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2013/02/09 22:21:44
Subject: [Infinity] Kestril paints the MRRF with the internet!
Recently, I've taken interest in the skirmish game infinity. I thought I'd keep a blog on dakka to allow others who are also curious to check out the models and maybe get some more insight to the game that is infinity.
So, about the camera, at the moment it's all I have access to. The images are a bit out of focus in some places. What is a good camera for taking pictures of miniatures? I need a new camera anyways, so I may as well get something that will help with this blog.
I'm giving up on cataloging all this stuff in the OP, but I'll keep this stuff here as I'm not sure what stays or what goes.
Spoiler:
[spoiler]
2/9/2013 This update is square zero. I open the box and put two models together: (Old camera, sub-par pics)
[spoiler]
The models were packed excellently with craft foam. There was no damage, I only had to shave off some pewter in a few locations.
I decided to put together the werewolf first. Durok, I think his name is. This guy basically outflanks in from one side and unloads two chain rifles (think flamethrowers, but with using shrapnel instead of flame) onto something that needs to die. From what I understand of the rules, he is quite mobile, too.
Almost there!
Done!
It's interesting, the guy is bigger than a guardsman, but his base is the exact same size of a crisis suit. Here's a pic for some size comparison the base Durok goes on is placed in front of him, right next to a suit, and the guardsman is sitting in the back there.
(the crisis suit is still a WIP, it was just the closest thing I had on the desk XD). (and you guys get to see my ghetto-as-crap "lightbox." Don't hate.)
So, with Durok done, I move to the second figure in the box, Margot. She is not a close combat monster like Durok. Instead of getting close, she uses a rather high ballistics skill to harass with a grenade launcher and a rifle from medium range. The little pewter arms were difficult glue in place at first, put I think I managed well:
to
Bam! I was excited to see the two built. These pictures really do not do the models justice. The detail level on each mini is amazing. For example, I can make out the saftey on Margot's rifle.
However, I refrained from gluing Margot to her base. I want to put some work into this force and really make it shine. I need to find some materials to sculp margot a unique base with a metropolis theme, such as a sidewalk or a curb before I glue her down.
Even though margot is 28mm, she is less heroic, and my 40k models look kinda bulky and unweildy in comparison. So, with that, I'll leave you with this shot of a few models lined up so you can get a better idea of the scale:
So, if there is one thing I gotta say, it's that my camera doesn't do the detail on these things justice. While there are not many pose-able options a la 40k, the sheer cool factor more that makes up for it, in my opinion. Next time, I'll start to work on Margot's base and perhaps put the preliminary coats of paints of the miniatures. Thanks for reading! More to come soon!
2-11-2013 (High-Quality Camera Action!)
Spoiler:
2-11-2013
Nothing yet. I liked the artwork on the cover of the box rather than the grey-ish model displayed on the back. So I decided to make Durok that blue/teal. Realizing I didn't have many hues of green to work with, I decided to go for just blue. I applied the basic colors to get an idea of the scheme.
At this stage, I wanted the backpack, arm-guards, and shorts to be sort of an urban blue/grey camo, so I painted them a nice gray. To lighten the blue up, I mixed the dark aquamarine I was using with some white and applied another coat. Here it is from another angle:
Then I ran into a bit of a problem. Both the shorts and the backpack looked a bit too much like a metal-y substance. I tried a little wash in a lighter grey, but that didn't really help. So I decided to lighten up the arm-guards and darken the backpack a little bit, then I decided to give the shorts a light blue/white urban camo. They look a bit like swim trunks, in my opinion, but it I like them overall. I added some orange trim as well.
Now happy with the swim trunks, I turned my attention to detail work. There are SO many little straps and buckles on this guy. The goggles on his head, the straps under his chest, the straps on his swim trunks, the straps on the arm-guards. I really think I lost count of how many little lines I painted.
Finally, with all the details colored, I couldn't help but feel the model was too dark. So, I took my drybrush, dipped it in white, and lightly powdered the entire model in a soft white. The difference was amazing!
He's still a WIP as of now, I kind of half-heartedly painted a line on the base. It was meant to be one of those yellow lines you see on the road, I'll probably change that later.
.
(2-15-2013)
Spoiler:
The image is a little touched-up, as my setup is a bit dark atm. I have to run and get a smaller brush. I could NOT do the eyes with the smallest brush that I had. :X
As far as the sceme goes, I wanted an urban sort of uniform with bright colors. I'm thinking the "fluff" of my MRRF is that they operate in urban environments to protect key assets and act as a counter-intelligence force. So more MI-5 and less Urban warfare. I tried to think what civilians in infinity would wear, and I decided that a bright blue with a yellow trim would pass as inconspicuous against all the bright colors found on the hyper-commercial worlds of Pan0.
This message was edited 16 times. Last update was at 2013/07/13 23:12:32
Thats a good scale shot, would be really useful I think for people who want to know the relative sizes! Your 40k looks cool so will be interested in seeing what you make of the Infinity stuff!
About the camera, pretty much any modern digital automatic these days should have a decent macro function. You can also get some really good deals these days - a lot of really good cameras have come down in price, but anything with a Nikon, Canon, Olympus, even Samsung or Sony badge on it should be OK. If you want to look for performance of these cameras, aside from megapixel figure (everything these days has far more than you could ever need for casual usage) then look at the 'f' figure, or aperture (essentially the speed), of the lens - lower is better. It will just help you a little with depth of field of the shot, with miniatures specifically meaning you can get them all in focus when using the macro lens.
Perhaps as important is getting a good photo taking set-up. Here is a useful guide: http://cipher-studios.com/2009/09/photographing-miniatures-by-ryder-gaddis/ Now the guy in this has gone really far into it, but you can do just as well with very little effort. I just have a set up on a table with a couple of pieces of grey coloured card. Use one underneath the miniature, and another behind it. The point a bulb (I guess 2 if you have them) - preferably a 'daylight bulb' - at the miniature. I managed to get this result from just doing that http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/431945-.html?m=2
Actually even if you are planning to get a smart phone, a lot of those have a macro function also. I've got a Samsung galaxy 2 - it has an 8 megapixel lens (absolutely mental ) - the penalty however is that the lens isn't that fast, meaning you need a good light level
Thanks! Actually, your post reminded me that I may have an old camera buried away in in the back of the closet. I did a little digging (well, a lot of digging, I'd completely forgotten about it for 4+ years) through the closet, and I found a hand-me-down Sony DSLR-A350 with 14.2 megapixels! It's like Christmas. (Some of my family does photography, and when one of them upgraded they passed the camera to me)
The thing is all dusty, the battery has to charge up, and I'll have to figure out how to use all the buttons on the thing, but it's safe to say I'm VERY excited to say the least. The battery is charging, and I'll throw some test pictures of some of my guardsmen up soon.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/02/10 16:53:59
Nice to see you progress from asking about the game in the sub forum to opening your own Infinity blog! Looking forward to seeing you paint these. Durok was my favourite model when I started Infinity and probably still is. He needs a kilt though.
Hehe. Curse my good/bad luck. It seems the other lenses were stored somewhere else. I'm stuck with a lenes built for long-range action photos, like for taking good pictures of sporting events, which is the complete opposite of a miniature picture. XD
So, since I'm new at this, any advice on which lens would work best, preferably one I can find on ebay? I figure since this camera is old, I can find the lenses for a reasonable price, but I honestly have no clue what I should be looking for.
MRRF 300pts
Adeptus Custodes: 2250pts
2013/02/11 19:02:54
Subject: Re:[Infinity] Kestril Starts Ariadian Metros! (Hungry like the wolf-2/11/2013)
K. So after fiddeling with the camera a bit, I managed to get some pretty good pictures.
So, without further ado, here's Durok, from beginning, to an almost complete paintjob (I was a bit tired of painting for so long, so I stopped).
Spoiler:
2-11-2013
Nothing yet. I liked the artwork on the cover of the box rather than the grey-ish model displayed on the back. So I decided to make Durok that blue/teal. Realizing I didn't have many hues of green to work with, I decided to go for just blue. I applied the basic colors to get an idea of the scheme.
At this stage, I wanted the backpack, arm-guards, and shorts to be sort of an urban blue/grey camo, so I painted them a nice gray. To lighten the blue up, I mixed the dark aquamarine I was using with some white and applied another coat. Here it is from another angle:
Then I ran into a bit of a problem. Both the shorts and the backpack looked a bit too much like a metal-y substance. I tried a little wash in a lighter grey, but that didn't really help. So I decided to lighten up the arm-guards and darken the backpack a little bit, then I decided to give the shorts a light blue/white urban camo. They look a bit like swim trunks, in my opinion, but it I like them overall. I added some orange trim as well.
Now happy with the swim trunks, I turned my attention to detail work. There are SO many little straps and buckles on this guy. The goggles on his head, the straps under his chest, the straps on his swim trunks, the straps on the arm-guards. I really think I lost count of how many little lines I painted.
Finally, with all the details colored, I couldn't help but feel the model was too dark. So, I took my drybrush, dipped it in white, and lightly powdered the entire model in a soft white. The difference was amazing!
He's still a WIP as of now, I kind of half-heartedly painted a line on the base. It was meant to be one of those yellow lines you see on the road, I'll probably change that later.
Anyways, when he's finished I'll set up a good background in some sunlight to take pictures. The light is 100% better during the day.
MRRF 300pts
Adeptus Custodes: 2250pts
2013/02/12 18:34:32
Subject: [Infinity] Kestril Starts Ariadian Metros! (Hungry like the wolf-2/11/2013)
The image is a little touched-up, as my setup is a bit dark atm. I have to run and get a smaller brush. I could NOT do the eyes with the smallest brush that I had. :X
As far as the sceme goes, I wanted an urban sort of uniform with bright colors. I'm thinking the "fluff" of my MRRF is that they operate in urban environments to protect key assets and act as a counter-intelligence force. So more MI-5 and less Urban warfare. I tried to think what civilians in infinity would wear, and I decided that a bright blue with a yellow trim would pass as inconspicuous against all the bright colors found on the hyper-commercial worlds of Pan0.
MRRF 300pts
Adeptus Custodes: 2250pts
2013/02/16 10:13:00
Subject: Re:[Infinity] Kestril Starts Ariadian Metros! (Now with 100% more pink hair! 2-15-2013)
Ah what miniature is that mate? I don't recognise it..
Really like the colour scheme, and the reasoning behind it. I know what you mean about painting the eyes - I've tried it on a few of mine, but others have ended up looking like they are psychos on drugs with massive, staring eyes. So another way I guess is to just use shading, and let the eyes hide within the natural shadows of the face. It is a tough one that's for sure (and I think possibly the reason that some people have all-helmeted forces!)
Pacific wrote: Ah what miniature is that mate? I don't recognise it..
The mini is Margot of Mirage-5. I changed the bandanna and hair color, (from blond to black with a pink highlight) and gave the pistol a pink holster.
Thanks for taking the time to comment! I really appreciate it! I placed an order for the MRRF (Merovingian Rapid Response Force.) I should receive them in 4-5 days.
Hopefully, by then, I'll have a better-quality brush, another lamp to light the photos up, and a whole batch of new minis to paint!
MRRF 300pts
Adeptus Custodes: 2250pts
2013/02/16 19:40:18
Subject: [Infinity] Kestril Starts Ariadian Metros! (Now with 100% more pink hair! 2-15-2013)
Good start, mate! Looking forward to the next ones!
I'm no expert, so take this with a pinch of salt, but I suggest slowing your process down. Work on one colour, slowly build it it up with multiple thin coats, washes and highlights and then move on to another and go through it again. One of the great things about Infinity is you can spend as long as you want on every model, with only about 10 miniatures per force you can really go into detail.
I'm no expert, so take this with a pinch of salt, but I suggest slowing your process down. Work on one colour, slowly build it it up with multiple thin coats, washes and highlights and then move on to another and go through it again. One of the great things about Infinity is you can spend as long as you want on every model, with only about 10 miniatures per force you can really go into detail.
Keep it up!
Will do. I really do have trouble going slowly. I guess that comes from painting boatloads of guard at a time.
I really appreciate the support. I know I'm not the best painter around (pretty much anyone else on this site can put me to shame), but that just makes your support that much more awesome!
MRRF 300pts
Adeptus Custodes: 2250pts
2013/02/18 00:28:52
Subject: [Infinity] Kestril Starts Ariadian Metros! (Now with 100% more pink hair! 2-15-2013)
No worries man, everyone has a learning curve to work through. Some people are naturally more talented at certain things or learn it quicker but that doesn't make someone else's hard work any less worthy. Also, there are many people who's work equates yours, my own included so don't worry about that.
There are some blogs I don't follow or rarely look at because the artist is rude or big headed. No matter how good their work is I'd rather follow someone's first attempts for instance than read that sort of nonsense. That said, I try to look at someones work not who they are, even those rude individuals have quality inspiration to provide and tips to be gleaned.
Most of the blogs I follow are from people I aspire to achieve the same quality as one day. Others, like your own, I follow because the work is close to my own abilities and I can therefore pass on the information I'm getting from the heavyweights.
/ramble
So yeah, hard, honest work is well deserved of the community's support. Keep doing what you are doing and I'm sure more people will start commenting soon.
So which model are you going to paint first when you get your box through? You should plan out colours, theory and technique in advance so you are prepared before you even wet your brush. If you need any help just ask.
Look like a nice start always nice to see more Ariadna players. Casey's Law had some really good tips, I would also really recommend that you work with thinner paints better to use several thin coats the end result will be much smoother and bring out the fine details better. When using thin paint it is important to not overload your brush drag it on some paper or a cloth to remove excess paint this will prevent pooling and give you better control of the paint.
I like the colour you use it does remind me of some of the artwork in the rulebooks.
2013/02/23 18:57:45
Subject: Re:[Infinity] Kestril Starts Ariadian Metros! (Now with 100% more pink hair! 2-15-2013)
Quick update: I'm still alive. My MRRF arrived and I assembled the models. I did a couple of quick modifications pose-wise. While the models arn't all that poseable, I try to make mine different in subtle ways.
With the leftmost metro, the one with the grenade launcher, I turned his wrist outwards a bit, showing off the profile of the grenade launcher. It looks a little more stylish IMO.
Second, I messed around with the Zouave , the guy with the bazooka-looking thing in the middle. I put the arm up and rotated the bazooka off the shoulder in a more "I think I heard something over there" pose, rather than the "cool-guys don't look at explosions: they just walk away" pose on the box.
Gotta say, my favorite is the para-commando (the guy with the big, honkin' machine-gun). I'm debating cutting the barrel off at the end for a more square-looking MG to give it more of a sci-fi feel, but I'm currently undecided.
I'm actually thinking of ordering some cool bases for these guys. So far I've been looking at these but if you guys can think of anything that's more infinity-ish please let me know.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2013/02/23 19:24:56
MRRF 300pts
Adeptus Custodes: 2250pts
2013/02/25 09:50:54
Subject: [Infinity] Kestril Starts Ariadian Metros! (The MRRF arrives)
Not bad bases. I wish they were not so broken up though. You could probably mix them with other companies bases too. I have to agree about that para trooper. He's bad ass.
I used the smaller brush to touch up margot and durok. They look better IMO. I still need to work or Durok's face. I'm not quite happy with it. On a side note, my buddies have started calling my Durok "the beast" because of his blue color and his ability to rip through anything with his chain-rifles and teeth. He took out a su-jian in close combat and then rambo'd two other troops to death in one of his first games. Also, he took a D.E.P. and close range and lived. total immunity is total.
I like how the expression on Margot's face turned out, even if a bit quizzical. I've started on the grenade launcher metro:
I feel like I'll have to blend the colors on the pants a bit, but I do like the way the jacket came out. The face and the grenade launcher is still a WIP as of now, but I've watered down my paints quite a bit and I quite like the scheme. I'm noticing a big difference! I'm definitively progressing. The picture is a bit out of focus, but I'll upload more when I finish him. Any advice is appreciated!
MRRF 300pts
Adeptus Custodes: 2250pts
2013/03/02 13:36:36
Subject: Re:[Infinity] Kestril Starts Ariadian Metros! (We will we will Durok you)
Nice updates, dude! I think you've slowed down your process a bit from what I can see. Along with the other techniques your applying, like paint thinning, it's definitely improving your results. Keep it up!
New update. The paratrooper with an HMG in inbound!
I'm slowing down my paint. I'm quite proud of the pants. I used a less-saturated shade of blue by mixing the blue with black, and then white to loose the blue pigment, then I applied splotches of camo here or there. Granted, the camo isn't that great, but it adds some texture. The backpack is a little plain, but I'm happy with it.
Also. I like the stash. Don't steal this frenchman's baguette.
Lookin' good bro, you're coming along nicely. What experience have you got with washes? I think they should be your next step. If you can get them right you'll see massive changes to the finished model. Also, have you watched any tutorials on YouTube? These are great to copy and help you improve.
I mustache you a question, but I'll shave it for later.
Quick update:
I'm not quite sure what to do with the pants. . .
To make it look sci-fi, I painted parts of the hair green, as if it were some stylish hair die,and I particularly like the way the goggles turned out.Now I only have the zoauve, the Molblot, and one more metro to paint.
I played around with the devin mud wash i have. I'm split. While they make the details more apparent, I'm not a fan of that "dirty" look on my metros. Even though I do kinda like the look on this particular model. Pun unintended, it seems she's not afraid of getting dirty while on the job-- in other words, it gives here some attitude. I usually lay the wash on way to thick, or way to thin to where it is unnoticeable. Washes and I don't get along.
Anyways, are there any specific video tutorials you guys would recommend?
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/03/28 17:53:46
Solid start, boss. With washes, my advice would be to use a wash specific to the colour you are applying over. This isn't always necessary but you might find it helpful to wash one area of colour at a time af least. There is also nothing wrong with painting it on directly into the recesses. What you are using it for right now is better known as 'dipping'. Dipping is a great tool but isn't as easy as some people think. So try thinking of the wash as another layer of paint until you build your confidence up.
Also, washing isn't really a shortcut although it can appear like that. It's purpose is primarily to retrospectively paint in shadow. Try something like this:
Basecoat
Wash
Re-Basecoat(leave the recesses)
Highlight(leave the recesses and most basecoat)
You'll want at least 60% of the surface area to be basecoat when you are done. When you get more confident you can add more layers of shading and highlight.
As for tutorials, I can't link stuff from my phone but check out the big names like Les from awesomepaintjob and Chung from wgconsortium. You'll find more by looking at their favourites. Also try searching for things you want to learn.
Lastly, I think you will get a lot out of Privateer Press' P3 Hobby Videos Volume 1: Core Techniques. They probably sell it on their website or there might be other ways to aquire it, I wouldn't know. If you can get a hold of that and just copy it section by section until you are happy with what you are doing.
Long time, no see, but I've got my very first ITS tournament coming up tomorrow, and I've been painting like mad to have my whole force painted up (not required, but I just want to show off.)
Anyways, i had an interesting experience painting. First, I painted my Molblot model, which came out better than anything I have ever done. Heh, too bad the Molblot is less-than-optimal. Still, I'm going include her in all my lists in the tourney. Because it's not what you bring, it's how you play it:
Looks like I missed a spot below the backpack. This camera picks up EVERYTHING.
Then, for the next model.I thought something like "oh, hurr durr, I know how to paint now, so I can do the next one at lightspeed." When I painted the zouave. The zouave turned out SO horribad that I don't have the heart to show him. (he's horribad. Just trust me on this.)
In other news, one of my buddies offered to paint the last metro (who is quite a good painter here on dakka, and ,has just started a second blog. I'll give him a plug once I get my model back and can get pics and such. I don't know what it looks like yet, but I'm SO EXCITED because he is an excellent painter with a few commissions under his belt. (all part of the master plan to get him into infinity, Muhahahaha!)
BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE: Although my MRRF and Mirage-5 are now painted, I still have one more model to paint, I bought this chasseur the other day as a birthday gift to myself:
I messed with the ponytail to give it a bit more sense of motion.
So far she's primed, and I plan to paint her to Molblot-quality tonight
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2013/06/08 00:22:24
your paint skill is drastically improving over a short time. A simply scan through the photos of this thread shows more control and precise application of color to each new miniature you paint. Would love to see how you base these models in addition to your paint work, but casey's law offers very good advice to painting.
I also offer the 3 color theory to your work.
Base in the darkest color that is either a complement to the color or a complete negative.
Use the color you wanted, this be your yellow or the sort.
Apply your color mixed with white as a dry brush for lazy people, layer for the more aesthetically pleasing.
Wash it to mellow the drastic areas into a smooth color, use a glaze to warm it if you so desire.
So, in my grand master-plan to try and get my good friend into infinity, I insisted he try and paint a model. While I don't think I quite have him hooked (yet) he did a great job with the painting, and I promised I'd give him a plug on my blog.
If you like what you see, you can check out his Orks here and his newly-stared tron-dar here The guy takes commissions at very fair prices. So definitely give him a look and send him a PM if you need the odd model painted.
As for me, I finished le chasseur, but for the life of me I can't figure out why she has goggles on her hat AS WELL as sunglasses. It seems a bit redundant. Also, she held midfield solo in the second game I fielded her, downing 3+ enemies in ARO all the while dodging sniper fire before finally getting gunned down.
that's it for now, I'm out of infinity models. The next one I'll probably get is the Metro HMG because of link-team goodness (plus he looks cool.) Maybe a Dozer and a Tractor MUL If you guys have any suggestions as to my next model, I'm all ears! And, as always, constructive criticism and complements are always welcome.
MRRF 300pts
Adeptus Custodes: 2250pts 
) - the penalty however is that the lens isn't that fast, meaning you need a good light level
It's like Christmas. (Some of my family does photography, and when one of them upgraded they passed the camera to me)
New Shangri-La Peace Force
Combined Army Shasvastii painting Blog
