Mike's WiP Stuff...

[Vent]

Ok, I figured that I had enough WiP threads floating around so I'm gonna stick what I'm working on in here from now on. Saves me the trouble of looking for threads... That's how lazy I am...

onwards...

To ink or not to ink?

I figured for the objectives and temple guard I'd try some more inking techniques, and see what ink does work with and what it doesn't work with.

The green and browns were winners, straight from the bat they worked well, and sunk into recesses. The red however did not. Like painting, a single coating of red seems weak and allows the grey to poke through to easily. I'm going to see if additional layers of washes, both red and maybe a few minor browns makes a difference to the red...

I haven't tried the purple ink yet, but I reckon it's going to be a total winner for doing 'nids and might have to test it on a Space Hulk 'Stealer

Pro's of using inks:
-Time. Very quick to coat an entire miniature.
-Looks good as flesh. Flesh has all these natural recesses, and the inks show them really well on a miniature.
-Thin. If you're like me and paint many layers of something using an ink for a really thin basecoat is ideal.

Con's of using inks:
-Messy! The ink seems to get everywhere...
-Drying time. Much longer than a GW wash.
-Contamination. It's very easy to contaminate an ink with another color if you don't let it totally dry. Even using the same color as the potential to 'wipe' away the first coat unless it's totally dry.

The next step is painting over the inks... which will be happening tomorrow. I got smacked around a little last night and I'm sore...


EDIT: I use Windsor and Newton Calligraphy inks in case anyone cares ^_^

[Lazarus]

i think i got some old GW purple ink around. i have used it before and it was good.

Still to be honest i hate inks, washes all the way my painting sucked when inks where around.

I could not live with out the washes

[juiced]

some inks dry really glossy! although if you water it down slightly it can lose its sheen. but that weakens the ink and it can be easily damaged there are paint ink thinners but thats getting complicated.
i'm with you laz, love the washes even started adding a dash of paint to the washes to bring out different pigments.

[Vent]

Don't get me wrong, I love the washes as well, and use them really heavily in my stuff, but I wanted to try the inks over white some more... ^_^

More work on the Temple Guard test figure. While it might seems like I'm taking a very long time on this guy, in reality it's only moderately bad. *sob*

It's not really that bad, just using some colors I don't normally play with and it makes things a little slower, once I get into the batch painting *shudder* things should move quicker.

Done today:

Dots - Done in Mechanite Orange first, then blazing orange for the pin-point dots. One layer didn't look right, but the second dot gave them some more depth. I've also done a few dots here and there with P3 Hellfire over the blazing just to give him a little oomph.

Armor: My usual gold recipe with a wash of red thrown in to give it a more bronze look, then a touch of drybrushing to give with base gold and light gold (Andrea color paints) to bring up the spines.

Bone, fangs and claws: Done with Menoth Base and then multiple layers of sepia wash and a highlight with Menoth base again. I think I might have to change up the way I do either the external bone or the lizardmans claws and bone. They look very similar... But it is quick... ^_^

Still got to do the detail work; ie gem & eyes, and probably more work on the green, doesn't quite look right... Oh and the shield... Duh...

[Vent]

Finishing up my Temple Guard Test figure. It's been a slower process than I would of liked, but I have a lot of stuff going on in the real world and haven't really had a lot of time to paint. Hopefully that will change soon.

I've had a few comments that the gold and bone get lost together, so in an effort to separate the two I have made the gold darker by adding a thin black wash around joins and cracks & given the bone another highlight of pure menoth base. The colors look a little more distinct now.

I've attached and started work on the shield. Still need to do the brighter shades of orange on the shield. I'm unsure if I want to do the rim scales in orange, leave them green, or go for another color. I'm leaning towards another color right now. Maybe bone. My reasoning is that the shield doesn't look very distinct otherwise. Almost as if it's part of the body; if you have any opinions shout out. I like help... ^_^

Only things left to do is a little bit of shield work, the eyes and the gemstones. I think that when I'm "batch painting" I'm going to go for a figure a day rather than paint by stage. I've done it both ways and I prefer the figure a day method...

No new recipes today. Everything is pretty much the same colors as I've been using...



As always I appreciate any and all comments and feedback, otherwise I feel like I'm talking to myself... And I always get into an argument when that happens...

[Simon]

too much ink wash on the armor and bone, the blade looks dull, orange areas require another layer of highlight.

overall I think it looks great as a table top standard model.

As always I appreciate any and all comments and feedback, otherwise I feel like I'm talking to myself... And I always get into an argument when that happens...

if you want more constructive feedback or comments, maybe you should consider posting your models on bigger forums like warseer or wargamerau.

and if you are very confidence with your painting skill and appreciate criticism, you can post your models on www.coolminior not.com. You can get lots of good feedback from some of the top painters in the world.

[Vent]

too much ink wash on the armor and bone, the blade looks dull, orange areas require another layer of highlight.

overall I think it looks great as a table top standard model.

As always I appreciate any and all comments and feedback, otherwise I feel like I'm talking to myself... And I always get into an argument when that happens...

if you want more constructive feedback or comments, maybe you should consider posting your models on bigger forums like warseer or wargamerau.

and if you are very confidence with your painting skill and appreciate criticism, you can post your models on www.coolminior not.com. You can get lots of good feedback from some of the top painters in the world.

Thanks Simon. I agree with you about the gold, I went a little overboard with the washes, and it's make things look a little messy. But you can't win them all. I've also done a little more work on the orange. Hopefully the final result is better. I have nine more to practice with... ^_^

As for joining other forums I'm already crossposting to three others, plus my blog. As for CMON, I've found that unless you're the very best you don't get much of a look in with constructive comments. But this may just be my lack of skill...

Alrighty, finished my Temple Guard test figure. It's quite simple when I look at him now, but it took some redoing of parts over and over again.

The biggest of all is the shield. Going from the green to red seems like such a no brainer now, but if you'd told me to do it before I would never have thought of it. But that's why I like to post WIP's, so people can give me pointers and ideas. Shield is Mechanite Red, then a devlan Mud wash with a blood red for the rim ridges. The cream is menoth base and menoth highlight a little brightness. Also changes the cream from the bone.

I'm kind of tempted to redo some of the bone, but I probably wont...

The eyes are simple yellow dots. I was considering going for something like slits, but this is meant to be speed painted... Which I suck at, but you get that...

Someone else also said the blade looked very dull so I went with black and then granite for a single highlight.

[Vent]

Geeez, it's been a really long time since I've painted a Shadow Sanctus Marine! The Shadow Sanctus (Or Saints if you don't know your latin) is a Blood Angel Sucessor Chapter whose Gene Seed was mixed with Ultramarines to give it some stability. Well... That's what I say so I get to use some oh so pretty blue for the veterans... I've been putting this guy off for a very long time; for which I owe IceAngel a massive apoligy. I got his marine the other day and that got me off my ass to stop the lizards for a little bit and get this guy done...

There's a whole bunch of things all over him which still need to be done; completing the red is the largest. More highlights required... The gun also needs a lot of work, the pack needs to be started (cringe)

I tried a new eye technique on him, but am not overly happy with the results, they look a little strange...

Egads, I wasn't meant to do the base either... Got a little carried away, so I'm going to have to finish it now... I have some snow features which I'm going to add in there, but I'll leave a space for the ice crystals that IceAngel uses...




Colors:
Armor: Basecoat is a 2:1 of Scab Red and... And... Ummm it's all mixed up already and was done a long time ago... I think it was scorched brown? Not sure...

Gun: Chardon Granite then Black Wash with Highligthing still to come

Helmet: Ultramarine Blue (3x thin coats). Recesses are done with watered down Blue wash. Highlights are done with UM Blue and Menoth Base, the mix of Menoth gets heavier the lighter the highlight.

Robe Front: Foundation Purple color (If someone can tell me what that's called, my label has come off) then Purple Wash. Highlights are done the same way as the helm was. Mixing the base with Menoth.

I think that's everything? Mwahaha Even if it's not I'm stopping here, you've all read enough of me yakking on...

[Lazarus]

its hormagaunt Purple

[Vent]

Finally got around to finishing off this trade marine... I swear I'm getting slower at painting... First off, the photos are not that great. Bad weather, and only two lights equals a slightly washed out red armor. I've really tried to push the blending, and while it's only worked to a certain extent, the photos don't show the true finished color that well.

Done today:
Added Snow. Mix a bit of snow flock up with PVA glue and apply. then dust some more over the top to make it all sparkly.

Back Pack: The very bane of my existence is a SM Back Pack, I stab thee in thine eye... Standard colors, just annoying...

Writing: I was thinking of making this a ribbon thing and having it be all different colors. Then I realised I was painting a SPACE MARINE, not an eldar...

Knee Pad. Nothing shocking. Just made it Blue. *GASP!*

Music listened to: Wicked Original Cast Soundtrack... Showtunes ftw!

Thought for the day: Why does 'watching paint dry' get a bad wrap? Water leaches from the paint into the air and leaves behind a solidified form! That's bitching! And I've been drinking to much coffee... Weeeeee... Pictures!

[NeckFace]

YO MIKE YOUR LIZARDMAN IS RILLY RILLY PRETTY I WANT TO DO SWEET WASH ACTION ON STUFF TOO

YOUR MARINE IS ALSO PRETTY.  TOO PRETTY. GET MORE DONE AND I'LL FEED 'IM TO MY BUGS

[Big D]

The above post makes my eyes bleed which is a shame because your work is gorgeous as usual Mike

[NeckFace]

  you just need those designer shades to hide your face

[Lazarus]

Only thing i can say is with the marine i don't think he is as good as you can do, the Armour is missing highlights and something else cant put my finger on it but i have seen better from you.

I think its that purple cloth that i dont like it does not suit.

The lizard man kicks ass.

[juiced]

that lizard man is brill..... its that third colour thing i keep going on about. the orange is such a good contasting colour with the green it makes the green more bold or larger......i agree with you on the eyes for the marine.as some one else stated on one of your other posts the head should be a focus point and if you anit got the eyes perfect it feels like its not right......i'm using a dot of gold over red for the pupils of my ork's .....the amount of times i have repainted them because it was not placed just right or it was to big a dot ......it streaches my patince.....ag ain love your work

[Vent]

Holy crap this took a long time. Not so much the painting, which was time consuming, but rather finding time to actually get some painting done. I've changed jobs, homes, and lifestyles too. All of which have been stressful and annoying as hell...

The biggest problem were the spots. They were exceptionally time intensive and when rushed mistakes were made (And made they were). I also wanted them to look different. To often when I see people playing fantasy the units within the army look like clones and for some reason it irritates me; thus I've striven to change the greens up as much as I could...

Overall I'm happy enough with the final result. Some of the greens could of been highlighted a lot more, and some of the golds are a little lacking. But they are a unit for playing with, rather than displaying... Or so I'm led to believe... I won't be sorry to see them go, as much as I love to paint things these guys have been associated with a period of my life which I'd prefer to forget, and sadly I think the final product reflects this...

A good 'ol fashioned Space Marine next... I feel the need for something simple...

[Lezle]

They look really good Mike. I like the look of the bone helmets.

I'm a tad concerned to read this how-ever:

"I've changed jobs, homes, and lifestyles too. All of which have been stressful and annoying as hell..."

I did warn you that being a drug dealer can be hard.


Don't forget you have to paint your wizard!

L P

[Simon]

I like the idea of having different green on each model.

the unit looks great together, and I really like the gems on the banner.

now, go paint your Slann!

[Big D]

...
now, go paint your Slann!

Or you could not be a completely cheesy git and run a Oldblood on Carnosaur instead   They definately look cooler.

[Vent]

They look really good Mike. I like the look of the bone helmets.

I'm a tad concerned to read this how-ever:

"I've changed jobs, homes, and lifestyles too. All of which have been stressful and annoying as hell..."

I did warn you that being a drug dealer can be hard.


Don't forget you have to paint your wizard!

L P

Wizard isn't gonna be finished by the weekend

As for selling Drugs, I'm addicted to comics... It's the more expensive past-time ^_^

...
now, go paint your Slann!

Or you could not be a completely cheesy git and run a Oldblood on Carnosaur instead   They definately look cooler.

Heh, as I don't actually collect a Fantasy army I doubt it'll be anytime soon... However if I was to paint something for the awesome factor it would be a Oldblood on Carnosaur. They are just badass looking ^_^

[Vent]

I have three things going on right now and the first is this wizard. He's actually going to be mine! It's been so long since I've painted anything for myself *sniff* I'm getting all emotional... We're playing through the entire Hero Quest game, plus expansions. I'm the wizard. It was as good an excuse to buy the wizard set as any... I haven't quite got a color scheme sorted for him yet. I was thinking red for his cloak, but I already do a lot of red so maybe something different... Maybe blue... His face is gold plated and his staff head is going to be gold...

Still not super confident about painting Fantasy stuff... See how he goes ^_^

My second of three projects is a Deathwatch Marine. I've always liked the concept of the Deathwatch Marines; IE the best of the best used by the Inquisition for kill teams. Easy to paint too. Black! I wanted him to be a little different so I gave him an auspex and used a kneeling posture marine. I've chosen to give him a plasma gun rather than a bolter. Not sure if it works, especially with the angle he's holding it while looking away. Still it's easily changable later on...

This is a trade marine for Gitspitta from DAKKA DAKKA Forums...

And lastly, a Sanctus Marine! Nothing like a Shadow Sanctus Marine. Good primary colors, and they're mine! So I should know how to paint them... I've given this guy a chainsword arm from the Black Templar upgrade set. I like the idea of chaining things to their weapons... Especially marines! He'll be standard veteran colors. Red armor. Blue Helm, blue left shoulder pad, etc. As with all my marines, backpacks come last...

This is a trade marine for WhaleMusic360 on DAKKA DAKKA Forums.

I'm going to try and do them all at the same general time, but most likely I'll get stuck into one and finish him without realising it... No telling which one that'll be though ^_^

[HarasinCreed]

They look good. But i agree with you on the pose of the 1st marine maybe have him resting the front of the gun on the ground or just lower the angle he is holding it at a bit so it looks like he is about to rest it. Otherwise hes going to look like he is trying to do an Arnold Swatsinager(?).

[Vent]

They look good. But i agree with you on the pose of the 1st marine maybe have him resting the front of the gun on the ground or just lower the angle he is holding it at a bit so it looks like he is about to rest it. Otherwise hes going to look like he is trying to do an Arnold Swatsinager(?).

I agree with you, but as the guy who is getting it said 'he's a marine, he can hold it one hand.' So that pose will be fine ^_^

[HarasinCreed]

Hahaha. Fair enough

[NeckFace]

but

but

what is he shooting?

[Vent]

but

but

what is he shooting?

The light at the end of the tunnel? Which is an oncoming train? Of heretic soldiers? Being chased by a wave of Tyranids?

[juiced]

its almost like he is anwering his phone in the heat of battle......."yes dear, i will bring home some milk......No i won't stay out with the boys tonight......(BOOM) look love i've gotta go......(BOOM) no i do love you (BOOM) no i'm not trying to hang up (BOOM) "sigh"yes you are my pumpkinny wunkinny(BOOM,BOOM)

[Vent]

its almost like he is anwering his phone in the heat of battle......."yes dear, i will bring home some milk......No i won't stay out with the boys tonight......(BOOM) look love i've gotta go......(BOOM) no i do love you (BOOM) no i'm not trying to hang up (BOOM) "sigh"yes you are my pumpkinny wunkinny(BOOM,BOOM)

HA! I giggled ^_^

I'm not totally sure how I feel about my Wizard. I like him and all, and as I finished him in like three hours I can't complain about the time I've spent on him, but I don't feel he's totally complete yet either... There's something missing...

I was going to go with a whole bunch of colors I don't normally use on him as well, but I woke up this morning and the name Raistlin popped in and I knew the cloak was going to be red, from there is was a simple look at the color wheel to determine the other colors... (If you don't know who Raistlin is then I weep for you ^_^)

As you'll no doubt be able to tell, my freehand is not exactly the greatest. In fact I try and avoid is where-ever possible. However the ribbon / parchment would of looked wrong without some color there and so I used my Blackstone gem coloring, just without the black base and with a much higher yellow mix at the end (And no white glare). It works well enough...

As I look at the images it occurs to me what is wrong. There needs to be something green from his staff too... Maybe some kind of directional lighting effect... Hmmm maybe... Have to think about it...

[Vent]

After some excellent advice over the finished result I went back to work on Wizard Raislin. I'm much happier with this result, and while he's not perfect I'll be stopping work on him here.




Things done:

Skin - Reworked the skin tone using a 1:1 mix of Beige Brown and basic skin tone. It's not perfect, but the copper looking skin is gone. I could of touched it up with a few more highlights I supose...

Cloak: I went over the cloak again rather than try and save the extreme highlights. This time the result might be to soft, but I think the shadows suit it better than the extreme highlights.

Staff head: Heh, my first attempt at some directional lighting. Mixed results. It works, but with everything I'll only get better with practice. This was done with an airbrush, which I'm going to be playing around with more and more with my miniatures. The method was done in the as described by Eggroll over at Dakka Dakka. If you haven't seen his Blood Angels you should go find them. They're bloody stunning. I decided to add the little ruin thingies in the staff head because the plain orb looked very strange...

At the end of the day I'm happy with the finished result. Now on to a marine ^_^

[Aa7]

Looking much better with he green staff orb Mike, and I agree about the cape looking better without the highlights.

Only thing I don't like is the skin. Just a personal preference of mine but I feel the skin tone is to dark for a wizard that has his arms hidden under his cloak most of the time.

Oh and the mould lines are killing me on the cloak too Otherwise an awesome job as usual