And he is rounding the final turn, starting to pull ahead of the unpainted mass. Can he stay in the lead until midnight tonight to get his final pictures in?
Holy moly that thing is massive! Impressive work Arakasi, from the bloody bone to the bone bone to the royal purple to the spooky glow and the cool blue-silver. I will go check out the voting contest now - good luck!
Wow, so many comments to get through... Given they started a page and a while ago, I'll include full quotes.
endtransmission wrote:He's coming along nicely there; the bones are looking particularly nice. I look forward to seeing the purples next time around. Any plans for glowing eyes on him too?
Once again you are very prescient of where I was headed.
gobert wrote:He really is a sight to behold! Good luck getting him done ahead of the deadline!
Your luck wishes obviously helped.
Ezki wrote:That is looking gorgeous already!
Good luck getting the final touches in, not that it needs much
And that sorted out painting area Jealous.
Thanks and thanks.
CommissarKhaine wrote:That's... a big boy. Nice work, loving the purple tying everything together, it adds a regal feel to that huge monster.
As a king, regal was what I was going for - so it's nice to see you were able to pick up on that.
Captain Brown wrote:And he is rounding the final turn, starting to pull ahead of the unpainted mass. Can he stay in the lead until midnight tonight to get his final pictures in?
Cheers,
CB
Apparently he could.
Gitsplitta wrote:Pretty awesome.
Thanks.
gobert wrote:Fancy and gory! Great job Arakasi, good luck in the comp
Thanks.
tzurk wrote:Holy moly that thing is massive! Impressive work Arakasi, from the bloody bone to the bone bone to the royal purple to the spooky glow and the cool blue-silver. I will go check out the voting contest now - good luck!
Thanks.
Gwyn chan 'r Gwyll wrote:Wow, that IS impressive. The bloody bone is really cool, and I really appreciated you going step-by-step on how you reached that.
As always, I do it mostly for my future self - but I'm always happy to know others appreciate it too.
Captain Brown wrote:Arakasi,
Exalted.
Cheers,
CB
Wow, thanks!
Viterbi wrote:I'm still weirded out by his weapon, but the finished model is amazing. Lovely work on all the different textures. He looks very... oozy
Thanks (although I still can't do anythng about how you feel about his weapon ).
With that out of the way, some final in progress pictures:
Some Asurman Blue and Leviathan Purple washes, mainly in the recessed areas of the bloody bones.
Highlighted metals - basically Leadbelcher and Stormhost Silver for the metal, Liberator Gold and Stormhost Silver for the gold. I've added strips of Doombull Brown and Tuskgor Fur to the sword grips. Mistakenly I've filled in the gems with Kantor Blue (they are meant to start at Abaddon Black...)
And this is finished with a full gloss varnish. I followed Darren Latham's How to paint Eldar gems & Space Marine eye lenses for the gems, re-basing in Abaddon Black and working through the blues I had - Kantor Blue, Alaitoc Blue and Hoeth Blue. The sword grips were given an Agrax Earthshade wash in an attempt to pull the colours together a bit better. I'm not sure it completely worked. I used Nihilakh Oxide to add a bit more interest to the skull and his claw hand.
The final images above were taken after applying Medium to all areas that weren't the bloody bones.
Another month down!
This month's theme is Saints and Sinners. I don't have a lot that easily fits into this category (either the category itself, or the work I'd need to do first ). I'm considering stripping and repainting one of these two adventurers:
Meanwhile, more progress has already begun on the Klinik for the [url=https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/0/791602.page]
League of Extraordinary Riveters [LoER] Round 33: "Unfinished Business"[/url] - so you can expect some progress on that in my next post.
Cool update on the Klinik progress, now I feel bad for always just throwing my sprues in the recycling bin Although I wouldn't have the patience for such a project.
Now this is proper "from the scratch" building My friend once said to me, that a true wargamer never throws anything away. Good way to recycle those sprues.
Finding time to update this has been... a challenge... but as various things wrap up this month, they need to be posted, so here we are...
Don Qui Hotep wrote:Late to chime in but beautiful job on the Corpse King! A wonderful macabre project.
Thank you.
Viterbi wrote:Cool update on the Klinik progress, now I feel bad for always just throwing my sprues in the recycling bin Although I wouldn't have the patience for such a project.
CommissarKhaine wrote:And I just threw all my sprues away, makes me feel kinda bad. Then again, I have plenty of crap still on sprues, so...
Ezki wrote:Now this is proper "from the scratch" building My friend once said to me, that a true wargamer never throws anything away. Good way to recycle those sprues.
I'm a bit of a hoarder - I have plenty more - although finding long straight sections seems to be the biggest challenge. I actually thought I'd use them eventually for terrain rubble (and probably still will, eventually...) They are cheaper than buying the materials, but yes, they require a lot of work to clean up and hide their sprue-i-ness...
The League of Extraordinary Riveters [LoER] Round 33: "Unfinished Business" comes to a close at the end of the month and... I'm not going to make it. I know you are all very surprised (not). This is where I got to half way through this month before I completely gave up on making it...
Front door frame test in place.
All frames tested in place on top of the underfloor. The side section in front is a bit shorter than it should be...
I cut the short side section in half so that I could extend it. Here I also lay out the frame for the sliding door.
New height and with sliding door frame.
Replicate the sliding door frame for the other side.
Create an internal sliding door frame between the front quarters section and the middle.
Add some reinforcement frame to the front wall and create a door for the front door frame.
Internal sliding door frame in place, testing the door in the door frame.
Where I got to. So much more to do. I'll definitely try to finish it if there is ever another "Unfinished Business" round in the LoER, but barring an influx of time, I suspect this will go on the backburner for now / some indefinite period of time / whenever the muse strikes me.
Thank you all for the following the Klinik journey up to this point!
That was an ambitious project to say the least. Good job getting that far!
No point in trying to force it, so it's not a bad call to let it rest until the inspiration hits you again.
Unusual for me, you now get an almost start to finish in one post! Unfortunately, with timing considerations, I don't seem to have been *as* meticulous with the step by steps - but then I'm not really trying out much new here other than the skin. So, without further ado - is she a Saint or a Sinner?
The Games Workshop free store model for November, camouflaged in a Primaris box...
The sprues. I apear to be missing the Witch Aelf head, which is unfortunate.
Pieces selected. Even without the Witch Aelf head, I'm going to try to make use of that hair!
Finished build. Nothing special here, except for modifying the Witch Aelf hair to fit the Sister of Slaughter head.
I forgot to take an undercoat only picture - this one has the start of the Bugman's Glow base coat.
Bugman's Glow base coat. Also some Armageddon Dust around the basing material.
Plus another two layers of Bugman's Glow.
Reikland Fleshshade wash. Rhinox Hide base on... the base.
Bugman's Glow layers. Agrax Earthshade wash.
Cadian Fleshtone layers.
Kislev Flesh and Screaming Skull layers.
Gratuitous butt shot... I mean... Kantor Blue base. I thought I had a darker blue base for the shield, which is why it is only partly covered here. It will be fully Kantor Blue too.
Mephiston Red and Rhinox Hide base coats.
Asurman Blue wash - over blue *and* red.
Okay, there has been a lot done up to this point. The hair has been washed twice with Nuln Oil. The leather has been washed with Agrax Earthshade then layered with Rhinox Hide, Doombull Brown and Tuskgor Fur. The red has had multiple layers of Mephiston Red to tone down the Asurman Blue wash, then layered with Evil Sunz Scarlet and Wild Rider Red. The blue has been layered with Kantor Blue, Alaitoc Blue and Hoeth Blue. These are all combinations of colours I have used before - that is my only excuse! (and time )
Retributor Armour and Leadbelcher base coats.
Reikland Fleshshade and Nuln Oil washes. Also highlighted the hair with Gorthor Brown and Baneblade Brown.
Retributor Armour and Leadbelcher layers. Drybrush base - Zandri Dust (heavy), Ushabti Bone, Scremaing Skull (light). Celestra Grey base coat to the ruin.
Auric Armour Gold and Stormhost Silver layers. Asurman Blue wash to the ruin followed by Celestra Grey, Ulthuan Grey and White Scar layers. Mechanicus Standard Grey base coat to the stone, layered with Dawnstone and Administratum Grey.
Unflattering close up.
Just the grass on the base to do to complete... Does she remind you of anyone?
Ezki wrote:Nice step by step! Cool to see the progress with each color. Getting some serious wonder woman feels from the scheme
gobert wrote:Definitely getting the Wonder Woman vibes. It must be Gal Gadoy era as her knickers aren’t stripy enough for Linda Carter!
There is no fooling you guys, is there
endtransmission wrote:She looks really good with the richer/redder skin tones
CommissarKhaine wrote:Nice! I tend to do my elves very pale, but the more reddish flesh works nicely with the overall colour scheme.
CommissarKhaine wrote:Nice! did you add an additional highlight to the skin, or is the difference due to lighting?
No additional highlight, just lighting - which is still poor - I'm going to have to seriously do something about that next year. Although your comments have made me realise I've gone with a light "human" skin tone - which I guess is fitting for the Wonder Woman homage - rather than a pale aelf one. I'll have to find another mini to practise on .
Next month's theme is open. There are already a few Orks being entered, but I think I might go the other end of the scale and enter a lowly grot (rather than a Stompa!)
Stompa is definitely not happening this month (athough I do have one, unopened, from late 2013... ). It will definitely (eventually) have DA style wings on its head .
As I said, I need a grot for December, and also want to start prepping some Orks for later, so...
Based my grots and sorted into liquid greenstuff piles - none, minimal (back of neck) and more (arms as well). I'll use texture paint (Armageddon Dust) to fill the gaps on the bases.
Sorted into Klans - Dark Angelz (left four), Rav'nwing (middle three), Deffwing (right three). I'll do the front three as scheme tests. Front left is most likely entry into December painting competition.
Some Mekz and Slugga Boyz I put together some time ago. The plan is to upgrade their bases from 25mm to 32mm.
Mekz off their 25mm bases. Apparently one wasn't even glued on .
Some undercoated Kommando Burnaz from way back. Here one has been separated from his 25mm base, along with the first Slugga boy.
Once these guys are prepped for undercoating, I'm going to put together one of my Ork buggies. My wife insists I start with the Boomdakka Snazzwagon - although I doubt she will get her wish that I leave off the Grot on the front as well...
No additional highlight, just lighting - which is still poor - I'm going to have to seriously do something about that next year. Although your comments have made me realise I've gone with a light "human" skin tone - which I guess is fitting for the Wonder Woman homage - rather than a pale aelf one. I'll have to find another mini to practise on .
Lighting is something I also struggle with, and my daylight hours are usually spent away from the hobby room due to work, kids, the dog,... Once I've got the hobby room properly in order, I've promised I'd get myself a good lightbox.
And: yes, grots! Alwyals good to see those . Glad to see the Dark Angels growing .
Stompa is definitely not happening this month (athough I do have one, unopened, from late 2013... ). It will definitely (eventually) have DA style wings on its head .
Do it! Gork and Mork demand it! I got my stompa in 2011, and it's still not fully painted btw
Once these guys are prepped for undercoating, I'm going to put together one of my Ork buggies. My wife insists I start with the Boomdakka Snazzwagon - although I doubt she will get her wish that I leave off the Grot on the front as well...
I was so tempted to get some of those ork vehicles and de-orkify them for Necromunda. One day... the Snazzwagon screams Goliath and the Squigbuggy is more Orlock.
You could always appease the Lou by replacing the grot with something that looks like the Rolls Royce angel. I have visions of a grot with DA style wings strapped to his back
Greenskins seem to be popular this month, and that’s good few of them ready for the painting desk. I think EndTx has hit on a great idea for da dark angelz snazzwagon!
CommissarKhaine wrote:Lighting is something I also struggle with, and my daylight hours are usually spent away from the hobby room due to work, kids, the dog,... Once I've got the hobby room properly in order, I've promised I'd get myself a good lightbox.
Same and same. I need a good lightbox *and* good lighting.
CommissarKhaine wrote:And: yes, grots! Alwyals good to see those . Glad to see the Dark Angels growing .
Why am I not surprised?
CommissarKhaine wrote:Do it! Gork and Mork demand it! I got my stompa in 2011, and it's still not fully painted btw
All in good time. Having learnt that I can no longer sustain painting in batches, I'm starting to also realise I can't sustain building in batches either. I have grand plans for that Stompa - but I need to get back into my full swing first...
endtransmission wrote:I was so tempted to get some of those ork vehicles and de-orkify them for Necromunda. One day... the Snazzwagon screams Goliath and the Squigbuggy is more Orlock.
Hehe. I'm used to the other way around obviously - but I'm also sorta interested in Buggy/Trukk mixes...
endtransmission wrote:You could always appease the Lou by replacing the grot with something that looks like the Rolls Royce angel. I have visions of a grot with DA style wings strapped to his back
gobert wrote:Greenskins seem to be popular this month, and that’s good few of them ready for the painting desk. I think EndTx has hit on a great idea for da dark angelz snazzwagon!
Agreed - that could definitely work....
Viterbi wrote:Slaughter Woman looks great, amazing effort you put into the skin. Already excited for all the green coming to this space.
Thanks, althought it didn't complete well in the monthly comp. I suspect 2021 might be very green from this corner of Dakka...
Anyway - some token progress on the Grot. More detail in spoilers for anyone interested.
@Gitsplitta: Thanks. The new greens appear to go on quite nicely, so I'm looking forward to upgrading to a boy.
@gobert: Yeah, the dedication isn't to layering grot skin, but to practising my layering and gaining experience with the new paints. Christmas was quiet - which is just the way I like it.
More on the Grot. All of this was completed two weeks ago, but I'm only catching up on the blog now (in case anyone mistakenly thinks I have finally learnt to speed paint ). Steps in spoilers.
Spoiler:
Kislev Flesh layer (on the nose and ears).
Carroburg Crimson wash (nose and knuckles).
Rakarth Flesh base (bandages).
Caliban Green base (loincloth, buckle, bracelet?).
Mephiston Red base.
Rhinox Hide base (pouch and belt).
Leadbelcher base.
Morghast Bone base (teeth and claws). I think I'll build up from Zandri Dust in future.
Agrax Earthshade and Nuln Oil washes.
Balthasar Gold base (because I forgot it before the previous step).
Apply Agrax Earthshade wash to Balthasar Gold.
Warpstone glow, Doombull Brown and Evil Sunz Scarlet layers. Daemonette Hide base (gums) with Agrax Earthshade wash.
Next - Boyz re-basing (No, I haven't finished the Grot yet).
Thank you Viterbi, endtransmission and JoshInJapan. I wasn't actually going for "Oldhammer" specifically - I just think it brings a bit of additional detail and character to the face.
Today I can add the last of the images I bulk uploaded - (re)basing Orks on 32mm bases.
My "hole location template base" (formerly "I got it wrong too many times" base).
"Pins" inserted and held in place with plastic glued "nut" - pre clipping to the correct length.
An assortment of Orks on their new 32mm (unbased) bases.
Start of base detailing - large rocks, skulls and pipes. Interestingly, I super glued the metal skulls to the base with what I later discovered was actually plastic glue . Hopefully they will hold!
All in good time. Having learnt that I can no longer sustain painting in batches, I'm starting to also realise I can't sustain building in batches either. I have grand plans for that Stompa - but I need to get back into my full swing first...
Smart move. I've been struggling a bit getting back in the hobby, and one of the the reasons is thinking nothing has changed and that skills haven't gone a tad rusty by lack of use.
That little grot is looking brilliant! Very green, but that's a stylistic choice - I recall you saying the same about my orange, so it makes perfect sence . Not 100% sure about the red on thye gun, but, again, our tastes differ.
Have fun rebasing them all (something I should do as well, though I have thankfully few models on 32 mm bases), and looking forward to those boyz gaining some colour!
Because I'm curious: what's up with the black marker on some weapons? Are they marked for conversion/replacement?
Good to see some more Ladz. The basing looks great. Since coming back to the hobby and doing something other than sand painted goblin green I’ve been amazed at how much a good base works for minis. These ones look cool
@shasolenzabi: Well equipped, yes. Legal? I don't think so any more. Kommandos don't appear to be able to take Burnas anymore, and Meks and Spanners can't take Kombi-Skorchas anymore . I can always use the Burnas as actual Burnas, but those Meks will always have extremely impressive Kustom Mega-Blastas/Sluggas...
@CommissarKhaine: Rusty skills, paint system change, and struggling to find the time to unrust those skills . I was following the Rippa's Snarlfangs colour scheme for the green - but I agree with you - it's a bit light, more suitable for Snotlings I think. I'll be trying out different recipes on the other Grots to see if I can find something closer to my tastes. I'm not locked in yet, and some variation seems natural anyway - so don't hold back (ie it's not a stylistic choice - yet ). What do you dislike about the red? Again, I'm struggling to nail my recipe with the new colours - and all of the Citadel Colour recipes I try end up too orange for my liking - so it can't be that
Thankfully I too have few completed models on 25mm bases that are now 32mm. Let's call that forward planning and leave it at that . I don't plan to rebase anything completed, and I don't think anything signifcantly "in progress" requires a base change - so it should be just unfinished models going forward. The Kommandos and one of the Meks is probably the first and last of the most challenging I'll face.
I had wondered if anyone would question the black marker . All seven boyz have it. I actually put a lot more Sluggas (and Shootas) together when I did these (years ago) - enough to fill out my existing units to 20 or 30 models. You may notice that they are all based on Assault on Black Reach bodies, which leads to a bit of uniformity, which no Ork likes. So the markings simply designate which unit they were meant to join, in order to spread the similiarities evenly. Therefore, all seven boyz here were meant to join the same unit. Of course, what that means is I've messed up - because if I want to paint them in different Dark Angelz schemes, that will necessarily put them in different units .
@gobert: Thanks! 32mm bases are a blessing and a curse. They frame the model better IMHO, and provide more room for interesting basing. This however leads to taking more time and materials...
Talking about basing...
I added the sand.
And some watch parts. I've been hoarding these for ages. Now I have bases they fit on! Just trying to not go overboard on rank and file...
The completed bases in all of their glory, sans Orks. I've left where the feet attach free for later gluing. The other circular gaps are for grass tufts. I'll fill any gaps with Armageddon Dust during painting.
And the Orks, sans bases, so I know which one goes where .
With that done, I was able to finally clean up my work area:
Which allowed me to get started on the Boomdakka Snazzwagon:
Normally I wouldn't take a photo of a simple, unmodified assembly (unless I wanted to prove I'd actually done it I guess) - but the image highlights two things you may be interested in or have an opinion about.
First, this is step 1a - which is listed as "Paint before assembly" - which makes sense until you realise the glyph is part of step 2c, not 1a. I can't fathom why you would add the glyph after painting, other than as a test that you followed the very first instruction, "Before assembling your miniatures please read through the instructions in this booklet carefully." I'm not convinced I can't wait until it is attached to the chassis, but I'll dry fit and see what I think later.
Second, the glyph in the above image is attached in the orientation shown in the assembly instructions. The two painted examples have it the other way (chin to front instead of back). Hopefully I won't think this looks wrong later...
The clean area also allowed me to progress with my Grot... but I'll save that for my next post.
@CommissarKhaine: Rusty skills, paint system change, and struggling to find the time to unrust those skills . I was following the Rippa's Snarlfangs colour scheme for the green - but I agree with you - it's a bit light, more suitable for Snotlings I think. I'll be trying out different recipes on the other Grots to see if I can find something closer to my tastes. I'm not locked in yet, and some variation seems natural anyway - so don't hold back (ie it's not a stylistic choice - yet ). What do you dislike about the red? Again, I'm struggling to nail my recipe with the new colours - and all of the Citadel Colour recipes I try end up too orange for my liking - so it can't be that
Yeah, the paint system got me to switch to Vallejo for a number of colours. I despise the whole base-layer-drybrush thing GW has going, since it's just a different amount of water added to the paints- and they messed up all the colours. There's quite a few reference charts who coppare GW colours to Vallejo, and some are a perfect match.
For the grot, a sepia wash over the skin may help out a lot to bring it to life, adding some yellow in there? The red is a bit too pale for me to work on the gun, and seems placed in a rather haphazard way, as an afterthought almost. It's a small gun with metal, bronze, and red, which simply is a lot to me. I'd make it a deep crimson there if I wanted a red accent, to 'pop' a bit more. For crimson these days I do red gore follow by a red gore/tau ochre mix, and the a brown or black wash over it.
Thankfully I too have few completed models on 25mm bases that are now 32mm. Let's call that forward planning and leave it at that . I don't plan to rebase anything completed, and I don't think anything signifcantly "in progress" requires a base change - so it should be just unfinished models going forward. The Kommandos and one of the Meks is probably the first and last of the most challenging I'll face.
I like the forward planning . I'm going to rebase them all, since it's only like 20-25 models: 10 burna boyz, 6 or 7 lootas, and 5-6 tankbustas. If I had to rebase 100 models, I wouldn't even consider it .
I had wondered if anyone would question the black marker . All seven boyz have it. I actually put a lot more Sluggas (and Shootas) together when I did these (years ago) - enough to fill out my existing units to 20 or 30 models. You may notice that they are all based on Assault on Black Reach bodies, which leads to a bit of uniformity, which no Ork likes. So the markings simply designate which unit they were meant to join, in order to spread the similiarities evenly. Therefore, all seven boyz here were meant to join the same unit. Of course, what that means is I've messed up - because if I want to paint them in different Dark Angelz schemes, that will necessarily put them in different units .
Nice idea! If you want to change them up, a quick cut at the wrist/shoulder will allow for plenty of weapon swaps and repositioning, and adding stuff to shoulder pads and adding/removing topknots also works out nicely.
Nice work on the bases, I actually have a bunch of watch parts for convertin' stuff up, they're very nice (if very fiddly)
Engine's looking good, and following GW instructions is always a bit of a gamble- I actually started reading fully trough the booklets after a few mishaps with my kans and dreads where the instructions where unclear...
@CommissarKhaine: My main frustration with the paint system is that all of my old personal and 'Eavy Metal Masterclass recipes now need translation, and then the translations aren't always agreeable (not even trying for perfect) matches - if they even exist. Some of my old paints are still workable - but they will run out eventually. Of course, all of the new tutorials use the new paints... I don't see much difference between the base-layer-drybrush and the previous foundation-colour situation other than more vibrant base colours - but then, I haven't bought or used a dry paint yet as I haven't seen the need. I should be more open to other brands, I'm not sure why I haven't branched out in that direction yet... probably just familiarity and resistance to change .
I'll be trying different base coats - Warboss Green (I've already base coated two more with this), Deathworld Forest (used in Goff gretchin video link above) and Waaagh! Flesh (used in a lot of the Moonclan Grots videos, not linked) - and different washes - Biel-tan Green, Athonian Camoshade - I'll definitely add Serpahim Sepia to that mix. No doubt this will be the same for the Orks as well (although presumably on the darker side).
I'm glad I pushed you on the gun, and I'm glad you took the time to reply. I think there is a little stylistic difference between us here, but most of it is actually useful to me and thought provoking - and I wouldn't want to lose that under the banner of stylistic differences .
I think we can leave the red itself aside for now. I'm not sure if "too pale" and "too orange" equate, but basically I need to practise more red recipes. What is the current equivalent of Red Gore? And are you using the current Tau Light Ochre or is that the older colour name as well?
Now the fun part. The red placement on the gun was my basic Dark Angelz red gun casings. To elaborate, it is usually (because Ork guns differ wildly) the main part of the gun, and often includes raised details - studs, glyphs, that sort of thing. It is rarely a moving part and never a barrel. By this definition I could have done the sight red as well. Usually the sight is a raised detail on the red casing (of an Ork gun) that I pick out in metal, so I stayed with that. Regardless, quoting Barbossa "They're more what you'd call guidelines than actual rules". This is what I suspect is our stylistic difference.
But - two things have interfered with the above that your comments have allowed me to realise and therefore (re)consider. Firstly, I followed the Goff Gretchin video above, which uses bronze to break up metallic details, without considering that, with the addition of the red, I had less metallic details to break up. Secondly, I've applied Ork thinking to Grotz - or more specifically, I haven't fully realised the impact of scaling a paint scheme down to a smaller canvas (especially when adding additional colours).
My first thoughts are, I don't need the bronze at all. On the gun I could either simply replace the bronze with red, or replace the bronze with metal and perhaps replace the sight in red. The sword grip bronze could be red or dark green.
I'll will ponder this more thoroughly for the rest of them. So thank you again for drawing my attention to it.
I have 41 completed models that could be rebased, mostly Ork Boyz.
Apparently those marked seven Sluggas were all there were. They are supposed to be already changed up, so I'm not doing any more modifications to them. I've also rounded up a non marked Slugga and a Shoota to rebase so that I can test my paint schemes across members of different mobs.
@Viterbi: .
Finally, the real meat and potatoes, my finished grot (minus glamour shots):
Last minor bits of progress in the spoiler:
Spoiler:
Various layers - let's see if I remember them all.... Moot Green, Wild Rider Red, Tuskgor Fur. Reapplied Rakarth Flesh to the bandages and followed up with Pallid Wych Flesh. Reapplied Morghast Bone to the teeth and claws and followed up with... Pallid Wych Flesh too?
Rhinox Hide for scratches. Studs and scratches in Leadbelcher. Studs washed in Nuln Oil. Studs and scratches highlighted with Runefang Steel. Mourfang Brown on the base.
Finally basing - dry brushed Skrag Brown, Deathclaw Brown and Ushabti Bone. Repainted the rim in Mournfang Brown. Added grass - done!
(Also finally caught the bottom of the grip!)
Finally, not sure if the Dakka Painting Challenge Round 71 January 2021 Subject Poll is still open, but it is looking likely to be "New Tricks". Can't decide between my first Dark Eldar miniature (a Mandrake) of if I should attempt orange and paint up a Squeaky WAAAGH!!!! grot .
Interesting too and fro on painting styles. I quite like the red on the gun, especially as your waagh is dark angels theme. As for the bronze, it looks good on the knife, breaking up the iron, but it does make the small gun too busy.
the main bit is usually called the receiver, where the serial number is usually stamped. Most ork guns also have a casing too and I’m pretty sure they won’t have serial numbers :nerd:
@gobert: Interesting indeed. Your agreeance on the bronze making the small gun too busy has been duly noted.
Okay - I'm not a gun enthusiast, but I do understand the value of proper nomenclature - so thank you for catching me out there. Don't you realise it takes me long enough to craft these posts as it is? Anyway, post some research, let's see if I can describe the red placement more accurately.
The red placement on the gun was my basic Dark Angelz red gun housing body or hand guard. To elaborate, it is usually (because Ork guns differ wildly) the main visible part of the gun, and often includes raised details - studs, glyphs, that sort of thing. It is rarely a moving part (the action, or in this case, the cyclinder) and never a barrel (Note: most Ork guns only show the muzzle, the rest of the barrel being hidden within the housing body). By this definition I could have done the sight (which in this case appears to be part of the frame or receiver) red as well. Usually the sight is a raised detail on the red housing body (of an Ork gun) that I pick out in metal, so I stayed with that.
So the grot revolver threw me off a number of ways, what with the frame/receiver (should probably be metal anyway) and barrel showing. Also, Ork guns could have serial numbers - who knows what piece of imperial tech they may have looted for a receiver? (I agree it is highly unlikely though.)
Moving along, I finished the glamour shots for the Grot for the Dakka Monthly Painting Challenge:
Which brings me to my first end of year in review post (well, in memory anyway). Let me present my work for 2020:
The Sister of Slaughter is currently in the Perth GW display cabinet, so wasn't available for the group shot.
I completed 19 models this year, consisting of 18 regular and 1 monster. 11 Limbo, 5 The Old World, 2 Warhammer 40K and 1 AoS.
I acquired 16 models this year, consisting of 12 regular, 3 cavalry and 1 vehicle. 12 Warhammer 40K, 3 Underworlds and 1 AoS.
My pile of shame goals were:
Complete more models than I add.
Complete a minimum of 10 models (based on entering 10 rounds of the Dakka Monthly Painting Competition this year).
I'm counting this year a minor success on that front.
As for my original plans:
Arakasi wrote: So this is going to be part journey of discovery and rediscovery, part motivation, and probably a lot more paint and less modelling than those that may have followed on with my previous endeavours might expect.
To start with, I'll be exploring the fine art of paint stripping - as I attempt to strip the paint from some old metal minis that I lost interest in decades ago due to a bad primer. From there, I hope to move to paint experimentation on those minis in preparation for tackling Rippa's Snarlfangs and (some of) Limbo. With a bit of luck that might inspire me to revisit my Imperial Knights and Orks - but we'll see how we go.
Check on paint stripping and (some of) Limbo, minor check on revisiting my Orks, didn't really progress far on paint experimentation on stripped models or tackling Rippa's Snarlfangs or my Imperial Knights.
January and February was paint stripping.
March was the 61st Dakka Painting Challenge: Space Marines. I entered a Deathwing Terminator, managing 12 out of 321 votes coming equal 8th with 2 others out of 36 contestents for 4 points/percent.
April was the 62nd Dakka Painting Challenge: Pile of Shame. I entered four Chaos Warriors, managing 21 out of 514 votes coming 5th out of 36 contestents for 4 points/percent. This also included my experimentations with Martian Ironearth for doing lava bases (Note: use Mordant Earth instead), using green stuff press molds for shield iconography and tattoos.
May was the 63rd Dakka Painting Challenge: Old School Cool. I entered Manfred, Heroic Fighter of the Known World, managing 9 out of 382 votes coming equal 20th with 2 others out of 36 contestents for 2 points/percent. I entered the 32nd League of Extraordinary Riveters Terrain Competition: Honor Our First Responders, but sadly made no progress.
June saw me start to work on an Ork Mobile Klinik for the LoER, and prep a Grot Orderly and Ammo Runt for the 64th Dakka Painting Challenge: In A Supporting Role, but, I fell off the wagon. I worked out Mournfang Brown was a close enough match to my existing Da Dark Angelz base rims.
July and August I was AWOL. I missed the LoER deadline as well as the 65th Dakka Painting Challenge: Objective Secured and the 66th Dakka Painting Challenge: Mastermind.
September was the 67th Dakka Painting Challenge: The Long War. I entered 5 Ossilyte Guard (Limbo), managing 19 out of 519 votes coming 10th out of 38 contestents for 4 points/percent. I actually completed all 10 Ossilyte Guard, where I learnt the anti joy of PVC plastic and confirmed that I should no longer attempt to batch paint miniatures. I entered the 33rd League of Extraordinary Riveters Terrain Unfinished Business with my unfinished Ork Mobile Klinik from the previous round.
October was the 68th Dakka Painting Challenge: Halloween Special. I entered Moucrum (Limbo), managing 17 out of 631 votes coming 13th out of 40 contestents for 3 points/percent. I also put together some Back 2 Base-ix acrylic paint and tool racks and made some progress on my LoER entry.
November was the 69th Dakka Painting Challenge: Saints and Sinners. I entered a Sister of Slaughter, managing 9 out of 426 votes coming 21st out of 32 contestents for 2 points/percent. I made a lot of progress on my LoER entry, but it wasn't anywhere near enough and I ended up bowing out again.
December was the 70th Dakka Painting Challenge: Open Round. I entered a Grot - but voting has not even begun yet! As part of the preparation for the Grot, I based and undercoated 10 Grots, ready for when the painting muse takes me. I also rebased 11 Orks to 32mm bases, ready to be undercoated (learning that I shouldn't batch build anymore either), and started on the Boomdakka Snazzwagon.
I'm currently equal 18th on the Dakka Painting Challenge League Table with 17 points (although November's scores have not yet been added). Had I even got only 2 points in each of the three months I missed, I'd be equal 10th. This is important in respect to my goals for next year, which are currently:
Arakasi's Goals for 2021:
Complete twice or more models than I add.
Complete a minimum of 20 models.
Complete a minimum of 10 Da Dark Angelz models.
Place in the top 10 of the Dakka Painting Challenge League Table.
@CommissarKhaine: My main frustration with the paint system is that all of my old personal and 'Eavy Metal Masterclass recipes now need translation, and then the translations aren't always agreeable (not even trying for perfect) matches - if they even exist. Some of my old paints are still workable - but they will run out eventually. Of course, all of the new tutorials use the new paints... I don't see much difference between the base-layer-drybrush and the previous foundation-colour situation other than more vibrant base colours - but then, I haven't bought or used a dry paint yet as I haven't seen the need. I should be more open to other brands, I'm not sure why I haven't branched out in that direction yet... probably just familiarity and resistance to change .
I know your pain, finding a substitute for a proper orange has been a journey in itself. INSTAR make matching paints, but I've read some mixed recview. My ecperience with them is good though, FWIW. My issue with the new paints is that I'd rather decide the consistency of my paints myself. Making a paint more opaque is easy, but getting a layer paint to cover properly over black is a bit more of a challenge- and they don't necessarily have the matching colour as a base paint. . If you want to switch over: there's quite a few colour comparison charts that greatly help out, since they also list the old citadel paint names. Here's the one I use.
I'll be trying different base coats - Warboss Green (I've already base coated two more with this), Deathworld Forest (used in Goff gretchin video link above) and Waaagh! Flesh (used in a lot of the Moonclan Grots videos, not linked) - and different washes - Biel-tan Green, Athonian Camoshade - I'll definitely add Serpahim Sepia to that mix. No doubt this will be the same for the Orks as well (although presumably on the darker side).
Interesting; I never use these videos, may have to look at them, thanks for pointing them out!
I'm glad I pushed you on the gun, and I'm glad you took the time to reply. I think there is a little stylistic difference between us here, but most of it is actually useful to me and thought provoking - and I wouldn't want to lose that under the banner of stylistic differences .
Fair enough, and happy to help out with my nagging .
I think we can leave the red itself aside for now. I'm not sure if "too pale" and "too orange" equate, but basically I need to practise more red recipes. What is the current equivalent of Red Gore? And are you using the current Tau Light Ochre or is that the older colour name as well?
Khorne Red is the replacement for Red Gore and a good match; The colour I use is indeed Tau Light Ochre, since most of my browns have been victims of dryed-put paint pots
Now the fun part. The red placement on the gun was my basic Dark Angelz red gun casings. To elaborate, it is usually (because Ork guns differ wildly) the main part of the gun, and often includes raised details - studs, glyphs, that sort of thing. It is rarely a moving part and never a barrel. By this definition I could have done the sight red as well. Usually the sight is a raised detail on the red casing (of an Ork gun) that I pick out in metal, so I stayed with that. Regardless, quoting Barbossa "They're more what you'd call guidelines than actual rules". This is what I suspect is our stylistic difference.
But - two things have interfered with the above that your comments have allowed me to realise and therefore (re)consider. Firstly, I followed the Goff Gretchin video above, which uses bronze to break up metallic details, without considering that, with the addition of the red, I had less metallic details to break up. Secondly, I've applied Ork thinking to Grotz - or more specifically, I haven't fully realised the impact of scaling a paint scheme down to a smaller canvas (especially when adding additional colours).
My first thoughts are, I don't need the bronze at all. On the gun I could either simply replace the bronze with red, or replace the bronze with metal and perhaps replace the sight in red. The sword grip bronze could be red or dark green.
I'll will ponder this more thoroughly for the rest of them. So thank you again for drawing my attention to it.
Most welcome, happy to be part of the support that dakka always tries to give! is Now that you mentioned it, I went through your dark angelz thread and see how it matches the ork guns. Scale is definitely an issue here, worded better than I could. I will admit though that the effect is bothering me less once the weathering and the metal rivets have been applied (and the bronze made more pale with the highlight) - still a bit busy for me though. Painting details in different colours is something that I've moved away from a bit, because it removes some 'depth' from the painting if every little raised detail is in a different colour. A 'less is more' approach and editing really matter, especially on smaller models.
I have 41 completed models that could be rebased, mostly Ork Boyz.
Feasible goal then. I almost finished my first 5, will need to get some bigger bases first though. PSA: old flying bases are 32mm diameter as well .
Finally, not sure if the Dakka Painting Challenge Round 71 January 2021 Subject Poll is still open, but it is looking likely to be "New Tricks". Can't decide between my first Dark Eldar miniature (a Mandrake) of if I should attempt orange and paint up a Squeaky WAAAGH!!!! grot .
Only one choice, really
Spoiler:
Loving the year overview, some interesting models in there.I'm looking forward to what you'll cook up in 2021! Best wishes!
@CommissarKhaine: Thanks for the colour comparison chart link - that should solve most of my issues (especially old paints without new counterparts - although it doesn't appear to be an exact science, I'm not sure I would equate Mephiston Red and Mechrite Red...) Khorne Red was coming up in some other recipes I was looking at - so that seems very promising.
It's a very rare occasion I both know exactly what I like and can enunciate it effectively on my first attempt, which is why this back and forth is so beneficial and I appreciate it greatly. It's also good for weeding out blind spots. If it helps anyone else, so much the better.
I forgot about that model . I feel like I need an Ork putting down a Squeaky Waaagh!! rebellion to answer that, not start adding rebellionists to my ranks - maybe if I ever do a Shook Attack Gun .
@Everyone: Of course I missed one of my goals for next year. Entry above has been updated.
Hehe, sorry for the nerd post. I’ll not add to the nerdiness by getting in to defining the receiver of rotary cannons!
A thorough recapping of the year, great job being restrained to the point of painting more than you bought, that’s a great achievement in and of itself!
The grot came out great, maybe the Watchers in the Dark are actually grots?
Stolen from Maharg's 2020 goals - I'm updating "Complete more models than I add" to "Complete twice or more models than I add".
Adding "Complete a minimum of 10 Da Dark Angelz models" - I'd like to put some focus on my Orks this year.
I forgot to add the Sister of Slaughter to the list of purhcased (acquired?) models.
Finally, some actual 2021 Hobby:
Slugga and Shoota, based, to allow me to test all three Da Dark Angelz themes now.
Drukhari Mandrake based on a tactical skull - my entry for the above linked Dakka Painting Challenge: New Tricks. This will be my first Drukhari and first Finecast miniature that I have painted. I'm planning on the GW colour scheme as it is the example I like the most.
While trying to pick out a grot for a Squeaky WAAAGH!!!! rebellionist, I realised it wasn't going to provide much area for "practising" orange. I'll do one on the side still, just not for this month's competition.
@CommissarKhaine: Thanks for the colour comparison chart link - that should solve most of my issues (especially old paints without new counterparts - although it doesn't appear to be an exact science, I'm not sure I would equate Mephiston Red and Mechrite Red...) Khorne Red was coming up in some other recipes I was looking at - so that seems very promising.
Most welcome! I'm happy with the khorne red: it's a solid crimson, and covers nicely. I agree not all colours on the charts are a 100% match, but it's as close as they get and a good starting point.
It's a very rare occasion I both know exactly what I like and can enunciate it effectively on my first attempt, which is why this back and forth is so beneficial and I appreciate it greatly. It's also good for weeding out blind spots. If it helps anyone else, so much the better.
Same here, especially since English is only my 3rd language (well 2nd best that I speak/write tbh, french has take a bit of a back seat). It's also why I like dakka: I've always found it to be a very helpful environment.
I forgot about that model . I feel like I need an Ork putting down a Squeaky Waaagh!! rebellion to answer that, not start adding rebellionists to my ranks - maybe if I ever do a Shook Attack Gun .
I'l admmit shokk attack guns are brilliant for that .
That mandrake will be an interesting model, and one where the missing details/bubbles from being finecast can be explained away by 'it's a mandrake' - clever choice
While trying to pick out a grot for a Squeaky WAAAGH!!!! rebellionist, I realised it wasn't going to provide much area for "practising" orange. I'll do one on the side still, just not for this month's competition.
I agree; you should do a vehicle and start a squeaky waagh!! offfshoot . On a more serious note: it will be interesting to see what you come up with!
That's a great subtle glow around his eyes, and the hair is a nice, dirty, stained white color. I imagine hygiene is not a priority on the battlefield!
Drukhari Mandrake. (new faction, new material-finecast)
Definitely a new faction (first Drukhari model). While my first painted finecast material, I'm not sure that made much difference at all. Black was challenging as always, although not new. Having mainly painted Orks and the occasional Space Marine, the size of the model and the details felt new. Those torso grooves were also challenging - I tried a new technique to gradually build up highly diluted greens and yellows to try an let the paint follow the contours rather than me, to varying success. Process and pics to follow eventually...
Getting back to my neglected comments...
@CommissarKhaine: Thankfully the Mandrake had no missing details, and the only "pin prick" bubbles were out of sight on the bottom. You will be doing very well if you can manage to get me to start a squeaky waagh!! offfshoot with a vehicle .
@gobert: I think my subconcious hasn't quite got my hobby goal - 2 purchased, one complete... Your good luck wishes were obviously on target - thanks!
@Ezki: Thanks. The year is off to a slow start, but not unsalvageable yet .
@Gitsplitta: Are you missing a word there - or do you think I look like a Mandrake?
@tzurk: So, the "red cloth" is actually meant to be "skin". The GW website "How to Paint: Mandrakes" I think is a "bit" inaccurate - I didn't follow their "Sea Green" for the black, I shouldn't have followed their "Medium Flesh" for the skin. It ended up being, perhaps a bit more "fresh" than I was going for, and makes the contrast with the cord less obvious.
@endtransmission: Thanks. I paint one miniature this month, you paint... several dozen?
@Don Qui Hotep: Yeah, I used the same technique for the eye as for the torso grooves. I usually don't like using Nuln oil on white/grey, but it didn't come out too bad this time around.
Don't worry tzurk - there is no wrong in how you perceive something subject to light in both its capture and display. I was particularly happy with how the hand flame came out.
Great job on the catcher. I especially like the tone of blue and the eye-catching yellow details. The dappled pattern on his uniform breaks up the shape in an interesting way.
Long awaited comment catchup! Regarding my Bloodbowl Human Catcher:
Warboss_Waaazag wrote:Rushed or not, your model looks fantastic. Nice bold colors.
You are too kind. Bold colours was what I was going for, so I am glad that came through.
Gitsplitta wrote:Who are you kidding, that turned out great!
You are also too kind.
gobert wrote:The catcher looks great, especially for a “rush” job. The yellow on his helmet and ball are great
I actually stripped and repainted him during that month - because the first time I mistakenly started with the blue, and didn't realise I had the Averland Sunset base paint. This went a long way to making the yellow presentable.
JoshInJapan wrote:I just noticed the circle/hex pattern on his chest protector. That's a nice touch.
endtransmission wrote:He looks great. the pattern on his clothing is a nice touch
Don Qui Hotep wrote:Great job on the catcher. I especially like the tone of blue and the eye-catching yellow details. The dappled pattern on his uniform breaks up the shape in an interesting way.
Thanks. Similiar to another entrant that month, this was an attempt at an Australian indigenous uniform (which our Australian Football League has a specific round for).
Captain Brown wrote:Some nice vivid colors Arakasi.
Thanks, that was the idea.
Viterbi wrote:Catcher looks cool, love the dots on him. And really nice to see your attention to detail, the chalk line looks amazing.
The funny thing was, the chalk line was the easiest to do! I watched a video on it, basically coat the edge of a popsicle stick in White Scar and press down.
RobertsMinis wrote:That Catcher looks great!
Thanks.
Regarding my Dark Vengeance Dark Angels Terminator:
The bone is the only finished part, and took the bulk of my time.
gobert wrote:Very nice transitions in the Terminator, what’s left to finish? The Stormboy looks fun, his explosives safety needs work though I feel!
Apart from the bone, everything else is just based and washed - so a whole lot of highlighting left to do. Orks, explosives, safety - one of these doesn't belong (and it's not explosives...)
Viterbi wrote:Terminator looks amazing, three more years to have a legal squad
Excited for the orc, such characterful models, jumping into battle with a grenade in your mouth is a very orky thing to do.
That's the plan!
Brief progress catchup - below you can see the Ork Stormboy rebased on 32mm with some cog parts and my standard basing, before and after Mechanicus Standard Grey undercoat:
I'll need to go a bit thicker with the liquid greenstuff in future I expect.
Thank you for all of the comments - I do appreciate it. I have a stack of photos and thoughts to upload for the Mandrake, Catcher and Terminator - but - I'm finding if I wait to do them in order, I just can't find the time and/or motivation - and in the meantime I'm not giving/receiving feedback on current work - so I'm going to try posting something more regularly and worry about filling in the blanks later - or when it makes sense to the discussion at hand.
Skin complete through Elysian Green and Ogryn Camo layers. Start of Dryad Bark base on fur.
@Gitsplitta: A long time ago, I bought a lot of watch parts off of ebay. I remember being a bit disapointed at the time - most don't really suit conversions as well as I had hoped - either being too large (maybe okay on vehicles?) or boring - but they have found new life on my bases .
@Don Qui Hotep: Thanks.
@JoshInJapan: I don't think I have ever fielded them . Final skin colour is above - so I guess that's a brownish green? The GW Painting App lists it as "Drab Green" - used on their Ironsunz Brute. I'm playing around with different skin tones as I get back into my Orks. Apart from not being bright green, it appears to have gone on smoother than the previous Ork he was next too - who has had another Biel-Tan Green wash to try to bring the colours back together. That green went on fine on the grot previously though, so it's probably just me...
@Clouds: Thanks! (Your comment snuck in while I was preparing mine!)
So, I forgot to mention the plan here... Basically, I'm going for a Rav'nwing style paint job - so lots of black. In fact, I was a bit concerned he would end up too much black - and looking at how GW paints Goffs, that basically means checks to break up the black - until I did all the straps in brown leather... I think he'll turn out fine without checks...
Yeah, the leather helps break up the black, now that all the base colors are blocked out. Really helps sell the character of the model. Excited to see a Ravenwing-style paintjob.
I’m loving that stormboy. Great skin and of course black & red with brown leather always looks very dynamic and fitting for Orks. Also a great pose that’s full of motion.
Nice work on that stormboy. I’ve always thought that basing airborne troops would be difficult, but you’ve captured that jumping off moment nicely. He certainly looks ready for whatever
@The Riddle of Steel - Thanks. Can't take any credit for the pose - that's unconverted.
@Gulgog TufToof - Thanks. Again, can't take credit for the attachment point to the base - that's unconverted.
@JoshInJapan - Eventually? I mean, I have 6 more already built (on 25mm bases), and even have a Nob painted (also on 25mm base) - although he is in Dark Angelz Green, so I guess I need another Nob for the Rav'nwingz colours...
I always forget how cool your orks are and get a really nice surprise when they pop up.
I miss our Warhammer World trips... but not the regular trouncing that went with it
Nice looking nob. The jump pack plus wings makes him look huge and intimidating. I think you may have been better off with a larger base since the model and the (excellent!) base decoration are so large. Your Orks are very unique and I really like the space marine influence crossover.
@endtransmission: Thanks. I miss our Warhammer World trips too. Perhaps when the world returns to normal... Apologies for the trouncings - I think I was a bit too competitive back then... (and foot Guard weren't a great match for Orks back then either if I recall...)
@The Riddle of Steel: He was completed way back in 2011 - when base sizes were smaller. One day I'll upgrade him to 32mm, and I agree, he should look much better for it.
Some progress on Cave Girl, now that I finally had a brief pause in the weather to undercoat:
While I was waiting for the weather, putting together some simple dual choppa Nobz for when I want to up my painting game, to Nobz...
And in between Cave Girl base coats, a bit of Caliban Green on an Ork boy (to be Deffwing eventually):
What are you using on the basecoat for the Cave Girl? It looks very red, at least on my monitor. Also, I just noticed the snarl on her face-- that'll be a nice little detail when she's all painted up.
Bugman's Glow. In the picture above, that is with a probably not quite dry Reikland Fleshshade wash. Below highlighted up through Bugman's Glow, Cadian Fleshtone and Kislev Flesh (with start of XV-88 base for the leopard skin...):
@Gitsplitta: Thanks - although that was supposed to be as far as it goes. I really need better light sources / camera methinks!
Anyway, contrary to how this usually goes, I managed to complete her end of last week before I headed up to Perth for the week. I suspect the difference is size and detail!
Hopefully I can get some decent / better photos for the painting challenge.
Good work finishing cave girl early! The skin tone looks really good, like her skin is shimmering in the sun. She really is quite slight compared to the Ork!
I must echo the skin tone accolades... she's vibrant. The pose is reminiscent of Raquel Welch in the movie poster for One Million Years B.C. Did I just terribly date myself?
I'll be entering 1-5 (probably only one... but I'll have started five...) Sluggas for the DPC76 round.
A start on the flesh base coats...
Models with paint (past undercoat): 14 Orks and Grots. I only need to complete 9 to meet this year's Ork goal (plus Stormboy from April). If I complete them all, I'll only be 2 short of this year's painting goal...
Managed to finish one of five Sluggas for the June DPC "Boots on the Ground". This one has been finished for a couple of days. Two of his mob mates came close, but didn't quite make it across the line. I should be able to complete the rest this year now though, which is the main thing.
@endtransmission: Thanks. I'm quite pleased with him too.
@gobert: Thanks. There has been some trial and error getting that red right. My previous grot used Mephiston Red as the base, which seems a bit too bright. These sluggas all use Khorne Red as a base. However I've experimented with the next steps:
The Ork Slugga above is my favourite, which goes Khorne Red > Agrax Earthshade > Evil Sunz Scarlet > Fire Dragon Bright.
These guys go (left) Khorne Red > Reilkand Fleshshade > Evil Sunz Scarlet > Fire Dragon Bright and (right) Khorne Red > Carroburg Crimson > Wazdakka Red > Fire Dragon Bright. (Although its not very obvious on account of the Sluggas facing directly into the camera...)
Basically, the Agrax Earthshade appears to give the best contrast. Also, the above image should answer your question too .
It's small (tiny compared to Orks!), so hopefully won't take me the full month to do, and should fit the theme: "Fiday (“they who are willing to sacrifice”) are the angels of destruction, the most fearsome among the Hassassin. A Fiday is not a mere assassin, but an executioner: she acts in public and sends a public message. A man is killed, thousands are terrorized and, if the Fiday is apprehended, she will die a courageous death." Finishing early means the possibility of finishing at least the two Ork Sluggas above as well this month.
Infinity Haqqislam "Hassassin Fiday" (with Boarding Shotgun).
"Fiday (“they who are willing to sacrifice”) are the angels of destruction, the most fearsome among the Hassassin. A Fiday is not a mere assassin, but an executioner: she acts in public and sends a public message. A man is killed, thousands are terrorized and, if the Fiday is apprehended, she will die a courageous death."
Bit of a rollercoaster - I think the very small details are outside of my current ability - but came back to acceptable at least.
Thanks Gitsplitta - we'll see. I've given up trying to predict how I'll go - it always seems opposite to what I expect
As Captain Brown alluded to, I need to paint more Boyz, and two of the five I started for "Boots on the Ground" are getting close to completion:
If I can manage to keep to my painting goals this year, maybe there will be some new Boyz for me in the future...
Did a quick check - I appear to have 29 old Boyz torsos and 25 legs (not entirely sure why the discrepency) - so I don't need more old Boyz before the disappear (assuming they do).
I would love to get some of the new Deffkoptas to mix and match in with my existing (and finish painting them too).
The Hassassin is outstanding- a very detailed job indeed and the color scheme really pops.
The Boyz are also really impressive- as Gits noted, the work you've put into the skin tones is amazing. I've a slight proclivity for 'muddy vehicle' projects, so really appreciate everything you folks with a talent for figures can do- very inspiring. I try to emulate what you've done from time to time and believe that your examples have improved my own small skills.
I’ve got to echo the others, the attention to detail you give the boyz is astonishing! The varied skin tones are really great and all to a high standard. Hopefully you can power through the remaining boyz and bag some new ones
Meer_Cat wrote:The Hassassin is outstanding- a very detailed job indeed and the color scheme really pops.
The Boyz are also really impressive- as Gits noted, the work you've put into the skin tones is amazing. I've a slight proclivity for 'muddy vehicle' projects, so really appreciate everything you folks with a talent for figures can do- very inspiring. I try to emulate what you've done from time to time and believe that your examples have improved my own small skills.
Rock on!
Always happy to hear my work is helping more than just myself. I haven't had time to do the detailed step by steps though recently
Warboss_Waaazag wrote:Beautiful work on the Hassassin. Very striking. And I will always cheer when Orks and other greenskins get attention.
Orks always deserve attention - and cheers (or should that be Waaaghs?)
gobert wrote:I’ve got to echo the others, the attention to detail you give the boyz is astonishing! The varied skin tones are really great and all to a high standard. Hopefully you can power through the remaining boyz and bag some new ones
It should be possible to meet my goals this year, and perhaps reward them with the new Start Collecting Orks when it is released - although that will make the goals for next year harder!
endtransmission wrote:Da boyz are looking great. I can't wait to see what you do with some of the newer kits when you get to that point
Me too!
Captain Brown wrote:Arakasi,
Very nice Infinity Haqqislam there.
Cheers,
CB
Thank you.
Theophony wrote:Your orks are coming along nicely.
Peppermint patty Fiday (seriously, I saw that as Friday for the last 10 years or so ) looks great.
Meanwhile, I've made a start on my entry for the Dakka Painting Challenge Round 78: August 2021- Rebel Scum...
Warboss Green layer paint used as a base for the skin, washed with Biel-Tan Green shade. Eyes picked out in Mephiston Red. Some other base colours down - Leadbelcher washed with Nuln Oil, Khorne Red weapons, and then some colours representing their designations - from right to left - Deffwing, Rav'nwing (Abaddon Black), Dark Angelz (Caliban Green) and Squeaky Waaagh! (Jokaero Orange).
More base colours and layers, most notably Kantor Blue on the left. However, I think I have the orange/blue mix too heavily weighted towards the blue. Very tricky on these small models...
More base colours, including Rhinox Hide for the leather - boots, belts and pouches, Dryad Bark for the wood - stikkbomb handles, gun stock, Zandri Dust on bone and the Deffwing grot. I've added Screamer Pink for the Squeaky Waaagh! grot hair and "improved" the orange balance - let me know what you think!
gobert wrote: Nice bunch of little lads. I think the orange balance on the squeaky one is much better in the second pic
Agreed - and that is what I ended up going with (see below).
Another month down, another mini painted, another three close to finished.
Close up of grots in progress:
Only one will make it through to completion for the Dakka Painting Challenge - on the left waiting for static grass to be brushed off. (Back right was last December's entry).
And my final entry: (Voting thread still pending)
That makes 8 minis completed this year, 3 being Orks (or Grots), of my goal of 20, 10 being Orks (or Grots). The Dakka Painting Challenge should account for at least 4 more. Thankfully, 2 Orks and 3 Grots are very close to finished:
And another 5 Orks and 5 Grots are at least started:
On the purchasing front, only 3 minis have been purchased this year - Gorzag Gitstompa, Nikkit and one of the original Deffkoptas before it was discontinued. So still within my goal of completing twice more than I add.
We want your clanking plate armour, your armoured walkers, you tanks, your oversized hammers, your enormous metal minis from the days of yore! Anything that goes CLANG! is and immensely weighty, really! As always, the theme is open to interpretation, so I expect at least one of you to instead make a Black Sabbath tribute band out of Dwarves or somthing...
So I'm looking at a previous incarnation Ork Deff Dread:
Picture includes Killa Kan and new Deff Dread sprues - although I've looted enough Deff Dread bits I have no complete bodies left from two kits...
May be a bit too ambitious for me in a month - especially as I want to make the arms swappable with the new one, which I've determine will require some additional height to provide more spacing between the lower arms and legs. Some Killa Kans gave up their bits for the spacer:
I may need to fall back on a Bombshell Babe - we'll see how we go...
You brewed up a nice tiny rebel there Arakasi, good luck in the comp. The dread looks promisingly ambitious, hopefully you find the time to push it forwards
gobert wrote:You brewed up a nice tiny rebel there Arakasi, good luck in the comp. The dread looks promisingly ambitious, hopefully you find the time to push it forwards
Thanks gobert. Progress below...
CommissarKhaine wrote:Saw a grot rebel, had to chime in . Lovely work!
The spacer for some extra height between the legs and the gun mounts. (Also, you can see the pinning is ready for the legs.)
Pins everywhere!
Legs glued. Workspace still relatively clean...
Much cutting, sawing and cleaning later...
The saw was previously used on a Deffkopta conversion, and the cutters just seemed a bit weedy, so I swapped them out for a modern Deff Dread Saw and Klaw.
I still need to set up the upper arm connection points, but once that is done I should be able to glue the top halves together, which will then allow me to finish the bottom arm connection points and work towards actually finishing the build....
I've missed converting - but I'm not leaving myself much time for paint this month...
great work on the metal dread model- been a while since I've worked on such kits, your pinning work looks solid (I hope no fingers were harmed in the making ). Conversion is great, extra height on that ye olde dread to bring it more in line with plastic kits is a good idea. the conversion blends into the original model so looks excellent.
multiple skin tones on the orks looks great- is the plan to mix skin tones within units or that unit is the dark green boyz etc? Sorry if you've already stated the plan earlier in thread.
@Vestibulata: Welcome and thank you. No fingers have been harmed (so far...). The plan is indeed to mix skin tones within units - their armour colours will be used to mark units/clans.
@Gitsplitta: Thank you as always.
So - I made a template for the upper arm connections...
...and used that to drill the holes in the end of the arms, as well as the spacers to hold the tubes the pins will be inserted into. The most difficult bit was getting the initial centre hole location and direction right...
Here you can see it all in place and working. The pins weren't exactly right - but they were exactly the right distance apart and in the same orientation, so a little bit of bending equally to each fixed any initial location/orientation issues.
Its ALIVE!!!
Well, currently supported in an upright position (the feet aren't actually attached yet). Otherwise all glued and with four removable arms. (Looks a bit like an AT-RT when you remove the arms....)
And a back shot, because you can't see the height spacer from the front.
Still have a cable to attach, attach the feet (to either the dread or the base), the base, work out how I'm going to hold this for painting, work out if I'm going to add the plastic kit shoulder pads (and how, or not) - all hopefully before the weekend as I'm going to need the next two weekends solid for paint to have any chance of finishing before the end of the month...
Nice work Arakasi, looks like he went together pretty well! I say get on with the painting, shoulder pads would take him a bit far from the original design I think
I've actually done some green stuff work since the above pics - just some gap filling and extending some of the hoses and cables. But it is now drying from its undercoat.
It's a shame you won't be able to finish in time for the September challenge, but there is so much going on with that model that it would be a shame to rush through it. I look forward to seeing it finished.
Looking grand Arakasi! The deffwing was definitely the right choice for the dredd. The orky DA iconography is really cool. Even if you didn’t get it finished by the deadline it’ll be worthy of the extra time for sure
Now that I have recovered somewhat, time to address all of your lovely comments I have been passing over...
JoshInJapan wrote:Heavy metal, indeed! You could give someone a concussion with that thing.
I don't know if I fear dropping him more for the model or my foot...
Captain Brown wrote:Good luck in the comp Arakasi.
Cheers,
CB
Thanks Captain! Looks like I'll need it now...
Viterbi wrote:I would've gone mad just trying to build this monstrosity Excited to see some paint on it!
Nope - the painting drives me madder... but I will be very happy once it is done.
Ezki wrote:Ah, a classic model with a modern twist. I absolutely love it!
Would not mind getting a hand one on of those myself.
I got him in the UK, so over a decade ago...
JoshInJapan wrote:Looks good so far.
Just the first washes and layers...
gobert wrote:I was wondering what colour you would go for, of course it had to be a deffwing dread! Loving it!
It was a difficult decision (not). I thought it would make sense for the older model to be in the more elite inner circle colours. Also, bone is great for weathering.
endtransmission wrote:Deffwing dred is coming along brilliantly!
Thank you endtransmission!
MobileSuitRandom wrote:Yesss! The orkyfied DA iconography is my favourite part so far. Works well with the weathering, too.
Zywus wrote:Great idea snazzing up that old dread with some new plastic.
I remember putting one of those together. Was a real pain in the ass with all that pinning and gluing, and gaps everywhere
Thankfully, I managed to file away most of the gaps (although it took *forever* - longer than the pinning and gluing even).
Gitsplitta wrote:Looks so good with the paint on it. Pulls everything together seamlessly.
Yup! Will be even better when everything is actually done... but it still looks passable at this stage.
JoshInJapan wrote:It's a shame you won't be able to finish in time for the September challenge, but there is so much going on with that model that it would be a shame to rush through it. I look forward to seeing it finished.
Yeah - I just can't bring myself to rush it, even on a deadline.... in the end, it will be part of my collection a whole lot longer than a monthly competition.
gobert wrote:Looking grand Arakasi! The deffwing was definitely the right choice for the dredd. The orky DA iconography is really cool. Even if you didn’t get it finished by the deadline it’ll be worthy of the extra time for sure
Thanks and agreed x 2.
So, I'll be stepping away from the Deff Dread for a bit - but the goal is to still complete him as part of this year's tally. Two things I might redo though. First - the red. It's a bit flat being Khorne Red base, Agrax Earthshade wash, Khorne Red layer, Evil Sunz Scarlet edge highlights and Wild Rider Red corner highlights. Like the bone, I think I may redo this moving up through Khorne Red / Evil Sunz Scarlet mix and Evil Sunz Scarlet / Wild Rider Red mix - as the larger area needs it / can take it. From memory you can move into light tans for the edge and corner highlights - I'll need to go re-research that. I might also apply the above to the Deffwing symbol and transfers. Haven't decided if the shoulder pad spikes should be in red instead of metal either...
Second - the front plate. I think the idea was sound, but the implementation too busy. I think I'll redo it, removing the green checks, slimming the sword and widening the "wings" - closer to the original inspiration provided by whalemusic360:
Meanwhile, I think I'll finally paint another miniature from my UK time for Dakka Painting Challenge Round 80: October 2021 - Halloween Special, a practice miniature I worked on as part of a Games Workshop sculpting class at Warhammer World with endtransmission. Picture to be added soon.
That skeleton looks great, very fitting entry for the Halloween challenge. And hope the motivation will come back for the dread. Love the freehand on the chest!
That dread is looking good already. Sometimes the motivation on a certain project disappears for a while, only to come back later.
Many times a small break from a miniature does good things for the end result.
Liking the sculpted parts on that skeleton mini, I could never pull that off.
Gitsplitta wrote:That's some fine GS work there Arakasi.
My younger self thanks you. My current self hopes I still remember what I learnt back then...
endtransmission wrote:Ah I remember him... dimly! I'm really glad that he's come out of the backlog after 9 years to see some paint
Also, Deff Dredd is looking brilliant. I really like the front plate; I'd disagree that it is too busy... it's orky!
Always good to see paint. One of the advantages of putting the Deff Dread on hold is that I can take some time and opinions before doing anything drastic - so noted. It may be that it is just the icon I need to redo, rather than remove the checks as well. Thank you.
Viterbi wrote:That skeleton looks great, very fitting entry for the Halloween challenge. And hope the motivation will come back for the dread. Love the freehand on the chest!
It will, and most likely before the end of the year. Thanks.
Ezki wrote:That dread is looking good already. Sometimes the motivation on a certain project disappears for a while, only to come back later. Many times a small break from a miniature does good things for the end result.
Liking the sculpted parts on that skeleton mini, I could never pull that off.
Agreed. Rushing appears to be one of my de-motivators.
Looks like round 81 is going to be "Catch Me If You Can"
Whether through enhanced mobility, technology or just sheer speed, some combatants are just hard to pin down. Your entry should feature models capable of moving in a fast or unpredictable manner that gives them the upper hand in combat.
If I want to do Orks, it'll probably need to be another Storm Boy. Not sure I'm up to tackle a Deffkopta or Buggy. I probably have Infinity that would fit, not to mention various other models. More thought (and some rummaging) required.
Meanwhile, I picked up a Mad Dok Grotsnik with my Warhammer+ voucher, bringing my acquired models for the year to 4. Having completed 9 models this year (not including the Deff Dread), I'm still on track for completing twice as many as I acquire - and have enough in progress that I'm still confident of meeting my other goals of at least 20 completed models (including at least 10 Orks) this year. Why do I mention this? Because I'm seriously considering the Last Chance to Buy Steel Legion Squad. (Yes, I know I don't collect Guard...).
Under my current "rules", this would increase my acquired count to 14 and my required completed count to 28. Only 8 more than I was planning, but also only 8 weeks left in the year, and at least 3 from scratch. Doable, but likely burn out inducing. It does highlight a flaw in my system - the closer the acquisition is to the end of the year, the harder to meet the end of year goals (and it doesn't help Christmas Deals are at the end of the year.) Alternatively, if I shift the burden to next year (like the planned Combat Patrol: Orks), next year changes from a challenging 50 required complete to 70...
I'm starting to think a "you have 12 months to complete twice as many as you acquired" replacement rule might be better, but I suspect I am just trying to use logic to justify breaking my rules and/or just shifting the problem to the future....
Anyway - I still have a week to work out what I'm going to do. Thankfully none of the Warhammer Day deals were appealing.
Congrats on getting the warrior finished in time. I love all the color for him. Usually the tendency is to have very subdued colors on skeletons, but this works so well, great choices!
yeah, that sounds like an attempt to out logic your own rules there. I can understand wanting the Steel Legion as they are cool models, but ask yourself what are they for if you don't collect Guard?
Love the feather on the skelebob, very fancy! As for new models, the other way to look at it is if you’re going to fail, do it in a big way so it’s easier to win next year! . Not helping am I!?! Sorry
Viterbi wrote:Congrats on getting the warrior finished in time. I love all the color for him. Usually the tendency is to have very subdued colors on skeletons, but this works so well, great choices!
Thanks. Yeah, I couldn't bring myself to weather him (and ran out of time anyway).
endtransmission wrote:yeah, that sounds like an attempt to out logic your own rules there. I can understand wanting the Steel Legion as they are cool models, but ask yourself what are they for if you don't collect Guard?
The Skeleton looks great
Of course it was! I have new rules for next year now (to be shared in the future), but I'll run them in tandem with the old ones for comparison. I've pulled the trigger now and retroactively decided my Imperial Knights will need a Guard attache...
Zywus wrote:That's one of the most well dressed skeletons ever.
Good to see you don't have to lose your sense of fashion just because you're undead
I like to think of him as magical rather than raised... (and welcome - which I forgot last time...)
gobert wrote:Love the feather on the skelebob, very fancy! As for new models, the other way to look at it is if you’re going to fail, do it in a big way so it’s easier to win next year! . Not helping am I!?! Sorry
No, no you are not - and GW just "helped" with the new battle forces too...
Stevefamine wrote:Love the oldschool dread and the skele conversioN!
These guys were previously built, pre 32mm bases, as per the last Stormboy I did. I actually have 3 more (also built on 25mm), but I'm trying to cut down on my build time....
Rebased.
Undercoated next to the first one I did.
And progress...
As always, the aim is to complete one for the monthly comp, and if I can manage two or three - even better.
I have an awful lot of in progress painting to complete before the end of the year... when (if?) I manage it - I'll actually increase my number of painted Ork models by 50%!
Sorry for the “help” hopefully you can get through these 3 and be closer to target! I’m loving the different skin tones your doing with the Orks, keeps the variety going nicely
Excellent work on keeping abreast of your goals, as long as you're finishing more than you're buying that pile of shame is shrinking (I mean, obviously I struggle with the whole concept of 'finishing' models, and am always a little wary of those that can do so reliably, but your goals, your style )
Orks and grots are all looking great, and some nice work on the limbo stuff (hey, I'm playing catch-up here....)
Now let's see some stormboyz....
Edit: Forgot to mention the skelly sculpt, I have vague memories of you and endtransmission doing those masterclasses, nice to see it getting some colour.
The end of my year got completely sidetracked by a software migration at work that just kept on going, eating up all of my spare time until I finally got it over the line in mid February. Holidays, public holidays, weekends - all by the wayside. I had plans for that time! Alas, it was not to be. I'm getting the time back, but so far, its mostly just recovery. On the plus side, the actual switchover had very few issues...
So, my belated and slightly disappointing 2021 year in review...
I completed 9 regular models this year. 5 Warhammer 40K (3 Orks), 1 Bloodbowl, 1 Bombshell Babe, 1 Infinity and 1 The Old World.
I acquired 14 models this year, consisting of 13 regular (10 Guard, 3 Orks) and 1 vehicle (Deffkopta).
With only 5 added pages to the plog this year, it was mostly 10 months of Dakka Painting Challenge and 2 months of silence....
July 21 - Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself - Hassassin Fiday - 11 out of 420 votes placing equal 15th with 1 other out of 30 contestents for 3 points/percent.
August 21 - Rebel Scum - Rebellious Grot - 10 out of 422 votes placing equal 20th with 1 other out of 33 contestents for 2 points/percent.
October 21 - Halloween Special - Undead Warrior - 10 out of 401 votes placing equal 16th with 1 other out of 28 contestents for 2 points/percent.
April 21 - Traveling in Style - Ork Stormboy - 15 out of 457 votes placing equal 10th with 1 other out of 35 contestents for 3 points/percent.
May 21 - From Ages Past - Cave Girl - 7 out of 353 votes placing 22nd out of 32 contestents for 2 points/percent.
June 21 - Boots on the Ground - Ork Slugga - 8 out of 418 votes placing equal 22nd with 2 others out of 40 contestents for 2 points/percent.
November 20: New Tricks - Drukhari Mandrake. (new faction, new material-finecast) - 8 out of 434 votes placing equal 20th with 7 others out of 29 contestents for 2 points/percent.
February 21 - Showing Off! - Bloodbowl Human Catcher - 13 out of 380 votes placing equal 11th with 2 others out of 30 contestents for 3 points/percent.
March 21: Space Marine - Dark Angels Terminator - 11 out of 339 votes placing equal 12th with 2 others out of 29 contestents for 3 points/percent.
Not shown, due to not fully complete, is September 21 - Heavy Metal - Ork Deff Dread (Da Deffwing) - 13 out of 407 votes placing equal 11th with 3 others out of 31 contestents for 3 points/percent.
My Goals for 2021 were:
FAIL - Complete twice or more models than I add - I would have had to complete 28 or only acquire 4 (the Steel Legion was the difference between pass and fail here...)
FAIL - Complete a minimum of 20 models - 9 is not 20.
FAIL - Complete a minimum of 10 Da Dark Angelz models - 3 is not 10, nor is it half of 9.
FAIL - Place in the top 10 of the Dakka Painting Challenge League Table - I finished 20/21 with 26 points, equal 17th. An extra 6 points would only have netted me equal 13th. I currently have 20pts in 21/22, currently equal 19th with one round to go - that I didn't enter (or the previous 3).
FAIL - Comment on the Dakka Painting Challenge entries - I maybe managed once?
FAIL - Finish a LoER entry - but I did manage to host a round...
. I blame work.
Taking gobert's advice fully on board, I got a little carried away prepping for 2022, purchasing:
Combat Patrol: Orks - was supposed to be a reward for meeting my goals in 2021... (25 miniatures)
Orks: Killdakka Warband - for the battle force discount, and I shouldn't need any more than 40 (combined with the Combat Patrol above) of the new boyz, right? (40 miniatures)
Ork Warboss Grukk's Boss Mob - because I figured it would be more expensive after they split the box (it was) (7 miniatures)
Ork Boyz (old) - in case they disappeared (they didn't) (11 miniatures)
Ork Lootas - because the discount store ran out of Boyz and I *needed* to make up to free shipping... (5 ministaures)
That makes 88 miniatures purchased this year. No way I can keep my goals from last year, so, here are the revised goals for 2022:
Arakasi's Goals for 2022:
Complete a minimum of 88 models - this is an attempt to keep my pile of potential steady
Complete twice or more models than I add (above the 88 already) - this is to head off additional purchases
Complete a minimum of 44 Da Dark Angelz models.
Place in the top 10 of the Dakka Painting Challenge League Table.
88 completed models seems a lot for me, but between incomplete miniatures from 2021:
...and using the new acquisitions as a tool to complete previously in progress Da Dark Angels, I'm hopeful of making it. Of course the slow start to 2022 hasn't helped....
I'm looking forward to making the most of my new purchases and rejoining the Dakka Painting Challenge. I'm considering starting a new Da Dark Angels plog - as I expect this year will be very Ork centric - and keep this plog for the non Ork Dakka Painting Challenge entries and other pure hobby related musings.
Wish me luck!
Belated responses...
gobert wrote:Sorry for the “help” hopefully you can get through these 3 and be closer to target! I’m loving the different skin tones your doing with the Orks, keeps the variety going nicely
Now that I have retroactively acted on your "help", it better be easier to win this year! (I suspect there is a good chance, progress so far not withstanding...). Glad you like the different skin tones - I really need to mix a few more in.
Viterbi wrote:Good luck with finishing (at least) one of the Stormboyz. They are looking very cool and it would be nice if the old one got some assistance
Unfortunately I didn't make it .
endtransmission wrote:Do we need to set up a cheerleading squad to keep you going until the end goal?
Unfortunately, too late for that. Maybe for this year?
monkeytroll wrote:Ahh, it's good to see the DA back in action
Excellent work on keeping abreast of your goals, as long as you're finishing more than you're buying that pile of shame is shrinking (I mean, obviously I struggle with the whole concept of 'finishing' models, and am always a little wary of those that can do so reliably, but your goals, your style )
Orks and grots are all looking great, and some nice work on the limbo stuff (hey, I'm playing catch-up here....)
Now let's see some stormboyz....
Edit: Forgot to mention the skelly sculpt, I have vague memories of you and endtransmission doing those masterclasses, nice to see it getting some colour.
Sorry (not sorry)! Whilst the quantity may not be that high, the quality certainly is. I didn’t bother with any goals myself this year, other than to enjoy getting stuff done and getting through the partially complete bits… wait, they sound like hobby goals . Anyway, With all those partially complete projects, a few careful picks of projects should see you make good progress towards your targets. Hopefully the deffwing dred hits the finish line as it looks sweet already
You know my friend, don't be too hard on yourself. As one who recently has had many silent YEARS of dakka activity (or nearly so)... don't get discouraged. It happens... life happens... and sometimes life doesn't involve the time or energy to hobby as much as we might like. I tend to hobby in spurts now-a-days and playing with my painted toys has become much more important that buying new ones.
Just keep plugging along, you'll be fine.
Make sure you're prorating your standing in the dakka painting challenge to only consider those events you've actually entered rather than penalizing yourself for those you didn't.
Glad to hear the project is finally finished! I can empathise with your pain there as work keeps eating my spare time too. As for progress, I wouldn't worry about it. It's nice to see progress and to achieve higher rankings in the challenges... but putting too much pressure on yourself can lead to burnout (speaking from experience here!).
Let us know when the ork plog starts and we'll come cheer you on. I need some prodding on my eldar as well, so do you fancy a side challenge to both start new plogs and goad each other to stay on track with them? Currently I just have a cabinet of partially build eldar kits as I can't decide how to finish the conversions... or what the paint scheme will be
Luck is wished! I would follow an Orky Plog along your usual plog, just make sure you link for us! I think you've got some realistic goals for 2022, the one in, two-out strategy seems is a good rhythm. I might have to give it a try!
gobert wrote:Sorry (not sorry)! Whilst the quantity may not be that high, the quality certainly is. I didn’t bother with any goals myself this year, other than to enjoy getting stuff done and getting through the partially complete bits… wait, they sound like hobby goals . Anyway, With all those partially complete projects, a few careful picks of projects should see you make good progress towards your targets. Hopefully the deffwing dred hits the finish line as it looks sweet already
"Sorry (not sorry)!" was exactly how I pictured your apology in my mind gobert . I'll be disappointed if I can't get the Deffwing Dredd across the line this year - he was supposed to make it last year. He may also benefit from some "friends" this year...
Gitsplitta wrote:You know my friend, don't be too hard on yourself. As one who recently has had many silent YEARS of dakka activity (or nearly so)... don't get discouraged. It happens... life happens... and sometimes life doesn't involve the time or energy to hobby as much as we might like. I tend to hobby in spurts now-a-days and playing with my painted toys has become much more important that buying new ones.
Just keep plugging along, you'll be fine.
Make sure you're prorating your standing in the dakka painting challenge to only consider those events you've actually entered rather than penalizing yourself for those you didn't.
I have faith in you. Hang in there!
Thank you for the support as always Gitsplitta. It wasn't supposed to come across as a cry for help, more just an honest stock take of the year. I appreciate your sage advice nonetheless. I'm not going to pro rata my standing in the Dakka Painting Challenge though - part of the challenge is consistency. I applaud those who manage an entry every month - they earnt those points, I didn't.
endtransmission wrote:Glad to hear the project is finally finished! I can empathise with your pain there as work keeps eating my spare time too. As for progress, I wouldn't worry about it. It's nice to see progress and to achieve higher rankings in the challenges... but putting too much pressure on yourself can lead to burnout (speaking from experience here!).
Let us know when the ork plog starts and we'll come cheer you on. I need some prodding on my eldar as well, so do you fancy a side challenge to both start new plogs and goad each other to stay on track with them? Currently I just have a cabinet of partially build eldar kits as I can't decide how to finish the conversions... or what the paint scheme will be
I'm pretty sure I've learnt the "too much pressure leading to burnout" lesson, even if I sometimes have difficulty applying it. Happy to take on the side challenge (perhaps we both haven't learnt that lesson?) - I'll see if I can get mine up before the end of the month...
Don Qui Hotep wrote:Luck is wished! I would follow an Orky Plog along your usual plog, just make sure you link for us! I think you've got some realistic goals for 2022, the one in, two-out strategy seems is a good rhythm. I might have to give it a try!
Promise to provide a link! I have some more thoughts on strategies for managing the pile of potential - all in good time.
To start the new year off, I cleaned up my work space.
Left - the painting station - not much changed here:
Right - the build side - all cleaned up and ready to go:
Previously I would alternate on the left side, while the right side sat full of sprue rubble and my abandoned LoER project. Now when the painting gets too much for me, or if I have some build inspiration, I can switch back to building easily. With a bit of luck, this should help with motivation and progress.
I have done similar. Build takes place in my work office during meetings, so I have to keep things clear… painting is in the messier hobby room that needs nuking from orbit
Good luck reaching your goals. Painting happens one layer at a time, just keep at it and things will get done.
Breaking the top 10 on the League table is going to be rough. We have a lot of really good painters who consistently bang out amazing work up there. I made the 10th spot the first year only because we were still starting out and just showing up every month was significant. Most years I place in the mid/low teens. Looking at the charts, the #10 spot generally had a total somewhere in the 30s, depending on the year. Looks like you are averaging 2/3 points a month. This is actually not that far off from where you need to be. 3 points a month, for 12 months is 36. But you need to enter every month, and hit that high point.
Some things to keep in mind:
Persistence. If you look at the top entries, the difference between the spots can often be attributed to the black box months. Some painters’s average monthly numbers would place them higher if the could do that every month. If you hadn’t missed a few, you painting would put you in the low teens, rather than the high teens for rank.
Theme. While you might not always be able to get something tight to the theme, they do poll better then stuff that mostly fits. I personally will frequently pass voting on better painted works in favor on stuff that fits the month better.
Nostalgia. While it might not be an option, old metal get more votes.
Show your work! Post WIPs in the competition thread. Ask for help if you need it. We compete in a large pack, what separates you from the rest? This is a bit of social engineering for votes. I’m more likely to vote for people who I see trying. They stick out in my mind when it comes time to choose. Also, when I see someone attempting something new or outside their wheelhouse, I like to reward that with a vote.
Photos: We get 6 shots per entry, don’t be afraid to use them. There are a lot of quality painters getting less votes than they deserve because all we get is one long shot on a cluttered workbench.
Sell your soul: There are plenty of ruinous powers out there willing to help. I suspect this is how most of the top 10 people got to where they are. It might be that you can get to the top 10 with just black magics, but a soul-pact with a fell being is the more reliable way.
I like the paint/build station separation, it helps one think in terms of an assembly line which for me always helps getting through battleline forces. All progress is good progress, keep us updated!
endtransmission wrote:I have done similar. Build takes place in my work office during meetings, so I have to keep things clear… painting is in the messier hobby room that needs nuking from orbit
Maybe I don't have enough meetings, or the right type of meetings... I fear my lack of ability to multitask would be my undoing here...
Nevelon wrote:<snip comprehensive assessment of breaking the top 10 on the League table>
Thank you for that in depth evaluation - it usually takes my second fail before I attempt something like that! Now that the results are in for 22/23, I note a couple of things:
I managed to hold on to my equal 19th for the year.
It looks like 3.5 points per month is now the minimum requirement to make top ten.
There is quite a gap between 10th and 11th (8 points).
I haven't made a good start to 23/24, failing to complete an entry for March
The goal seemed more achievable when I set it last year based on my participation the year before. The bar is definitely increasing - it is no longer enough to simply improve, it appears you also need to improve faster than everyone else. I may need to downgrade this goal to something more realistic, like entering at least 10 entries this round... but I'll keep the aspirational goal for now...
Don Qui Hotep wrote:I like the paint/build station separation, it helps one think in terms of an assembly line which for me always helps getting through battleline forces. All progress is good progress, keep us updated!
Will do!
Viterbi wrote:Good to read from you and hopefully the rest of the working year won't be as stressful as the start!
Very ambitious goals for 2022 and good luck on achieving them! Excited to see more green coming our way.
I thought it wouldn't, but now that we are also past our peak period, I have no more excuses...
I'm behind with my updates (as usual). I like to upload images in batches for posts, so this post needed to arrive before I can start the Ork blog back up - even though I have work to share on that. Also, I have great difficulty finding time to write these posts (or should that be I find it easy to find anything else to be doing...)
So this post is basically try one and two at my March entry for the painting competition. Carrying on my theme from the previous two years, it was this guy's turn for paint:
He was a bit dusty from years on the shelf, so after some brush work with water he was looking a lot better:
As usual, it took three layers of Zandri Dust to cover the black basecoat:
I then went through my usual stages:
Seraphim Sepia shade.
Zandri Dust layer.
1:1 Zandri Dust / Ushabti Bone layer.
Ushabti Bone layer.
At this point I wasn't happy with how the colour build up was coming together - or not. It seemed quite messy and grainy. So I decided to start again, but this time I was going to try the Warhammer+ Citadel Colour Masterclass: Wet Blending method with the same colours:
Zandri Dust basecoat.
Seraphim Sepia shade.
Screaming Skull layer. The idea is to block in the colours where I wanted them, and then blend them together, so the order shouldn't be important.
Ushabti Bone layer. However, I discovered there is not much difference bewteen Ushabti Bone and Screaming Skull, which was making things more challenging...
Anyway, I gave up on the Terminator - he is now waiting to be stripped for another attempt at some unknown point in the future. I'm think it may actually be easier to try to get a smooth coat of Screaming Skull on him has a starting point and work down rather than up. I probably also need to practise getting smooth coats of these colours period, and wet blending, probably on a base or something (like the tutorial) where it will be easier.
I did "quickly" put together a Dark Angels Marine and start on him, but I wasn't able to complete him in the time I had left . He'll be in my next upload of images, along with the images for my Orks and this month's competition entry.
Both tries look reasonable to me, but I know that feeling where things just don't feel they're working. Hopefully the Angel and orks come together and his next try works on the termie.
Here was the WIP and how far I got with the Dark Angels Tactical Marine (Dark Vengeance):
I got as far as the edge highlighting in Warpstone Glow, although that isn't complete. Edge highlighting - something I apparently need more practise in too. I'm starting to realise why I like weathering so much - it goes along way to hiding sloppiness and mistakes...
Maybe - he's in my rear view mirror for the time being...
Meanwhile I'm back in the Dakka Painting Challenge Round 86 April 2022: Reborn, Remade after a long absence... and so is this model, originally put together in 2012....
He's definitely been remade, although I'm not sure how much improvement it is...
He was built to provide a Rokkit Launcha option (back when it was available) for a Trukk:
I suspect he had the same amount of dust on him as the Terminator, but I couldn't see the grey dust on the grey miniature. Either that or there's an issue with my new spray can - even if it is just, well, over pressured. Undercoat came through a bit grainy:
I took some dry brushes to it to see if I could clean it up any. Some wet brushes later and it looks pretty good to me - crisis averted!
I feel your pain with the citadel bone colours. Zandri is pretty good but the others are really grainy. Thinning them heavily helps, but then I struggle with tide marks. Better luck when he gets redone!
The rokkit boy is a cool idea, good look rebirthing him!
And here I was thinking it was just me . It's funny how some paints just seem easier to work with than others. I guess if I was painting more regularly (or taking better notes) I'd build up some muscle memory...
Anyway, progress update on the Trukk Rokkit Launcha - Khorne Red and Waaagh! Flesh basecoat layers 1, 2 and 3:
Trying to keep this photo/blog rolling so I don't end up with mega posts or mega photo uploads...
Waaagh! Flesh / Khorne Red layer. I can see I didn't get all of the graininess, but at least it doesn't appear to be affecting the paint job...
I have this down as a Warboss Green layer, but I think it may still be the Waaagh! Flesh layer from above...
Same with this, except Wazdakka Red Layer / probably actually Khorne Red layer from the previous photo.
Definitively Warboss Green / Wazdakka Red layer - I know because the paints are in the shot! Not really very obvious though, which is good and bad. Good, as I may have actually achieved smooth layers. Bad because why do it if you can't tell? Which is pretty much why I keep a record of these things. One day I'll look back, compare to a job in progress, and go yup - that is how it is meant to look at this stage...
Can definitely see the Skarsnik Green / Wild Rider Red layer here.
First basecoat of Caliban Green. Things start looking a lot better when most of the undercoat is gone and you can start defining some of the previous area edges...
Looking good Arakasi, I reckon the layers are smooth rather than not present! recording the recipe for future gobert is a good proportion of the reasons why I keep a plog. Heck I sometimes forget halfway through a mini! Having the pots in the pic helps to get the steps right again next time too.
Had a bit of a catch up on your blog and it looks awesome! Out of context, the rokkit ork whizzing around with a spring for legs and what looks like rokkits as a kite is hilarious. Would be a great idea of Stormboyz
The Ork dread and the skellington look really cool from further back!
Thank you JoshInJapan and gobert - Burna it is then!
Prepped for painting.
First layer of Waaagh! Flesh base coat. I really didn't think about how I was going to paint the chest when I put this together... very tricky getting in everywhere.
Second layer of Waaagh! Flesh base coat. First layer of Caliban Green and Mournfang Brown base coats.
Third layer of Waaagh! Flesh base coat. Second layer of Caliban Green and Mournfang Brown base coats.
Biel-tan Green and Agrax Earthshade shades. I'll actually finish the skin before tidying up and doing the cloth/armour. Also - I had to put the Agrax pot in this picture - I don't have the base progress mapped out anywhere, mainly due to the period where I wasn't doing step by steps - and the shade was the main thing missing - so here it is now (better late than never).
@gobert: Red is Khorne Red base (x3), Agrax Earthshade shade, Khorne Red layer, Evil Sunz Scarlet layer, Wild Rider Red edges - or something like that. If I'm being patient I'll actually layer a 1:1 Khorne Red/Evil Sunz Scarlet and started edging with a 1:1 Evil Sunz Scarlet/Wild Rider Red and only do the points in pure Wild Rider Red.
@JoshInJapan: I'm more for (my own version of) realism I guess. Or I have trouble pulling off bright colours .
@Gulgog TufToof: Green on green was a worry for me long, long ago - but I've had plenty of practise to know that it works.
Armageddon Dust, applied while mini is on its base.
Separated for ease of painting.
My usual Ork first steps - Waaagh! Flesh and Mournfang Brown bases.
Coelia Greenshade and Agrax Earthshade shades.
Skin complete (Waaagh! Flesh layer, 1:1 Waaagh! Flesh/Warboss Green layer, Warboss Green layer, 1:1 Warboss Green/Skarsnik Green highlights, Skarsnik Green highlights). Base rocks mostly complete (drybrush Mournfang Brown, Skrag Brown and Deathclaw Brown). Start of Leather (Rhinox Hide base)
Start of other bases - Khorne Red and Rakarth Flesh.
Thanks Viterbi. So with that, something different...
Part of managing to paint something regularly is having something ready to paint - which means built and preferably undercoated... I had considered grots or the Steel Legion that did in my goals last year for the Underdogs theme - but both would need building first. Steel Legion, being metal, at least only require clean up and not assembly - but I did want to use my Sector Imperialis bases, with the plan for these to join my Knights in the future.
Anyway - I thought I'd do one as a test case...
Steel Legion meet Sector Imperialis base.
Drill holes to mark the end points of my soon to be Sector Imperialis slotta base.
Use a steel ruler to drill along the line.
Merge the dots (mostly hand drill work, at angles through the joins.)
Ta da! I used a flat file to widen and straighten up the slot appropriately. This way I get to keep the tab on the miniature. I'll separate for eventual painting, and smooth over the gap after gluing the two painted pieces together.
Oh, wow. What a brilliant workaround. I have never mounted old Citadel/GW minis on sculpted bases because I can't bring myself to do anything that will decrease their resale value.
). It will definitely (eventually) have 
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. Hopefully they will hold!
. I can always use the Burnas as actual Burnas, but those Meks will always have extremely impressive Kustom Mega-Blastas/Sluggas...
Let's call that forward planning and leave it at that 
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the main bit is usually called the receiver, where the serial number is usually stamped. Most ork guns also have a casing too and I’m pretty sure they won’t have serial numbers :nerd: 
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