@WarbossDakka - Thanks mate, I like the darker colours to contrast the light armour, so thanks for noticing

Update: ton of edge highlighting done!

Update: TA captain done, no final pics yet

Lovely face mate. Beautiful work all over.

Agreed. Very sharp work.

@Graven - Thanks dude!

@Gits - Thank you

Update: Base colors underway!

Termie captain looks great, and you're off to a good start on that Dreadnought! I've always loved dreads, so I look forward to seeing what you do with this one.

Excellent work on the Cataphractii Captain. Tge Storm bolter conversion is pretty seamless too.

EDC

That Captain looks great Knightley. Much more regal than most SM Captains, so nice work there!

@Zerg - Yeah I saw the new redemptor dread and I secretly want one, but I'm doing everything not to buy more models!

@EDC - Thank you! I did have to cut it down quite a bit to get it to fit, so its nice to hear it fits nicely

@WarbossDakka - Cheers

Update: washes applied

Update: started with light grey edge highlighting, I really like doing edges on models where it is very defined, nothing worse than trying to highlight rounded edges!

Super sweet, looks awesome.

Both the Tank and the Terminator look great! And that much of the dread done so quickly as well - you're a painting machine!

You speak the truth on the highlighting round edges - it's really difficult to get right because of how thin that line has to be on a curved surface. Dreadnoughts (and most Imperium vehicles for that matter) are great in that aspect, due to how blocky they are. Great progress Knightley.

@Graven - Thanks dude

@Azazelx - I have had a bit more than an hour a day on this guy so this will be why its progressing so quickly

@WarbossDakka - Agreed, so for all those out there saying I should try eldar, I may do, but much later

Update: Got reds and parchment basically done

That's coming along beautifully Knightley. So crisp and grey...

@Gits - Thanks Gits! I hope your Birthday went well?

Update: Model done, wasn't feeling very well over the weekend so I may need to come back and tidy some things up at a later date, specially the base needs another layer.



Launcher in place

Very nice, creepy actually with that face !

Nice looking Dreadnought you've done up there!

I agree that the face is creepy as on this model. hehe

Looks awesome Knightley, good amount of squiggles on it as well.

It went beautifully. Thanks Knightley.

That's an eye-popping dread. Really top-quality work on your part my friend.

@Graven - Cheers, I wanted a sinister look, I had thought about doing a half red half white face, but with out any good reference points it may have looked a bit naff

@Mad - Thanks Man

@WarbossDakka - Thank you!

@Gits - Tbh I was worried there wasn't a lot of red/white contrast on the model, but due to how I had applied gubbins it didn't lend well to the scheme. Ah well I've learned that now, on to the next thing!

Update: On to 5 bolter scouts, base grey applied

Update: Base colours applied

Dread turned out great, although the creepy face would be more fitting on a Chaos model or something I would think. Nice to see you're still cranking out models at a good pace; I've stalled yet again myself. I really need to step on it if I want to finish my goal of doing all the Dark Imperium Primaris guys by the end of the month. Do you set yourself little deadlines like that to help motivate yourself?

@Zerg - Yeah, I can totally agree with you on the face it perhaps should have been bronze or silver? Regarding motivation, it is something I tackle daily, there are some times after a stressful day all I want to do is veg out on the couch watching some netflix, and I do. But I'll watch one episode of something to relax then get up and tell myself is only an hour, then I can go back to veging out. It's not a fool proof method but it seems to work for me.

I was rapidly approaching burn out on painting around the end of 2013 as I had been painting a sea of grey since 2011 and was trying to paint as much as I could as often as I could and it was shattering me. I ended up taking 3 months off to look after my 3 month old son and had a chance to sit back and re-evaluate. I ended up creating mini projects that I would focus on and not deviate until it was done (although it didn't stop me from buying a ton of new models in the mean time) which lead to me repainting my Ultra Marines and Dark Angels, creating a gaming table, doing a Necron and Tau army in their entirety. It was those breaks which allowed me to recharge for another sea of grey push.

If I were to evaluate where I am at now, I probably have another push of my Grey Knights/Gray Nights before I'll need to recharge the creative juices so you may get another full army completed.

Personally I found setting myself a time frame didn't work as the second I fell behind it was a bigger and bigger struggle to get back on top of things, so now I just sit to an hour a night and let time do its thing. A bit of a wordy reply, but I hope it helps any one reading.

Update: finishing off the base colours (doing 5 models at a time is quite time consuming)

Update: washes applied

I like the russet brown you've got for your bases, very martian; what do you use, I don't think I've ever asked?

@Graven - In terms of the gravel, its simply the GW sand, then a watered layer of pva, wait till try, then Prime of Army painter brown (not sure of the name of it) then its a agrax wash, then a medium brown dry brush, then a bone drybrush, dark brown base lip and the jobs done

Update: edge highlight on the grey done

Pasty face Dread looks great .. nice way to break up all that white/grey with all the scrolls.

Wise words on the motivation topic. Thought mine is more like an hour or 2 a week at this point.

New GK codex out soon so this should help motivate.

Good stuff in here, man. The latest batches of models in particular. That grey and bronze looks awesome.

@Solar - Yeah, I'm itching to buy the new dex, although I've not heard very good things so far, time will tell (I really want to do a GM in a NDK suit)

@Meph - Thanks mate!

Update: started on the reds and browns

Scouts are coming along nicely. Do they have any buddies sporting sniper rifles somewhere, or are they hiding under camo cloaks?

@Mad - Ask and ye shall receive - completed back in 2012 would you believe it!


Update: White and blacks applied, just faces left to do now

Update: some quick and dirty faces for the scouts (to be fair I dislike the design of their faces it doesn't lend well to good defined lines.

Update: Scouts done

Scouts look great! Is the one with the mohawk a Space Wolves head?

You're a freaking machine dude. Paintasaurus Rex!

Woohoo sniper scouts... love the giant rifles hehe.

Bolter scouts look good, I especially like the guy rocking the mo, is that the grizzled veteran sergeant of the squad perhaps?

Beautiful as usual, nice crisp paint work, great models.

The shot above with just the heads got me thinking you had some sacrificial objective marker thing going on!

@Zerg - Yep! I wanted the Sargent to stand out from the rest of the rabble and I really like the look of the Space Wolves heads for that grizzled looks

@Graven - Haha, you're far to kind sir!

@Mad - You nailed it, in our next marine game you may see them fielded

@Cam - Its not far off, I will need to see if I can find a mess of skulls and I'll make an objective marker along the same lines (but it will be a while away no doubt)

Update: After a very busy weekend with my sons 4th! birthday party and all the associated work with that, all I managed to look at was two TL las turrets for Razorbacks

Crisp and colourful!
Yeah, where does time go eh? When I joined dakka I had one kid, not 3...
Still, the older you get, the closer you get to retirement and actually getting TIME

I love the old wolf head on the scouts. Really gives some character to the unit.

Razorbacks are looking really good this edition. Those Las turrets are going to be very useful!

@Graven - Man, way to make me feel even older and you more virile, 3 kids is nothing to sneeze at

@Gits - Agreed, I have two more 5 man groups to build/paint and I have another two SW heads to add to the Sgt's, gotta follow the theme eh?

@WarbossDakka - Heck yes! After reading the changes to how TL works I instantly found some turrets that were put away in storage.

Update: washes applied

So much potential damage in that one picture.

Looking nice, my big bugs not looking forward to seeing this on other side of battlefield haha.

Top work on the Bolter Scouts, dude.

EDC

@Mad - Hahah, I am looking forward to taking them out for a run soon

@EDC - Thanks mate!

Update: edge highlighting the grey and the blues

Those Lascannons should serve you well in 8th edition! They're looking great too!

I'm looking forward to the glowy and the squiggly...

@Zerg - So I hear, 2 shots per razorback at a high strength and high damage, thank you very much I'll take that.

@Graven - Heh, I still don't have glowy down right just yet, squiggly on the other hand, I have that in the bag

Update: Reds and silvers done, now to assemble and squiggle

Update: Turrets done

Very snazzy. I still think we need more glow though.

To be honest, I think the amount of glow is just right, but I guess it is down to personal preference. Oh, and the lens look great as well, you've chosen a very nice blue for it.

Nice, clean look with your marines.
And fairly impressing you're painting your stuff in such small building groups, very cool

Regards,
Seph

@Graven - Ehhh, I would like to, but the back catalogue of glowy puts me off it.

@WarbossDakka - Thanks

@Sepherato - Thanks for stopping by, what would be your favourite model I've painted

Update: some base colours applied to a Chaplain

Update: washes applied

It's so hard for me to say anything intelligent about your work when it's in pieces. All I know is that it'll be bloody fantastic when it's done.

@Gits - Haha, I know the feeling, there are a bunch of blogs I follow that I know the final product will look amazing, but until that point I can't really add anything comment wise, don't worry I appreciate any comments made on the blog

Update: Highlights on the black done

Update: skulls and scrolls done

It's very skully. I approve.

@Graven - Any chaplain worth his salt would load up on extra skulls eh

Update: reds and metals done!

True enough. His pack should have skull vents very poor. Also, snazzy!

Chaplain is coming along very nicely! Power armor looks great.

@Graven - I reckon his boot toe caps should be skulls and he's missing the obligatory crotch skull, I am also waiting for the day when there will be a forehead skull on the skull helmet, on this day shall a chaplain be at the highest rank possible.

@Moltar - Thanks

Update: I had a game vs Mad on the Sunday, was a fun 8th game 1500p Marines Vs Nids. My thoughts from the game were I chose poorly with some model choices, but it was nice to see what they could do, things die really effin quick now, a nigh full strength exocrine went down to a land raider's lascannons, same with his flying hive tyrant. I poorly utilised my scouts and they paid the price for that. Poor choice for one of my HQ's being the below chaplain (because I wanted to run him of course) And finally a ironclad needs a delivery system, he was left trudging up the table in a slow gallop.
Also - Model done

Chaplain looks great now that he's got the proper amount of squiggles. I'm not sold on their effectiveness on the tabletop myself, but maybe that's because I play Dark Angels and am spoiled by some better reroll-buffing characters (Azrael and Belial especially).

What's next?

@Zerg - I also have DA army so perhaps I am also spoiled (although I haven't played them as DA for about 3 years - since the army was completed) Up next is an attack bike

Update: Attack bike with base colours done

Update: washes being applied

The patience of you is unreal. Kudos.

That's coming along nicely... quickly too.

Chaplain is amazing, brilliant work, and the latest is coming together nicely.

@Graven - You reckon its patience? I believe its drive to get my army done

@Gits - Thanks!

@Cam - Cheers dude

Update: Highlighted the grey parts!

Update: some silvers and bronzes underway

Update: Parchments and cloth done, getting close

Update: Bike done

I'm always mightily impressed by your ability to just pick a single model, work on it without distraction and finish it so quickly to a great standard, regardless of what it is. Focus is a lovely thing.

Awesome bike. Love your style, crisp indeed!

I love Attack Bikes (which is why I'm very disappointed in how they fare in 8th edition), and yours looks great! The burnt orange and white really go together well.

It's the details. I love the subtle contrast the leathery stowage cloth has.

@Azazelx - Thanks for the kind words, I dont feel I complete the quickly, It seems to take so long for me, but I guess I got used to being able to paint 3-4 hours a night and could get a squad done in less than a week, and now a biker takes about 8 days'ish

@LT - Thanks dude!

@Zerg - Yeah, I had this guy planned from early 7th and after seeing how they fare in 8th I was a little let down :S

@Graven - Cheers for the observations mate, onwards and upwards eh?

Update: Started on the captain, base colours done and washes applied (was a good solid couple of hours on this one so far)

Update: Grey highlighted and started on the reds

Update: Blues, parchments and Reds done

Update: Bone and parchments and metals done

Update: Captain done

He looks damn sexy. Like he was always meant to worship at the squiggly altar.

Outstanding. Really love the zonal shading on the cloak. Stylistic but very cool.

Sweet work on that captain kitbash!

@Graven - Thanks dude!

@Gits - I feel bad, I needed to add a black wash to his cloak to try blend the greys a bit better and it looks like I forgot, I'll fix that.

@Azazelx - Cheers Az!

Update: So Mad from the forums has asked if I can paint up a Chaos lord as Arthas for his brother, should be interesting however I am worried that the colours will be very bland, lets see how it goes eh? I started with Boltgun metal then added black to the mix to make a really dark metal, then added a black wash to make it even darker!

That Captain turned out well! The shading on the cloak looks like something out of some kind of anime, which is cool. Not something I would ever try to do, but cool nonetheless. Looking forward to the Chaos Lord; I happen to have the model you're working with (DV Chaos Lord Kranon), so I'll take some inspiration.

@Zerg - Hopefully there is a little bit of inspiration garnered from what I'm attempting.

Update: Layered on bolt gun metal, I'm a little worried its going to be a bit bright, will see.

Update: Bone underway

He looks a little odd for a grey knight....

I go away for a bit, come back an now you're a heretic? An Inquisitior is en route...

Oh, and great progress

I appreciate you taking the time to paint up a Chaos Lord, must be hard for a Grey Knight player to be helping the enemy

It's coming along really nicely!

Well the Captain is a stunningly brilliant piece, and the attack bike is so cool (love the model, the bike by itself is gak, but as this platform I love it.) In your colours it looks just right, really good work.

Chaos dude hey! Well you have painted other things before, often thought that you had a RL battleships worth of grey paint and that's why the grey grey grey knights. But we know you can do colour too, so looking forward to it. Looking amazing so far, love the base colour for the cloak, and your attention to detail will really work well on the Chaos side.

@Gits - I know right, I need to add a bit of grey on him to have it all fit together

@WarbossDakka - Such is the nature of chaos eh? slow and insidious then the next thing you know your praising papa Nurgle

@Mad - Course, happy to help out a mate

@Cam - I have a train container which stores my grey paint, and I have shares in grey pigment with GW

Update: Got some of the blues applied to hopefully try some osl?

Update: I had totally forgotten about the embossed bits on the cloak, so went back and did those

Ooh now that cloak is bitchin

My god that is beautiful work Knightly.

You make a good point Knightley, that Mortarion model is looking pretty sweet right now...

Well done on the progress too, I think blue as the spot colour on this guy works really well, I can't wait for him to be finished!

Lovely.

That cloak is amazing! I mean, the whole thing looks great so far, but that cloak is above and beyond cool! Was it hard to get it painted up like that?

Stunning

Knew it would be.

Hell yeah!

That is looking very Lich kingy... Although, not sure that is a word haha.

Holy smokes, turns out you guys really like the cloak!

@Graven - Thanks mate, not bad for a Kiwi on the southern end of the world

@Yorkright - Thank you!

@WarbossDakka - Regarding Morty, the only thing I don't like about the model is the facial region, it should be a focal point and its just a mess.

@Gits - Thank you

@Zerg - In terms of the purple, it was an older purple paint mixed with black, then layered with its normal colour, then mixed that with hormagaunt purple then last highlight of hormagaunt purple then purple wash. Blue was along the same scheme, dark blue mixed with black etc etc.

@Cam - Cheers

@Mad - In this context... its a word, A mighty fine word indeed

Update: The Chaos lord done, does he look like a 40k Arthas the Lich King?

I just can't get over that cloak man... it's awesome.

Awesome Knightley. I get what you mean though, there's too much going on, especially since his body isn't actually that physically big.

Excellent work all around, as usual. I was strongly considering picking up a DV lord myself for the very same thing! Mine would be a little more simplistic, but his sword is too frostmourne-like to ignore! "Ice" job buddy!

That looks terrific!

Very nice work, looking forward to seeing it in real life

@Gits - Thank you!

@WarbossDakka - Yeah, I really dig the wings and his scythe

@Justaerin - Ooh, let me know if you do paint one up I'd like to get a look in on what you can do!

@Mad - No worries, hopefully soon

Update: So I spent the last four days skiing down south, had a blast and the little one even more so! so very low on the painting fron, the Sargent for the tac squad, base grey done.

Good to hear you had fun at the snow, trust the weather was all good?

Is this marine affectionately known as "sarge"?

@Mad - yeah, the two days we were there for were really good, sunny, warm and awesome snow! Now regarding this guys name, I'm not sure, why not open this up to the readers for their suggestions?

Update: Black lined all the grey, trying a different process this time, just to mix it up

Update: applied base colours, next up the wash

Update: Washes applied

Your grey is sooo crisp! Love the black lining

It's surprising how much better a model can look with a bit of careful washing. Great work Knightley!

Coming along nicely

@Master Azalle - Thanks man, Appreciate it!

@WarbossDakka - I know right, adds so much depth with something so simple

@Mad - Cheers dude!

Update: edge highlighted the Grey

Looks like you kitbashed a bunch of Marine kits to make this guy. Very cool! The paintjob is looking great so far; he'll make a pretty cool looking squad leader for sure!

That looks beautiful Knightley. Takes crisp & grey to a whole new level.

 ZergSmasher wrote:
Looks like you kitbashed a bunch of Marine kits to make this guy. Very cool! The paintjob is looking great so far; he'll make a pretty cool looking squad leader for sure!

It's always impressive how effortlessly these look kitbashed, yet always part of a consistent whole. Another belter!

@Zerg - Yeah, you pretty much nailed it on the head, I have a bunch of parts that all fit my aesthetic and when it comes to building I can just jam a bunch together for the best look.

@Gits - Thank you!

@Graven - Cheers matey

Update: Reds and whites done

Update: Sargent done

I like the golden shoulderpad, I was definitely drawn to it! Very well done on highlighting that effectively. The face is also fantastic!

Oh man, he looks awesome. Amazing job on the head.

That's one of your best pieces yet! Really well done on the face especially!

2nd that. Lovely work, especially the grizzled lines.

@WarbossDakka - Thanks man, it was something that started with my GK terminators, highlighting the gold with silver really makes them pop (provided it on the tops of the letters)

@Gits - Cheers, the offer of painting some heads still stands for you.

@Zerg - Oh wow, high praise indeed, I still believe the first paladin or the D&D paladin is some of my best work, but I'll take it!

@Graven - Thank you dude, kind words indeed

Update: onto the next marine!

That face on sarge is just WOW! Really nice work! The rest is good but my eyes drawn to the face big time.

Keep it up

These guys could easily pass off as Sternguard - they certainly love their embellishments!

@Mad - Thanks dude!

@WarbossDakka - Yeah, as the sarge for the 1st squad he needed to be really ornate, I can't wait to put up the whole squad once these guys are done

Update: Base colours underway!

Update: Washes applied

Coming along nicely.

Which reminds I must double check when we out armies can bash each other again hehe

I have always thought of you as brilliant, but Sarge is another level again, well done.

Great use of Dark Angels parts on this squad so far! I'm actually putting sort of scribbles on my Primaris Ancient's banner, although mine haven't turned out as good as yours usually do. Still, I did draw some inspiration from your work!

@Mad - Yes, October is a tough one but I'm sure we'll come up with something!

@Cam - Aww, that is high praise indeed thank you

@Zerg - Yuss! I always like inspiring people to squiggle, it warms my heart.

Update: Grey highlighted

Quick question Knightley - why have you decided to paint these guys seperately instead of as unit? This is less criticism rather me just being curious. He's coming along nicely either way!

@WarbossDakka - Good question, previous squads were done for speed, so when done as a group the attention to detail is a little less, but gets done a little quicker. For this squad I wanted to do a bit more to them, I hope this helps

Update: Started on the bone robes, going to take a few passes to get this done.

Update: almost done!

I see Knightley. I guess it whether you want detail over efficiency or vice versa.

Well done on the robes especially, it can be very easy to make them too chalky. Nice work!

The contrast on the deep shadows of the cloth is exceptionally good there bro.

@WarbossDakka - I feel you on the robes, it get really chalky if I try to rush them, and right at this point I'm quite impatient to just get models done.

@Graven - Thanks man!

Update: Model done

He looks extra Inquistorial - I like it!

The grey marines look great, what rules are they using? Grey knights, deathwatch, regular marines?

Wow... Just woe.

That's awesome! Very good use of the squiggles even for you, the master of squiggles!

Very pretty. As I said, loving your cloth work atm.

@WarbossDakka - Cheers!

@ph34r - Thats the bonus, I get to mix and match dependant on what I want to use, mainly they get used as basic tactical marines, however the option to use them as Death Watch is a great bonus

@Gits - Heh, woe, woe betide any who stand against the sea of grey

@Zerg - Thank you mate!

@Graven - Thanks for the kind words mate

Update: On to two Grav bikers (which were great in 7th, maybe not so much in 8th

Wow! Retro Knightly bikers - we've come full circle!

@Graven - I know right, I really forgot how bad the Marine Bikers are to paint!

Update: didn't get a lot of time to paint, so only started on the red base colours

Update: More base colours applied - I hate painting bikes

Looking food Knightley!

@Gits - I'm glad you like it, are you hungry for more, hopefully I can sate your appetite.

Update: started applying washes

Strong colour contrasts, works well .

@Graven - Thanks dude!

Update: finished off the washes, on to highlighting

I think you're right about one thing, bikes are just not fun to paint. That's been my experience too. I'm really not sure why, they look cool when they're done, so why are they such a chore to paint?

Yours look good so far though!

@Zerg - I believe its down to an old sculpt, poorly defined edges, awkward to access areas to paint (the front of the motor!) just means its a bore to paint.

Update: Long weekend of relaxing, now we have some edge highlighting underway on the grey!

Seeing light grey bikes is so refreshing - all I've been looking at recently is Deathwatch bikes, so seeing something with an actual shadow is satisfying. Nice work Knightley!

@WarbossDakka - Yeah! highlighting black isn't fun, not at all!

Update: finished the grey highlighting and started on the red

They're getting close!

Update: Reds underway after doing silvers

Hmm, where did my last reply go?

Lost in the Warp?
Hang on, I thought you making grav bikers again?!

@Graven - Apparently there was a caching issue on the blog which meant things got hidden, and the title should be Grav-Gun Bikers, but dont worry! I have Jet bikers planned, also Grav guns!

Update: Bones and whites done, on to glue and squiggles

The bikers are turning out great so far Knightley. I know they are a chore to do, but the results are going to make all the hard work pay off, I'm sure!

@Zerg - Very big chore IMO, so happy to have them done now. Only 7 more bikes to go :S

Update: Bikes done, lighting is pants, but the end of push shots should help fix that

They both look ace Knightley, those helmets add so much to the model!

@WarbossDakka - Thanks man!

Update: On to another Marine, grey layed out

Update: washes to the grey armour and base colours applied

Can't go wrong with a fancy Bolter Marine. I bet this one is gonna look great!

Lovely bikers there, mate.

The bikes came out great, and the bolter bro is coming along nicely as well. I think you've got the right idea in doing the bikes just a couple at a time, then doing other less tiresome models in between. Of course plain old bolter marines aren't exactly fun, but since you are making these fancy it's more like doing veteran or character models so much easier for motivation, right?

Love the bikes Knightly, your highlighting is always so good and your squiggles.. you are the master as Gitz would say.

@WarbossDakka - I know, and he's just a rank and file marine, he gets all the treatments

@Azazelx - Thanks dude!

@Zerg - If I were to redo this push, I would only do two bikes and would have left the attack bike out of the mix, 2 seems to be my limit. This marine is a little side track before I jam into the remaining two special characters left in the push

@Yorkright - You're too kind sir!

Update: all washes applied!

On this one Knightley, we need to see some face squiggles. BUT, only on one side of his face. He also needs an earring. Same side as the face squiggles.

GO!

@Ice - Oooh, interesting, I'll do a quick practise on a spare head and see if I can figure something out (The last time I tried squiggles on a face was not good, I couldn't get the lines fine enough to represent lines, just looked like bad make up.

Update: Reds done

Knightly! You have a fantastic way of making your red's pop.

I also really enjoy that you're adding vanilla marines and doing a fantastic job of making them blend in with your GK minis. Well done sir

@Master Azalle - Thank you kind sir! to think I started this journey in 2011 and its still going!

Update: Bones and Whites done

All looking fantastic as usual. Latest is looking good.

The bikes ended up being fantastic, but have to say that the WIP shots made me chuckle, look like a safety poster, "Don't ride and play with your Chainsword!!!"

@Cam - Hahah, now that I see it, I can't un-see it! Only you can prevent forest fir.... erm, heresy

Update: so I tried a few test squiggles on some unused faces and in short it did not go well, the first trial had the face look like it had whiskers, the other one just looked like a bad scar. I'll try again at a later point, but for now, he's clean shaven.

He looks great! The scrolls look fantastic, so well done.

Snazzy. Though I initially read the shoulder scroll as GONDOR and was confused...

Like that a lot Knightley.

@WarbossDakka - Thanks

@Graven - Incoming GONDOR on a should pad in the future!

Update: Marine 4 underway, Grey laid down!

Update: Black lined the armour

That's a really nice effect. Hate the work that goes into it... but it really pays off.

I do the black line thing myself sometimes, but it's hard to keep it neat like you have. I'm envious of your ability and steady hand.

@Gits - I know, but it is still better than the old way I used to do it, covering every inch in badab black, then layering on grey two or three times then highlighting grey, this process is simply faster.

@Zerg - I cover up a lot of the mistakes with camera angles

Update: Base colours applied, next up washes

Update: washes applied

Looking smart Knightley!

@WarbossDakka - Thanks bud

Update: Grey Highlighted!

Really nice work. So smooth.

@Cam - Thanks dude

Update: finished up reds and browns

He's looking good so far! Is that meltagun from the Betrayal at Calth marines? Doesn't look like a standard meltagun. I'm very jealous of your ability to make such subtle highlights on things like the chest eagle and gun casing.

@Zerg - Surprisingly its not from Calth, its from the upgrade sprue from Forgeworld, I suspect the sprue is a HH based one.

Update: marine done, ran into a small issue where I got the heads mixed up and the helmeted head doesn't fit inside the collar, so had to remove a head from the previous marine and swap it around.

First up the new marine




And the redone previous marine

Love the new guy. You've really developed crisp & grey into it's own art form!

@Gits - Aww, you're far to kind, and here I was thinking everyone was getting bored of Grey

Update: On to the last marine for the squad, Grey applied to the armour!

Update: Black lined again

Update: Base colours applied

Ooo, we got a Deathwatch guy this time! Love his backpack, keep up the good work.

Update: washes applied (some more heavy than others....)

Update: Grey Highlight applied

He's shaping up nicely! Are we getting a group shot after they're all done?

The latest marine is coming together nicely! I too am looking forward to a squad shot of this latest bunch.

@WarbossDakka - Of course, I'll grab one tonight!

@Zerg - Heh, same here doing them separate means I don't get to see the squad as a whole as they evolve, well until they are all done of course.

Update: marine done

These look great! Love the color of the armor

That guy looks awesome with the hood. Have never been a fan of robed marines... but in isolation the hooded helmet looks really good.

@Zid - Thanks for commenting! stick around there is more to come

@Gits - Thanks Gits, sometimes its the subtle changes to a head or a chest which can tie the marine to my force eh?

Update: squad shot!

They look fantastic Knightley but, are you SURE they aren't Sternguard? They have enough gold to make Blood Angels jealous

Great work!

@WarbossDakka - Hahah I know, all my 'regular' marines are all ornate right! Well I do have some Sternguard to paint this push so we'll do a comparison between them once I've painted them

Update: Started on Voldus, base Grey applied and started with the base colours

I don't mind Voldus, he's not a half bad model.

It'll be interesting to see how he differs from the squad of Marines I think!

@WarbossDakka - I'm not sold on the pose just yet, he almost looks like a slight reposition of another model which I can't quite put my finger on.

Update; Base colours all applied now


Looking at whats left to paint, I have 5 actual sternguard and a new Cypher model, I was hoping to get them all painted by the end of the year, but things may get a little tight.

Update: washes applied

Wow Knightley, that face is looking great already! Can't wait for this guy to be done.

You're right it's a very generic pose, you could probably make it yourself if I'm honest.

Voldus is a cool model and yours is coming along nicely. I also have the model, and I'm looking forward to eventually painting it. Too much else in my painting queue for now, though.

Really love the way the hammer is looking Knightley.

@WarbossDakka - Just you wait for the rest of the face work, its nicely defined so I should be able to get some nice lines on it!

@Zerg - Urgh tell me about it, I have an actual butt tonne of models to paint, it gets overwhelming I tell ya!

@Gits - Thanks man, I find the side details really well defined, might be the flow on effect of a newer model. Give me more to work with

Update: Edge highlighted the Grey

Update: browns and reds done

Wow Knightley, this guy is shaping up REALLY well. Have you done something extra on him that I'm not seeing? Great work!

Lovely work on the cloak Knightley.

@WarbossDakka - I haven't adjusted him, although I do have another one, so.... who knows

@Gits - Thanks man

Update: On to the metals now

Update: On to the face

That face is already looking miles ahead of anything I can do. And the body has turned out really well also. Looking forward to seeing the finished product!

That's just so good. Fancy doing a step by step of face Technique for us mere mortals?

Beautiful work!

@Zerg - Thanks buddy

@Graven - Surprisingly the way I do faces hasn't really changed in 4 years, a link to my face guide is located here - https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/600/349329.page
However the next face I do which is out in the open, I'll do another step by step

@Gits - Thank you!

Update: Finishing up Voldus, should be done over the weekend!

Looking mint Knightley. That face is unreal!

@WarbossDakka - Thanks buddy

Update: Model done

You've done an excellent job of Voldy's face! Super convincing work, especially on the eyes. Final turnout is up to your sharp, top notch standard as always!

The face and the hammer head are definitely the best parts of this model! He turned out great!

@LDP - Thanks buddy, appreciate the kind compliments!

@Zerg - Thank you

Update: On to a the new version of Cypher, primed black, then re-applied a black base coat, very boring at this time

Voldus looks really good Knightley. I like how you always paint every detail, it pays off in the end too. Well done! Looking forward to Cypher.

Ooh, Cypher! I'll watch this one closely, as I'm really looking forward to tackling mine!

Nice to see you tackling something very different. Exciting!

Voldus looks awesome! Cypher is a real fun model.

@WarbossDakka - Thanks mate, I know I could get away with not doing it, but I would know and thats enough to bug me

@Zerg - Choice, I look forward to seeing what you do as well!

@Graven - You and me both, so much grey in my life with these models, I think next I'll do a different army again.

@Kavika - Thanks for the comment, do you have a favourite bit of the completed Voldus?

Update: started on the black armour, trying something a little new here, by doing little sections till completion then moving on to another area, its not something I've really tried before.

Update: On to painting the cloak

Update: I decided to focus on the red this time, as the inside should be quick to do

Very lovely. I find there's something weirdly therapeutic about painting cloaks.

Stunning work. Wow, that's model has really got "presence".

Excellent stuff Knightley, thought I have to admit I feel lazy as you paint each part separately. My usual tactic is to put it all together then begin the work, do you find that the parts are easy to put together after you have finished painting?

@Graven - Yeah I can totally agree with that. I particularly like painting faces, thats also therapeutic for me

@Gits - Thanks

@Yorkright - Not really, I have a small case of OCD that if I want to paint a model well I have have to have everything painted, where as if I want a quickish paint, I'll glue them all together and go nuts.

Update; On to the back of the cloak

I love this. It's time for a new project: Knight Angels. Crisp and Dark grey

@Graven - I know right, as I was painting this guy all I could think of was how cool this scheme would have looked on the Gray Nights.... The things you learn 6 years later

Update: Cypher Done

Wow, that cloak is going to look spectacular.

@Gits - Cheers Gits, the cloak is finished in my eyes

Update: On to a bunch of Sternguard magnetized weapons

I have to say, Cypher's cloak looks ace. Amazing job on highlighting that. Well done Knightley!

Cypher looks great! The cloak and the face are probably the best parts of all, but the whole thing is superb! I don't envy you the task of painting all those little Sternguard weapon bits. Not one bit.

 Knightley wrote:
@Gits - Cheers Gits, the cloak is finished in my eyes

If you think you can stand it, I think one intermediate blend between the white highlights and the cream of the cloak would really benefit the model. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful... but a little refinement on that cloak would really take it to the next level.

Your Cyper is amazing...

@WarbossDakka - Thanks mate!

@Zerg - All these small bits are a bit cumbersome, it is very draining doing all of them.

@Gits - Fair call, well pointed out, I will see what I can do after I finish up the sterngaurd

@Anpu-adom - Thank you!

Update: Base colours and wash on the weapons

Took a break from the weapons to airbrush the armour and then black line them... Regretted it immediately as it was a huge amount of work.

I need a break

You are martyr to your crisp and grey cause

@Graven - Urgh tell me about it, doing 5 guys at once can be very draining.

Update: As you may have guessed at the sheer time since I last posted I've been on holiday, I did almost no painting, models sat gathering dust while I sat by and enjoyed my Xmas break. However, I've started up again, I did however spend some time edge highlighting the Stern's


Expect some sort of end of year wrap up once I get a chance.

Welcome back! I'm looking forward to the end of year review, as you did some neat stuff last year!

@Zerg - Thanks bud, I hope to have the break down completed this week.

Update: Almost finished up the weapon options for the Sternguards

The beginning of this year has crawled somewhat. I'll have a look at my goals for 2017 and lets see if I managed to tick any of them off?

Items for 2017:
1. Make Markers for stunned/Shaken/Immobilized/Hull points for the table
This was planned for the latter part of 2017 yet with the release of 8th Edition and the subsequent removal of those status effects rendered this a lame duck.

2. Complete another Large Forgeworld model
Can some one say Warhound Titan? I know this was already started in 2016, but its a titan, it takes time

3. Finish my assembled box models (mainly GK's left now)
Tick, this was one which had models awaiting paint for 3 years, it felt good to get these all done.

4. Convince my Brother to start an Army
Again success, he started a Nid army, I painted up a special character for him and will do others, hopefully this year

5. Maybe paint some more D&D models
Great success, I got to paint a number of D&D models for the campaign I'm running, very happy with how they came out as well.

On to the retrospective...
In 2015 I painted 299 Models.
In 2016 I painted 249 Models.
In 2017 I painted 64 Models
So when I do that comparison I am a little disappointed in the productivity compared to previous years. So what could have caused the decrease? In hindsight focusing on clearing the box of models which I wanted to get done (all Grey Knights) and not having a large base of lower paint job minis (Necron Army from 2015, Tau army from 2016) means of course there will be lower amounts. I would have liked to have this push finished before new years, that wasn't to be and I hope to get them completed before the end of January. There also has been a fair bit of disruption to my home life as well with moving house mid year and having the painting area not really being a fun place to paint right now and having such a rip roaring summer where I want to be outside more.

2018 goals:
1. Paint up the Nurgle models from the 8th Edition starter set.
2. Convert and paint a Robute Guilliman model for my Grey Knight army
3. Interact more with folks here from Dakka, I've been very quick to look through blogs I'm subscribed to and not post my thoughts, I hope to change that this year.
4. Paint at least 1 more special Character for my Brothers Nid army
5. If time permits, finish the last LoW the last remaining Cerastus Knight (not hopeful on this one)

The above should be doable, maybe not the last one, but I can dream.

Neat plans! Eager to see what you come out with for 2018. Also 64 models is something to be proud of - paint job quality obviously plays a role in the decrease in quantity so 64 beautiful miniatures in 2017 is a bounteous yield.

I second your Interact more on Dakka goal, too often i keep silently stalking in the backdrop. Need to come out of the wings and get the blog going again too!

Here's to a mini-filled 2018 my friend.

Interesting retrospective Knightley. Looking forward to the next great year!

Nice end of year review! I look forward to seeing you paint up the Dark Imperium Death Guard stuff.

@LDP - I guess, but when I've done so many models in the past I couldn't help but be a little disappointed, still on to the new year!

@Gits - Thanks Gits, appreciate it.

@Zerg - Hopefully should buff the number of models I paint this year

Update: I thought about doing all 5 at once, but couldn't stomach doing it at the level I wanted, so individuals now

He looks like he's going to be a nasty piece of work once he gets on the table...

Honestly Sternguard are worth taking your time on, especially since if they're at the quality of that Tactical Squad! Can't wait to see what you make of them

@Gits - Oh yes, power fists are just awesome imo

@WarbossDakka - Agreed, I was going to take time on these guys anyway, it just takes time :S

Update: same work on the next marine

Happy New Year everyone! Good to see your summary, it certainly takes some time to build everything and I'm sure you 2018 paint total will be higher if you have cleared your backlog.

Does your model count include the Lich King you did for me?

He had his first game the other day and got to smash up a bunch of Tau, which was really fun and he got plenty of high praise from spectators on the paintjob.

Also, you and I need to suss out our next game now that the Christmas shenanigans is all done.

Always love seeing your work. Cracking job on the stern guard.

@Mad - Fingers crossed it'll be higher and Yes the total included your lovely LK model and it warms my cockles when I hear a painted model of mines gets some praise

@Master Azalle - Thanks bud!

Update: on to Marine 3!

I honestly don't know how you don't get fed up, or just go plain crazy. The standard is as always excellent.

That's gonna be one nasty combi squad once you're done. They're looking great!

Nice recap!.. I'll tune in for sure.

@Graven - I've been close, I'll say that, very close to tossing it all in.

@WarbossDakka - I know, with all the options these guys will be my can opener/lawn mower/ cocktail stick if I need it!

@Solar - Thanks bud, stay tuned

Update: Marine 4 base colours done

One of the best beaky helmets in the Sternguard kits I reckon. This one looks great!

Coming along nicely Knightley.

The Sternguard look great so far! Are these the ones that are going to have all those magnetized options that you did before?

@WarbossDakka - I do like this beaky head, not such a fan of the others however

Update: Last Sterngaurd base colours done

Update: washes applied to all models

Nice to see them all washed... filthy marines

Going to be great when they all highlighted and put together!

Making great progress Knightley!

@Mad - Dirty, Dirty, Dirty marines. specially when I pride my marines in the clean lines.

@Gits - Thanks dude!

Update: Metals applied

Update: parchments done and some skulls started

They are coming together nicely!

They're definitely getting there! Great stuff.

So clean and crisp, lovely work could we get a group shot sometime of your army together?

@Zerg - Thanks man!

@WarbossDakka - Yep, not long left to go now

@Yorkright - I'll see what I can sort once this push is done (it may not be all models, just the Grey Marines)

Update: Bone and Robes done


I also had two games this weekend, 1500p each game. The first was against LDP in our annual game. It was his first game of 8th and my 5th or 6th. He brought a list like he would have in 7th so there was a few not optimised options, and deployment let him down, I squeeked a victory there. The second was against Mad. I got schooled in an objective game, but learnt a lot about the Necrons I took so it was highly beneficial for me! Also, 20 Genestealers hit like a Mac Truck in combat!

Uugh... genestealers.

Squad goals.... they are looking great!

Was an awesome game thanks Knightley, one of the few I've been able to play with the cult, I think we both learned a lot, and some of the dice rolling in the early game was atrocious haha

And the Genestealers got a bit lucky that their brethren were able to hang in there against the warrior blob while they scuttled across the board.

The boys are looking excellent as usual. Sorry, fed up saying how wonderful your work is, I think you know by now, you are one of my favourite artists. One thing to say is how brilliantly consistent you are.

Read the batrep on mad's blog, sounds like a great game was had.

@Gits - Yeah, that 5+ invun save is just the business for them, really added to their suitability!

@Mad - All those 1's, I'd like to charge, double 1's, CP to reroll, 1 again. OK, I'll shoot with this tank, 1's and 2's Ok, perhaps I wont. A real comedy of errors.

@Cam - That is very touching, I never considered myself an artist, so its a nice surprised to be labelled as one! I also popped across to Mads blog for a read.

Update: Blues and reds underway, should get them done today!

Update: Sternguard completed

They are brilliant bud, awesome work.

@Cam - Thanks dude, appreciate it!

Update: Ok, so I have a ton of photos of the completed push, so I ask the question to everyone, do you want them all in one post, or space them out over a couple of days? In the mean time heres the completed push shot

Sure makes you proud to see all those completed models in one place, doesn't it? I know it did when I got all the Dark Imperium Primaris guys done. Almost brought a tear to my eye...

As for showing everything from this push, I'd say put them all in one post so that we can comment on the whole thing and tell what are our favorites. Although if it's easier for you to space them out, then by all means do that. Either way, I'm looking forward to it!

It's all good Knightley. I love the shots however you post them.

Thanks Knightley, I am with Ice Angel, any shots of your work is great.

@Zerg - It does, its a nice endorphin release seeing the hard work pay off!

@Ice - inb4 posting the top half of one photo showing just the shoulders and head then two weeks later the bottom half

@Yorkright - Shots of this push incoming, army shot much later.

Voldus




Half Tac Squad 1


Sterngaurd





Terminator Captain




Scouts


Power Armoured Captain




Ironclad




Hunter





Heroforge model of myself



Grav Bikes





Cypher




Chaplain




Attack Bike

Busy fella! Excellent all over.

Stunning collection, wonderful to see.

Oh I am a happy camper Knightley, so much squiggly goodness, keep em coming!

Very nice work Knightley, loving that Chaplain especially.

Amazing array of miniatures and a tour-de-force of your capabilities as an artist. Wow.

Look at you dumping pictures all over the place for us to sit back and enjoy.

It's awesome to see the completed stuff all in one post like that, I sat here for quite a while looking at all the photos and picking up the little details, like the fact Voldus has a green bound book which works so well.

Great work bro, looking forward to facing some of this stuff on the table

I'm such a fan of the captain built off Helbrecht's model! An awesome character in a collection of great minis. Cypher and of course Voldus look fantastic, as does everything else.