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I just think being able to flip pieces over for a different theme is a great move. Hopefully someone will want me to paint up some of these for them soon. I love painting scenery! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">HD Stencil System</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Company: Anarchy Models </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Website: <a href="http://www.anarchymodels.co.uk/">http://www.anarchymodels.co.uk/</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Kickstarter: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/805848592/anarchy-models-hd-stencil-system-for-camo-and-deta">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/805848592/anarchy-models-hd-stencil-system-for-camo-and-deta</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Category: Painting - Stencils</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a little different from all the others listed previously. A large set of stencils to add detail to your painting. It is easiest to use stencils with an airbrush but really you can use any way of painting with them. They unlocked quite a large selection over the kickstarter and yet again I am quite jealous of all the people who got in on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Examples include really cool hexagon and scale patterns:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnACALv8yu9GtuY5LuN9xZkxE4-dBJzAjQjXHGH7J4322icVZa1gzl-ztcgAeAkN9aiNTWh5FwmtqoxnzgWsJL7qLFDfkobNhqga0x2VT-fC2oBgIY3deGQRYmC3r0KR0rCUvVnahxHgo/s1600/stencil5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnACALv8yu9GtuY5LuN9xZkxE4-dBJzAjQjXHGH7J4322icVZa1gzl-ztcgAeAkN9aiNTWh5FwmtqoxnzgWsJL7qLFDfkobNhqga0x2VT-fC2oBgIY3deGQRYmC3r0KR0rCUvVnahxHgo/s640/stencil5.jpg" width="494" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPvQlGlfgryxxamJ-GaZ7J0zM8ymszTqJReM6UnoqGZqVbXRWHi1zdlOoIj-s0wUME7tjMUcEmQ_zIQuq94HtvghzDCNN4ptde9KXO-9_C2ApB9rXe30M8FXbrtJAoh43eLCvJr0xMis/s1600/stencil6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPvQlGlfgryxxamJ-GaZ7J0zM8ymszTqJReM6UnoqGZqVbXRWHi1zdlOoIj-s0wUME7tjMUcEmQ_zIQuq94HtvghzDCNN4ptde9KXO-9_C2ApB9rXe30M8FXbrtJAoh43eLCvJr0xMis/s640/stencil6.jpg" width="556" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And some that would probably see much broader appeal, such as tradition camo, digital camo, hotrod flames, tiger stripes, symbols for spraying on tanks and planes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My favourites though would have to be the tiny sexy ladies, the tiny tanks, and the skulls:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwtxFxXUafEFplaY-qh107dWp8z3lBF_XHiSoXrN5tN5f8Pq8kn1w_ko7X6QATiZR_ZoROdlpo9fl2wMowjvf3LCcOcRdy2_G2AskZH7psz0RdJhDGZVbwrlY7va_FVKBIsLCMiv_8CU/s1600/stencil3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwtxFxXUafEFplaY-qh107dWp8z3lBF_XHiSoXrN5tN5f8Pq8kn1w_ko7X6QATiZR_ZoROdlpo9fl2wMowjvf3LCcOcRdy2_G2AskZH7psz0RdJhDGZVbwrlY7va_FVKBIsLCMiv_8CU/s640/stencil3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizTXOu5q5op9YXf6QsZD8fKgWD-Q_PKG3s3YPeLquPg75LLzfx0acayzUOX-tKS9y3viQC_tBes1rUztki8wUAZi7os6Q5NT7L-TYRELWj1-u_VZRVxCXKme3ohGxooFV7megVbpW-yk/s1600/stencil4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizTXOu5q5op9YXf6QsZD8fKgWD-Q_PKG3s3YPeLquPg75LLzfx0acayzUOX-tKS9y3viQC_tBes1rUztki8wUAZi7os6Q5NT7L-TYRELWj1-u_VZRVxCXKme3ohGxooFV7megVbpW-yk/s640/stencil4.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I mean seriously. It's a tank with tiny tanks sprayed on it. It's all I want to paint now. Just painstakingly assemble and paint tanks. Do everything else normally and as well as I can. Then just spray hundreds of tiny tanks on it. Then weather it as normal. Act like I hadn't done anything unusual. Just rock up with my tank covered in tiny tanks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it's a good thing I didn't see this kickstarter when it was up because I would be the owner of hundreds of stencils and a ruined house. My housemate sleeps through me using my airbrush. I would definitely spray tiny sexy ladies on his face the first time he fell asleep in the living room. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Acheson Creations Terrain</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Company: Acheson Creations</span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Website: <a href="http://www.achesoncreations.com/">http://www.achesoncreations.com/</a></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kickstarter: Fantasy Terrain: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/244627251/fantasy-worlds">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/244627251/fantasy-worlds</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">American Frontier Terrain: <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/244627251/wargaming-terrain-for-the-american-frontier-0">http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/244627251/wargaming-terrain-for-the-american-frontier-0</a></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Category: Terrain - Resin </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I nearly didn't click on the link to
the fantasy terrain kickstarter. Their advertising image for the front
of the KS was really unappealing and did not showcase their unique
selling points. I was rewarded for my faith on the other side of the
link. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq3ENEfeOIwuR-GzYorARzfhafTSN60mGiI7P2rtmprwAJxekaRRQsoP_1pmMNX9qfJ6xiP-l0E1zGeqS-s4nQhUDFGibFiFWzI-ggWV8uqD1cofqW0-ygXIGCxl6POmEf6eMdtJ9l34/s1600/acheson1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGq3ENEfeOIwuR-GzYorARzfhafTSN60mGiI7P2rtmprwAJxekaRRQsoP_1pmMNX9qfJ6xiP-l0E1zGeqS-s4nQhUDFGibFiFWzI-ggWV8uqD1cofqW0-ygXIGCxl6POmEf6eMdtJ9l34/s400/acheson1.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">It's
a massive apple pixie house! How cool is this? I'm having James and the
Giant Peach flashbacks. I don't like the film and I don't know why.
Maybe something bad happened while it was on? I still like peaches so
couldn't have been too big a deal. Perhaps I thought the cinematography
was poor. I can't think of another opportunity in miniatures to paint up
a giant apple. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG9v4SLXDh-TQMm_93QVi-oKQHjphVNH5vMkxJVy_wInDLgnzmuzARAWrCCyCFNwcC8rc2x96kzcydzfcnmFy5iN93-3p2txKlEG95vkeJknEwqxGSF6r2SUMievPP_xck_Lk4UK6Q7U/s1600/acheson2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOG9v4SLXDh-TQMm_93QVi-oKQHjphVNH5vMkxJVy_wInDLgnzmuzARAWrCCyCFNwcC8rc2x96kzcydzfcnmFy5iN93-3p2txKlEG95vkeJknEwqxGSF6r2SUMievPP_xck_Lk4UK6Q7U/s400/acheson2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This
bridge may not be as unique as some of their more fairytale inspired
pieces but it is 19 inches long. It manages to have the individually
sculpted bricks without being overwhelming on detail too. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU47DwAlUBKBmdwJLjhP9RbEvEvY-8UFCR1TwSp9bWwRxJnIHtZKo4XMR9RdNNyByNGRbhuu2CMqIjuVW7tT8FIRLfHIBnTnuLrsFelSrzv18yh5xhKsTwOgdllW37THoSrIvcUUIQEv8/s1600/acheson3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU47DwAlUBKBmdwJLjhP9RbEvEvY-8UFCR1TwSp9bWwRxJnIHtZKo4XMR9RdNNyByNGRbhuu2CMqIjuVW7tT8FIRLfHIBnTnuLrsFelSrzv18yh5xhKsTwOgdllW37THoSrIvcUUIQEv8/s400/acheson3.jpg" width="400" /> </a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And
as a stretch goal they unlocked an eldritch horror's anus. Great
painting opportunity, both looks fun to paint and can be done in a
number of horrific colour schemes. A bloody centre, or bubbling bright
green pus. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their fantasy collection as a whole looks great for D&D RPG centrepieces, or as bases for diaramas and display models. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There's a balance to be found in
sculpting between having enough detail to convey texture and material,
and not having so much that it breaks down the scale and overwhelms.
Even though it is more standard terrain I also like the pieces from
their other kickstarter based on old american and indian type
buildings. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPtDxIFlCN1L5kO53bW_zm6NlcDf0R16sz05HuOF84rFw4U-sQpCgYM5hcP_h0tylHmlKd-n_POO7_l_Yc77bmqziV0D7YD7dgtAk4ossp7zKTV82PHQukku_-rfy-2hYDD5w0q6tJB0/s1600/acheson5a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPtDxIFlCN1L5kO53bW_zm6NlcDf0R16sz05HuOF84rFw4U-sQpCgYM5hcP_h0tylHmlKd-n_POO7_l_Yc77bmqziV0D7YD7dgtAk4ossp7zKTV82PHQukku_-rfy-2hYDD5w0q6tJB0/s640/acheson5a.jpg" width="411" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I
want longhouses and wigwams like I have never wanted them before. They
have a large range already established on their site. Even outside the
kickstarter the prices look good so I really recommend you check them
out. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Battle Systems Terrain</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Company: Battle systems</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Website: http://www.battlesystems.co.uk/</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1621774283/battle-systemstm-sci-fi-modular-terrain?ref=category</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Category: Terrain - Sci fi - Prepainted</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NF-Va792EFDmlbhtrGKL9gfBxVp-2bStbgDr219UrBG4k7ijY0UQgftrTNE4ZQe9tQtAnxjvWpoqeav-h9zMXA01p2OcJsyHQs4JsuFoOrlA1eXZ4etvqA3O9GmeXRTJLQ86vmgyTMY/s1600/battlesystems3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NF-Va792EFDmlbhtrGKL9gfBxVp-2bStbgDr219UrBG4k7ijY0UQgftrTNE4ZQe9tQtAnxjvWpoqeav-h9zMXA01p2OcJsyHQs4JsuFoOrlA1eXZ4etvqA3O9GmeXRTJLQ86vmgyTMY/s1600/battlesystems3.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These
guys have made up some snazzy sci fi terrain that just needs to be
assembled. It comes prepainted. I normally avoid anything that comes
prepainted because a) they tend to be awful and b) for me the point is
the painting!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However these are actually very well
designed and themed. It is a general sci fi futuristic metal base set,
nothing too specific to keep it open to the most game systems possible.
Multistory set ups are possible and there's numerous components that can
be set around each room you build including; med bays, computer
terminals, pipes, crates, ramps, cloning chambers and battle damaged
versions of most things. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ592eb6dzhv48WJg2HRG2UdlQ5E-zHz_N1qwmG9fZdh81nM3PJx9pogBFODqywdxEJxOfAZCv2Vtw_MaIZz0NGsbie00wabTpRqI7_6X8ca5SlKfIyxLBNZEs77uN1RSnbJj8aX1t5jE/s1600/battlesystems1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ592eb6dzhv48WJg2HRG2UdlQ5E-zHz_N1qwmG9fZdh81nM3PJx9pogBFODqywdxEJxOfAZCv2Vtw_MaIZz0NGsbie00wabTpRqI7_6X8ca5SlKfIyxLBNZEs77uN1RSnbJj8aX1t5jE/s1600/battlesystems1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMekYvOkIlBmi4_-PjrGY2ZDefqV6z_UfIjrUzquxvAFL3h7pCDRbNjto8B2T9-OkcyUweXtsCsJACuJE1o-m0WgUxTJuzSL5JV6a7sjRhnI5Lno2sva5cOZ38Xpt64aUPJAo3hRbRRCE/s1600/battlesystems4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMekYvOkIlBmi4_-PjrGY2ZDefqV6z_UfIjrUzquxvAFL3h7pCDRbNjto8B2T9-OkcyUweXtsCsJACuJE1o-m0WgUxTJuzSL5JV6a7sjRhnI5Lno2sva5cOZ38Xpt64aUPJAo3hRbRRCE/s1600/battlesystems4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It
this stuff was plain plastic terrain you need to paint up yourself I
would be super excited. It's nicely detailed and very clear. As it is I
think it would be great for people who are less inclined to enjoy
painting and building as I am, and more want some really snazzy looking
terrain without having to spend hours to get it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcGnK8ylbN4dCOwsUQtjMVfsFa4Yk0uXNIHZhe4I1Uz0PrKSIYYNNgYIimgXUT7PIyDl8Z4QkhM3U6zqIXYiozK3gnN3jowNZjQ28UdpJdestvkJnLdcVrp9JAU7llpov3o8tGoEbROM/s1600/battlesystems5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOcGnK8ylbN4dCOwsUQtjMVfsFa4Yk0uXNIHZhe4I1Uz0PrKSIYYNNgYIimgXUT7PIyDl8Z4QkhM3U6zqIXYiozK3gnN3jowNZjQ28UdpJdestvkJnLdcVrp9JAU7llpov3o8tGoEbROM/s320/battlesystems5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-41115828239993616942013-09-13T03:43:00.001+01:002013-09-13T03:43:43.364+01:00The Pheonix Rises! And then rests gently on its side while I make its base...I finally finished painting something again! The main model of the High Elf Pheonix from games workshop.<br />
<br />
From a technical perspective it isn't 'finished' as there are some parts of the models that are not completely painted and only received basic colour blocking. But these are all parts of the model that aren't usually visible and thus were parts I wanted to contrast with the bits that were focal - like under the wings. I made it so if they were visible from a position they weren't distracting or looked outright unpainted, but didn't spend a lot of time on them. This mini was neglected for quite a few weeks as the length of time it was taking to paint was burning me out. I ended up stopping when I decided I need to paint something else, rather than when I thought the mini was good and finished. <br />
<br />
It was another one that I used to try out lots of new things on and so took far longer than it would if I sat down with a particular goal in mind and just steam rolled towards it. Nonetheless, even as a learning piece, I really like the way it came out.<br />
<br />
I was going to sell it originally - been offered quite a lot of money for it actually - but I've decided to give it to my nan instead. I don't think she quite understands why I like painting models the size of my thumb but I know she will be over the moon to have something I've made given to her, and that is is far more worth it in my opinion. It's also the only model I've painted in a long time that isn't some kindof monster or vehicles, so the first one I think she will actually like having around!<br />
<br />
I have also been improving my photography! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEOUUkDaFtRYtiacMiJV2NTzgISJxBDHbdcHpRjrTGOVToRcYjvy5Y4jJI0zgn2B62RBbiyq2mza3upvVNOd9_NDDgFVXQp-snOUoaxoWUpO7UfEP5l1xIDYB_t5lPGvP-pzuHN4VO7s/s1600/DSCF5019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYEOUUkDaFtRYtiacMiJV2NTzgISJxBDHbdcHpRjrTGOVToRcYjvy5Y4jJI0zgn2B62RBbiyq2mza3upvVNOd9_NDDgFVXQp-snOUoaxoWUpO7UfEP5l1xIDYB_t5lPGvP-pzuHN4VO7s/s640/DSCF5019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My favourite artistic look at the moment is the same kind as featured in the Torchlight games and to a lesser extent Borderlands. The piece of wall terrain from the Garden of Morr set showed it applied to a painted mini. I still want to get good at the more traditional style of mini painting that aims towards (relative) realism. On this one I decided to combine them so I didn't get bored and also because I thought I would end up with a better looking model. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8UWhE7_ht9nejerRfjwtpc5VwpfjsA321VS9QNaynjNvNljkNqTm1noxnBhl8zzjQhwVdPMFU_W6-CfEDbdqVJslIPu4knLAcK33JB23oWwoRs5QmmWgFnAU3CVEsnpv4bhYEHy0Hfg/s1600/DSCF5021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8UWhE7_ht9nejerRfjwtpc5VwpfjsA321VS9QNaynjNvNljkNqTm1noxnBhl8zzjQhwVdPMFU_W6-CfEDbdqVJslIPu4knLAcK33JB23oWwoRs5QmmWgFnAU3CVEsnpv4bhYEHy0Hfg/s1600/DSCF5021.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The tail was repainted several times. Luckily it only takes half an hour in some diluted dettol to have it scrubbed completely clean and ready for painting again, so it wasn't too painful. At one point I had to redo it because it was painted perfectly and then I slathered it in wash instead of another piece of the model. Despite my best efforts it turned into a gloopy gritty mess. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53_KHKol92Fo_P5Wv2mUEKjM9XQYcE-4YfG0kJQv9ofC48uYeko_SDEZYikau5WiiJHHMa46j4VdhUEvTXGK_vd43HEaApUG_PSJJLFooYRHDFvwDPz6TaHtqqhmIC1RLetuFiAo3Lpw/s1600/DSCF5028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53_KHKol92Fo_P5Wv2mUEKjM9XQYcE-4YfG0kJQv9ofC48uYeko_SDEZYikau5WiiJHHMa46j4VdhUEvTXGK_vd43HEaApUG_PSJJLFooYRHDFvwDPz6TaHtqqhmIC1RLetuFiAo3Lpw/s640/DSCF5028.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see here that the gems aren't fully painted and that the underside is simple compared to the upper side. I tried to give the helmet good contract to make up for the fact that I wasn't doing much else fancy with it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2h0FYbKWe5DTRn_oAvwuX8kpV2T7ZIC-nhNUhSWfppwm07gGx-g3FKeH8pjdaXNArJMhtdyUIhwUwi03fRhddHGVstW4qlZIRdRMmIyWN4gkE8nlufpkHotf8vSXh3Vr0PKCRCvNrSw/s1600/DSCF5030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2h0FYbKWe5DTRn_oAvwuX8kpV2T7ZIC-nhNUhSWfppwm07gGx-g3FKeH8pjdaXNArJMhtdyUIhwUwi03fRhddHGVstW4qlZIRdRMmIyWN4gkE8nlufpkHotf8vSXh3Vr0PKCRCvNrSw/s640/DSCF5030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Here's a breakdown of what I focused on and achieved across painting the model:<br />
<br />
I worked on unifying the colours across the whole model. There's a balance of gold across all of it. I used the same shade of white/ivory as the final highlight across all of it to link all the different shades of blue/turqouise together.<br />
<br />
I focused on creating higher contrast than I normally do by using the colour green in the turqouise base. I also used green to try and create temperature variation where the two parts of the wings meet. I applied lots of very thin blue/green washes between the feathers to deepen the colour chance.<br />
<br />
On the individual tail feathers I used lots of tiny brushstrokes to simulate real feathers. It is harder to tell through photos but its given them lovely texture in person and sets them apart from the surrounding 'magical' feathers. Was also very zen.<br />
<br />
I had to do lots of fancy hand work with the airbrush to get all the highlights and fades in the right places. The inside of my nostrils are still blue. <br />
<br />
I also got some good freehand practice. All those white highlight lines were draw with a steady hand, rather than using edge lining. I can now paint short white lines like a pro.<br />
<br />
I hope one day these new skills will serve me in life.<br />
<br />
I am currently painting some high elves and swearing alot. Everytime I pick up a paintbrush it's like everything I know falls out of my head and I just stab wildly at the model shrieking 'Why it no work precious?!'. Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-2778804319459437302013-07-20T21:16:00.003+01:002013-07-20T21:16:45.483+01:00Ice-PidgeonI have been painting the new(ish) High Elf pheonix model - the ice version rather than the fire version. I've seen a number of them painted up and everyone seems to have gone for very similar paint schemes, none of which I liked very much. I found them quite boring and wasting alot of the detail on the model. I'm not going to link or display any here because I really doubt people will be happy for me to show their photos as examples of work I don't think is good.<br />
<br />
I have of course got the GW studio pictures to hand. The Phoenix has two model types: flamespyre and frostheart. Original names I know. The model itself is gorgeous. Very well sculpted. Interesting, with a good balance of details across the span of the model and along it's length. It has enough unique elements to set it apart from the pre-existing griffon and flying models that are out there.<br />
<br />
But the paint jobs are just so damn boring and minimum effort. I thought two things to moment I picked up the box; 'That's a really nice sculpt' and 'I can paint that better'. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Yqu-NCDQFns_MyOECNJQ-fSErM4m9TUhTSka91iNMYormPkQNXPxWiDXSze_GKlIChphT5JpmxapOX2EODBNQTPbBOAIlyswZoI3R2Bkboz3sgK2vr1QPhub5AmbZulScNGf896Um2g/s640/flamespyre.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamespyre Phoenix Side View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflCJ2hGPlet7HeUAtiOnp1UkDuLHcrSKg_clpkWggHMaz5484qWIKypSovo7QwU3aEBryFkIeQZ3xAGVrRs9WqneAnO639ngJtXYnBRMzRnaNrF9qFcMgmSmEE6vm6PKZThyphenhyphenisnX4FJA/s1600/m3180309a_99120210025_FlamespyrePhoenix03_873x627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflCJ2hGPlet7HeUAtiOnp1UkDuLHcrSKg_clpkWggHMaz5484qWIKypSovo7QwU3aEBryFkIeQZ3xAGVrRs9WqneAnO639ngJtXYnBRMzRnaNrF9qFcMgmSmEE6vm6PKZThyphenhyphenisnX4FJA/s640/m3180309a_99120210025_FlamespyrePhoenix03_873x627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flamespyre Phoenix Top View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6OjALMJo9rOmunM8M3gb-M0QQ2q0miJnG-3ZsKuAgHGdlDP5BEQ6KcztwjAkySxGu-W-C6BkZdrht0iU-oJ39BKCs7KXuRJqcf-BKT-5pGDuGLmvTxzTmgmkslaxuBDM0Z4GmFTRq9U/s1600/m3180344a_99120210025_FrostheartPhoenix01_873x627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6OjALMJo9rOmunM8M3gb-M0QQ2q0miJnG-3ZsKuAgHGdlDP5BEQ6KcztwjAkySxGu-W-C6BkZdrht0iU-oJ39BKCs7KXuRJqcf-BKT-5pGDuGLmvTxzTmgmkslaxuBDM0Z4GmFTRq9U/s640/m3180344a_99120210025_FrostheartPhoenix01_873x627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frostheart Phoenix Side View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-7suMOjRLXGvTvvQV4KGCz8ONdkhyKx84ud4FOnvBWtuwkwxNWkwlmZgb8UmNIEcD1ZJnndCQN8w0Cy_RaeWQOAstV7ChOyZEHqBvRVH77YpjcVdZQNKSV15zWlOEkB5tZDuFtDS3QI/s1600/m3180354a_99120210025_FrostheartPhoenix03_873x627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-7suMOjRLXGvTvvQV4KGCz8ONdkhyKx84ud4FOnvBWtuwkwxNWkwlmZgb8UmNIEcD1ZJnndCQN8w0Cy_RaeWQOAstV7ChOyZEHqBvRVH77YpjcVdZQNKSV15zWlOEkB5tZDuFtDS3QI/s640/m3180354a_99120210025_FrostheartPhoenix03_873x627.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frostheart Phoenix Top View</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's all just really basic, dull shades with half hearted highlighting. Whats the point of having those details - the extra flame licks, the snowflakes, if you are just going to paint it the same as the surrounding model?<br />
<br />
I went for the Frostheart model because I like the cold elements more and wanted to paint something not red after the ordeal that was my Ork Bomba a while ago.<br />
<br />
Putting the model together was straightforward. No mold lines that were hard to remove - it seemed like they'd put some more thought into it than usual and everything was easy to scrape off without going around delicate details. Very sturdy as well. All the individual tails parts and feathers are firm and wont break easily.<br />
<br />
I decided that although I liked the blue for the base colour I did not like how ... bland the original paint job looked, or how dull the base colours were.<br />
<br />
Here's my current progress on the model. I know I am sorely lacking in technical skill compared to alot of the phoenix paint jobs out there, but I'm much happier with this design than the standard one. For each section I'll list the colours I used and how I painted it. <br />
<br />
<br />
I left the model in sections because I wanted a couple of sharp colours changes without needing to masking tape hundreds of fiddly bits. <br />
<br />
I started with the Vallejo model colour primer in white, applied in 3 fine, thinned layers with a airbrush. Then I laid down a basecoat of deep blue, again with the airbrush.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRqZ4Nmm5QV4HWUpLy0BJsmGms8ZSxu1kE2qlxlHSYO3DO25GBFrwJ1EcqSZkiRrffjp39wfPKS92WAK-F7kT_c64d6uPK8JsfWQI-ZWKQkEeYLBclBLRDtnsg4Pasuv6VN3Z_LNLQYs/s1600/DSCF4788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRqZ4Nmm5QV4HWUpLy0BJsmGms8ZSxu1kE2qlxlHSYO3DO25GBFrwJ1EcqSZkiRrffjp39wfPKS92WAK-F7kT_c64d6uPK8JsfWQI-ZWKQkEeYLBclBLRDtnsg4Pasuv6VN3Z_LNLQYs/s400/DSCF4788.jpg" width="375" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I used a turquoise colour (I started with hawk turqouise but changed to the VMC equivalent, much nicer paint) in the airbrush and sprayed it over the model at a 35 degree angle. I kept the paintbrush aimed as I usually do - for me this is angled diagonally down at the desk - and then tilted the model so the bottom of the feathers were pointed nearly straight down. I used light, quick coats. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Doing it at an angle meant that there was a natural fade in the colour and it developed contrast and shadows straight away. I did this with progressively lightened shades of turquoise - made by adding in lighter turqouise paint and then a cream colour paint - and sprayed at a progressively sharper angle. The closer I was to the wing tips the more fine and delicate I made the spray. The sharpness of the shadows and strength of the contrast between the feathers did reduce but I knew I was going to bring it back with washes later on, so focused more on getting a pretty fade than precision application. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF7l8Fthe4SeQdq281pztGLelP95V2val1aNKWMevpAE_vdsBigiEHpNVskVuDkX3gqojbdBNyZ8Etzohb6VPxuU328UjstWkyOuvNdBjBKc6PBIlgg6i0ohmH2fl4-jJo0fLxJFeEBk/s1600/DSCF47882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF7l8Fthe4SeQdq281pztGLelP95V2val1aNKWMevpAE_vdsBigiEHpNVskVuDkX3gqojbdBNyZ8Etzohb6VPxuU328UjstWkyOuvNdBjBKc6PBIlgg6i0ohmH2fl4-jJo0fLxJFeEBk/s400/DSCF47882.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoXdHgB_1J4YLba3pD4aaRlxQz6MH5tOOuW0X6VApLJHjOQ858b9cRZVQg9eegoaRIFEJo7HtWQDEEZ9KmxEnjGqmWchZsZLttKMQJ33UVbTeCK61hE3hm7eO9BZQxvh-8becYUJXDpw/s1600/DSCF4791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRoXdHgB_1J4YLba3pD4aaRlxQz6MH5tOOuW0X6VApLJHjOQ858b9cRZVQg9eegoaRIFEJo7HtWQDEEZ9KmxEnjGqmWchZsZLttKMQJ33UVbTeCK61hE3hm7eO9BZQxvh-8becYUJXDpw/s1600/DSCF4791.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't take many pictures of the step by step progress because I was having too much fun to stop painting. I applied this technique to the head as well, and the section of feathers that go into the indentation along the spine that you can see above. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This image is a bit further alone in the paint process but illustrates the pieces that I'm talking about and how they look with the airbrushing applied. You can see as well; when I finished airbrushing them and began brushwork, I painted the tiny snowflakes in between the feathers in white. These details were neat but fiddly to get good coverage on with pooling or the patience of a saint. The helmet got a silver basecoat in advance of gryphon sepia and devlun mud washes to give it an old, majestic gold look. There's also a gloss coat because the paint was fragile. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nZqCN2vF2OjWB0y0KRg3L9VaT14FV9at7yKyU86XaitnP8M_oZu9F_Qak8gB9YiXXS3DoZhUH5yPIgpXvA-TcItpdj3X0ajM8R9Do28XBR027JwF1KLbaBgcpKRRR5eVW506YmZbZUs/s1600/DSCF4801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nZqCN2vF2OjWB0y0KRg3L9VaT14FV9at7yKyU86XaitnP8M_oZu9F_Qak8gB9YiXXS3DoZhUH5yPIgpXvA-TcItpdj3X0ajM8R9Do28XBR027JwF1KLbaBgcpKRRR5eVW506YmZbZUs/s1600/DSCF4801.JPG" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next step was restoring the contrast and shadows. I diluted asurman blue wash about 1:2 or 1:3 wash:water and, using a 0 winsor and newton brush, applied it about a millimeter away from the overlap of the feathers and then drew the bristles up towards the corner where the layers met. I did this with minimal wash in my brush. You need a lot less than you think you do to get a meaningful amount of colour down. It is better to start of with less than it is to start with more and accidentally swamp the model. If this did happen, I just used a clean, tiny bit damp, fluffy paintbrush I had to the side and sponged it up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It took about three layers to build up proper shadows again. I knew the mixture was right and I was painting in the correct amount when the first bit I laid down was dry by the time I had worked it into the crevices on the rest of the wing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Again these pictures are from further along in the painting process but after the washes the shadows were left alone for the rest of the painting process. You can see where it goes into deep, softly blended shadows between each feathers and between each layer. I also added a few dabs of wash between some of the feathers on the top of the main body, but it was less necessary than on the wings because there is a much sharper transition between feathers on the back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zgLBcq9JfoJv88u1UWTCjZ_4snSVGRY0gQKUl-0hhZzfZ4zqAO4bPMxKxykGmtWuhAqMXvvRVvq2IZj0Ou-QZdNF0K57xvWzbvo6Wo9ZcrtH9Cc3JciemjQgVPJmPt2nDKUuJ2_7CG4/s1600/DSCF4802.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX-bgYitAGk4mDVtyHWA5exM1eixvJi5nevaLLjpHj7YL4EQOpry7wKkM5oF6GaYNadEtad0spyQUNarCUQM0zXb0-oSksS05dn5MdhEfw0s8f7ovyDCozLQ0bi2pQNkT7rwJmgt9SOY/s1600/DSCF4808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoX-bgYitAGk4mDVtyHWA5exM1eixvJi5nevaLLjpHj7YL4EQOpry7wKkM5oF6GaYNadEtad0spyQUNarCUQM0zXb0-oSksS05dn5MdhEfw0s8f7ovyDCozLQ0bi2pQNkT7rwJmgt9SOY/s1600/DSCF4808.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
After I had re added the shadows I decided I wanted the outermost feathers to fade closer to a creamy, almost white turqouise colour. You can see this in the above pictures. It was just achieved by mixing light turouise (VMC) with cream paint and airbrushing on successive layers and occasionally adding a touch more cream to it.<br />
<br />
This still didn't have enough detail or contrast for me so I decided to mix in some of my favourite painting style, that you've seen when I posted my garden of more WIPs. I diluted the cream colour I had been using about 1:3 paint to water. Using a winsor and newton 0 brush again I held the model so the feathers were pointing away from me. With a slow but steady hand I pulled the brush away from me on all the outside edges of the feathers. I did one layer on each feather before going back and repeating it. I also drew the highlights down the centre of feathers that had a prominent line sculpted into them.<br />
<br />
It took 3 or 4 layers to get the strong, full cream colour coat. Now this meant that I had the lightest colour next to the darkest colour. It also meant I had a bit more than just 'airbrush blend' on the model. I was really pleased I had gotten my favoured painting style mixed into the more natural blending style.<br />
<br />
This is what it looks like across the whole wing spread now. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zgLBcq9JfoJv88u1UWTCjZ_4snSVGRY0gQKUl-0hhZzfZ4zqAO4bPMxKxykGmtWuhAqMXvvRVvq2IZj0Ou-QZdNF0K57xvWzbvo6Wo9ZcrtH9Cc3JciemjQgVPJmPt2nDKUuJ2_7CG4/s1600/DSCF4802.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zgLBcq9JfoJv88u1UWTCjZ_4snSVGRY0gQKUl-0hhZzfZ4zqAO4bPMxKxykGmtWuhAqMXvvRVvq2IZj0Ou-QZdNF0K57xvWzbvo6Wo9ZcrtH9Cc3JciemjQgVPJmPt2nDKUuJ2_7CG4/s1600/DSCF4802.png" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's the state the body is currently in, and I'd say it's 95% finished. I applied the technique I'd used on the wings to the crest as well. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghADsvqrhMOrCPLFgtUQsaxHSjpr40B98uXpx6DMEPoO7JMim8YUpgl39oba5xwNdpTmoYSeJfJC-53gVWLliZqscXqGlbfPYnN5vnUe7pC18LuD2nxHDE009vk7Gp8Lj1ws2AWi8xmG0/s1600/DSCF4809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghADsvqrhMOrCPLFgtUQsaxHSjpr40B98uXpx6DMEPoO7JMim8YUpgl39oba5xwNdpTmoYSeJfJC-53gVWLliZqscXqGlbfPYnN5vnUe7pC18LuD2nxHDE009vk7Gp8Lj1ws2AWi8xmG0/s320/DSCF4809.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I used a paintbrush to add in the last few turqouise blends, using thinned layers and a gradual increase of cream paint to keep the transition smooth as it is on the rest of the model. I couldn't do this part with the airbrush because the details were too fine. The shadows just got coloured in. I also reinforced the shadows here the same as I did on the wings. Then I took my trust W&N 0 and the cream paint again. This time I only thinned it 1:1. I had carefully loaded up on a small bit of paint and then brushed it out until the bristles were flat. Then I ran the flattened bristles perpendicular to the edges of each flick. I didn't paint it the same way as the feathers because these bits aren't flat and there was too big a chance I would slip a tiny bit and just paint white in the crevices.<br />
<br />
I did this a few times, starting further up the section as I went so the white was stronger and lighter at the top. The final colour was still lighter than the white snowflakes though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7Th2iEY5Yr-RVCz2ugaGPGGgFNGPSBlz0gBy7duhYJnSUJ3WmHqgckKm4GSp5KFKSXoF3xHGWqajUOMg-eaT-kyeSEY9e3QEnxCP45d5rKsNshy8-qXuFQxEydEWvsNArXbvy7OxdbM/s1600/DSCF4811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7Th2iEY5Yr-RVCz2ugaGPGGgFNGPSBlz0gBy7duhYJnSUJ3WmHqgckKm4GSp5KFKSXoF3xHGWqajUOMg-eaT-kyeSEY9e3QEnxCP45d5rKsNshy8-qXuFQxEydEWvsNArXbvy7OxdbM/s320/DSCF4811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I used brushwork again to finish the highlights on the feathers of the head for the same reason as on the above piece. The helmet was heavily washed with devlin mud. When that had fully dried it received a layer of gryphon sepia. The top section was highlighted with a dense gold colour. This was washed again with gryphon sepia. The edges of the gold was blended in with careful, diluted layers of devlin mud and gryphon sepia painted starting just after the join and then pulled towards the outside of the model.<br />
<br />
The eye was basecoated white, the tongue red, and the beak shadow grey. The raised sections of the eye area with painted with the lightest colour that had been used on the surrounding feathers, and dilute blue wash painted carefully into the creases. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The wing tips were painted and scrubbed clean at least three times before I settled on a look I liked. I decided I saw them as magical extensions of the wing, not just extra long feathers. Like a magical, icey trail behind it. I wanted it to have a sharp colour change but still be within the same theme. Up until now I had use warm versions of all the colours I applied, or as warm as I could. I started with a mix of VMC emerald as the basecoat, to give a blue green tint to the most shadowed section and a contrast to the main model. Then I made up colder versions and started with a very pale mix of VMC blue-green and white. This was applied with an airbrush over a couple of layers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was then switched for a nearly pure white, thinned with water and medium until it was translucent. I airbrushed this onto the last 1/5 of the feathers. I started at the furthest part of each tip and gradually made my way inwards using very delicate and very fast movements with the brush. I kept angling the piece when I airbrushed it like I had done with the body before, to make sure I caught the lightest colours on the edges and left the darkest shades in the deepest parts. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was originally going to paint the snowflakes here white but thought it look too boring against the pale background. I decided I would paint the smaller ones white - as I had done on the front section of the model - and paint the larger ones gold to match the armour on the model. I didn't think I would be able to paint them silver and then wash them without having to painstakingly draw lots of thinned wash layers over each one, so decided to go with a straight gold from VMC. This turned out to be too bright compared to the helmet so I have ended up spending hours colouring them in with mud and sepia washes anyway. The golds are slowly starting to match though! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLl3D5ZxjZ-kt1zFV-foH4uBL9guC6a91qB7Ncci_AjyEo5lJociC1PMU-FklhZYvPvdJ9KBT8iSVzLscoPNcsuKiqka5VMFJDyWc5b5s8fFEdXnfguxIPedOfjFlH_1fysNgUs__aSM/s1600/DSCF4814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLl3D5ZxjZ-kt1zFV-foH4uBL9guC6a91qB7Ncci_AjyEo5lJociC1PMU-FklhZYvPvdJ9KBT8iSVzLscoPNcsuKiqka5VMFJDyWc5b5s8fFEdXnfguxIPedOfjFlH_1fysNgUs__aSM/s320/DSCF4814.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_jCxXgMJLqyP7sQdTGjfCFueX042iHCDHeauQxSbMHAsqhoo1jiWCa_g-5sX66kNqmzwNR9qgZQ1TeujhuEBr-UtE6SAF7dvy_oNVR9QRFnBayRsOm9CLkOzf-ei7P0lHzz62UCam3s/s1600/DSCF4814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
I have found it almost impossible to photograph this section properly. I need to get a couple of extra lights then put it on a dark background I think - everything is too washed out with a light background. For now I guess this shows it off fine.<br />
<br />
I redid the same things with the shadows as I did earlier - this time with the wash very heavily diluted and with a tiny touch of green in. Disaster struck when I was painting one of the wings. My asurman blue had died without my realising and as a result I painted speckly, grainy blue into the shadows of one wing. It looked awful. I had to repaint alot of the wing - and all the blending - by hand using a tiny paintbrush. It was awful! I was actually holding them over the dettol tub about to drop them both in - because the blue wash had made it look so bad - but stopped myself at the last second. <br />
<br />
I was quite chuffed though. When I have the right set up I'll photo them both side by side. You can only see the difference looking very closely. The power of hundreds of thing layers!<br />
<br />
That's where I'm at so far.<br />
<br />
The tail section is currently bare plastic. I had it partally painted and then accidentally washed over something with the wrong mix and ruined it. It has since been for a swim in dettol and scrubbed clean, just waiting to be sprayed again.<br />
<br />
The final details; gems, armour, eyes, etc will be painted over the following week. Check back soon! Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-18570117727684149842013-04-09T15:12:00.001+01:002013-04-09T15:12:20.618+01:00Tomb RaiderI have been very distracted by the new Tomb Raider game, and finding my copy of Xenoblade Chornicles. I'm going to be doing LPs of both so it's going to steal some more time away from all this.<br />
<br />
I am working on a new blog/site too - that will have all my stuff on it. So the LPs, the painting, the articles, the artwork I'm doing. It will be snazzy.<br />
<br />
Keep painting!<br />
<br />
Oh and buy the new Tomb Raider. Goddamn I can't remember the last time I felt this powerful and awesome playing a female character. Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2742947677756187014.post-34932107651537353212013-04-02T11:36:00.001+01:002013-04-02T11:36:14.363+01:00Reaper Bones MegasetThis is just a quick post about the Reaper Bones megaset.<br />
<br />
If you don't know, Reaper launched a massive kickstarter to help launch their line of bendy plastic models. The idea was that they wanted to return to cheaper, but still good quality, models. The kickstarter allowed you to 'purchase' a massive set for incredibly cheap.<br />
<br />
General cool guy goon Invictus has a set of 'Vampire' level pledges which includes all of the following models for sale at his ebay account here.<br />
<br />
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REAPER-BONES-KICKSTARTER-VAMPIRE-LEVEL-240-MINIATURES-1150-VALUE-FREE-SHIPPING-/121089567624?pt=Games_US&hash=item1c31802b88<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/qtT2fce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/qtT2fce.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Lethemonsterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01810595882336972961noreply@blogger.com0