Welcome all to the 28th round of the Unofficial Painting Challenge here on Dakka. For anyone who's unfamiliar with the format, this is a simple community challenge open to anyone on Dakka, the aim of the game being to paint a model or set of models relating to the month's theme and win points for doing so!
This month, the theme is 'Legendary', focusing on the individuals and icons that define their respective settings. From heroic commanders to villainous tyrants, great leaders to terrifying monsters. Ideally you'll be entering with various named characters, but basically so long as your entry has a name or backstory (homemade or canon), it's good to go. Of course, you should also feel free to include a short piece of background alongside your entry to really sell it as fitting the theme if you wish.
How To Enter
- You may enter up to 5 MODELS as a SINGLE ENTRY, and are permitted one entry per member per month. If you enter multiple models, they should ideally be related in some way, such as part of the same squad, unit or scene if you are doing a diorama
- You MUST post a 'proof' picture of your entry in the thread of the state it was in before you started working on it; this must be either unassembled, unpainted, primed or coated a single colour. Entries that do not submit a valid Proof Picture will not be eligible for voting.
- After this, you may post WIP pictures in this thread and your own if you wish, and on completing the entry, you may post up to 6 final pictures IN THIS THREAD that will then be used for voting. Please note that pictures in a montage or collage picture will be considered individual images for this purpose, so while these types of presentation are certainly acceptable, please keep the image limit in mind when compiling them. For example, a collage of 5 images and one separate image would count as your 6 picture allowance.
So What Do I Win?
- Points... and points mean... bragging rights for the next month! Following the vote, points will be awarded to every entrant. This year, the Points you receive will be equal to the Percentage of Votes your entry receives in the final Voting thread; if you get 10%, you get 10 points, if you get 6% you get 6 points, so on and so forth.
These points will be used to form a league table, which will be updated month on month as the results come in.
How Long Do I Have?
This challenge begins 1st of June and will end at midnight BST on the 30th of June. After this, I shall compile the finished entries into a new thread, and voting will run for 5 days.
List of Entrants:
n1ceguypaul:
Spoiler:
Proof
Nevelon: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Jadenim: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
ChaosDad:
Spoiler:
Proof
ZoBo: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Whittlesey40k: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Sergeant Grymm - who lost 3 limbs and ruined his lungs in a fight with some 'Nids (the full fluff is with my proof pic).
ChaoticMind: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
ZergSmasher: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Drummernathan: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Verviedi: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Moolet:
Spoiler:
Proof
NathanD298 FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Bottle: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
ApaceKittens: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Midget Gems: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Vejut: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
Final
Amentimesu, Typhon Assassin:
kitbashermagos:
Spoiler:
Proof
ripjaw:
Spoiler:
Proof
Feltmonkey: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
And as you can't really see the base in any of those images, here's one of it.
Modock: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
Final
EmberlordofFire8: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Possumcraft: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
tIttlemanscrest: FINISHED
Spoiler:
proof
final
smallChanges
Spoiler:
PRoof
Paradigm: FINSHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Elbows FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
Link broken due to Photobucket error
Final
---Proof photo link missing/broken.
Kustomer D: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Nerazim
Spoiler:
Proof
CREEEEEED: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
Chris56: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
final
n1ceguypaul: FINISHED
Spoiler:
Proof
Final
'His name is Tarren Cemantarious. He is the epitome of all things Salamander. He is tough caring and devoted to his legion and his Primarch.
His armour is the same armour that he wore at Istvaan. He still mourns his fallen brothers and uses the pain and suffering from that day to stoke the fires of righteous fury that burn deep within him.
He longs for the day when Vulkan is found to enable him to bring the full might and fury of the fire born against those who decieved him and his brothers and who continue to reek chaos across the emperium'
n1ceguypaul wrote: How about the legendary "WHITE DWARF". Heres the proof.
haha...jumped in on this one quickly mate! ...kinda helped me out a bit too though honestly, wasn't sure whether to enter my own Grombrindal, or actually get around to painting Cassian Dracos (the fancy salamanders dreadnought from forgeworld), who's been sitting around primed on my desk since the start of march - looks like I'll be going with the latter now! ...I'll get my proof up in a bit...
n1ceguypaul wrote: How about the legendary "WHITE DWARF". Heres the proof.
haha...jumped in on this one quickly mate! ...kinda helped me out a bit too though honestly, wasn't sure whether to enter my own Grombrindal, or actually get around to painting Cassian Dracos (the fancy salamanders dreadnought from forgeworld), who's been sitting around primed on my desk since the start of march - looks like I'll be going with the latter now! ...I'll get my proof up in a bit...
Looks like we'll be having a good ol' fashioned Dread-off then! I've got Bjorn the Fell-Handed sitting on my desk, and he's about as legendary as it gets if you're of a Wolfy nature!
Don't suppose wants to enter the FW Minotaur dread character lying around to really make this a Dreadtastic month?
righto, here's my proof pic, dual-purpose, legendary either way ...Cassian Dracos(30k)/Bray'arth Ashmantle(40k) - legendary dreadnought of the Salamanders Legion/Chapter
Bring on the dreads looking forward to that guys. Got a little start on this in work on my lunch so maybe try and post some actual work in progress pics this time around.
I'm really enjoyig this competition as its pishing me to paint and look into how to improve. Also the feedback and comments here are great and im honestly blown away by everyone and the community that exists here.
Not this time for me,don't intend on painting much until i'am done with my latest project,with which i'am busy,although next month if the theme is still fun and games,objective markers and scatter terrain you say,something i probably have a unfair advantage at ,so will likely be back next month.
This is my kit-bashed devastator sergeant - Sergeant Grymm of the Stark Crusaders.
It's an RTB01 body, necron warrior legs and various other gubbins, as he's more machine than man now.
There's full Stark Crusader fluff here, but I assume no one will give a tiny grot's ass about my fluff (let's face it, homebrew fluff is for the author only! ) so below is how Grymm lost most of his limbs and half his face (warning, it's longer than I thought!)...
Spoiler:
Once again, the Stark Crusaders 3rd Company was deployed to an inhospitable planet in a system full of inhospitable planets. There was nothing to save or protect, but it offered a tactical opportunity to heavily damage a Tyranid hive fleet that had been making progress through nearby systems. Sergeant Stratos was holding ground with his 4th Tactical Squad on the north ridge of a canyon, with Sergeant Steele of the 5th Tactical mirroring him on the south ridge. Three pairs of Tactical units were deployed in total, all along the ridge of the canyon. Darke’s assault unit were to be the bait, supported by two other assault units, leading the massed aliens into the canyon from the west, where the tactical squads could cut them down with massed bolter fire. Several units of devastators were further east on both ridges, ready to add their fusillade of firepower to the slaughter. It was a simple plan, the assault units, lead by Darke, would lead the Tyranid horde into the canyon, use their jump packs to leap away from danger and clear the ridge of canyon, then the hail of shells would rain down upon the hapless aliens below.
Stratos, Steele and Grymm exchanged both words of encouragement and taunts in equal measure as they waited. They and Darke were close and they enjoyed fighting together. The banter helped ease the tension of waiting. It was a dark day, with heavy rain lashing down. Grymm’s habit of fighting without a helmet seemed unwise. Any normal human’s flesh would burn with the acidic rain, but it rolled harmlessly off his Astartes skin like fresh spring water. Large scarab beetles roamed underfoot, biting at armour and irritating everyone. The wait was long. Darke’s assault unit were several klicks away. All the marines were well trained and kept alert, but the wait always annoyed Stratos. But eventually, they came…
They’d drastically underestimated the aliens. They’d underestimated their numbers and their tactical ability. A few hundred small creatures chased the assault squads into the canyon, with several larger tyranids mixed in. Large in number, but relatively easy bait. But the second the assault squads activated their jump packs more creatures appeared from everywhere. Dozens sprang from the walls of the canyon, previously hiding chameleon-like in plain sight. Some burrowed up from the ground beneath them, striking at the marines before they could even leave the ground. Then there was the attack from the air – dozens and dozens of winged beasts swarmed towards them, darkening the skies with their numbers. Clearly, despite the Starks having reconned well and planned the trap, it was they who were being ambushed.
The attack was quick and brutal. Darke and his unit struggled to get clear of the canyon bed, losing men in the process. Other assault squads were less fortunate, losing all or most members in the first few seconds. Swarms of Tyranid creatures scurried and climbed the canyon sides with incredible pace, quickly coming over the top and overwhelming the marines who were unprepared for the sudden close assault. Even further down the canyon ridge the swarms of winged creatures attacked the supporting devastators.
What initially looked like a quick defeat of the Starks turned in their favour. Darke, the surviving marines from his unit, and a few other survivors from the canyon floor cleared the canyon ridge and immediately started to cut through the hordes of gaunts attacking the Tactical units. Although men were lost, they had the high ground and once the initial wave was defeated, it became easier to keep them back as the hordes of creatures came over the canyon top. The majority of the tyranids were attacking the north ridge, leaving the units positioned in the south largely untouched. It was a good plan, not splitting their numbers, but it allowed Steele’s unit to give covering fire across the other side of the canyon, as well as shooting down at anything left on the canyon floor.
Further east along the same ridge, three units of devastators were under attack from the skies. Winged gargoyles were swooping down and attacking the marines, who weren’t armed for a close assault, their long range weapons not suited for striking the flying aliens as they advanced. They were armed for a salvo attack on the canyon floor from distance and struggled to kill the flying creatures quickly enough. Stratos’s unit, along with the other tactical units, advanced east to help out their brothers, Darke and the remains of the assault marines holding back to stem the flow of creatures over the canyon ridge. Stratos lead the charge, running towards Grymm who was fending off attacks on some of his wounded comrades. Most of Grymm’s men were down, but none were dead. Grymm was fighting against five or six winged beasts, keeping them off his wounded unit. As they approached Stratos saw a gargoyle take flight away from the fight, and with it it took Grymm’s entire right arm.
Steele’s men were largely untouched by the ambush, the attack focusing on the north ridge, allowing Steele to offer covering fire. He could read the balance of the battle and could see Stratos heading east to help Grymm and his brothers, leaving Darke to fend off the tide of small, fierce creatures topping the ridge. Thus his unit focused their attention on those creatures climbing the canyon wall, not yet at the top. Taking out enough of these reduced the number cresting the ridge and facing Darke.
Grymm kept fighting as his genhanced body tried to cauterise the massive wound that used to be his shoulder. Stratos raised his bolt pistol, fired twice in quick succession, and the gargoyle dropped from the sky into the depths of the canyon below. They couldn’t get to Grymm fast enough and a large creature crested the ridge right next to him. It spat acid into Grymm’s face as it’s huge claws struck at his legs. By the time Stratos’s unit got close enough to cause any real damage to the creature, there wasn’t much left of Grymm. The skin on the lower part of his face was literally melting off, blood pouring from this mouth. His arm was gone and his legs shattered, one held in place only by his armour. Now Stratos was close enough, bolter rounds pounded the larger creature, then Darke shot overhead, using his jump pack to get to the forefront of the fighting. The creature was quickly killed by a few deft swipes of Darke’s chainsword, and now the numbers were more in the Starks’ favour. The creatures were slowly forced back until they retreated, knowing they could no longer win the battle.
As always, Thalius performed miracles. Grymm had two new legs and a new arm, but the acid hadn’t just damaged his face, it had got into his lungs too. He now permanently wore a face mask to allow him to breathe.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Good luck everyone - some great looking models and ideas. Should be a fun month!
Well, if Nevelon, our usual Ultramarines painter, won't do Guilliman, I guess I'll have to. Proof:
I only hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew with this one. Bobby G is a really detailed model with a lot of gold trim, the bane of my painting existence. Still, even if I don't finish in time, it'll be fun to try!
ZergSmasher wrote: Well, if Nevelon, our usual Ultramarines painter, won't do Guilliman, I guess I'll have to. Proof:
I only hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew with this one. Bobby G is a really detailed model with a lot of gold trim, the bane of my painting existence. Still, even if I don't finish in time, it'll be fun to try!
Damn, if only I hadn't painted most of not all of my "legendary" dudes up already...hmm, I will try and think of something for this one...time to dig through the boxes.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Going to try another out this month even if I do get too busy to finish him. Hopefully I find work soon and can actually have a scheduled time allotment to work on him.
I will be entering Torquemada Coteaz(the model, he will represent High Inquisitor Memtoth of the Sons of Opet chapter.) this month. This version has been re-vamped slightly as I chopped off his eagle and arm for some conversion in the past and decided to re-build him using a chaos warrior arm and GS for the eagles talons/feet. Not sure how I'm going to paint him/what scheme to use but I'm sure I'll think of something. Plan to use him allies into my counts as Grey Knights army once I've gotten more of it bought and assembled/converted.
Proof pics:
Some background fluff:
High Inquisitor Memtoth is known amongst the imperium as one of the most prominent Inquisitors out there. Though he was originally trained in the Ordo Malleus, he also follows tenants from both the Ordo Hereticus and Ordo Xenos as well. He was hand selected to join with the specialist sect of the Grey Knights, known as the Sons of Opet, in their quest/mission to hunt down and Kill Ahriman before he can gain access to the Black Library and use the secrets stored there to gain knowledge and power over all who oppose him. A ruthless individual, Memtoth shows no mercy to any who oppose him or the Sons of Opet in their quest and is known to use some of the more controversial tactics out there in order to gain information on his target. He wields a unyielding hammer with which he disperses his own version of "justice" and has a mechanically enhanced double headed Falcon as his most trusted companion in searching for his target. He will stop at nothing to bring the evil sorcerer down and will destroy any who dare impede his conquest.
I'm not sure if these Super dungeon explore characters are legendary enough but they are heroes/mini-bosses! If there is a new BA/Ork release before the end of the month I may change my entry though =)
So after running short on time last month, I'm going to try something big again this month!!
I'll be entering an Imperial Knight! Though not particularly legendary as standard, I have a few plans for it - which is actually why the pads/carapace are missing from the proof - they are currently covered in green stuff!
Spoiler:
Good luck this month everyone! See you on the other side!
NathanD298 wrote: So after running short on time last month, I'm going to try something big again this month!!
I'll be entering an Imperial Knight! Though not particularly legendary as standard, I have a few plans for it - which is actually why the pads/carapace are missing from the proof - they are currently covered in green stuff!
Spoiler:
Good luck this month everyone! See you on the other side!
Sounds exciting - looking forward to seeing what you do!
Space Marine2nd Captain Corbec of the Iron Knights
Required Fluff - The Iron Knights are masters of defence. the employ a wide range of allies and are known to travel the warp with knights of house Hawkshroud. 2nd Captain Corbec was raised on the iron knights fortress world in the Damocles Gulf. frequent attacks by the Tau have made him a master at defence and produced an excellent career record. he was personally Promoted to 2nd captain by Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines. Yes, He's standing on a drone.
ApaceKittens wrote: Space Marine2nd Captain Corbec of the Iron Knights
Required Fluff - The Iron Knights are masters of defence. the employ a wide range of allies and are known to travel the warp with knights of house Hawkshroud. 2nd Captain Corbec was raised on the iron knights fortress world in the Damocles Gulf. frequent attacks by the Tau have made him a master at defence and produced an excellent career record. he was personally Promoted to 2nd captain by Marneus Calgar of the Ultramarines. Yes, He's standing on a drone.
Anyway - Proof
Spoiler:
AAAnd Done
Spoiler:
NathanD298 are you Nurglifying it?
My lips are sealed until completion!! Great work finishing up already, Apace!
Cannot wait to see what you do with Veridian, Bottle! I already know it's going to look incredible!
Some really cool and legendary models already entered. Good Luck everyone.
Looking forward to see what you do with that Canoness, Bottle. I am quite envious of people with the SoB models (mainly because I can never get hold of them due to the ridiculous prices they go for)
My entry is going to be 2 legendary guys, Commissar Ibram Gaunt and if I have time "Try Again" Bragg, I wanted to just focus on painting this month since Im on holiday and wanted to build some cool things for the "Fun and Games" Month. I'm using alt models from the GW ones. I set myself a little side project to create a Small Tanith Army, all the bits I need are in a box and 2 years down the line I've managed to build and paint a Sniper (Larkin). Who knows how long a squad will take......
Going back for more crocodile games stuff again. This time, a typhon assassin.
Proof:
And as he's sitting now, with base colors mostly done (becauee I shouldn't have colored those chest gems that color):
Hopefully I do a bit better a job than last month, helps I'm feeling this one much more.
Wish I could be back in time for this one, I had a few models that needed painting that would match. Good luck to all those that enter! I will be back soon to add in my mediocrity!
Edited my post to have some background info and a slight name change as the Torquemada Coteaz model will be representing a custom special character for my Loyalist Thousand sons sect, the Sons of Opet, who will be played as counts as grey knights.
I will enter by painting this Grey Knight Paladin. I've gotten a ton more comfortable with painting GK so this hero of the chapter will be a ton of fun to paint.
Edit: Forgot to give him a name! Introducing Paladin Augustus Zadkiel. He will be painted start to finish. I anticipate I'll have to add on to this pledge, since I can usually finish one of them in 4-5 hours.
Wow. Feeling super good right now. Got him finished already! That may be the fastest I've ever painted a legendary character to an acceptable standard for myself! Going to have him photographed by my guy before I consider him officially "finished" but I can't help myself from giving all of you a little prievew of him! Consider these "progress pics" and most certainly not my "finished entry", as now looking at these photos I definitely have a couple little spots to touch up on and may take the cape highlights up another notch as they don't seem to appear as prominent in photos as they do in person.
Hope you all are making good progress!
Here's my proof pic. Not all Legendary characters and creatures are good. Some legends are creatures of pure nightmare. The Nazgul from Lord of the Rings, for example. Especially when they're riding a Fell Beast.
Looking forward to seeing the feltmonkey, especially after the cracking job on the dragon last month.
As far as my entry goes got all base colours done but really not feeling this guy. Gonna get him finished asap though as not got the drive for him should have picked a more thematic entry and something that i really want to paint. Oh well hindsights a b#$#h.
N1ceguypaul: I had that last month. All I can say is I sympathize, and if you've got another option thats got you enthused and can at least vaguely fit, switch out.
n1ceguypaul wrote: Looking forward to seeing the feltmonkey, especially after the cracking job on the dragon last month.
As far as my entry goes got all base colours done but really not feeling this guy. Gonna get him finished asap though as not got the drive for him should have picked a more thematic entry and something that i really want to paint. Oh well hindsights a b#$#h.
that model's a bit like that isn't it?...I kinda loved the idea of it when I first saw it...but I still haven't touched mine past assembly (which was a right pain I might add!...bloody finecast )...I just can't really get into the mood to start painting him
still plenty of time to enter something else if you'd rather?...I've switched entries halfway through the month before, no worries
hmm...are your salamanders for 40k or 30k?...if 30k, do you have a chaplain and a spare thunder hammer lying around?...you could whip up a quick Nomus Rhy'tan conversion?
Bobby G is a really detailed model with a lot of gold trim, the bane of my painting existence.
I feel you, pray you never have to paint the new rubricae. The amount of gold trim on them is ridiculous.
Well, now thats sorted, here is my entry:
Tolbek of the XVth Legion, adept of the Pyrae cult. The model represents him shortly after the Burning of Prospero, and he has exchanged his (presumably damaged) armour he used during the battle with a more decorative suit. Perhaps from a Thousands Sons champion who didn't survive the burning?
Well...I tried painting Fuegan (for the third fething time) and he still looks like ass. So unless this dip magically transforms him, I'm probably not going to enter this month (unless I paint something else worthy of the Legendary tag...).
Seriously. feth Fuegan.
I just ham-fisted my way through it, and I'm going to leave it now...I'll just move onto something else.
I'm hoping my pics are a little better this time. I'm back to a proper (if basic) camera, rather than a phone, so I've adjusted the ISO and white balance and I think it looks better than last month's bikes.
Sergeant Grymm - who lost 3 limbs and ruined his lungs in a fight with some 'Nids (the full fluff is with my proof pic).
A little WIP on mine. First layer of black down on one leg. Lots of fiddly nooks and cranies to get a brush into. This guy is a bear to paint. Hopefully get a lot done this weekend.
So I've got a bit of an issue. Somehow my almost 2 year old twins have managed to get into my painting desk and ransack a couple of models. One of which is my entry for this month. I am at a loss of where the Legendary White Dwarf is, but i do still have some bits namely the base and his tankard. How do I stand with re-entering with another character. Hopefully I can otherwise thats me out of this month. If i can there is a picture below of proof for my new entry as well as wonderful non pics of the white dwarf. Cheers
They stole your Grombrindal? That's terrible, but kind of hilarious. Yesterday, upon arriving home after a day driving round to the swimming pool and such like, my kid reached down under his bum into his car seat and pulled out an eldar guardian. "I was wondering where that was!" He said. He definitely hadn't had it when we set off.
You can change what you're painting as long as you just submit a new proof. People do it all the time here, it's fine.
Totally forgot to post my own here for the last week! Bjorn the Fell-Handed, Trueclaw, Legend of the Space Wolves: Proof
And done. Though would anyone mind if I entered Njal Stormcaller alongside him? I painted him after Bjorn and only realised after I'd started that I could have submitted the two together for double awesomeness, so I forgot to do a Proof for him.
If no one objects then I'll redo the pic with Njal included, if anyone has a problem with it then I'll just stick to Bjorn.
Ok cheers for the feedback my proof pic is in the above post so hopefully Paradigm can sort that out for me. Cheers once again and i better get some painting done quick.
Oh come on, if you demand proof he'll just strip the damn model, take a picture and have it repainted before the proof loads to Dakka. It takes Para all of, what 90 seconds to do a pro level paint job? /insane jealousy.
Well, I guess I'm out of this one - I had pics on page 2, but my photobucket account got wiped out.
I have pics of the finished model put back into the post, but I don't have the cell phone pic I took of Fuegan before I started painting him. It was up here for a few days but never made it into the OP.
Because it’s not about winning, it’s about pushing yourself and the community. I’ve entered every one of these with the goal of “not finishing last” and made that most of the time, but not every. But I have fun and am a better painter then when I started, so it’s a win in my book.
Agree that there are a lot of fun entries this month.
Speaking of which, a WIP on mine:
My desk lamp decided it wanted a closer look, so I’ve got some re-assembly in the future. On the bright side, easier to paint this way. Still undecided on how to paint the vampire/armor. Leaning towards a red glazed dark silver. The base will be goblin green/flocked for reference. Thoughts?
Elbows wrote: Well, I guess I'm out of this one - I had pics on page 2, but my photobucket account got wiped out.
I have pics of the finished model put back into the post, but I don't have the cell phone pic I took of Fuegan before I started painting him. It was up here for a few days but never made it into the OP.
Damn, bad luck on the account, hope you've got backups of everything. I for one would be fine with your entry counting even if the proof disappeared.
Elbows wrote: Well, I guess I'm out of this one - I had pics on page 2, but my photobucket account got wiped out.
I have pics of the finished model put back into the post, but I don't have the cell phone pic I took of Fuegan before I started painting him. It was up here for a few days but never made it into the OP.
No problem, consider him entered. I didn't add them to the OP since you said in that post that you weren't happy with the result so wouldn't be officially entering him, but if you do want to that's absolutely fine. And he's looking pretty good if you ask me!
@Kustomer D: Good to see you back, mate! Badrukk is looking awesome!
Thanks, Paradigm. If I'm honest I don't enter this to compete, I just like adding to the thread (the more entries the better). If it coincides with what I'm painting, perfect!
It's part of the daemonic code to show appropriate levels of respect to one's enemies.
Today's progress. My drybrush just took a hammering. This will be my first large organic monster, so if anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them.
Because it’s not about winning, it’s about pushing yourself and the community. I’ve entered every one of these with the goal of “not finishing last” and made that most of the time, but not every. But I have fun and am a better painter then when I started, so it’s a win in my book.
That's not quite why I enter. for me it is more for motivation and inspiration to push myself in painting. it is an honour to enter a competition like this.
Very cool work Tittlemanscrest, the Orbs look especially cool, your bases always have loads of interesting little bits hidden in.
n1ceguypaul wrote: So I've got a bit of an issue. Somehow my almost 2 year old twins have managed to get into my painting desk and ransack a couple of models.
I'm going to have to move out of the spare room soon since my little one is getting to big for her box room. I have a feeling this will be a scenario replayed in my house over the next few years. Good luck with the search for Grombrindal.
Great work (again) Zobo, the green is really well done and the banner + flame details look great. I have a friend who plays salamanders and I think he would love that piece.
Good job on making the painting easier for yourself Nev, dropping a lamp on it will help get into those hard to reach places
They look really good together Para, got to love the blood splatter BTW there seems to be a random black rectangle coming out of his right shoulder on the bottom left pic.
My WIP Gaunt 90% done, needs some black highlights and cape touch ups, Bragg 10% - don't know if I'll get to finish him.
Awesome stuff here as always...really looking forward to that blue lord, Creed. I have one of my own to paint soon, so I am really interested to see him done.
Love the blending on the wizard's robes, Tittlemanscrest and looking forward to Modock's Iguana and feltmonkey's Nazgul.
I hear ya, Zobo...I'm thinking of painting finecast as well and it reminds me why I hated the stuff when it first came out...mine has all these pockmarks and repairs needed...
Getting close to done:
Repair work after the lamp incident. And I thought he was a pain to put together originally.
And here is me pushing my comfort level out a step. Going for the transition on the cloak. Just put the first red down ATM. The tips will match the skulls/ghosts.
So here is my Kaptin Badrukk Conversion.
I´m happy with him but not at 100%. I tried to get a smoother (?) skintone but are not totally happy with the result.
Any tipps are welcome!
Coming in late this month - things have been a killer at home and work...
Hopefully, I should be able to get one of my favourite characters done over the next week - Deathmaster Snikch!!!
It's a shame that GW have 'unnamed' all of the cool characters in AOS...with a title like 'Deathmaster', he has to be a legend, I reckon.
Had to do a bunch of repairs on the crappy finecast model and the surface is as rough as guts, so I don't know how well it's going to go...
So para please spare me but I forgot about this competition, I already finished what would be my entry but if you look back I didn't start painting til the middle of the month. Could I still enter my custodes?
Ustrello wrote: So para please spare me but I forgot about this competition, I already finished what would be my entry but if you look back I didn't start painting til the middle of the month. Could I still enter my custodes?
Yeah, no problem. I saw you start them on your blog this month in any case, so I know you're not trying to pull a fast one. If you can just post up a WIP if you have one I'll use that as proof, if not then don't worry!
Ustrello wrote: So para please spare me but I forgot about this competition, I already finished what would be my entry but if you look back I didn't start painting til the middle of the month. Could I still enter my custodes?
Yeah, no problem. I saw you start them on your blog this month in any case, so I know you're not trying to pull a fast one. If you can just post up a WIP if you have one I'll use that as proof, if not then don't worry!
Nevelon wrote: Getting close to done:
Repair work after the lamp incident. And I thought he was a pain to put together originally.
And here is me pushing my comfort level out a step. Going for the transition on the cloak. Just put the first red down ATM. The tips will match the skulls/ghosts.
Do you always drink martinis while you paint?
The finished article looks amazing though. You've really pushed yourself this month!
The finished article looks amazing though. You've really pushed yourself this month!
Generally when I break out the martinis, I’m either done with the painting for the night (which is often when I’ll take pictures, post, etc) or just doing sloppy basecoats. Hard liquor and detail work do not mix.
I’m quite pleased how well he turned out. The cape especially. I started out aiming for a smooth transition, but once the more jagged look started to take hold, I just ran with it. Makes for a ragged, torn transition. which fits the undead.
And after some pins and superglue, he’s now standing on his own again. I normally build plastic minis with plastic glue, and he was fine before he broke. But there is too much torque on the parts with all the stuff together for the plastic glue to fuse solidly.
Just a reminder that there won't be a subject poll this month, as there was a tie last time. Instead, the theme 'Fun and Games' carries over to the next round, which basically means any sort of gaming aid, terrain, objective markers, comedy models ect, basically anything that's not 'regular' painting fare.
oof...I have no idea what to do for next month then...I mean, that's not Dark Imperium Death Guard
hmm...I guess I do have that that terrain box with the crane and the two little tractor things...might paint that if I finish/want a break from the death guard...we'll see
This is Praetor/captain/whatever he is now that 8th is here. Havent had a chance to read any thing to do with 8th, what with work/kids/wife/lots of other plastic distractions. His name is Tarren Cemantarious. He is the epitome of all things Salamander. He is tough caring and devoted to his legion and his Primarch.
His armour is the same armour that he wore at Istvaan. He still mourns his fallen brothers and uses the pain and suffering from that day to stoke the fires of righteous fury that burn deep within him.
He longs for the day when Vulkan is found to enable him to bring the full might and fury of the fire born against those who decieved him and his brothers and who continue to reek chaos across the emperium.
"Into the fires of battle, unto the Anvil of War!"
Yeah i know. Theres other things that need attention first though before more lighting such as bills and actually feeding everyone ssshhhhh dont tell. I know all the money should go to the plastic but hey needs must. Its a vast improvement on my first effort but will see if i can do something about it sooner rather than later.
Had another try hopefully better and thats my entry done.
n1ceguypaul wrote: Is it wrong that im now considering asking for daylight bulbs for my birthday in a weeks time lol.
Nothing wrong with that. We spend a lot of time painting out minis, getting decent pics so we can show them off is not an unreasonable goal. And a perfect gift idea is something you want, but don’t want to spend the money on yourself.
A few years back my wife got me a lightbox/photobooth setup. Costs about the same as a box of marines (well, maybe terminators) but has done wonders for my photography. I’d strongly recommend picking one up for anyone who wants to step up their pictures. Sure, you can make one out of a cardboard box and paper, but I knew I could do that for years and never got around to it. And the one I have folds up neatly for storage and came with a pair of high powered LED lights.
I need some better lighting too.
On another note, I'm in for this month's challenge. I've wanted to do an ork mek w/ killsaw for a while now and when I have time, I'll post the backstory that makes him... Legendary! Proof:
and he'll be standing on a base like this:
As usual, my remaining painting time for this month is running out, but so far, I've gotten him to where he just needs metallics, green highlights/washes for skin, and assembly. Oh yeah, and a right arm; not quite sure what to do about that one yet.
I don't use anything beyond my desk lamps - I just use long-necked ones which I can push close to the mini - and I try to light down low as well. For editing I use free GIMP software to do the white balance and brightness/contrast adjustements.
My background is just a piece of printer paper
Filming dark miniatures is still almost impossible for me, that's why I recommended finding a dark background instead, perhaps it'll push the colours out better? I understand the budget issues - I wish I could afford a legit photography set-up!
yup, I use the same setup as Elbows, from the sounds of it
I am thinking about getting some A3 paper and airbrushing it a kinda mottled grey, and maybe a couple more sheets with different mild colours, to experiment...as the plain white can be a bit harsh...but yeah, a couple of cheap flexible-necked desk lamps should do the trick
Heers guys got a couple of lamps but dont think they are strong enough. Will give the darker background a shot see if that helps and actual use my dslr as i just got a couple of magnifying lenses to try out. Will hopefully if they work post some better shots. Also will try that software out on my laptao and see if that helps.
Anyway.good job so far guys looking forward to seeing all the finished entries next week.
n1ceguypaul wrote: Heers guys got a couple of lamps but dont think they are strong enough. Will give the darker background a shot see if that helps and actual use my dslr as i just got a couple of magnifying lenses to try out. Will hopefully if they work post some better shots. Also will try that software out on my laptao and see if that helps.
Anyway.good job so far guys looking forward to seeing all the finished entries next week.
Of course I am not an expert in photography but I have been at the game of photographing minis for a little while. You want to diffuse your light. Direct light will make harsh shadows and drown out your details that you took so long to paint . My advice is to take the time to make a light box. An easy way to do it is to cut out the sides of a cardboard box and tape in parchment paper. That way the light from your lamps will be diffused. You can use three lamps, two on the sides and one on the top, that way you can get good illumination and eliminate harsh shadows. You just need to do the sides and the top, you are going to have a background anyways. My suggestion is that you use a black backdrop. A 98 cent poster board from Walmart works fantastic. black will pop out all the details and if you look at high level painters they almost all exclusively use black or dark backdrops. Games workshop will tell you otherwise, but I encourage you to experiment yourself and not take my word for it. As far as post editing, I generally don't touch up my minis except for some brightness and exposure options. I don't believe in heavily editing my work, but that is just me.
I hope that helps, I am sure you have thought of a lot of this, but I figure I would share a few tips that worked for me. Of course I am not an expert, and I encourage you to do your own research, but it is just food for thought.
Managed to finish the Iguana. This is my most complexly painted mini to date. Used every blending technique I know. From glazing to loaded brush
technique. The heavy machine gun was painted in NMM, well at least I tried. I need a break now, I think I see orange everywhere.
So I actually finished this a while ago, but I've only just got round to taking the photos:
Notes:
1) Thought I'd try out some different backgrounds, see if it makes it easier to see the detail, so I'd appreciate any feed back on which makes a better photo.
2) Due to cat presence, my house is incompatible with dark coloured materials. There is no solution. I've tried. Believe me, I've tried.
3) Why is that it's only when you come to upload photos that you notice that little bit where your brush slipped. Sigh. I just don't think I'm going to have time this week to go back and touch that up, ho hum.
Yeah, that's just fantastic Modock. The use of all those techniques really paid off! To have pictures that big, and that zoomed-in, and for it to still look that good is extraordinary.
PossumCraft wrote: Literally the best shading I've ever seen, Modock, good job!
Is that a purple used in the darkest shades?
Thanks man, you're too kind!
This is how I did the armor. For the base color I used red orange. Than I was gradually adding yellow for highlighting.
Brightest highlights were done with an offwhite. Shadows were painted with a deep red. For the darkest shadows
I added deep blue to the red.
I plan to add some snow to the base, so I haven't done the rim yet.
I have a weird 'thing' about painting the rim being the last thing on a mini. Don't know why, but it REALLY digs at me to paint a base rim when there is more to do >.<
Fair enough. The rim is always the last thing for me as well. It almost holds ritual significance for completion of a model.
Also Paradigm I'm finished if you want to update the front page.
Finally got that base done, and first set of model pics on the new phone (weirdly, they seem slightly out of focus...until you zoom in one step. not sure what that's about):
Okay, I'm gonna call my entry finished. May I present Roboute Guilliman, Primarch of the Ultramarines:
To be honest, I feel like I should have done a better job on such a fantastic sculpt. I think he came out alright, but honestly I think "all right" is about the extent of how good I did. I worked really hard to get this model to even this standard, which shows the difficulty of painting this thing. I also need to learn to take better photos where the brightness is more controlled. I don't currently have a lightbox or anything, just a couple of desk lamps, some printer paper taped to the wall, and a really cheap digital camera. Feel free to vote for these images in the gallery.
I am still looking forward to the voting for this month, as there have been some really neat entries so far! I probably won't have anything for next month's challenge, so good luck to everyone who does!
@Bottle - also great nmm and love that sword,the colour really works.
Yeah I was happy with the sword too, tried to replicate the 'Eavy Metal team job and just guessed the colours involved (Tau Ochre Light with various greys, creams and a spot of Incubi Darkness). NMM isn't my strong point but I was happy with the result.
EmberlordofFire8 wrote:Well done bottle, although I must say that skin work isn't your best. Still an amazing mini, though.
Thanks! I always try and keep my female faces quite smooth just because it makes them look pretty, but you're right it's not very dynamic, just a flat colour with a tiny bit of shading. Her eye-piece was also a nightmare to do lol it's so tiny and the detail got lost under the primer.
Totally been out of touch with the comp after finishing mine quite early and RL getting in the way.
I'll just wait until the voting is up before I see most of the finished models - don't have time to go back through the thread.
But, one minor change - there was something I really didn't like about my entry, so I'd like to swap out one 'finished' pic if that's okay Para. Almost a like for like swap. It's just the glaring gold underarm thingys are a little less glaring and gold now. It really bothered me! The green stuff wasn't great and I thought the paint would fix it. It didn't! Hopefully the second paint attempt fixes it okay!
Here is my finished Deathmaster Snikch...just in time...
I am seriously never painting a finecast model ever again...I am so glad they are getting rid of this junk...
Anyhoo, tried to keep to a really limited palette so that the model is all browns...which I think works moderately well but there are so many awesome models this month - Modock and Bottle, I'm looking at you!
Wow Chris, that's awesome! Limited palette work is something I do a lot and that is an inspirational piece! Masterful understanding of colour and lighting on show there!
OP should now be up to date, sorry for those who waited a bit to get their pics added, I've been having a few internet issues over the last week.
Summer is where I fell off last year too... between show season, and work, this year, I have no time: GOing to try and sneak in a last minute one again, as I'd really like to do all 12 months this year.
Just scraped the deadline and got photos taken! My entry this month was the Imperial Knight Drakaina, piloted by Lady Solaria - as seen in Dawn of War III (Complete with dying Blood Raven!!).
Pretty happy with the results - although the images seem to have been compressed a whole lot! Great work this month everyone, and good luck in the vote! See you all in July!
I took a before shot a few weeks ago (hope it's ok I didn't post it sooner?),
I started this model about 3 years ago, laid on a few base coats but wasn't really feeling it so it went back in the ever growing pile.
Seeing the theme of this comp has motivated me to revisit it. This time round I'm very happy with it. Thanks Dakka!
Let me tell you, this was both the hardest thing I've ever painted, and the hardest miniature my wife and I have ever photographed! The difficulty painting came from the fact that I was painting various shades of grey onto a black-primed miniature, trying to blend them in an organic fashion. The problem was, because it was grey on black I couldn't see what I was doing. The wet paint shined and reflected the light, so I couldn't for the life of me tell what it was going to look like when it dried. I had to guess quite a bit, and keep leaning back to look at it and moving it back and forth to see past the light reflections. I was just praying not to get any weird artifacts on the model, especially as I was using very thinned paints. Then who would possibly have ever thought a largely black miniature with bits of grey and a kind-of subtle colour scheme would be difficult to photograph? Our photography set-up tends to flatten highlights and shade, frustratingly, and on this bugger it just looked like I'd sprayed the whole thing dark grey and said, "that'll do." All the hours I spent shading and highlightling it were rendered invisible. I ended up buying a second daylight lamp, which helped. Oh well, my wife can use it when she's making jewellry and it'll certainly improve my future photographs.
And as you can't really see the base in any of those images, here's one of it.
I'm back from my hols and just in time, will post a final pic in the morning, sadly I've only been able to finish gaunt and not bragg :( but I knew this was a hard month for me to get anything done in.
Nice work with your Badrukk Kustomer D
You have done a pretty epic model again Zerg, always impressed that you are never afraid to take on the hard models, I'd be far to scared to take on a primarch model.
A pretty impressive beast Felt, I don't envy you blending all that surface area. I really like the veins on the wings.
I can't comment on everyones piece thats i've missed these last 2 weeks but there are some really cool entries. Great work everyone
EmberlordofFire8 wrote: Now, if Bottle and Midget Gems dint finish I may still have a chance... fingers crossed...
Lol its not a crazy idea conversion month from me so your fine Your entry looks good, the gold is done well, the icon on the shoulder pad draws the eye and the OSL looks interesting.
Thanks! The sword is probably the part I like the best on the model, and it's also the part of my own paintjob that I'm happiest with.
Midget Gems wrote:You have done a pretty epic model again Zerg, always impressed that you are never afraid to take on the hard models, I'd be far to scared to take on a primarch model.
Yeah, I'm starting to wonder if I'm biting off more than I can chew, especially this time around. I do feel better about my paintwork on Bobby G when I make myself realize that the degree of difficulty for such a detailed model is very high. He's good tabletop standard, and I'm not a Smurf player, so I'm satisfied.
Some awesome entries getting in here in the closing moments! I'm really looking forward to the voting for this collection of living legends!
Well, didn't have the opportunity to sit back do and finish the job on my phoenix lords, I'll have to forfeit on the "finished" part of this month's challenge... :(
Thank you MG!
Man, so many great models and such a high standard of painting.
This has become a really great institution for all levels of paintingability. Thanks to Para and all those great painters who show their intimidating ... I mean inspiring abilities.
@Gulgog: Could you try to take pics with a darker background? The contrast is not working in your favour.
Whoops, I forgot to post background for my mini. My own fluff is mixed in with BL's stuff to fill in any gaps.
Spoiler:
Tolbek was a member of the XVth Legion during the great crusade, was an adept of the Pryrae cult, and had risen to the rank of sergeant during the Space Wolves devastating attack on the Thousand Sons' homeworld. Tolbek fought to defend the streets of Old Tizca, where he and his squad managed to destroy a Space Wolf Leviathan-class Dreadnought before being pushed back. Leaving half of his squad behind, Tolbek and a handful of other Pyrae members retreated to their temple, and managed to secure several ancient works from the archives there before Khalophis, the cult's leader, lost control of the titan Canis Vertex, consuming his soul and causing the temple to collapse. As ethereal flames consumed the room he was in, Tolbek heard a voice in his head, begging him to save one final book from the fire. Rushing back into the Archives, Tolbek found the book he was searching for, but was trapped under a falling statue as he attempted, along with another member of his squad, to escape. Badly wounded, he managed to remove his armour and escape. Retreating to the center of Tizca along with the rest of his legion, Tolbek, clad only in his black undersuit, was ambushed by the Vlka Fenryka. He once again escaped, although he had no recollection of how he did so. Losing consciousness, he was once again visited by the echoing voice. After coming to, the entire squad of Space Wolves lay surrounding him, their bodies burned to a crisp. The voices returned, this time telling Tolbek they would protect him from all harm, but they required a price. Tolbek managed to return to the center to Tizca without further incident, but played no further part in the battle until the Space Wolves managed to penetrate the Thousand Sons' defences and began their assault on the Great Library. Tolbek then returned to the front line, assisting his brothers and finally protecting Ahriman as he attempted to save their legion.
After their escape to Soritarius, Tolbek agreed to help Ahriman cast a spell that would prevent the Thousand Sons from mutating. After Magnus' return, Tolbek, Amon and a psychic double of Ahriman left the Planet of the Sorcerers and returned to the Prospero sector. They managed to locate a task force of Thousand Sons that had left Prospero before the battle, and along with a delegation from Zhao Arkhad traveled to the planet Aghoru, a planet they had captured shortly before they were banished. Ahriman and Tolbek inspected the xenos device known as the Mountain. They both entered the same cave their primarch had disappeared into, and found themselves in a long tunnel that seemed to break every law of physics and geometry. Following Ahriman, Tolbek descended a set of ghostly stairs and arrived at what appeared to be a simple archway, but made of a substance reminiscent of bone. The passed through the archway and found themselves in the material realm again. Tolbek managed to glance around himself before losing consciousness again. The voices returned, telling him to remain calm and trust the one he saw first upon opening his eyes. After he came to, he found himself surrounded by xenos wearing blue and green, flanking a tall figure wearing a flowing cape and pointed helmet. Sensing immense psychic power, and heeding the voices advice, Tolbek dropped to a knee and bowed to the xenos.
He and Ahriman spent several days with the xenos, who called themselves Eldar. They learned of the portal they had passed through, called the Webway, and of the Emperor's plan to use it for his own plans. They also learned of the Eldar's own story, most notably the history of their fall and the escape of the ship they were on, named Mymeara after their ancient Homeworld. They, according to the Eldar farceur telling the story, once thought themselves to be the last Eldar in existence, until a powerful warrior named Irillyth. He had saved the craftworld from destruction by defeating another xenos race, but had fallen in the process. However, not all hope had been lost, since Irillyth's soul remained trapped in the armour. This interested Ahriman immensely, and he begged the farseer to help him locate the armour. After several days, the Farseer relented, and sent a younger fareer named Theàrlaich Dushkriti and a taskforce of Eldar soldiers, among them several Wraith constructs. These creatures interested Ahriman as well, as, although they were dead, still could communicate with their comrades. They returned through the Webway to Aghorou, but found their allies surrounded by space marines from the Death Guard legion, lead by Calas Typhon. Ahriman and the eldar pushed the enemy legionaires back, and Tolbek face off against Typhon, aided by Theàrlaich. They managed to wound Typhon badly, but he escaped by teleporting before they could strike the killing blow.
Ahriman and the rest of the remaining Thousand Sons, along with the Eldar and several psychic Aghorouians, managed to cast a spell allowing them to locate Irillyths armour on an ice world far from Aghorou. The Eldar then retreated into the Webway, leaving the Thousand Sons to continue their mission: kill Horus, the Wrmaster, and return to their rightful place ate the Emperor's side.
Ok, thats all im going to write now. Sorry for the wall of text.
...kinda helped me out a bit too though honestly, wasn't sure whether to enter my own Grombrindal, or actually get around to painting Cassian Dracos (the fancy salamanders dreadnought from forgeworld), who's been sitting around primed on my desk since the start of march 
- looks like I'll be going with the latter now! 
...I'll get my proof up in a bit...
,so will likely be back next month.
) so below is how Grymm lost most of his limbs and half his face (warning, it's longer than I thought!)...
)...I just can't really get into the mood to start painting him 
Cassian Dracos / Bray'arth Ashmantle 
On the bright side, easier to paint this way. 
Our photography set-up tends to flatten highlights and shade, frustratingly, and on this bugger it just looked like I'd sprayed the whole thing dark grey and said, "that'll do." All the hours I spent shading and highlightling it were rendered invisible. I ended up buying a second daylight lamp, which helped. Oh well, my wife can use it when she's making jewellry and it'll certainly improve my future photographs.
