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I'm trying to paint my tyranids to this scheme, http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/squigsquisha/6954340945/

Following the brief explanation, I'm using gw color equivalent colors. But the result is nothing close to what this guy achieved. I feel really defeated. Spent money on paints, and supplies, and have nothing to show for it.

I'm using a gw medium dry brush. Using the paper towel method and swirling the brush to get excess paint off. Well, does any one have any input or advice? Any input would be awesome.

Can you post a picture of what your models look like? It's easier to figure out what you're doing wrong if we have an example of what you've got so far.

Makes sense.

Your paint is to thick. You need to dab a brush a few times on a paper towel or something before you brush. It almost has to have no paint on the brush.

May help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tj9XNbwfwHo


http://www.how-to-paint-miniatures.com/miniature_painting_drybrushing.html

The simple answer is: Less Paint. You should just barely be able to see any paint coming off on the paper towel when you wipe it off. I know you are thinking "I wiped it all off" you didn't. Use less paint on your brush and add more layers.

I thought I was getting enough off, but I'll try again tomorrow and post pictures of progress. Thanks guys.

Yeah, and when you're doing multiple layers of drybrushing, make sure you are doing each subsequent layer even lighter. You can separate the drybrush layers with washes as well. (drybrush -> wash -> drybrush -> wash).

AllSeeingSkink wrote:
Yeah, and when you're doing multiple layers of drybrushing, make sure you are doing each subsequent layer even lighter. You can separate the drybrush layers with washes as well. (drybrush -> wash -> drybrush -> wash).

This is excellent advice.

Might I also add, make sure any layer of paint (especially if a wash is used) is completely dry before drybrushing on top of it.

I find its easier if you use a wider brush. I use a 3/8 one like this http://www.deserres.ca/en-ca/products/fine-arts/paintbrushes/beginner-gold-talkon-shader-brush/52/RDOTD/ - much cheaper than GW and probably available where you live.

The base coat must be completely dry as well as any wash you have applied. I would prime, base coat, dry-brush, wash, paint fine details like the eyes, touch-up.

The brush must be completely dry. Not just washed and shook off, but dry.

Use less paint. Put a drop or two on a pallette like some tinfoil and just get the tips of the bristles in. Go back and forth and blot on some paper towel until it looks like nothing more can come off, then its ready. Its just right when it takes 3-5 strokes before you see any sign of paint appearing on the model. The dude in the posted vid appears to be using way too much paint.

For this model, I would only dry-brush in one direction. You want to pick up the edges of the armor plates. I would avoid the tail for now.



I may also suggest you paint the scales a dark color and the body underneath lighter. A light colored dry-brush will pick up the edges of the armor and your wash will add shadows to the body and help blend your dry-brushed high-light with the scales. Models that have contrasting colors (dark beside light etc) really stand out and tend to look a bit better.

Good luck and keep trying !

The biggest tip I got with drybrushing was.

Wipe a large portion of the paint on the paper towel THEN..... wipe it off on the back of your hand,(results may vary for non Caucasians) if your still seeing pigment show up, its not dry enough.

Total guessing as to why this works..... I think its because your skin is oily and needs a large chunk of paint to want to stick to it. If its still able to cling to your skin its still to wet. If not it should be dry enough and will stick to your model.

These have all been excellent tips! Thank you for taking the time and making up an image as to which direction to dry brush in. It's very helpful, all the advice has been.

Another tip that may help you, try and have the paint only go up the bristles of the drybrush ~1mm, this is because brushes (varies with manufacturer, by GWs are the worst for this) have a habit of bowing when you use them, especially with drybrushing, by have most of the brush without paint on it, even if it bows, it won't get anywhere you don't want it.

The image rickfactor posted explains it all. You have to go against the details, so that way paint will be left at their edge. Your brush must be completely dry cause even the smallest amount of water on it will ruin the effect. Wipe the color off until it leaves no trace on the paper towel, don't worry there will be more than enough left to show on the mini. Always remember that less is more when painting.. You can always add more but you can't go back to having less. So be patient and take your time. Once you get the hang of this technique you will be able to execute it very easily to great effect.

Hi, I am by no means a good painter but I can help a bit. Couple of steps to follow

1: Where to start your brush "will have the most of that colour"
2: If you need less then 2 drybrush passes with that colour it is to thick.
3: You get use to it take some time and relax
4: If that model you linked to was only drybrushed I am a pixie.

I pretty much dry brushed this whole model took about 20 min to paint.
http://www.dakkadakka.com/gallery/433031-.html

Drybrushing is typically used for rough surfaces or repetitive patterns in fine detail.

The picture looks like "edging" is done for the raised plates.

I think if the model was drybrushed for the plates I too am a pixie.

Get a milk jug and practice dry brushing on that. It is the same surface texture as a model and provides ample surface area to practice on.