Well that sucked. I was half done starting my thread and I accidentally closed the window. Son of a

Anyways, I thought I'd join everyone and show some of my work. I have tons to do and would like to have an interested party to show my work to when I finish to hopefully keep me from getting bored. Also, I'd like honest tips and advice 'cause I'd like to improve and we all know you ain't gonna get no criticism from ones mother or best friends. "That's lovely. Looks fantastic" isn't really all that helpful when you yourself know it's not the best. Alas, I want ya'll to be honest. Totally honest. So I thought I'd start by showing you some of my favorite models that I've acquired over the years since starting modeling in 2000. I'll update as I finish things, but warning: it can take me a while to finish things as I have an attention span as large as a gnat and sometimes real life gets in the way, a.k.a. 6 month old son. But without further delay I present my thread!

This is one of the very first models that I painted way back in 2000. I was 12. Just showing this to see how I've progressed, but we all know I can only get better from here.



These I painted before I learned of the joys of washes.











Painted most recently after I learned of washes and learned how to use them.

























Thanks for looking and happy painting!

have not come across that pony/dwarf cart before, that gw? i like your beserkers, nice deep red

That's quite a striking improvement! I know you're looking for ways to improve, but honestly, they're pretty good. All I can think of is to work on lightening your models with highlights, not just shading them with washes. Washes are good, but they do leave things looking a little muddy for my taste sometimes.

But anyway, as I said, what you have at the moment is pretty good. Nice work!

Calibanite Lion - Yup. That's GW. It came in the Battle for Skull Pass box set. It's part of the Dwarves. I wasn't painting the dwarves (my hubby was) but I liked the pony so much I said "I'm painting that!"

The Dreadnote - I totally agree with the highlights. That's one of the things I need to work on. I tried doing some highlighting with my berzerkers, but I guess it was too dark. I did a 2:1 mix of Red Gore and Blood Red.

Thanks so much for the comments btw! Made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. ^_^

Nice Khorne Bezerker!
Really good dark red and gold/bronze.

I really like the herald (or Skulltaker? not sure) and the lizardman salamander (the spiny creature not sure what they are called). Have you got armies for all the represented beasties (and bezerker)?

Yes I do (except for dwarves which is where the grudge pony fits in) but none of them are complete past about 500 pts. I have alot of different armies on the go. With my attention span I can't focus on just one or two different armies. I get bored and it all started off with me painting what I liked the look of, not to build a certain sized army. The army that I focused the most time on in one time frame was Orks, but I sinced ADDed and moved onto CSM and Skaven though I haven't finished many (only 2) Skaven.


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P.S. That's Skulltaker and Razordon respectively you were liking. Thanks!


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Oop...I just noticed I forgot to paint the 'teeth' on two of the Berzerkers helmets. Whoops.

Hey, that's a nice collection of minis...

My favourite are the Berzerkers, but I see some mould lines on one of the legs (last pic), that's what bothers me...

Apart from that, the washes are nicely used, maybe you could try to highlight the armour edges a bit more...

Great stuff! you can really see the progression in your paint work, keep it up!

Yggdrasil - Aye, yes. Mould lines are a big issue for me. Sometimes I win the fight, but I never seem to win the war. I tried a highlight of pure blood red, but it didn't show up. Should I add something like white, orange or yellow to it?

Santobell - Thank ya muchly! I only aim to improve. I'd like to improve my highlighting and learn how to do gems/orbs and source lighting.

When making red lighter, use either orange or yellow as white turns it pink.
If you wanted to you could even use bleached bone or equivalent (Bonewhite, Pale Sand, Wildcat Gray, Yellowed Bone, Jack Bone, Bone)


M.K

Yeah...don't want pink. Awkward. Well, I'm gonna give blood red and blazing orange a try. Thanks for the tip!

No worries!
I had to learn that when I was painting MY Khorne bezerker


M.K

Don't be afraid of doing multiple highlights, either. Okay, if you're doing an entire squad it would probably take forever, but for single models, highlighting multiple times, each coat covering a smaller area with lighter paint, can look great.

A good highlighting technique is "Edging" or edge brush you apply paint the the length of the brush then run it along the edge of the detail you want to highlight for example where the side and top of a bolter meet this is the edge you would highlight, it's more precise than dry-brushing but can take longer and requires a steady hand or in my case lots of practice.

The bonus I guess is if it's messy it's easy to trim back to a fine highlight and you can layer it depending on how bright you want the lighting to be.
The only real trick is to not use too much paint but that's the same with all highlighting techniques..

Hope that helps you

Nice CSM. The troll Looks great too. Looking foward to more.

My favourite has to be the Zerker, nice work.

Agree with Tortured-Robot, that zerker looks really good. Gotta love those washes

Hey,

Its funny how the first models people paint always have plenty of paint (the plastic beastman model is a truly awful sculpt though )

The Berserker looks cool (though the mould lines kinda spoils it) and a final edge highlight would help... for my Berserkers I found a final thin wash of Baal Red helped blend it all together...not that yours needs that from the picture.

The Mek (such a great model) imo needs a bit more shading on the flesh.

The Troll's skin tone is wicked...very nice. I'm assuming you painted the troll after skull taker as the metal on the troll is better.

Anyway looking forward to seeing more stuff

Peter

Thanks everyone for the tips and love (especially for the Berzerker).

PDH - Yes...that Beastman is really quite awful.

Mould lines suck. I'm afraid I don't have the eye to find them. Not at all...

I painted the troll about a year or more after the skulltaker. I'm quite proud of him myself. I think he was basecoated black, drybrush shadow grey, drybrush dark flesh, drybrush elf flesh, then a wash of ogryn flesh. I'm sure he could use a highlight or two but I'm too afraid of messing him up so I'll wait 'til I get good at it.

I haven't tried the red/orange highlight on my finished Berzerkers yet, but I'll show ya'll how it turns out as soon as I do. So all yapping aside, I am here to offer a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure.

My mother bough my the CSM battlforce for Christmas 2009. Last night I begun work on the final 3 Berzerkers of the box. The rest I finished around Christmas time last month. So over a year later I've finally just about worked my way through the box. Anyways, here WIP on the last 3 Berzerkers.



Now these are a couple models that I tried doing little highlights on a couple years ago. It made the models just take a little bit longer (not much), but it was enough to aggravate my ADD so I said screw it and stopped. I'd like to get some feedback on them. Very minor highlighting though...









And this one's on here just 'cause I like how I did the souls on the bottom. Did this one at least 2-3 years ago.




P.S. I broke the sorceress' arm with the staff off after I took the pic. Crap.

Alrighty, well thanks for looking again and happy painting!

Alrighty, so I gave that 50/50 mix of Blazing Orange and Blood Red a shot as a highlight for my CSM Khorne Berzerkers. Seeing as how I've never really highlighted before I wasn't exactly sure where the highlights were supposed to go, but I gave it a go and I don't think it looks all that bad. I actually like it better than the original I had posted on here.







Also got a couple more WIPs. I can't just stay on one thing. Has just about never happened.

WIP Skaven Queek Heataker.




WIP old Lizardmen Saurus Warriors from a friend. He got out of the hobby just as I got in. 10 years later he finally decides to give me his old models to repaint and show him up. They weren't done very well, but he didn't stick around long enough to really learn any skills or tricks. Oh well. His loss.


Thanks for looking!

Great job with the highlights on your zerker.
For reference if you're not creating light from a source of some kind(plasma weapon glow, for example), it's best to assume that the light source is directly above the mini. Like 12:00 noon when the sun is directly overhead, beaming straight down. You do not have to highlight from above, but it's the easiest to keep consistant. If you want to have the highlights strongest on one side of the mini, then you would start on that side with the strongest/brightest highlights and work your way to the other side, decreasing the amount of highlights as you progress across the mini.
Keep on keepin' on. You're progressing nicely. Good luck on Queek and the Saurus warriors.

That Skaven is pretty sharp looking. Nice work.

Moltar - Thanks. I was afraid I was doing too much, but in person I'm really diggin' it.

Corey - Thanks. I love this model but I'm having a hard time keeping my head in the game with Queek. I was hoping posting him here in such an unfinished state would spur me on to work on him. And I think I just might.

Latest zerker looks sweet. The highlights look really good. Can't wait to see what you do with the saurus warriors.

You should post the other models from the battleforce so we can see the schem you have chosen for your army. Shame you halted the highlighting on the stegadon it is on the verge of looking very impressive indeed.

Everything is decent, but the berserker red is just superb!

bunnygurl wrote:Calibanite Lion - Yup. That's GW. It came in the Battle for Skull Pass box set. It's part of the Dwarves. I wasn't painting the dwarves (my hubby was) but I liked the pony so much I said "I'm painting that!"

The Dreadnote - I totally agree with the highlights. That's one of the things I need to work on. I tried doing some highlighting with my berzerkers, but I guess it was too dark. I did a 2:1 mix of Red Gore and Blood Red.

Thanks so much for the comments btw! Made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. ^_^

Highlighting light on the first coat is great, just follow it up afterwards in the same spot with even smaller amounts and lighter / darker colors. I feel one mistake people make ofton is making highlight stand out like a sore thumb, try to keep it natural looking.

Perkustin wrote:You should post the other models from the battleforce so we can see the schem you have chosen for your army. Shame you halted the highlighting on the stegadon it is on the verge of looking very impressive indeed.

I'd like to but it's actually a little embarassing as the force is in 3 states of skill. The CSM marines aren't washed or highlighted. 4 of the possessed are not washed or highlighted, one is washed but not highlighted and one side of the rhino didn't come together well, it's washed but not highlighted. It's just a standard theme though. Nothing really special. But I'm gonna suck it up and post pics just for you. My light's gone (I shoot my pics in natural sunlight) so I'll take pics tomorrow and post.
Thanks about the stegadon. My attention span completely disappeared during it. I felt overwhelmed with all the scales and it wasn't gluing together very well so I was getting frustrated.

I hope I can get the same sort of red on my dread that you've got on your Berzerkers. Great work!

AAAAAAAAAAARGH. ing computers. Accidentally pushed the back button and lost everything...let's try this again.

Alright so I have a goal that I forgot to mention as the beginning of my thread and subsequent post thereafter. I have a large stack of models and I never seem to get through them as I'm always buying more or people are always buying me more, so I would like to finish what I have before I get anything else. It's not necessarily a new years goal, but I would like to finish it before the end of this year, preferably by my BD at the end of November.

So here's what I have:
Island of Blood boxed set
Skaven Battalion
Eldar Battleforce
Lizardmen Stegadon
Ork Deffdread
3 Minotaurs
5 Ork Lootas
Deamon Prince
Beastman Chariot
5 Ork Stormboyz
3 River Trolls
10 Eldar Guardians
5 CSM Havocs
Hellcannon
CSM Sorcerer
Changling
Malagor the Dark Omen
Skaven Jezzail
Tyranid Spore Mines
Eldar Avatar
CSM Huron Blackheart
Minotuar w/Great Weapon
Skaven Lord Skrolk
HE Prince Althran
Ork Painboy
2 Tyranid Venomthrope
A unit of Skinks, a few Saurus Warriors, a unit of Bretonian Archers and a couple Knights from a friend
VC Black Coach and a Skulltaker for my mother

Needless to say I'll be busy but I like it. And here's a small update as I haven't had much time to paint and my attention span wanders.

My last 3 CSM Berzerkers. Haven't done much on them.


4 of my 8 Saurus Warriors. Almost done, just need to be highlighted and based.


Here's my CSM army for Perkustin. Not astounding. Thinking about going back over it but I have so much to do I'd hate to go backwards.

Here's the possessed that was washed but not highlighted.




These are the possessed that were neither washed nor highlighted.


















Here's the Rhino, washed but not highlighted.








And here's my Soul Grinder just 'cause I really like him, but I'd really like to go back on him and give him a wash and highlights 'cause it's seems I'm pretty decent and doing a good red.




I attempted some snazy freehand, but I'm unsure of it.


Well that was a long post and it only took 3 tries, but if you make it through thanks for looking and happy painting!

I love the 'colour chart of evil' possesed, I actually think having them all different colours is really cool for such a unit. I can't see anything wrong with their paintjobs at all, btw unless you are a completionist i don't think they need finishing. The rhino ineeds some work but i too have real trouble with non Guard Tanks so i cant really help. Soul grinder is cool but maybe a little work on the fleshy bits.
BTW you are a machine at taking photos! I have real trouble shooting my minis.

A little wash and highlight on the Soul Grinder would really make it stand out, great job on it already!

Perkustin - I agree the Rhino needs work. I rushed through it as it was frustrating the living out of me.
Thanks about the pics. My camera's got auto everything. Just find the right auto setting and it's a breeze taking pics. I also like photography so I'm sure that helps too.

I will put the Soul Grinder on the painting table. ^_^

The freehand on your soulgrindrr looks great. Keep up the good work. Personally I think that models with freehand painting look alot better than ones with water transfers.

I second the freehanding! Looks very good on the grinder.
Some washes, a little highlight, and you'll really knock em outta the park!
So far Im seeing a lot of nice work, definitely keep it up!

I won't get much done today (do I ever?) as I'm taking my 6mth old son swimming for the first time. Super excited about it. However, on the modelling side of things, I learned today that although my camera's pretty good and I love it, it doesn't really like blue. So these pics aren't great, but you get the idea. I finished 1 of the 4 Saurus Warriors that I was working on. I also gave my Soul Grinder a wash but I didn't take a pic. I'll wait until I finish it before I post. Build the suspense ya know. Got nothing else done on the Berzerkers. Yay me...







I guaruntee you it looks much better in person. It also sucks that the shield covers the abs. Should've taken a pic before I glued the shield on as I really like how it looked. *sigh* Oh well. There's always next time.

Thanks for looking and happy painting!

I really like the red you have on the Berzerkers! I also like the look of your Possessed. Very solid work!

Like seeing improvement threads, gotta love before and after shots they are always fun - reminds me of the classic 80s training montage. I reckon dakka is a great way to up your game - just the thought of all those experienced painters looking at my minis makes me paint harder.

hushrong - Thank you! My Berzerkers seem to be quite a hit. I must say I'm quite proud of them.

weetyskemian44 - I agree. Seeing where I started to where I am now spurs me on to improve even more and the kudos from fellow modellers/painters keeps me working hard as well.

On a side note, I finished assembling the VC Black Coach. Only issues were a) it was a B**CH to glue together and b) the top of the coach doesn't fit so I have to shave or adjust something, but I'm afraid to touch it 'cause if it falls apart again it's going out the window.

I'm hoping to get some painting done today but my son's grabbing the PS3 wire so I gotta run!

Well, I haven't been the most productive elf in the shop, but I haven't been idle.

-I got the top of the Black Coach to fit without destroying anything.
-Last 3 Berzerkers just need to be washed, highlighted and based.
-3 Saurus Warriors just need to be highlighted and based.
-Skaven Battalion has been primed.
-Island of Blood boxed set has been primed.
-Minotaurs have been primed.

I also have a serious question for anyone who does commission work. I am on maternity leave right now but it doesn't pay enough to cover the bills, so I have an under the table job of babysitting my hubby's kids. So instead of paying the daycare, we keep the money. However, there's an issue. I HATE this 'job'. So I was wondering how much better I would need to get for people to want me to paint their stuff and if it's possible to make a decent income by doing this.

Thanks so much in advance and I hope to have some pic updates for ya'll soon.

The Khorne berserkers look pretty good, maybe add a fine highlight to them

Dude! I love your work! It´s supa c00000l man!

Do You hav any more orks? if you do iwould be happy to se 'em

Your CSM's are great. I really like your possessed colors.

Inget namn wrote:Dude! I love your work! It´s supa c00000l man!

Do You hav any more orks? if you do iwould be happy to se 'em

Yes I do. They're my biggest army (although all are pretty small so that doesn't say much). Just for you I took a bunch of pics of my Orks. Please keep in mind they were painted at least 1.5 years ago if not more (hence the lack of washes and highlighting) save the Burnas that were painted about 6mths ago (hence the lack of highlights).

Warbuggy




Warboss w/Attack Squig






My personal favorite Kaptin Badrukk




Burnas






Trukk






Kommandos




Bikes




Killa Kans


Deffkoptas

40kFSU wrote:Your CSM's are great. I really like your possessed colors.

Thank you very much!

Loving how the Soul Grinder looks, Looking forward to how it will look after you add some of those washes you spoke about

medabee wrote:Loving how the Soul Grinder looks, Looking forward to how it will look after you add some of those washes you spoke about

Thank so much! I washed it a couple days ago and I started on the first layer of highlights, but sadly household duties took over so I didn't get very far. Hope to have it done by the end of the week. Keep an eye out.

You have a mighty fine array of different things on the go.

I think a purple wash over all the red on the soul grinder will really bring it out, including the free hand armour plates. I also think the orks could do with a wash...just to add a little more definition.

Peter

Very cool orks!

For going into commission work, I would suggest you take a look online at individual painters that do such work. That would be a good place to start off from.

I like the classic Lizardmen

Thx for the orkz man!!!! DDD

Love all the paint work, especially the Orks,

the only problem i see, is a personal knit pick. the trukk looks far too clean.

Melkhiordarkblade wrote:I like the classic Lizardmen

Thank you!

Inget namn wrote:Thx for the orkz man!!!! DDD

Welcome!

Big Mek Dattrukk wrote:Love all the paint work, especially the Orks,

the only problem i see, is a personal knit pick. the trukk looks far too clean.

Thanks.

I agree but I have an OCD where I don't like dirty things. Sadly, it follows me into painting. I'll attempt to get past my weirdness and make it look less clean. How would you suggest I dirty it up? Devlan mud? Brown paint? I must say I'm not very experienced at dirty.

Your kans look awesome. Not only do I like the scheme, but they are clean and look really well painted.

I think your orks could use a wash or two, but after that they would look pretty good as well.

The Bringer - Thanks! I should probably finish the third Kan one of these fine days.
I agree about the washes on the Orcs. I'll try to do that once I knock my 'to do' list down a bit.

So not much progress and I'm going to try to keep my updates short and sweet as my computer has started having hissy fits where it freezes or shuts itself off. All I've done lately is begun painting the VC Black Coach, built and primed my Minotaurs, finished 3 more Saurus Warriors, and did the first highlight on 2 of the 3 Berzerkers I have left. 'Why only 2 of the 3' you ask. 'Cause I had a craving for Subway and all else can wait when it comes to delicious food. So just a couple pics today.

The next 3 finished Saurus Warriors...probably could've benefited from a side view...


Primed Minotaurs. Nothing special but I'm totally in love with them.


Thanks for looking and happy painting.


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Oh and a question. I'm not very color smart, so what color would I want to mix Elf flesh with to make a darker flesh so it doesn't contrast to harshly with the darkened recesses on my Minotaurs?

Thanks in advance, sorry if it's a stupid question. Kinda sad but I only started mixing colors about a month ago.

if you're going with Elf Flesh as a highlight color, I suppose Id say mix it with Dark Flesh or another dark color. Heck Id basecoat the flesh with that dark color, then highlight from there by mixing more and more elf flesh in there.

if you dont have dark flesh, try mixing with a dark brown, like scorched brown.

Granted, Im no expert. I usually mix colors to how it feels to me. I have a color in mind and try to match it.
Good Luck on the flesh!

I do have dark flesh. I tried doing the darker flesh colors to start off and build up from there but I just really didn't like how it was looking.

I'll give dark and elf flesh a try. Thank you!

You can really see the improvements over the early miniatures to your later ones, they are looking great Good stuff.

Thanks Zoring. I'm hoping I can knock some socks off with my Minotaurs. One of my bad habits is to rush through things to hopefully avoid the ADD attack, but I really love those models so I'm gonna take my time and hopefully get some really good colors and details. I wanna do them justice.

You seem to pretty much have an entire ork army finished! Good luck with the Minotaurs

Ah yes!
Washes will help bring layers together, too- so I definitely can reccomend using those. Ogryn flesh will give the skin a warm reddish tone, while Delvan Mud will do very well at shading just about anything!

Alrighty, well I wasn't going to post an update today as I haven't finished anything but I spent a few hours on one of the Minotaurs as I'm really loving this model even more now that it's getting some color. Please bear in mind that it's a WIP but I'm so proud of it already that I just HAD to show it to ya'll. The sun however, doesn't stay out very long up here in the North so the pics aren't awesome as I had already lost most of my sun. And now without further delay!

My WIP Minotaur Champion






I hope to finish it tonight or tomorrow. Hopefully if I don't finish tonight I'll finish tomorrow before the sun goes down. Thanks for looking and happy painting!

P.S. Ramos Asura - I used 4 washes on this dude. Gryphonne Sepia, Devlan Mud, Badab Black and Ogryn Flesh.

That minotaur looks awesome. Great job, bunnygurl

Looks Awesome!

Sweet! Look really cool!

Thanks so much guys! I'm thrilled with it so far. Didn't get it finished tonight as it was my step moms b-day, but I got the first highlight done on the top half flesh portion. Also remember I probably won't be able to finish it tomorrow either as my step kids have a play tomorrow after then we're going bowling. *sigh* Oh well. Hopefully Saturday.

Well, I have a little rant for ya'll. Hubby dragged me to a hobby store that I like very much that has just about every miniature I know of. I found Confrontation (are all their figures already painted 'cause that's disappointing), Hordes, Warmachine and more. I took a look at the Warmachine as I've seen a few people here have a few and I'm really liking how they look. Bad thing is, now that I looked and found, I want. But my goal is not to buy anything else until I'm done what I have. If we look back upon my list and my expenctant finish time, I'll be wanting for a while and that just annoys the snot outta me.

But I have a question to go along with my rant. Of those of you (if any read my blog) who collect Warmachine, how is it? Is it worth it? Are they nicely sculpted (can always look at pics on the internet but can we always trust it)? Easy to assemble? Would it be worth spending $50 on a box or should I put my money towards Warhammer + 40K?

Thanks in advance.

Good luck with not buying anything until you paint what you have. Everytime I make that promise I buy something in about 2 days. Wife is gonna throw me out of a window.

bunnygurl wrote:Well, I have a little rant for ya'll. Hubby dragged me to a hobby store that I like very much that has just about every miniature I know of. I found Confrontation (are all their figures already painted 'cause that's disappointing), Hordes, Warmachine and more. I took a look at the Warmachine as I've seen a few people here have a few and I'm really liking how they look. Bad thing is, now that I looked and found, I want. But my goal is not to buy anything else until I'm done what I have. If we look back upon my list and my expenctant finish time, I'll be wanting for a while and that just annoys the snot outta me.

But I have a question to go along with my rant. Of those of you (if any read my blog) who collect Warmachine, how is it? Is it worth it? Are they nicely sculpted (can always look at pics on the internet but can we always trust it)? Easy to assemble? Would it be worth spending $50 on a box or should I put my money towards Warhammer + 40K?

Thanks in advance.

Confrontation was a range of pre-paints in it's last incarnation. It's no longer supported though. Rackham (the company behind Confrontation) used to make an incredible range of metal models for the previous versions of Confrontation which are all OOP. They're worth tracking down just to paint, but it's a dangerous addiction. Sentry Box in Calgary used to carry some but they were down to the last few dregs when I was down there a few months ago.

Warmachine models are nice enough. They have a more exaggerated aesthetic, even more so than Warhammer minis, which isn't to everybody's taste. Some of the earlier models are a little rough and some of the warbeasts and warjacks are definitely not that fun to assemble but if you like the style there are a lot of good minis there.
Whether or not you'll enjoy the game depends on what you're looking for. If you're very competitive then there's a lot of juice there. If you're looking for fun then it really depends on who you'd be playing with. Warmachine can be pretty unforgiving to new players and if you factor in the social graces so common to our nerdy kin it's potentially unpleasant. Good people make any game good though, and there's a lot more synergy in Warmachine than Warhammer/40k. You can have an army that plays very differently just by changing out a few models.

You should take a look at the Anima Tactics miniatures as well if you want to be tempted to buy even more minis to paint.

I love the minos face!
First time I've seen this model from behind and I have to say, it looks like a jock strap. LOL.

Great skin work!

The Minotaur looks really fantastic and it is still WIP, I hate you

I feel like the newer warmachine war jacks are much better sculpts than the old/original ones. I feel like several of the old warmachine minis needed a lot of pinning and still ended up off balance.
Plastictrees is right about the Confrontation stuff. I still have quite a few of their old metal minis. Rackham also made a game called AT-43 which had some crazy sculpted stuff and I believe that AT-43 was picked up by another company and will be going back into production soon.

40kFSU - Thanks! I've done good so far and I managed to resist yesterday so here's hoping.

plastictrees - Thanks for the info. All I found was painted Confrontation. As far as Warmachine gameplay, I'm just looking to paint not play.

rlsquared2 - Thanks alot! It does look like a jock strap from that angle doesn't it? It's just a string of trinkets hanging from the back of his belt. Doesn't go all the way around, but I was painting his backend and I was being immature giggling to myself saying "I'm painting your butt, I'm painting your butt." Who ever says we need to grow up?

tipios - You're welcome. Just wait 'til you see it done. You'll never wanna speak to me again.

Moltar - Never heard of AT-43 before. If it does come back out perhaps I'll take a little gander at it.

Aw...I still want Warmachine. The Cryx looked so cool.

Sorry for the lack of updates guys. Spent the weekend in Edmonton to see my newborn neice. No painting has been done. *sigh* Just a mini rant, bed wasn't nice to sleep in, and house was kept too hot to sleep in so no sleep was to be had by me. Would've been a perfect sleepless night to paint. Oh well.

On the positive side of things, I may not be 'allowed' to buy models, but no one said anything about books, so I bought the new Uniforms & Heraldry of the Skaven book. I'm gonna start collecting uniform books, codexs and novels to ease my need to buy something Warhamer.

I have a lot of Skaven and I couldn't think of a color scheme I wanted to paint them in. Queek Headtaker has started off red, but I'm just not feeling it. Issue is I'm stuck between a bunch of different clans, but the guy at the store said that we're allowed to mix clans now. I don't have the Skaven codex so I dunno if it's true or not. Anyone know before I start painting, as I'm itching to do so now that I have my book.

Hoping to finish the Minotaur tomorrow 'cause he's SO close to being done. Though I'm afraid I may have botched the skin. You guys'll have to let me know when I post him.

Thanks a bunch, happy painting and I'm off to bed. *Dies*

Alrighty. Minotaur be finished (I hope). I'd like you guys to let me know if the it needs anymore work. I like the skin personally but I dunno if I messed it up a bit. I didn't leave much of the under layers showing. Here he is. Whatcha think?









Oop. Just noticed some pooling on the gold bits.

Thanks for looking. I'm now gonna start assembling some Skaven. Yay attention span!

Even though I hate you, this is great I love the shading, his armour plates really stand out for me. Now I need to see more work, so I can hate you some more

The Armor on the Minotaur is great, but I liked the flesh more in the first step.

As for the Skulltaker: That one looks very good even without inking. I would'nt dare posting the minis I painted when I sttared the hobby

tipios - Thank you, you're welcome and I'm working on it.

M@MAX - Thanks alot! My mother wants me to paint her a Skulltaker so I'm gonna use that as an experiment and see how the washes look on it.
Aw c'mon. I did.

Whilst I prefer the skin colour of the first Minotaur picture there is no denying the skill shown in the second one. I think it's all down to personal choice as I probably picture Minotaur's just generally more ragged and dirty looking. Whatever the colour, the painting is still great as you can see all the individual details of the model, which is why that is such a lovely model.

He look zuper!!!! : D keep the good work up bunnygurl!

Minotaur is brill. Good job mate.

If my modells were as good as your in the first pic, I would be happy... you are realy gr8 at this!

taffiarti - Thanks so much. Minotuars are generally dirty, but mine showers often. He be a neat freak. =P

Inget - Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Perkustin - Thank you very much!

Inget - Thanks again! o_O


Non-pic update, I've just about finished the Minotaur musician, just needs his highlights, got some color on the VC Black Coach, and I got my entire Island of Blood set assembled plus one unit of Clanrats from my Skaven Battalion. Tomorrow should be a good day to get alot done as I don't work and my mother doesn't work so she'll take care of my son so I can paint all day without interuptions - save bathroom breaks of course. Huzzah!

Well, doesn't look like today's gonna be the all day paint day that I was hoping for. Rabbits need to be cleaned and that's a nice big time-suck. So I took a few pics of what I was able to do last night and this morning.

VC Black Coach. Major WIP.


Minotaur musician WIP. Just about done. Needs most of his highlights still and basing. Personally I'm loving the color I got on his cloth.




In this last pic his two top back teeth look orange. They're not. I think it's just some trick of light or something. Weird though.


Off to the poop mounds now. Thanks for looking!

Great paintjob. How are you painting that Metal parts ? looks awesome

Thanks. It's just Mithril Silver, washed with Badab Black then highlighted with Mithril Silver. Haven't done the highlights on this latest guy yet though.

Very nice minotuars. Are you going to keep this guy dirtier looking or are you going to make him look similar to the other minotuar?

Thank you. I don't really like the skin color as it is now, so I'll do my first highlight color that I used on the other one and post it, see how ya'll feel about that one. If it's a thumbs up, then I'll stick with that color. The less highlights, the easier it makes my life.

The other guy looked relly cool if you were to ask me! Use the same colurs and higelights on this one and it'll look awzum!

Wow, really good job! I really like your orks! Especially the burnas and Warboss.

Sorry guys. This isn't really an update. Just going through my list to see where I am ( I know I have a long ways to go) as I'm really dying to buy something.

Island of Blood boxed set - primed and assembled
Skaven Battalion - primed w/one clanrat unit assembled
Eldar Battleforce
Lizardmen Stegadon
Ork Deffdread
3 Minotaurs - WIP
5 Ork Lootas
Deamon Prince
CSM Khorne Berzerkers WIP
Beastman Chariot
5 Ork Stormboyz
3 River Trolls
10 Eldar Guardians
5 CSM Havocs
Skaven Queek Headtaker WIP
Hellcannon
CSM Sorcerer
Changling
Malagor the Dark Omen
Skaven Jezzail
Tyranid Spore Mines
Eldar Avatar
CSM Huron Blackheart
Minotuar w/Great Weapon
Skaven Lord Skrolk
HE Prince Althran
Ork Painboy
2 Tyranid Venomthrope
A unit of Skinks, a few Saurus Warriors WIP, a unit of Bretonian Archers and a couple Knights from a friend need to be stripped
VC Black Coach WIP and a Skulltaker for my mother primed and assembled
Ork Killa Kan primed
HE Sorcerer on foot primed
Highlight Soul Grinder WIP

Crap...still so much...oh well. Only had this goal for a couple weeks now...patience grasshopper. Just to keep some interest, VC Black Coach is nearing completion. A few highilghts and details needed. Minotaur musician only needs his legs painted and base...based... No progress on Queek sadly and Soul Grinder has remained idle as have the last 3 Berzerkers.

Oh and I also learned not to mix paint while my son is not napping. As soon as I mixed and nice blob of paint for my Minotaur, he decided he didn't want to play anymore and wanted to eat. Argh. Thank God for my mother. Didn't waste me paint. However that did make me lose my focus, hence his legs remain unhighlighted.

Thanks for looking and sorry to disappoint if you were looking for a pic update. Had a busy couple of days.

I won't give up if you won't! Lets make a pact to keep slogging it out until we have our goals complete! Huge improvements BTW. It is great to see you progress. My first GW model was a GOD-AWFUL color scheme of Eldar. Guardians from 2nd ED. I must have been out of my mind. Wish I had pics.

* Random list of minatures? Check
* Models that make an army and ones that you do for the love? Check
* Regular progress updates? Check
* Desire to buy more minatures despite the above list? Check
* Subscribed? Check!

Looks like this blog is going to get better and better. Glad I found this one early and can be a part of it!

Lol. Always amuses me the stories of parents who paint. Children just love eating paint it seems. My mum used to do oil paintings and this kinof explains why she stopped when she had kids, think oil paint is poisonous.

Minis look great - they really remind me of when I used to do orks - before the days of digital cameras unfortunatly

Rabid Ferret - I promise not to give up. I've done good so far as I used to buy models on a weekly/bi-weekly basis. And thanks. I try my best to improve as much as possible.

taffiarti - Thank you so much for the kind words. Gave me the warm and fuzzies.

weetyskemian44 - He hasn't eaten any paint.........yet, but it's non-toxic as far as I'm aware. Not sure on the oil paint but I don't use that so that's alright.
Thank you. Orks are one of my favs.


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Good news. PICS! Yay! Not much to say otherwise so straight to pics.

Minotaur musician finished - maybe.






VC Black Coach horses finished.


And just for fun, an old Minotaur with 2 great weapons that I painted a couple years ago.




Well thanks for looking. I want ya'll to tell me how you like the skin of this Minotaur. Is it Minotaury enough or still too bright? Thanks again and happy painting.

The minotaur looks very good. The VC skeleton horses look really good though. Very smooth white which isnt an easy task. The Old Minotaur lookss like he is part bear though. LOL Good paint job though

Thank you. Yeah, the old minotaur reminded me of a dog actually...a really big angry dog, but a dog not the less.

Nice minotaurs. I see island of blood is on your list, would love to see how you do with the Rat Ogres! .

Geeezuuuuzzzz! they look awzum :O

Perkustin - Thank you muchly. Your request has been processed. When I finish my last Minotaur I will put the Rat Ogres on the table. ^_^

Inget - Thank ya, thank ya!

Darn... I thought I were pretty good... But now... Darn ypur modells look good :O

All quite nice stuff!

Nice painting on the minos. I tend to favor darker schemes on the new plastics - though not as dark as your rottweiler doombull - but I think you've pulled off a light flesh nicely.

Now on those skeleton horses, care to share your bone recipe? I'm shopping around for ways to paint skeletons and I like how bright those bone ponies are. Hopefully it's not too involved of a process?

- Salvage

You are a really good painter. I like how you have a wide range of models.

Your painting seems to be improving at a fantastic rate and the minotaurs look amazing.

Keep it up!

Inget - Thank you!

RutgerMan - Thank ya muchly!

Boss Salvage - Thank you. I'm not really a fan of darker colors, but that's why we have opinions isn't it?
My bone is really quite simple. Prime the model whatever color - black or white, black's just harder to cover - the coat with Bleached Bone, wash with Devlan Mud, then highlight with Bleached Bone. Simple simple. Glad you like it.

40kFSU - Thank you. I can never focus on one army or anything like that for long. I need variation.

Bastion - Thank you very much! I do my best to improve. I'm sometimes afraid to try new things 'cause I don't like repainting models and if I try something new and it doesn't work, I run the risk of screwing up the whole model. But ya gotta learn somehow, right?


I have a pic update, but I haven't uploaded the pics yet, so in a couple minutes they should be here. I won't tell you what to peak interest. Watch for it as it'll automatically get added to this post.


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Pic update like I promised.

VC Black Coach is FINISHED!


The driver.




The coffin lid.


And the man(vampire??) inside the coffin. Sorry it's a bit blurry. I take better pics than this but I'm shaky today. Dunno why.


And a bunch of Skaven and High Elves I've got assembled. So much to do, so little time.


Thanks for looking!

Love the VC coach. The blue fire is fantastic and the coffin looks great. Looks kinda like its made of marble with gold for decoration. Keep up the good work

Bunnygurl, that coach turned out awesome! I really like the look of the driver's robes...not sure if you'd call him a "driver," but whatever. The "main" vampire does look a little blurry, but it appears that you did a great job on him too. Your skills are definately showing improvement since this blog began. It's been fun to watch all the random models you crank out. I look forward to your works with IoB boxed set.
Keep up the awesomeness!

I really like the rich color you got for the curtains in the coach. Also the robes on the 'driver' are great as others have said. Highlighting black can be difficult and you did a great job.

I can't help but think that the coach looks fragile with the horses based on regular bases and the coach as it is. Have you thought about making a full base for it? Perhaps a scenic one?

sum1 - Thanks!

Moltar - Thank you! Sorry 'bout the blurry pic. I didn't do any painting yesterday as I was oddly shaky. o_O We be good today though. Perhaps I'll get something done today. The IoB set is next so get ready!

Rabid Ferret - Thank you! I really like the 'driver' too.
This model is EXTREMELY fragile. It was a pain in the butt to build and it fell apart several times while painting. I love the idea of a scenic base for the whole thing, but I've never done anything like that before and I don't know where to get a base large enough. Is it something I'd have to make on my own? If I could get some help I'd definitely be willing to give it a shot.

Not really sure if this has been mentioned before (/irony), but the 'Zerkers are awesome

Overall, you've got a good grasp of things, and you've made some pretty good results. Keep it up!

Would the coach fit on the base that comes with the Skaven Doomwheel?

Billinator - Thanks ya muchly.

sum1 - Just the coach or the coach + horses? For the whole coach, I'm not sure. Probably not. I think it's longer than the Doomwheel. Maybe I could make one out of a piece of wood and 'decorate' it? I'm at no shortage for wood, or plasticard maybe?

@Bunnygurl
I think what he's talking about, is that the horses looks abit wobbly, drawn down by the coach. Adding a base underneath the coach might rise it up to the same level, as the horses.

You would have to use really thick plasticard but it would work just fine. As for wood that would work as well but it woudl have to be thin wood to try and keep the weight down.

Billinator - The horses and coach are level with each other. I bent the bar leading from the coach to the horses before putting it together to make sure they were at the same height. It's just when you pick up the coach, the horses dangle which is a bit scary.

sum1 - Plywood's light, but not very pretty. Easy enough to cover the top but what about the sides? GS? Wood border?

Haven't done any painting in 2 DAYS!! Sister-in-law came by yesterday w/newborn niece to visit and stayed all day/night. The joys of socializing and family. -_-

Bunny, the coach looks incredible.

Have you considered a wet pallette? I've had mixed paints stay useable for over a month on mine.

In fact, I usually discard the top paper piece not because the paint has dried out, but because I've run out of room.

Thank you!

I did look into a wet pallette, but I didn't have money at the time. How does it work? Wet sponge underneat special paper? If I have money next time I go to the store I'll definitely buy one. Thanks!

Love the coach, great job!!

I would either edge the plywood with plastic card or greenstuff. The top however would be easy enough to cover up with sand, rocks, grass, etc. But you should probably use watered down wood glue to base it instead of superglue or PVA. That's how my brother and I got the sand to stick to our table

I got mine at Michaels for about $12. It's a plastic case with a sponge and a type of paper that lets water soak through without disolving the paper. I've heard of folks using wax paper from their kitchen to good effect, but it's $5 for 30 sheets, and as they're pre-cut to fit my pallette, I think the time saved is worth it.

However, if you have a local game store and folks who are into War Machines or Hordes, you can ask them if they have a spare booster package and make one out of that. You use the foam that comes with it as your sponge, and cut a section of wax paper out to fit. The boxes are re-sealable.

The basic idea is to get the sponge wet without it being so damp that water runs out. You soak the paper for a few minutes in hot water before putting it into the box, so that it's thoroughly damped through. Then the paper will wick water from the sponge to stay wet. This means it keeps your paints wet, and because you can re-seal it, you can keep wet paints for weeks at a time.

tipios - Thank you, thank you!

sum1 - Thanks for the advice. I'll give it a go.

Heffling - Thanks. I remember it not being all the expensive, but when you've got $2 to your name at the time, everything's expensive, unless I dip into my savings, but that's not going to happen 'cause I want to go the the Gamesday in Chicago this year. They have an exclusive Skaven model this year! MUST! HAVE!

Well, good news, I got some painting done tonight. Bad news, not nearly as much as I wanted 'cause I ran completely out of Bleached Bone which is quite a prime color with me. Yargh! And to think I drove, literally, right past the GW store today. Would've stopped if I knew I was so low on it. Oh well. There's always tomorrow.

Love the marble effect on the coffin, very convincing. As to your current predicament might i suggest 50:50 white and kommando khaki? KK is one of my fave GW paints...

o_O Never thought of that. Thank you! I'm about to head out now anyways, but if it happens again (and I can guaruntee you it will) I will definitely remember that!

Oh the wisdom that is found here.

Sorry guys for the absence. Can 3 days really be considered an absence? Anyhoo, sorry for not updating. I've been feeling pretty down in the dumps over the past few days so I didn't have the give a to paint. Probably didn't help that my 6yr old step-daughter decided to use my finest detail brush and just about destroyed it. She's been told not to touch my brushes (and models of course - she's broken her share of those) as she doesn't understand brushes must be taken care of so they don't split. I managed to get a bit of a point back on it, but pretty much as soon as you get some paint on it and use it, the bristles go in every which direction.

So yesterday, in an attempt to get out of my slump I went to a hobby store near me and pick up a set of new brushes, two of which are smaller than I've ever owned before. It included three brushes - a 2, a 5/0 and a 10/0. Finest brush I've ever had was a 0. Not to toot my own horn, but we've seen what I can do with a 0, now just imagine a 10/0. Woot. So in my excitement over these brushes, I began painting again last night.

Sadly, I just went to take a few pics of what I did last night, but it turns out my camera battery is dead. -_- Will the joys never cease? So I will have to resort to updating you in words.

I have nearly finished the last Minotaur - the Standard Bearer. Just requires highlights on fur, skin and flag and needs to be based. However, I've run into a snag on the flag. I painted it bleached bone, washed with Gryphonne Sepia, but I don't know what color to highlight it. I could do Bleached Bone, but there's already so much Bleached Bone with all the claws, horns and skulls. Anyone got any ideas? Perhaps just leave it as is seeing as how I'm not hating the current color of it.
I also assembled and began work on my HE Sorcerer on Foot. Hubby is not happy with me about this though as he bought it for me (a long time ago) because he wanted me to put the sorcerer on the floating rock pile option and I used the magical puff cloud for him to stand on. I had forgotten he had told me this when he first bought it, but seeing as how I had already glued him together and begun painting, life goes on. So hubby took the floating rock pile and is going to use it for one of his models. Win-win.
The Skulltaker for my mother also got his base color laid on. Having a hard time spurring myself on with this one as I hate painting duplicates and I already painted myself one a while ago (hence the pic that's already posted here).

Well, thanks for looking, thanks for reading and pics probably won't be up until tomorrow as by the time my battery finishes charging, the sun will have gone down and my pic taking light will subsequently be gone. But hey, gives me the chance to get more done. Always look for a positive side.

Your mother plays warhammer???!! That's definitely a first for me.

o_O I wish she did, but no, she doesn't play. She's just the only person that commissions me to paint stuff for her. >_<
She comes with me to the GW store quite often (back when I was allowed to buy models) and if she saw something she liked (usually involves skulls of some sort) she'd buy it and have me paint it for her. She's also a mothery mother and enjoys having things made by her children. And seeing as how my only sibling - my brother - can't make anything more than bodily waste, she turns to me.

Thanks for reading through my rant though. Camera battery's charged so I'll post pics tomorrow. Promise.

I would love to have a mother like yours... My mother go crazy when she se that I'm sitting in my room painting... :(

And How in the **** can you do so much and still have time for other thingd :O You are like idol right noe... :O

I only got 2 brushes... xD Both are verry thik but I wouldn't do much better with other brushes i believe...
Maybe I would do better with more colors than my 13 colors right now... ( One wash xD ) ( I'm doing space marines, orks and a few emperial guards i bougth from my friend)

No one in my fammily like warhammer 40k... They hate it xD so do all my friends xD or no, one don't hate it but... xD

Lol Can't wait to see more pics of your work! i'm going to update my "blog" with new pics of all my work up to now... xD If you will look at it... Prepear to faint... They look BAD


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Woops failed... I meant to say : You are like my biggest idol to me right now* XD

Sounds like you had a bad case of the painters block. In a way it sounds like your daughter almost did you a favour as you got more brushes out of it! Hope they help you achieve what you want to with the models you have.

In term of the minotaur I'm really not sure, but if there i one thing your blog should tech you it's that you have great judgement

Inget - My mother's awesome. Has nothing but encouraged my painting from day one.

I've always been pretty awesome at managing my time. Bwaha.

taffiarti - Yeah. I get it quite often. Have issues getting started but usually once I get started I'm good. I suppose you're right about my daughter. Everything happens for a reason eh. And thanks. ^_^


So as promised, here are the pictures. Both WIP. Funny (not really) story about the HE Sorcerer. Went to take a pic today...dropped him from standing position and smashed against my recycling bin. Nice string of foul language emitted from my mouth, and then I thanked God he's plastic and easily fixed. *Sigh* Butterfinger.


I'm looking to do some freehand HE symbols on the bottom of the cape. Not sure if I'll do it in gold, blue or purple. Ideas?




Before I get nagged (no offense) on mould lines, down the middle of his face isn't a mould line. It's where the head didn't quite fit well. I'm loving the color of his cloth again. I'm so awesome.


Here's the flag. Thoughts?





And there we have it. Huzzah to the update with pics. Really looking forward to some feedback/ideas. Thanks so much for looking and happy painting.

That HE is looking pretty good. I also like the minotaur. Are you planning on freehanding a design on it? Earlier you were commenting on highlighting it further, I wouldn't if you're going to do a design but if you want it blank I would add one more layer of highlight. If you're looking for thought on designs, the only one that comes to mind is the goat logo from Canada's own 3 Inches of Blood:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61CypJDjtbL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Could be pretty easy to pull off. I'm just referring to the logo on the shield in the center, obviously.

Yeah. I wasn't sure about highlighting or doing a design. The safe side of me says highlight. The I want to challenge myself side of me says freehand design. I like that design you linked so I think I might give it a go. The joy is, it's paint and I can always clean it up later.

Thanks!

My vote for the symbol as well. If you are having reservations about starting it, sketch it on lightly with a pencil before you try putting paint on. The banner looks sweet, nice shading. I like the skin on the minos as well. As for the HE I think gold symbols edged in purple/blue would look pretty cool.

+1 To the freehand idea.

How do you get the flock/grass glued in there in that radial kind of pattern? It looks very natural. Whenever I glue in my flocking, it's kind of just matted on there in a big mess lol. Nice job on these I like that vampire coffin carriage thing.

Well, looks like freehand it is. >_< Wish me luck.

Cave_Dweller - I use PVA glue on the entire base, dip it in GW gravel. I let that dry then randomly do dots and lines of PVA over top that then cover throroughly with static grass, press it down and flick the bottom of the base to remove the excess. Gotta make sure the layer of gravel dries first before you put more PVA over top or else you'll just drag all the gravel off and around. Hope that helps. And thank you!

Some more quality painted models, nice. Yey go for the freehand

Woo! Can't wait to see some freehand bunnygurl. Any idea of what kind of emblem type thing you are going to put on the banner?

@cave_dweller- if you blow the static grass off after you shake off the extra it will make the grass seem as if it is standing up and it should get rid of any excess that didn't come off when you shook the base

Moltar posted a link to a design (just what's inside the sheild, thank God) that I really like and I think it fits. I'd like to draw it on with a pencil first but.......I don't have any pencils. Who doesn't have pencils!?!? Me apparently.

I'm also gonna try a different skin color combination for the last Minotuars skin. See how it looks. In my head, the combo looks darker than my previous ones, but most of the time I'm embarassingly off.

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention to blow on the grass on the base (thanks sum1) but just make sure you don't do it over your open bin of static grass. Made that mistake once...never again. O_O

You could always paint the design on the standard without drawing it first. Just use a color, which is easy to paint over like earth would work well in this case. You can then go and make refinements and sharpenings on the design before committing to it with stronger colors.

Nice to see more pics. I like all the minotaurs. I'm guessing the new brushes are working out ok. My son tried to EAT one of mine (he is 21mths). Can I vote for gold scrollwork on the bottom of the high elf. What metsuri said was good: For freehand its the same for me drawing it a couple of times and then painting the design few times on paper too. Then when I do it on the model I feel more confident about it. And yeah start with a colour I know I don't have to wrestle like the brown, then the gold can go on top.

Im loving that coach and the coulour of the curtains are amazing! good job

Thanks for the advice on the freehand. Not something I've ever practiced before (save a couple squiggly lines on the Soul Grinder) mainly 'cause I can't draw...freehand is just drawing with paint.

Wazzdig - I really like your idea of drawing it on paper first. I do believe I'll do that before putting anything on the flag.
The new brushes are great. My dog ate a pot of Regal Blue once. Imagine coming home to a blue dog and a blue couch. -_-

ycw - Thank you! I like that model.

I did some more work on the HE Sorcerer but I think I'll make you guys wait until he's done. *Insert evil laugh here*

I spy two oppurtunities for freehand, the Banner obviously and the mages book. Good luck! A simple chaos star in blood would look good on the minotaurs.

The Minotaurs look great Bunny. I don't really know fantasy but this guy.....



..... is crying out for a conversion.

I see a black and white wand in his club hand and a rabbit coming out of a hat in his drum hand

I have three things to say:
1) Your works is AWSOME!
2) I wish I had a pile of models the size that you have listed.
3) I feel sorry for your Wallet!
Keep it up

Wow, your work is really coming along nicely! I really enjoy browsing through your project pages

And what's with the outburst in the title?

Bangbangboom - LMAO. I agree, but wouldn't the Minotaur eat the bunny?

small waagh - 1) Thank you
2) It's intimidating, but awesome
3) Most of it doesn't come out of my wallet.


Alright, well you guys twisted my arm. I'll give in and show ya'll my WIP Sorcerer. Got a couple questions.


What do you guys think of the gems? I'm not too sure of them. Like the book? I do.


The blue needs to be highlighted as does his magic puff cloud.


What do you think about the shadows? Too blue? Too dark?

Thanks for looking!

I like the book. I think the gems came out nice. But the shadows on the robe are a wee bit too dark

Looks Pretty Dam good, compared to my own painting skills.

The shadows on the cloak are too stark, not too dark or blue. In the pictures it seems to go from pure white to darkest shadow with no middle ground. White is one of the hardest colors to get to appear right with shadows as most of the white is pure and the shadows are limited to the deepest recesses.

The book looks good and the gems work fine. You could add a thin line of yellow to the bottom of the gems to make them look a bit more translucent. Nice work so far.

The shadows on the cloak are too stark, not too dark or blue. In the pictures it seems to go from pure white to darkest shadow with no middle ground. White is one of the hardest colors to get to appear right with shadows as most of the white is pure and the shadows are limited to the deepest recesses.

While I would technically agree with this be very very careful if you are planning on extending the shadows. The cloak looks quite good as it is, in a "eavy metal" type of way. I once ended up (after hours and hours of work) with a lovely BLUE Saruman (Lotr) model I nearly cried over. I eventually repainted him but it was a lesson hard earned.

Yes if you were looking for a blue shadow use shadow gray and space wolf gray rather than a stark transition like that

@WIP Sorc'
I'd say the white cloth needs some attention. The shading effects are too much in contrast to the cape etc.
- I'd have my try with a much lighter blue. That gives for some really nice silk-effects.

If you don't know what i mean, try browsing GW's page. It has alot of white-colored models. Especially the 40k Eldar HQ ranges with alot of slik-like clothes!

EDIT: Wasn't done here! *stupid habits*
The book, HOWEVER, looks fantastic, Bunny! And the jewels are just as nicely done! When you glance at the mini's, there's always some details that draws the most attention, and the book and the jewels were amongst the first thing, i believe, you're most likely to focus on. And they're just awesome!

Thanks so much everyone for the advice. I totally agree the cloak shadows are too stark. Like from one side of the spectrum to the other. I have an idea that might tone it down a bit without worry about ruining anything. I can't blend (haven't worked on that technique very much at all) so I'm hoping this idea works at least somewhat.

Didn't have any painting time today (had a nap in the middle of the day and played Little Big Planet on PS3 for the rest of the nights) but maybe I'll get something done tomorrow.

Thanks again everyone for the advice. Super helpful!

bunnygurl wrote: (had a nap in the middle of the day and played Little Big Planet on PS3 for the rest of the nights)

Sounds like a pretty sweet day! I never get to nap. There are several techniques you could use on that cloak, but understandable that you fear having to redo all of it. For one, you could try to thin out your white and, while using just a wee bit, try to brush it over the deep blue or you could attempt to layer several different shades from blue/grey to white. Either way, you risk disaster, but I'd say it's worth it, as this is a character piece and not just some generic foot soldier.

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress when I get back from my work trip. Hopefully, I'll see some Mino freehand

Easiest thing is to take the premade colors like the others have said and slowly go down to the deep dark you have at the very center, and even then, sparingly as the cloak isn’t folded over itself in any way.

If you wanted to try another way, take that white and add a LITTLE (like your fine brush’s very tips… and even then, wipe even more it off) and mix it thorougly with the white- resulting color should still be “pretty damned white w/ a hint of blue”. Put that over generously over the areas where it starts sloping inward. After getting the robe’s folds, hit that batch again with more blue (water/thinner is probably necessary) to make it just a bit more whitish-blue. Follow the previous step, but cover slightly less area of the slope than the previous color. Again. Again. Again. Again. The color should grade into the darkest color as the blue slowly overpowers the initial white base. The final colors are up to you, but based on the folds, a couple shades higher than dark blue. I think this model is perfect for practicing the blending stuff as the folds are pretty easy to follow. Jus in case you wanted to practice it… the others’ advice is the same, only using the premade colors grading down into the dark to lessen the contrast.

In other news, the rest of it looks pretty clean- I think you got it with the blue sleeves… imagine that on the rest of the cloak, and I think you’ve got a winner! Keep it up! Btw, like the minotaur paintjob.

I need to change the record.

I no longer hate you, I love all your work

Comp sucks. Will no longer load the Internet. I'm using my mother's computer, so updates may be lacking until I get a new computer. -_- Freakin' technology I tells ya.

Worked more on the HE Sorcerer. I did something to the cloak and it's much less stark IMO. Highlighted the blue cloth and personally, I LOVE it. So close to finishing him. Just need to to highlight magical puff cloud, and paint and flock the base. Oh, forgot the boots. Need to paint his boots too. So close.

Moltar - Not sure if I'll be able to get the Minotaur freehand in because, as mentioned above, computer is packing it up something fierce. See if I can drag the reference pick out of it before it hits the recycling pile.

Izanagi - Thanks for the great tips. I'm very tempted to buy another Sorcerer just for the fact of practicing blending on the cloak. It is quite a simple cloak to work with.

tipios - I'm glad to hear it. ^_^ P.S. Your sig rules.

Thanks for looking ya'll.

Why would you get a new computer just cause the internet won't load? That's not a hard problem to fix (usually).

Well, there's many many MANY more problems wrong with it...this is just the most recent. And it was never a good computer to begin with. My father-in-law has a really good computer he's willing to let us buy off of him. It's a good deal as it's brand new, powerful and he's letting us do a payment plan to pay for it. No interest and payments the size we want (as long as it's reasonable). Just when we get it, I'm not sure. From what it's sounding like...maybe tomorrow. Huzzah.

Darn... this is PURE AWZZZZUUUMMMMNESSSSS

Seems I can always count on you for support Inget. Thank you.

I got my new computer. YAY! This one is great. Doesn't turn itself off or nothing. Sweet. However I haven't had time to get any painting done in the last 2 days as I've had company over and was out and about doing things. I know...like WTH!? Most likely won't be able to get anything done tomorrow either as my house is a mess and needs to be re-organized. Can anyone say 'all day job'?

Will ya'll stick around if I promise you awesome stuff? I hope so. Thanks for looking and waiting. >_<

Don't we always stuck around? I wanna see this soceror finished up

Aw darn was hoping for more updates, oh well. Congrats on your new computer!

new computer, sweet!

Well I got fever so I don't paint either... xD

Not jut Inget who's got your back it seems. We're here for the duration on this bad boy, new computer and all

Ya'll rule. Thanks.

Alright, so bad news (possibly) first. I was trying out a couple color combos for the skin color of my last Minotaur. That, my friends, did not pan out. First new color idea made him look like he was made of Pepto Bismol. Second color combo made him look like he had lost all circulation. So having lost my patience with that, I said screw it and he will remain with the skin color you see in the WIP photo. Since it seemed most people liked that color anyways, I figured whatever.

Good news, we are now onto the freehand portion of both models. Here's hoping I can call upon my artistic abilities as a painter and translate that into drawing. Hoping to have something up for you guys by tomorrow afternoon somtime as this is the last stage for both until completion.

More good news. Since I re-organized my house, I have a new painting area and desk which is much more spacious and comfortable, so I see much more painting in my future as I don't have to hunker over some tiny table anymore. It's great. I feel so at peace at my new desk.

Wish me luck with the drawing. I hope to make everyones wait worthwhile.

good luck!

+ off topic: please don't call me "inget" it meens nothing... seriosly... inget meens nothing... xD not nothing, but the word nothing... and i'm something... zo ya know xD


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bunnygurl wrote:Seems I can always count on you for support Inget. Thank you.

>_<

Ofc you can I LOVE your work... as isaid a few times; it's pure awzzzummmnessss
wish i could be as good as you

Sorry. Should I call you namn instead, or dude?

Already everyone. Huzzah me! Both the Minotaur and the Sorcerer are complete (I hope).


This is my first real freehand (aside from squiggly lines) so please be gentle.




I'm not really too sure on how to do fire without drybrushing but I think it turned out pretty nice.


I toned down the shadows a bit, but seeing it here makes me think it needs a bit more.


A close-up of the runes on the Sorcerer's cape. Some of them aren't the greatest, but hey, I think they turned out alright. But dang...fuzzy pic. Hate when that happens.

Well thanks for waiting and following along. Hope this keeps ya'll tided over until I can churn out some Skaven. I have the two Rat Ogres from the IoB set on my table now, I just have no idea how to paint them. Oh well. Here goes.

I like the freehand- that's a lot better than my attempts at it!

Nice touch!

Yes, WAY better free hand than me!
Great job!

M.K

Just ran through the blog, and I love seeing how much better you've gotten in such a short time. The Minotaurs are great looking, especially the banner. I'd agree the shadows in the cape are a bit harsh, maybe a bit more subtle gradient would help. Also the white strip on the bottom of the robe got a lot of blue wash on it, may want to clean that up. Fire looks perfect though.

Good work on the freehand. The highlights on the cape are still a bit too stark. Other than that you did an excellent job. Keep it up, cant wait to see the Rat Ogres

The runes look the gak

Fire looks great. No issues with that at all.

I think your free hand is great. As this is a blog to try and help you improve then the slightest criticism would be to say the black on the banner looks too thick.

Overall though, you should be chuffed.

Thank you, thank you, thank you all.

I agree I went a little nuts with the blue wash. I like blue. >_> Will work on my white some more. We all know how troublesome white can be though, don't we?

Please, criticise all you want. That's why I started this 'cause my mother won't say nothing even remotely negative about them. How productive.

I will admit I didn't thin my black. I was too nervous about the freehand. And I used bleached bone to draw on the image in the first place and tried to cover it back up with Gryphonne Sepia, but you can still see the lines somewhat. But now that I know I can do it (I'm thrilled) it should be much better next time.

Thanks for all the support and advice everyone! Without you guys I would never have attempted any freehand (squiggly lines don't count). You guys inspire me to be a million times better. Thanks.

Very smart, when I was typing the page curser went to the start.

Keep going with the freehand. Flames look good. Banner design looks good. Runes look awesome. I'm jealous of the runes.

Freehand look awzzzum! the blue on the cape is a little to dark :/ But I can't do better so! GR8!

And You can call me dude or Martin


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Or namn xD

Bunnygurl,
Just got back from my trip and am pretty blown away. Your freehand skills are not bad at all for just starting out. I'm liking the banner, but really digging the runes on that HE.
The flame effect looks really good too. Keep it up, gurl.

Thank you thank you all.

Moltar - Hope you had a good trip. Glad that I could please you. ^_^

So some good news. I have left indecision city and have arrived at my chosen destination for my Skaven. I sat down and flipped through my Skaven Uniforms and Heraldry book and went with my gut feeling which was Clan Rictus. Some of you may be unhappy to hear that they have black armor and the Stormvermin have jet black fur. I will do my best to make sure it's not too drab, but on the good side, they're fans of checks. I have never painted checkerboard patterns before so this will be another first. I will also continue freehand on any banners, as I can go nowhere but up from here.

Let the work commence and thank you all for the support!

I was doing a cold one for a friend and was looking for a pink but ended up with Dwarf flesh so I applyed that and a Baal wash or 2 and the tounge looks fantastic.

Hey bunny, great models and freehand work in here, Do you ever play anymore? if you do a bunch of us in calgary play at sentry box on sunday from noon onwards.

Its been said a hundred time, Ill say it again. Great work and fantastic freehand. I havent painted fantasy in years, you are pushing me that way.

Zebanash - I haven't played in several months 'cause I have no one to play with. I am more than interested to come by and see how you guys roll at Sentry Box. I don't have any large armies (largest is 500pt Ork army) and I can't remember much of how to play so you guys would have to be patient if I join in. >_<

40kFSU - It's fun.


I had a bit of a painting spree (at least for me it was considered a spree) and I finished one Rat Ogre. Doing the skin was boring me (having done 3 Minotaurs before) but once I got started on the details, I was hooked. Finished him in approximately 4-5hrs not including breaks for dinner and kiddo in between. I really like how he turned out. I hope you guys do too.


I really like my stitched up parts.




Love the green.


My first time doing a checker pattern and I'm very happy with how it turned out. At first it had too much white and looked like cow skin, but after adding more black I think its freakin' sweet.

Thanks for looking and hope to give ya'll some more eye candy soon.

Very nice. I havent ever seen blue skaven, I like it. Mine were going to be red but I just sold them save the Single model I have painted. I like the checkered pattern but i am not sure it really fits with the rest of the model.

yes more candy please

You are really good at small detailing. more more more!!

Thanks guys for the comments. I agree the checker pattern doesn't fit like a glove but you can blame clan Rictus for that. That be how they dress themselves. Stupid rats. But I like it so I'll continue with it throught the army. Sorry sum1. >_<

Ahhh well. I think it will look just fine as long as you save it for detailing and not a warlock engineers entire robe. btw Love the green scars\brands.

Looks like you've improved alot on your painting. On the first post you asked for advice. The painting looks decents, but if you want it to stand out, you will have to work on your basing.

Painted gravel almost always looks better than glued on flock. There's an article on the GW website that has alot of basing ideas. Also I personally don't like Goblin Green bases, it makes the model look cartoony. I prefer Khemri Brown or a similiar Earth color, but it's up to you. Personally I think a brown color would better suit the Skaven model.

Looks good, and keep up the good work ^_^

Yeah, most of us play 1750 for 40k, and none of us play fantasy bunny, but it'll be an ork on ork bash for 500 points on sunday if you wanna swing by, PM me if you need any details, we mostly get there at noon or just a little earlier and we play in the backroom

sum1 - On models where they're wearing full robes it'll just be a line or two of checker at the bottom of the robe. I'm way to impatient to do a full robe of checker. You crazy?

Rice - I'm a lazy baser. I'll be the first to admit it. I've never practiced basing, but perhaps that's something I should begin working on. I began my all my models many years ago with Goblin Green bases and I guess I just never dug myself out of that rut. Kinda like how I never dug myself out of the no freehanding rut until now. So thanks for the advice. I'll start working on the bases a bit more.

Zebanash - Dunno if I'll play just yet, but I'm definitely up for coming down and seeing how you guys roll. Thanks for the invite btw. ^_^

I agree that the models you paint would benefit now from better bases. I really like the green underneath the the rat ogre. Really makes it look like they have been stiched together and are coming apart at the seems. Great work.

Small update. Worked on the second Rat Ogre. I'm ejoying this one just as much. Unfortunately, family got in the way of finishing him...however, that turned out to be a good thing as I got down to Sentry Box today (Zebanash, were you there?) and picked up a basing kit. Seeing as how I'm not overly creative, I'm hoping this will give me the step up I need on basing.

I'm also going to update my monster of a list. Please bear with me. I wanna see this thing fill up with green.

Island of Blood boxed set - primed and assembled - 1 Rat Ogre Complete
Skaven Battalion - primed w/one clanrat unit assembled
Eldar Battleforce
Lizardmen Stegadon
Ork Deffdread
3 Minotaurs - complete
5 Ork Lootas
Deamon Prince
CSM Khorne Berzerkers WIP
Beastman Chariot
5 Ork Stormboyz
3 River Trolls
10 Eldar Guardians
5 CSM Havocs
Skaven Queek Headtaker WIP
Hellcannon
CSM Sorcerer
Changling
Malagor the Dark Omen
Skaven Jezzail
Tyranid Spore Mines
Eldar Avatar
CSM Huron Blackheart
Minotuar w/Great Weapon
Skaven Lord Skrolk
HE Prince Althran
Ork Painboy
2 Tyranid Venomthrope
A unit of Skinks, a few Saurus Warriors WIP, a unit of Bretonian Archers and a couple Knights from a friend need to be stripped
VC Black Coach complete and a Skulltaker for my mother primed and assembled
Ork Killa Kan primed
HE Sorcerer on foot complete
Highlight Soul Grinder WIP

And here we have the WIP pictures of the second Rat Ogre.




I'm pretty happy with my Warpstone.


Not all that interesting but I thought the three little slashes were kinda neat.


Oh and beware of a new member. A Zed_1125. That's my hubby. He's come here to "show me up". Why a persons partner is called their better half, I'll never know, but I'm sure he's doing this outta love. -_- He can sometimes sound a little rude, but he's really not, so I beg of you please don't report him to a MOD if he says mean-ish things about me. It's all in fun. Besides...we all know I'M the better half anyways.

Thanks for looking and happy painting!

The warpstone looks very good indeed. I think on your next one you should do a little bit of OSL around the protruding warpstone. You have certainly got the ability to do it. I must agree with everyone else about the bases though. I would live to see some more creative bases.

That is some pretty good freehand. Great paint jobs (IMO)

Sum1 - Seeing as how he's not done yet, I'm totally up for trying some OSL. Never done it before, so any tips?

Hey, love the skin tones on the Rat Ogres + the Brassy effect on the metal - looks very smooth - how did you get the effect?

Cheers

For the metal I just used Dwarf Bronze. Used about 3 thin coats, otherwise it looks streaky and gross.

For the skin just a few coats of Tallarn Flesh with an Ogryn Flesh wash.

I'm quite happy with them, so thanks!

I'm actually thinking about about changing the color of the armor on the stabby arm (the one with the wires) to the black you saw on the last one above to help in keeping with the theme. Thoughts on this?

bunnygurl wrote:For the metal I just used Dwarf Bronze. Used about 3 thin coats, otherwise it looks streaky and gross.

For the skin just a few coats of Tallarn Flesh with an Ogryn Flesh wash.

I'm quite happy with them, so thanks!

I'm actually thinking about about changing the color of the armor on the stabby arm (the one with the wires) to the black you saw on the last one above to help in keeping with the theme. Thoughts on this?

I think the colours work as they are as an individual model - looks good. If the bronzy one is going to be a champion or something, it would be good to leave him standing out - otherwise would probably be good to have something colour wise to drawn them together as a cohesive unit...

I think the bronze looks fine on the Rat ogre. As for tips on OSL I cant help you much because I am still figuring out how to to it well. The only advice I can give is use thin paints and a very small brush

Great stuff; I enjoy lurking on this blog v much, though clearly as a 40k-er I'm bound to silence...
Re: OSL - take a look at Yggdrasil's blog. Excellent stuff and tips there. For simple OSL "glow" (which is the extent of my abilities) I find lightly drybrushing a further-lightened version of original highlight colour works well.

On that last CSM I did, that you saw, I did two different OSL techniques. For the lava's OSL I used a combination of drybrushing and glazing(light, watered-down wash). For the "Go" Button on his chainsword I just mixed a lot of water with Snot Green. I think like 8:1 water to paint to create a very thinned out wash of bright green and then applied the glaze around the source over and over again. It took probably around 10+ glazes of the same color, but IMO it turned out better than the lava OSL even though it was such a small area.
Like inmygravenimage said, check out Yggs blog he has some great tips and was the inspiration for said CSM. For reference, if needed, my blog is in my sig.
Keep on keepin' on! Rat ogres are looking pretty boss.

Awesome work as always.

Regarding the basing I was the same. Up until recently all the basing I'd done was essentially Goblin Green, glue and flock. Then I read this tutorial and gave it a go for a figure I'm painting for a competition (link to the competition is in my sig if you're interested peeps). The results aren't spectacular, I reckon I need to think more about paint and static grass colour, but certainly are an improvement.

Second Rat Ogre complete. Took all the advice into account and I hope that I've produced something better than the rest. Unfortunately, Rice, I don't have Khemri Brown, so I used Bestial Brown instead. Think it looks alright?


Full view of the Rat Ogre.


A close-up of my base bits. The leaves don't look super real but I like it. Better than anything I've done before. Thoughts?


My first attempt at OSL. I'm on the fence. Also had a thought. Hubby suggested putting water effects over the Warpstone. Thoughts on this?

Next I'm going to attempt a production line of Clanrats.
Thanks for looking!

Never bought about trying he water effects. I would save that for a test model. Other than that it looks pretty darn good. I would go just a tad bit lighter in the cracks immediately surrounding the stone.

A tad lighter as in less paint, or a tad lighter as in brighter?

Thanks!

Simple 'ard coat or a gloss coat on the warpstone would give a good result I think.

The ogre looks good, only the white of the loin cloth jumps out. It is easier to paint realistic looking figs if you don't use pure white or black. The cloth would look better and more fitting to the fig if it would have been painted with bone or other not pure white.

Otherwise it is a clear improvement to your previous figs. You are progressing with a good pace.

Understood. Thanks Metsuri. Gives me an idea for the next ones.

And to make it clear it was not to put your work down in any way, I'm just trying to offer some pointers for you to consider in future. The development you have achieved from the first figs to these latest is really great.

Lighter as in bigher. Add a little buy of white to the green or add some bighter green to the green you used.

Metsuri - I'm totally aware you weren't putting down my work (who would -Ego alert!). I especially see your point 'cause it's a Rat Ogre. Skaven. They live underground backstabbing each other. I'm pretty sure laundry isn't a main priority. The cloth looks to clean to me after you mentioned that. And you gave me an idea to alter that. So thank you. I always appreciate and take into account the advice given to me, seeing as how so far it's all be super advice.

sum1 - Gotcha. Will do. See if I can't really make it glow. O_O

The Rat Ogres are my fave so far. Great job!

I do love reading Plogs where the progress in painting skill shows clearly. Great work!

Perkustin - Thanks! Mine too.

Briancj - Glad you're enjoying it. I'm surprised that I've gotten as much feedback as I have and not just a little bit thrilled. Come back again won't ya?

I surprised myself tonight. I began painting my Clanrats and I'm oh so very close to finishing 2 Clanrats (yes I know that's not that many, but I did that in less than an hour. Before it used to take me a few hours to finish something even that small. Just need cloak highlights, check patterns and bases. So not only am I better, but I'm faster! Pashow! Can't see me, I'm a blur! However my mass production line idea has worked out as I was getting bored after doing skin on just 2, so maybe 2 at a time is what I'll work with for now.

Thanks for looking!

Very nice stuff. I am loving the Rat Ogres.

Im looking forward to the Ork lootas and stormboyz. Im joining the green tide in a little while and would like to see your take on them.

Ferret - Thank ya muchly.

40kFSU - The Stormboyz are in line for next for assembly and will primed and begun once weather permits. I spray outside and it's freakin' cold here, so once it warms up (supposed to be by Saturday but it's a roll of the dice here really) I'll see if I can't get some color on them. Plus I'm gonna need something to break up the monotony of rats.

And in other news, finished the 2 Clanrats, began on 2 more, assembled Lord Skrolk, Jezzail and the Ratling Gun. Have a Globadier that is going to get repainted as well. Was never happy with him to begin with. I also tried something with the checker pattern to tone down the white. Gave it a wash of Devlan Mud. I think it looks better and helps to make it look not so clean.
I thought about drybrushing some brown on the bottom section of any cloth, like mud. Thoughts?


Pics of the Clanrats up tomorrow. Thanks for looking!

Your stuff is awesome! I like those rat-ogre thingies.

Mud and dirt can be also painted with washes. Just dillute some earth brown with water and paint it to the lower parts of the fig. Be careful that you don't pool the wash as that doesn't look good when it has dried. You might need couple of coats, but the effect is nice as the base color is showing through the dirt layer.

The Rat Ogres are looking very nice. I love the greens you used.

Rat Ogres seem to be a hit. Sweet. Thanks so much everyone for the nice comments. And Metsuri, thanks for the advice.

So just a small update. Clanrats and a before pic of the Globadier that needs re-painting.






Just a small amount of checkers on these guys. Just to say "hey, we're a part of this clan but not overly checker happy". The other rat has checkers on the front bottom of his robe. Hard to see in the pics, but it's there and was a b***h to paint 'cause the shaft of the spear was in the way.


And ya know what I just realised? I do my eyes bass ackwards! Supposed to be white with black pupil, right? I do black with a white dot (dunno if I'd call it a pupil though, makes me think of something more like shine), but I like it.


This one was painted about a year ago. Look how chunky it is!


Just showing these before pics 'cause I think it's fun to see the transformation of something.

Thanks for looking!

Oooo, update. Hey, the black eye/white pupil thing is totally normal. I actually think you got it spot on. Rodents usually have black eyes or close to black (all the ones I know anyways). I'm digging the faint checker pattern on the blue, looks pretty good. Keep up the awesome work!

Wow, look at far you've come with your painting in only a year. I agree with The Capm in that the eye are good as they are. I think it really adds to the style aswell as make them all look that tad more like diseased vermin.

The rat ogres are a HUGE jump in the right direction- clean, smooth paint transitions for the warpstone, the glowing cracks, and the skin tone is excellent... why, again, were you asking for my advice on the skin?? Those ones look fine!

No joke, they look like the ones painted for display armies at GW stores. Keep it up.

Thanks so much guys! I really like the eyes I got on them as well so I'm thrilled you guys like 'em.

Izanagi - Glad you like everything. Honestly I can't remember asking...but if I did, maybe 'cause I'm self conscious and never think my stuff's good enough. Sorry. Small self esteem. Ya'll can thank high school for that one.

Speaking of GW, I popped by my local GW store today and asked them about displaying my stuff so I can get started in the commission business. I showed one of the guys my Rat Ogres and he told me to change the skin color (highlight to brighten it to the point that my first or second Minotuars were at), the wash I used on the bandages was wrong and didn't go with the skin color (he suggested Devlan Mud but I really like the Sepia) and I need to highlight the checker pattern. Thoughts?

They also won't display my stuff, so I'm kinda falling at a loss at how to get myself started. Anyone here wanna get something painted by me? I'm cheap.

Yea… you did. Swarthier skinned Barbarian on Promethean Hammer ( SHAMELESS PLUG!!! ... jus kiddin’). But yea, your stuff is getting better- That much is true.

LOL, ouch for the GW d-bag who shot you down. Was he comparing it to GW’s painting style of the Rat Ogres? Then if so, yea, I guess they could stand to go with a lighter flesh tone to make it like theirs. Does that rule out your rendition? No, not really- they look pretty good. But to hit you w/ all that crap about why it wasn’t good enough with no positive critique… not cool. Unless you left that part out? (the way you wrote it out sounds… harsh)


As to starting commissions… dunno. I’ve thought about it myself, but I’m one of those people who makes something and can’t bear to part with it after…

I'm sorry to say....I don't remember that. Huzzah memory loss.

I may have left out the good bits. He said the OSL, the metal and pretty much everything else was good. I was just mentioning the parts he didn't like to see if anyone agreed. I'm not gonna change anything unless it's majority rule.

I have no problem parting with something if I had no intentions on keeping it in the first place.

LOL... no problem.

Now I feel bad for calling said-GW employee a d-bag prematurely... My apologies, anonymous stranger. Either way, keep the Skaven coming.

Really great stuff! The regular skaven look fantastic, I especially like the way you did the silver as it looks full of depth.

I often find that GW employees are somewhat debatable for advice. I have seem some INCREDIBLE painters there, but some who are better generals or better with the customers or at teaching. Rarely is there the super employee who has it all!

In short: take the good, consider the points (they may actually be valid ) and remember that you are genuinely good and improving! That's why we all follow you!

In terms of the commission stuff - I have only ever painted for friends but that has always been based upon the strength of my painting. Which of course no one on dakka has seen as I haven't got around to doing it yet. Anyway....

I have bought some mini's on E-Bay (not usually pro painted I may add) and received cards of advertising, I have seen the links and websites in the sigs, blogs such as this one and those on other websites, ensuring that the gallery is full of your work and that you have variation. Possibly paint some space marines as they seem to be the most popular choice imo.

Can't say how useful any of this will be but hope it gets the brain thinking!

Taff

Regarding what the guy said, I don't know about the skin, but imho I think he may have hit something when he said the bandages need changing. The bandages and other cloth is white and and generally clean looking. Usually when you think skaven, you don't think clean, you would probably associate them with the scabby rabid rats you would find in the sewers or scampering in the city streets. Perhaps this is what the guy was looking for? I hope this helps, just my 2 cents.

I have been gone for a week and now I like SUPER CONFUSED! xD what have happend :S (LOL)

DARN! YOU ARE TO DARN GOOOOOD!

It can't hurt to build a cheap display website, with your best of the best of the best. Offer some squad- or army-discounts, and then advertise yourself. Position yourself as someone who can get an army to tabletop standard quickly and affordably, maybe you'll get some takers?

My 2 shillings. Pfennings? KOPEKS.

I like the warpstone on the Rat ogre, but it needs...something. Maybe a really light neon green highlight on the edges? And maybe a layer of gloss varnish over it. Still, I am loving you blog!

_Tim?

Briancj - Someone suggested Kijiji, which seems like a good idea to me. I agree about the discount idea. Thanks for the help!

_Tim? - Thanks for the advice. I agree, but I dont' have any gloss varnish. I'll pick some up next time I get a chance.

Thanks for all the tips and advice everyone. Pictureless update, assembled my Ork Stormboyz and a Skaven Jezzail, Ratling Gun and Lord Skrolk as well as finished painting 4 more Clanrats.

Thanks for looking!

Bunny, I really like your Skaven minis. I'm going to tackle a Skaven army next (hopefully by summer). Very inspiring.

@bunnygurl: Just call him the Glob-ardier.

Jeff - Thanks alot! I'd definitely be very interested in seeing any Skavens you pop out.

Heffling - I'm sorry...I'm tired and possibly a little slow...but...huh?
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...OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHA! I got it! That's funny! HAHAHA! Oh deep breath. AH HAHA! I like that. I gotta remember that. You're funny.

bunnygurl wrote: pictureless update, assembled my Ork Stormboyz and a Skaven Jezzail, Ratling Gun and Lord Skrolk as well as finished painting 4 more Clanrats.

Thanks for looking!

When can we expect the pics?

Would you like pics? Really nothing special. Haven't had the chance to prime anything 'cause it's -33C here and the spray would freeze the moment it exited the nozzle. (Probably exaggeration, but you get my point). I can totally give you pics tomorrow if ya'll really want. The Stormboyz do look pretty darm cool even without any color. And my Clanrat Clawleader's pretty cool....alright. You twisted my arm. I'll take some pics tomorrow.

hahaha, yay (to be) pics!

Curious though because I didn't see it mentioned for certain, were you planning on trying anything new with your paint scheme for your Skaven after having that one guy's criticisms?

Not really. Painting can really come down to a personal thing, and personally...I really like the way they look. It's simple and I like it and I find it's good to keep things simple, especially when you have a fair number of them to do. Especially with the Clanrats, I'm not going for works of art. Really just tabletop quality for now with them. I'm dying to buy something new so the faster I can get these out the more sanity I will retain.

bunnygurl wrote:Not really. Painting can really come down to a personal thing, and personally...I really like the way they look. It's simple and I like it and I find it's good to keep things simple, especially when you have a fair number of them to do. Especially with the Clanrats, I'm not going for works of art. Really just tabletop quality for now with them. I'm dying to buy something new so the faster I can get these out the more sanity I will retain.

Yes, I agree
You've definitely achieved more than tabletop quality.
sanity is always a good thing to have
can't wait to see the pics tomorrow (or rather today )
I was just curious

I would also like to se pics

Since ya'll twisted my arm for more pics here they be. There's a few so find a comfortable seat and enjoy.


First, the developing (however slowly it may be) Clanrat unit. I think they look very nice together, even unfinished.


The latest four completed Clanrats which include the Standard Bearer and Clawleader. I love their beady lil' eyes.


A side view.


The other side view.


The assembled but unprimed (it still be freezing here) Ratling Gun.


And the other side of the Ratling Gun.


Mr. Lord Skrolk. I'm excited to start him.


All 5 assembled and unprimed Stormboyz. They look like alot of fun to paint. Can't wait.


Two at a time so you can see them better.


The one on the right has my favorite head.


And the last Stormboy.

I know I said that I assembled the Skaven Jezzail...that's kinda untrue. I took it out of the package and cleaned it off, but if I glued it together, it'd be very difficult to paint. I promise I'll take a pic of that one once I actually get started on it.

Thanks for looking everyone!

Cant wait to see everything painted.

And the Jezzail will be cool to see painted.

Thanks ya good sir. Though now I seem to be sick and I can't paint without my nosing leaking on everything. Boo. -_-

It sux to be sick :/ And to have been sick and then have alot (!!!) to do in school sux to ( You don't go to school though but I do... )

And, DARN IT! now i want to buy storm boyz... I haven't got that much money ( about 1900 swedish kroner for a half year :/ )....

I liked the last head, lol. He look crazy, just like me

Once again you have done a great job on those Clanrats, your armour always looks so nice and all those new models are gona be wicked


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Oh! and get well sooon!

Those StormBoys are coolcan't wait to see them painted.

Thanks for the comments everyone!

Namn - I may not have school, but I have 3 kids to look after.....

tipios - Thank you muchly. I don't usually like infantry units, but these ones are alot of fun. And thanks. I hate being sick. My head feels like a giant cottonball.

Melkhiordarkblade - The Stormboyz kinda intimidate me. I'm like...afraid to start painting them. Weird eh?

P.S. I learned that I can smash a cermaic bowl in my hand...yay to pent up anger and frustration. Boo to buying new bowls. -_-

Look forward to more painting (the stormboyz look promising) and more Bowl smashing. Make sure there are some pics of any future bowl smashing lol.

It's still in the garbage if you really wanna see. Though I really hope to avoid breaking anymore...at least with my hands as it was slightly uncomfortable...almost painful.

Well it would have taken the attention away from feeling ill!

I too can't wait to see your take on storm boyz. Intimidated? Understandable as those are some quality models in challenging poses. But your more than up to the task so have faith!

Heffling wrote:@bunnygurl: Just call him the Glob-ardier.

Well normally it's a Globardier pronouced starting with Globe. Since people tend to say that thick paint is "globbed on", I thought it would be funny to call him a Glob-ardier.

Anyway, enough of my lame humor in your awesome thread.

Well But when you are sick/ill You got your boyfriend/husband to help you riht? But still, HECK OF A JOB WITH 3 KIDS; WARHaMMER fANTASY/40K AND WORK ( You got a work right?), AND THEN BE ILL/SICK... Damn! Thats why I don't want to have kids when i grow up... ( 15 right now )


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Poor you... :/


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Get healthy soon or I will go and get some super medecin for ya and then ride a pig all the way to Canada just to make you healthy agian....

For all we know the older kids have to get the minatures off the sprues, remove the mould line and wash the minis for mummy just to earn the pocket money. Then I have an image of one with a fan trying to stay out of the light and one with a cloth clearing sweat from mummy's brow!

Have I gone too far? Probably! But it is an impressive "day to day" to do list!

Lol? xD

Taffiarti - It did take my mind off of my cotton-head, but it also pissed me off. I liked that bowl.

I bet I can knock those Stormboyz outta the park. It'll just be getting started that'll be the really hard part. Especially if the weather won't co-operate so I can prime.

Heffling - That wasn't lame. It was hilarious! The best I can come up with is:
What does the kid from Sixth Sense say when Hannibal Lector (sp?) farts?



Namn - Hubby's about as useful as my cat who eats pictures. Not that I don't love him....he's just...blah. I don't work right now. I'm on maternity leave as my littlest guy is only 7.5 months. I hope to not have to go back to work ever, but it's not looking too feasible right now.

I wanna ride a pig! So not fair.

Taffiarti again - It would be nice to have child labour but they always seem to have other plans. They also have their own models that they do which I usually end up helping them with. Though you could me my brow mopper if you really want.

I'll let you know when you've gone too far, a.k.a. a hand will come through your monitor and give a good slappin'. Thank you sir. I do what I can, but I haven't painted in a couple days. Littlest one is teething as isn't very happy unless he's being cuddled. Hard to paint with a squirming kid in your arms, no? Though I've never tried...

Well, when i arive to your house, you can ride my pig


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And Btw, your blog is on the dakkadakka homepage!

That would be a dream come true.

I was on the homepage? Awesome.

Hey ya'll. Guess what. I was fiddling through a bucket of some unfinished models and guess what I found? I found another Globadier unpainted and an unpainted Grey Seer. Both primed. Huzzah! Completely forgot I had those. Puts more on my to-do list, but I can never complain about having more mice.

Skaven look cool. Like the storm boyz paint em up. I know how you feel about primer I got stuff for
christmas and couldent primer cause it was to cold

P.s don't worry about stormboyz there really fun to paint

P.p.s feel better seems like everyonws sick

Yea you were on the homepage : DDDD AWZZUMNEESSS!!! : D

Great work, loving the clan rats!

You know what Bunny? I went to the store and I could fin no mop brows. Wouldn't you know! Otherwise I would have ben right round...

Hopefully your disappointment will be filled by painting!

Thanks everyone.

taffiarti - I have filled the void in my life with painting indeed.

I have finished 4 more Clanrats and almost another 4 today. Sun went down (who woulda thunk that at night eh) so pics up tomorrow. It's also supposed to warm up so hopefully I can get some priming done soon as well.

Thanks for looking at keep an eye out for pics. They'll float their way on here sometime tomorrow I hopes.

Pics of the next 4 Clanrats has arrived.









Question: Do you guys think the plain wooden shields need something like a painted on symbol or are they fine just as they are? I could go either way.

Thanks for looking!

Good work!
I would like to see an emblem on the shields

Yeah. I was thinking maybe in red, and not all that tidy either. Kinda like the Skaven painted it on. I can't imagine them being all too terribly artistic.

Or clawed in maybe? Carved-in deep grooves, stained with grime.

I like that idea! I just dunno how to stain with grime...

Nice work on those skaven. I especially like the checks.

I would just use a darker shade and ink wash in, with some drybrushing around the edges. You're more than a good enough painter to do that admirably. Glad you like the idea btw; I have a soft spot for skaven, even though I live in 40kville mostly.

nathonicus - Thanks. I like me checkers.

inmygravenimage - Thanks for the confidence. I'll grab a spare shield and do a test. I'm just afraid of cutting myself as I have a bad history with knives...

Skaven are coming along nice - when are your Orks getting some love?

Stormboyz got primed yesterday. Once my neck smartens up (did something to it and it hurts to move it and my arms) they will be getting some color. Hopefully tomorrow. Day is wide open and neck is so-so.

very nice work, I would go for a design on the shield personally, but keep it simple. As you said, skaven are not going to be that artistic, and it will be easier on you if you want to add it to a large number of models.

Keep it up!

I would suggest just painting the skaven 'V' thing as some of the clanrats already have the metal version on their shields. Remember that not all the clanrats need the same amont of detail, just the front rank and the sides...

I agree they all don't need the same amount of detail, but with my OCD, it won't be possible for me to do some and not others. It's a curse I tells ya. Unfortunately I haven't tried anything on the shields yet as sadly, I'm still stuck on how. My brain's not working with me and I can even pick a starting point, tools or colors to use. Don't suppose someone could take me by the hand and give me step by step hints? Please...?

Sorry to say I haven't done much lately but I spent about an hour last night at the table flitting here and there. I assembled my last Killa Kan (I lost the instructions - first time ever - so it was a little challenging. I don't think the legs are quite right, but they don't look bad so I'll just clasify it as a very minor conversion). Also put some color on the Ratling Gun, begun repainting Queek Headtaker and dun dun duuuuuh! I have started putting some color on the Stormboyz.

Today wasn't as wide open as I had originally thought, but I believe I can squeeze some painting time out of today...as long as I get off the computer....and stay off the couch....

Hey,

Your bases look alot better now. The Skaven are great. Some advice on the armor, it looks too clean. Are you starting out Chainmail or Mithril? If so start out Boltgun Metal for a darker look.

I'd normally paint Boltgun Metal, Wash Badab and Devlan and highlight Mithril.

If you want to keep it so far, just add Devlen washes to make the armor look dirtier.

Keep up the good work!

Thanks Rice. I kind of like clean armor, but I think it could look better. I use Mithril Silver then a was of Badab Black. As embarrasing as this is I had never thought to use Devlan Mud. I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the tip!

All I've done so far is the skin on my Stormboyz, and I wanna know what you guys think of it. Too bright? Not bright enough? Transition between shadows and highlight to stark? Personally, I like it, but I'm easy to please so what do I know?


This pic looked better on the camera than it does here. Sorry.





Thoughts, criticism, advice, love? Thanks for looking.

Personally I really like the ork skin. Great work. What warbands colors are you going to paint them in?

Look relly good, BUT i like a bit darker skin / dirty skin... I do goblin green, then ALLOT ofbadab black, then higelight with goblin green but thats a cheep way to do it i don't have so many different colours ( only have ONE (1) wash )

sum1 - I dunno what warband necessarily, but I paint the pants Catachan Green, metal bits Boltgun Metal and splotch on Red Gore here and there where ever it seems to fit. I'm unaware if that's an actual Warband or if I'm doing my own thang.

Namn - I used Knarloc green washed with Thrakka Green and a Goblin Green highlight.

Well thanks for looking guys. Hope I can get something else done to show you.

The way you do your orks sounds awzzum! catachan green on pants... just GOT to try that! : D

I tried Bubonic Brown pants on one of my Captains but Catachan Green has always been my #1. With Scorched Brown straps and boots and Boltgun Metal bits like buckels and armor plates, I'm a fan of my Orks. ^_^ Glad you like the color idea though.

So you are doing a green warband? We call call them the Greenskins! Errrrrr wait a minute.

ANYWAYS I like the way that sounds. I sont believe that there is a green clothed warband. So you should come up with a name for them

There you have some great looking rats there you do, Me likey.


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Lol, ocd for the win.

sum1 - Oh man. I suck monkeys at coming up with names. I'm not very creative. Ya'll wanna shoot me some ideas?

medabee - I'm thrilled you like my rats and my OCD. It annoys the hell outta everyone else but me so HA!

No painting time today. Sucks. Tomorrow doesn't look good either. Sorry guys. Life I tells ya.

I got one bad idea for a namne, but it's to bad...

I've always like those storm boy models, They just have piles of Orky personality.

I'm excited to see them fully painted!

Buny, you know what? I'll be evil and steal those greenpants from yo they look to awzum!

Namn - The name you've got is probably better than anything I've got (which is nothing). And the green pants are yours for the taking.

frogg - I agree they're just so damn Orky. I'm eager to finish them as well...the question is though...when? o_O

Green horn... Or greenhorn... then a little marking somewhere on the modells with a skull with green horns... Bad but still something xD

It's something, but I'm not lovin' it. Sorry.

Good news. Finished one Stormboy. Pics up tomorrow.

Yay!

'n' I said it was bad ;P