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I was medically retired from the military about 5 years ago and decided last summer to get back into painting. About the same time I discovered how vast and incredible the 40k universe truly is. I'm enjoying my attempt at reading, chronogically, the entire Horus Heresy. Thus far I'm up to about 35 novels, novellas, short stories and audio dramas. The Black Library loves to keep you guessing as to the correct reading order. I've started several novels only to put them down in the first chapter because it's way ahead of the timeline I'm following only to come back and finish it several novels later. The Black Library's posted chronology is far from being correct.

I painted WWII tanks and infantry from about the 4th grade up to Jr high. That was over 20 years ago. I picked up the Dark Vengeance set this past summer along with my first airbrush. I've been having a blast.

My first miniatures. After several varnish frosting mishaps with my airbrush I had to over gloss these Dark Angels as a last ditch attempt at salvaging the paint job. I only use the Tamiya semi gloss and dull cote cans now for my minis with good results and ZERO frosting thus far. I'm also teaching myself about lighting and have been experimenting with a new camera and my iPad camera so the lighting is less than optimal in many of the pics. You will see my photo quality is slowly progressing. The quality of the photographs of the DA squad is admittedly poor.

My next batch is the Crimson Slaughter Chosen squad from the Dark Vengeance set. A noticeable step up in my game I think and a bit better lighting and slightly better picture quality. It's also my first attempt with using oil washes thanks to Buypainted's oil wash tutorial.

As far as the squad i painted them with a World Eaters army in mind which I have since abandoned, thus the blue colors from the original pre Heresy World Eaters color scheme on a few capes and tabards. The oil wash makes an amazing difference IMO and it has become my favorite stage of finishing a miniature because it really brings the miniature to life. I also discovered the "leave no mini unmodded" thread in the Dakka forums and every mini has extra weapons, Grenades, drum mags, as well as other additions. I added several gashes, scrapes and various types of battle damage to most of these miniatures using an exacto. Keep in mind at this point I only have about 6 miniatures painting experience.

Looking good! I love the amount of detail you put into that chosen

After several months of progressing through the Heresy novels I'm at odds with how Most of the authors portray the traitor legions post Istvaan V. It seems most have become mindless backstabbers that regularly partake in fratricide according to many authors and they've miraculously forgotten Brotherhood(inner Legion), Astartes tactics and battle doctrine 101. Total BS IMO and I've abandoned a Chaos army until I find a Chaos Legion I really like as I make my way through the novels.

After giving up on a World Eaters themed army I've decided to field a Grey Knights army with either Officio Assassinorum or Inquisition allies. May not be competitive in a tournament but I don't plan on playing in any tournaments for quite some time. I'm still working on my first army and like the GK-Inquisition theme.

My first attempt using brass etch from the FW Inquisition set and my first attempts with wet blending.

Wow mate impressive keep the good work up

Priest and Inquisitors:

Inquisitors.

I like your work. You seem to be picking up advanced techniques at quite a rate. Your photos are good. If you check the dakka gallery you will be amazed at the amount of out of focus and camera motion blur stuff.

I too stopped for 20 years, and now read HH novels.

Almost finished with my Inquisition Priests and Inquisitors. I will be starting on my Grey Knights hopefully at the end of the week.

I really like the chaos guys from the Dark Vengeance box. Nicely done!

I would say though that the Dark Angels looked like they were all dipped in gloss varnish. Maybe it's the photography but they are really shiny.

Looking really good so far. Hard to believe you have not painted in nearly 20 years.

I am impressed by the quality of your work after 20 years. Special mention to inquisitorial agents !

Great progress, and welcome back to the hobby