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Hey guys, I played 40k about 10 years ago and haven't played or painted since. Recently I found my paints in a closet and decided to paint a few things. I remember how much I used to enjoy it and then bought the Dark Vengeance box. Since I don't paint/play with anyone I was hoping for some feedback. I have 3 models I'd like to get constructive criticism on. If you think my miniature sucks, that's fine I'd just love to know why.

First, and most familiarly the Hellbrute.

The second model is a minotaur I found. Funny story here...I dropped super glue on his eye and had to sculpt a wound over it. It is a little big, but not bad for my first real green stuff work for something other than gaps.

Great job!

I really like the purple flesh! it is something I haven't seen done before on a hellbrute.

CC wise not too much I can pick up except that the blending on the horns is a little obvious and the metal is very bright - but thats just for the sake of saying something!

- Just saw the minotaur, good fix on the eye!

Finally, I present the Duke. There is a bit of damage to the butt of his axe that I haven't repaired yet - dog almost died that day, but it is a simple enough fix. He's also the only model of the three that has a glosscoat on him.

Looking great buddy. It really comes down to how badly you wanna get better. I only started up the hobby again about 8 - 11 months ago. I have pics of my models here this thread feel free to drop a comment ty.


http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/511831.page

I would say get into air brushing but it might be a bit overwheeling for starting up again. Best advice would be don't overthink things. What I mean by that if you want something done have a look at the colours and think would that work up to a natural looking colour transition.

Example: O wow Billy, how c00ls does that space marines black air look! man I wonder how they did that.

answers are very simple Chaos Black, Dry brush of a Grey, then a lighter grey on the more raised areas i dont really no were im going with this but ehh.

Best advice would be to go online and look around for some warhammer beginner guides. I think I might make a few myself. Dunno tho. anyways I hope this helpd :/

Your work looks like you have a good start with your uses of lowlights/washes, but the next step is to add highlights. I just started doing this (at least consistently) a couple of months ago and it has made all the difference in the quality of my work.

I would start with armored guys and just right a bright silver along all of the metalic edges. The nice thing about starting here is if you mess up a little it looks like the metal has been scraped and worn.

Once you are comfortable with this try the edges of other colors.

Highlighting tends to me more time consuming that washing, but it will give the model much more depth.

Dmyze - Thanks for the input. I think you're right about the metals - I should have gone with a darker metal there.

KronicPsycho - I would enjoy getting into airbrushing but I've been hesitant to 'pull the trigger' on it since I am not very prolific yet and I want to get my basics down pat before starting to use the airbrush. Also,I do really like the Nurgle lord in your link - that axe is impressively done.

ThatEdGuy - Line highlighting is actually something I was trying over the weekend with the Ravenwing Bikes. I decided to paint the Dark Angels in the set to get experience working with black and white base colors. I wish I could say that experiment was going a bit better. I originally tried the gray highlighting but it seemed too messy on the black so I tried using green which was an interesting effect but looked forced. I think taking a step back and trying the armor first is a good suggestion and I will. Thanks!

From my (limited) experience with painting black armor I might try a wide layer of dark gray along the edges, cover the whole area in a black wash and then do line highlights with a lighter gray.

Its actually not too bad (especially your 2nd and 3rd).

I think you've got to improve on your washing and highlighting to bring our the dynamics of the face and armour...

As for the Hellbrute, the painting is fine, but a lack of shades/highlights on the unarmoured parts make it appear a little flat.

Besides that, great job mate!

Pedantic I know, but on the last fig my first thought was how badly painted the green base was - you can see gaps and brush strokes on the base. Easily fixable.

Shield would look really good with some kind of motif on the front, suitably weathered. On weathering, have you tried weathering powders/rust effects yet? They can really add to a model especially on something like a minotaur whose army is likely to be in less than pristeen condition. Chainmail could do with an extra wash - possibly a brown rather than black to give that slightly oiled feel.

Cloak looks good with plenty of depth.

Face on the warrior has disappeared slightly into the model. Shading, highlights and some good eyes will bring the face back to the fore.

Too much static grass on the bases. It never looks right if you attempt to cover the whole base.

Try putting on a layer of fine sand first. This represents your soil surface.
paint PVA on the base, wipe it off the edge, then cover in sand.
Allow to dry, then apply watered down PVA (a good blob on the brush will run into the sand and flood it. This helps stop the sand coming off later.

Paint it dark or medium brown, then give it a quick drybrush of a light sand colour.

Then apply a few spots of PVA (just clumps) and put your static grass on. If you want to be fancy, put fine flock down on these areas first, allow to dry then put a little static grass on the top.

Winterdyne - I see your point. I think I will rebase him based off of your suggestions (and to get some more practice).

Ruminator - I haven't tried the powders but mostly because I thought I needed an airbrush to set them but to be honest I haven't researched them much.

ThatEdGuy - That makes sense. The wash may help smooth that highlighting issue on the black.

Thanks all.