Welcome to the 40th round of the Unofficial Painting Challenge! For the unfamiliar, this painting challenge is a friendly affair open to any Dakka members, whether you're winning Golden Demons or just painting Demons gold! The more you enter, the more points you accrue based on a public vote, and these are tracked in a League Table over the course of the year.
This month, the theme is Blades in the Dark. As such, suggested subjects include assassins, snipers, hidden agents, ambush predators, that kind of thing. As always, it's open to interpretation however you like, but the theme is there to guide your selection of model and approach to painting it.
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 GMT on the 30th of June. After this, I shall compile the finished entries into a new thread, and voting will run for 5 days.
I'm in with some scouts. I'll post a proof this evening. Might build more to enter.
Edit added pic.
Need to tally up who I’ve got built with what options before I build more. I know I need some more shotgunners. Might enter more proof pic and choose the best looking ones. Depends how fast I can get some built.
righto, I'm in...I was going to do a repaint on last month's entry, but instead, I think I'll paint this dude instead, the old Night Lords Chaos Lord...night lords fit "Blades in the Dark" pretty well in my opinion
ZoBo wrote: righto, I'm in...I was going to do a repaint on last month's entry, but instead, I think I'll paint this dude instead, the old Night Lords Chaos Lord...night lords fit "Blades in the Dark" pretty well in my opinion
Good luck! I painted that model many moons ago... he is adorned with the remains of an entire skeleton regiment... I mean... seriously... count the skulls on this guy!
keezus wrote: Good luck! I painted that model many moons ago... he is adorned with the remains of an entire skeleton regiment... I mean... seriously... count the skulls on this guy!
21! - 8 "real", 13 "decorative"...assuming I didn't miss any - entirely possible! ...and 7 pairs of bat wings!
he's so gloriously ridiculous and "40k" ...I've been wanting to paint him for years, but never really had a reason to...should be fun, hopefully
lol Zobo that is an outrageous model, but I love it, If I had to pick a chaos/non imperial legion the night lords would be my choice.
Fun entry Choas Dad
I'm going to make a return to my Tanith for this months challenge
The main 1 I hope to complete is Scout-Sergeant Oan Mkoll,
Mkoll can blend seamlessly into the environment and move with almost perfect stealth. He is also quite adept at silently killing any enemies that may cross his path. Mkoll's skills are impressive: he has destroyed a Chaos Dreadnought, outstealthed, outsmarted and killed a Dark Eldar Mandrake assassin unaided, and personally killed Chaos warlord Sagittar Slaith. So seems like he fits the bill
Others that would be a bonus to complete are Try again Bragg, Commissar Viktor Hark, Sergeant Tona Criid, Trooper Aongus Brostin or just a standard trooper testing if my kitbase works when painted.
I'm in with a squad of Space Marine Scouts with combat knives. They will be painted for my Dark Angels army. Here's my proof pic:
They shouldn't be too hard to paint. It'll certainly be fun to work on these older metal models.
ZergSmasher wrote: I'm in with a squad of Space Marine Scouts with combat knives. They will be painted for my Dark Angels army. Here's my proof pic:
They shouldn't be too hard to paint. It'll certainly be fun to work on these older metal models.
Crap, you beat me to it. Now I have to think of something else.
More work will ned to be done to find a nice way to base them...
Right now I'm already stoked that this 25-year old project is finally getting done... Some of the models are 30-year old (yes, I'm looking at you, trolls...) but I'll be more than happy to field them across from the dwarves I just bought... Now I just need to get my hands on the White Dwarf and the Black Gobbo and I'll be in blood bowl heaven...
Finished repainting my other assassins after doing the one for last month's challenge. Not sure what I'll come up with for this month. I do have a bunch of Wych Aelves awaiting parts for customisation... Or maybe deep striking Death Company might count?
I look forward to seeing that model done, Gulgog. I have a bunch of those minis and am yet to paint them...looking forward to hearing about how they go.
Porphyrius - Shrike is looking great!
Lately, I have been trying to find interesting options other than 'proper' minis to paint, so I was excited to find one of these Michelangelo here in the 'free' bin at an op-shop. I then just had to buy the other three on ebay to complete the team. I also had to greenstuff a pair of sai on a second Mike to create a Raph. They are originally from McDonalds' Happy Meals but I think they will look good painted up properly...dunno if I will use all red masks or the different colours....hmmm
Thanks to a very favorable work schedule I managed to finish my entry rather early this month. I've been looking forward to painting this mini up for a while, and I'm quite pleased with the result. Caw caw, y'all!
Here's my entry: Sgt. Telion, skulking through the shadows. I have lots of time left over, could maybe do some scouts or something too, but I feel like working on other projects. Good luck everyone!
On the one hand, it's cool to see such great models being produced already. On the other, it raises the bar.
Anyway, my last A-level is on the 18th (I can practically taste the freedom) so I'll have 11 days to decide what my entry will be, and 11 days to paint it. It's either going to be some Inquisitorial Stormtroopers or 4 of these 5 scouts plus the Captain of the 10th Company model. I can't decide, so I thought why not have the dakkadakka unofficial painting comp community decide for me! (the models will be stripped, don't worry)
So, still riding my usual kick, but only one model for this month most likely, since I'm losing two of my usual weekends to work on it.
Proof pic (with bonus birb I may do if I get time):
And where the Robin in the hood there is up to now:
Feel he might need a bit more, beyond a base (possibly might just leave him without the round and just paint up his flange), but not really sure where to take it. Possibly try to get a bit more white for contrast on the underside feathers?
I got a perfect mini for this theme. First time painting a Mierce miniature. I've ordered several minis and I must say I'm quite impressed
with the sculpts and quality.
Presenting Heldred, a wraith of some sorts. Finally a proper mini .
It's a custom base 4,3cm diameter. The mini is 5cm from the bottom of the cloak to the top of the shoulder spikes.
I really like the model plus it's metal. I'm still not sure about the scheme maybe black green with subtle turquoise highlights.
That's metal? Blimey! Seems like it'd be a bit top-heavy, I assumed it was resin. Still very cool though, looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
As for me, with the degree done (woohoo!) I can actually get my entry going before the last few days for the first time in a while! I wasn't too sure what to enter with this month until I saw the Prodos Games Predator set half price in a sale. It's a shame the Kickstarter campaign had so many issues, as these are actually really nice models. Highly detailed and accurate, fit together very nicely and are of a good size, standing taller than a SM Terminator on a level base.
Proof
And the first one (probably) done:
The other two will be more of a pain as I have no idea how to tackle the netting they wear over the torso and upper legs, it's not really thick enough to paint directly and possibly too shallow for a wash to provide enough definition... we'll have to see how it goes, I guess!
Here's a couple of WIP's; base coat is done, now I just have to do some highlighting, metallics, pick out all the tiny details (I already know I'm going to have to give her eyes, and it's going to take at least a dozen attempts) and a wash. Speaking of the wash, I've bought some dark violet ink to do the cloak, and I've never used inks before. Any tips? Do you highlight all the way up and then wash? Can you paint over it once it's been washed? etc...
@Chris56: At first I was cursing these minis because the mold lines are terrible, and they pre-primer the model which means that you have to clean the mold lines and then re-primer, but as I've been painting, I'm more and more impressed. The details on these are impressive, particularly for something so small (her head is about the size of a wooden match head). I'd love to see what you could do with a similar mini despite knowing that it'll blow mine out of the water.
You shouldn't sell yourself short, Gulgog.
I own that mini and as you say, the details are TINY!!! These guys make GW harlequins seem broad and uncomplicated.
That you have such clean lines so far is very impressive. I am really looking forward to seeing her finished!
Modock, that is a really cool mini - looking forward to seeing the end product!
Love that predator, Para - your signature style adds heaps of character.
This is an awesome site! I love the idea of this challenge! I'm going to go with a silver skull who's joined the deathwatch. Seems somewhat fitting since they train in low light to prepare for all conditions. Looking for any possible advice.
Hmm... can I add something to my entry? The latest supply drop from the Forge World has brought the White Dwarf and the Black Gobbo to my painting table...
Jogul wrote: This is an awesome site! I love the idea of this challenge! I'm going to go with a silver skull who's joined the deathwatch. Seems somewhat fitting since they train in low light to prepare for all conditions. Looking for any possible advice.
Step 1) paint a deathwatch marine
Step 2) tear off the skull shoulder pad
Step 3) replace with a plain shoulder pad
Step 4) freehand the skull
Step 5) get votes
I will enter this month, first time so please be gentle.
I have picked an old school spirit host. They may not thrive with the blades part but they definitely own the "in the dark" part.
Working on my entry. I need some advice on the base, I believe I´ve got three choices:
1. Skull on a medium round base, but I'll need to cut off the lower jaw to make it fit.
2. Skull on a large round base.
3. Skull on an oval base.
What would you do? I'm having doubts about the large and oval bases, aren't they too big for just that one orc?
I will put some sand and grass tufts around the skull in the end.
Oh, what do you think about the jumping orc himself?
I think the issue is the overhang. The small base is too small. Then there's the oval base, where the orc isn't in line with the base, so that's no good. I'd say go with the large round. It looks the lest awkward. Also use greenstuff to make some dirt for the skull to rise out from, as is it doesn't look like it sits flat.
Deathwing, hunters of the fallen with scissorhands
Just using water, no medium.
I think my primer could have been better applied.
also, basing game is weak.
Metals need wash and second layer
No eyes.
Much finishing, but tabletop.
Thanks for looking
Welcome to the challenge Jogul, JustALittleOrkish, Snail22. I'm looking forward to seeing your finished entries
Tim 121RVC, i'd echo what Creed Said, Larger round base. Just find a way to make that extra bit of base interesting but not distracting from the model.
Nice work to get your chaplin done so quickly Rybrook, hes got a good amount of detail on him
Looks like another good conversion from you KD, the gun is pretty impressive
Damn. I pretty much finished the largest model I've ever painted (and it's looking good) but I haven't taken a proof pic! I'm not even sure I started at the start of the month or earlier anymore... This is the second time I've thought to myself "this is probbably the best thing I've ever painted, I'm not entering it to the challenge though".
The other two will be more of a pain as I have no idea how to tackle the netting they wear over the torso and upper legs, it's not really thick enough to paint directly and possibly too shallow for a wash to provide enough definition... we'll have to see how it goes, I guess!
Any thoughts welcome!
I haven't painted those but have done the youngbloods and 2nd edition unicast predators and i was reasonably happy with the netting definition after a wash. I tried going back and catching the netting with the side of my brush but the detail was just too fine. I have heard that the micro sharpie pens are really good for catching the netting. Heres one of mine
righto, finished my Night Lords Chaos Lord...man I had fun painting this dude ...I think it's about time I updated my camera though, my phone camera did not like this model at all, so I had to use my cheap old little digital camera, which kinda turned out better in some ways, worse in others...mehh.
anyway, here he is: (spoilered to avoid giga-post )
Timing's going to be a bit tight, but I'd like to enter with a few members of Eisenhorn's retinue (Lores Vibben even has a sneaky knife hidden behind her back), with one person from Ravenor sneaking in. I reckon an Inquisitorial team probably counts as a blade in the dark (and with Eisenhorn, there's always that double meaning).
You always have such great models, keezus - I'm very jealous.
Zobo - you've converted me! I usually don't like Night Lord models but you have done a fantastic job on that one. The set piece is also awesome and really creates atmosphere for the character.
Smallchanges - retinues with character pieces always excite me, I can't wait to see them painted.
And that skull your feral ork is leaping off, Tim121RVC - what is that? It looks very cool and I want one!
@Power Elephant: That is an awesome little mini-diorama taking shape! I'll echo Chris above and say I love the shadow effect! It really adds a touch of realism to the scene.
My entry is finished, so here are my final pics of my Dark Angels Scouts, appropriately (for the theme) wielding large blades:
These were fun to paint. Regardless of whether you vote for them in the challenge poll, feel free to vote for them in the Dakka Gallery!
I look forward to seeing what everyone else has for this month, so I'll continue to drop in on this thread from time to time. Good luck everyone!
Chris56 wrote:Love the shadows of the bars on the drone's top! Very cool.
ZergSmasher wrote:@Power Elephant: That is an awesome little mini-diorama taking shape! I'll echo Chris above and say I love the shadow effect! It really adds a touch of realism to the scene.
Thanks for the praise. If you're ever going to do something similar though, I would suggest you put the source of the shadows (metal grid in this case) as well as the source of the light on one of the sides rather than above. That way it will be way easier to see what's going on. And since this effect only shows up in real life when a strong light illuminates a dark space, use bright highlights and dark shadows. Bonus points if the light source is coloured.
Lots of good stuff in here! Nice to see a few new entrants as well.
@ZoBo: Love how awesomely over-the-top that piece is! The colours, the background, the lettering straight of an 80s album cover! Nice work!
@Zerg: Nice clean work on those! I'd just suggest tidying up the bases a bit, some of your texture seems to have overlapped in a couple of places.
Edit: Forgot to, y'know, actually post the entry I came here to post! Here they are, a trio of Predators. On the whole, I'm happy with them, though I do still think the first one is the strongest paintjob (possibly as it's just the most dynamic sculpt). More individual pics over on my blog, where I'll also have some Aliens/Colonial Marines going up soon as well if anyone's interested /shameless plug!
Lots of great stuff appearing as usual! Those predators are amazing, Para, and I really like the little diorama from Power Elephant too.
I haven't been sure what to paint, personally. I have a pile of shame that would amaze you, but even in amongst the hundreds (yep, really) of unpainted miniatures, I couldn't think of anything that's really stealthy. I had some Reivers, but I already painted them a few weeks ago. In the end I settled on a Super Dungeon Explore mini. He looks sort of stealthy to me, but reading his bio apparently he's not really. Hopefully he'll fit the bill! You guys might have to cut me a little slack.
Anyway, having decided on him, and having filled and primed him, I set about starting the base colours on Saturday. I came back to do a bit more work on Sunday, and literally a couple of hours later he was finished! For me that's extraordinary. I'm a very slow painter, and some of my entries on here have taken dozens of hours. I'm starting to wonder if I should go back and tinker with it for another three days or something. I feel sort of guilty about it, like I've rushed it or phoned it in or something. It does seem finished though. It's no Treelord Ancient, and I can't see it winning, but I don't think I could do much better with it either.
So I guess my next post will probably be both the proof and finished pics
I love those predators, Para, they look awesome.
Your style really brings out their savagery and violence...now I'm off to go and re-watch the Predator movies! Danny Glover - what a legend...
Gonna enter my Death Company. Been working on them this weekend and tonight. Should be finished by the cut off. Have the proof pic I took when they were primed at the start of the month but won't be able to upload it til tomorrow
I've ended up going for the scouts rather than the inquisition Stormtroopers because I'm trying to blast through all 20 (non-sniper) scouts I have at once.
Finished; tried a lot of new stuff on this one. I hope you like her, she was a lot of fun to paint.
and to give you all a sense of just how tiny these minis are, I cut a wooden match for a scale shot (Paradigm, please don't include this last image in the voting thread):
Spoiler:
Great entries from everyone so far, and good luck to everyone still trying to get one in before the deadline!
Paradigm, please include that last photo in the voting thread, otherwise it looks like an averagely painted 28mm model, not an incredibly well painted, insanely small miniature!
Jadenim wrote: Paradigm, please include that last photo in the voting thread, otherwise it looks like an averagely painted 28mm model, not an incredibly well painted, insanely small miniature!
You deserve the votes Gulgog!
NGL I was looking at it thinking 'I'm sure I've seen way better stuff from him.'
Also, could we have a cent for scale rather than a broken matchstick?
Finished my entry.
I´m pretty happy with it ... but on the pics it showes some issues with the paint, or so. I can´t see it on the figure itself but it looks textured and as if there is some kind of dust on it...
She turned out really well, Gulgog! Those details are TIIIIIIIINY! Very well done.
Loving your conversion, Kustomer D. That base is exceptionally good - how did you make it/paint it, please?
My entry is also done! I have only attached a couple of photos, 'cos the other angles don't really look right. I'm happy to post other pics, if people want to see the backs of the characters, etc.
I really enjoyed painting these. They were originally McDonald's Happy Meal toys, and I found one in an opportunity shop 'free' bin. The paint didn't want to stick to the plastic very well but we got there in the end. All of the set was homemade, using greenstuff for the coke can, plasticard for the pizza box and barrels of mutagenic ooze. Perhaps my favourite bit was the graffiti on the alley wall showing Rocksteady's artistic side...
I hope people like it, 'cos I had a blast painting it.
Thank you Chris. It´s just 3mm Foamboard and some kind of mesh. Added a decal to make it more tauish - I plan to do a AoP-Board with this kind of style.
Very awesome dio you bring this month. Thumbs up!!!
I'm very happy with them and how the whole teams turned out with bases and mushrooms and all that jazz... it all gave me a furious yearning for getting my hands on the Goblin BB pitch and playing tossing the Squigskin around....
lol ive only ended up painting one of my ladies, then got distracted by my redhood model that wanted paint and my captain marvel model that i just picked up, god damn distractions lol
These guys did not want to photograph. Had to break out the lightbox a second time to take another round of pics. I miss having the space to just leave it set up.
The scout box pretty dated. Soft details, bad mold lines. Just not the best kit out there. Spiced it up with some spare parts from when I built my scout bikers, which helped. One of the guys is also a rescue from the back of the LSS. And of course the old lead sarge. Odd assortment overall. Ignore the fact that two of the guys are sarges. Once they disperse to the shelf, they will take command of their respective squads.
I'm here, I'm here! Didn't get any chance to paint this month until today, but I give you Valentina Hokran Hearteater, Dark Elf assassin / pin-up from Greebo.
Here's my proof pic, taken a week or so ago. As mentioned, I've already finished painting him now, I just haven't got round to uploading my proof image until now. I'm not going to be trying to paint him in two hours or anything!
It's the Royal Warden from Super Dungeon Explore.
I'll be taking the final pics in a few minutes or so when my wife comes down from getting the kid off to sleep, so should be able to get them posted tonight.
No worries, as usual there'll be an amnesty until tomorrow afternoon (possibly even later as I have a D&D game to prep and run tomorrow! ) so take your time!
Paradigm wrote: No worries, as usual there'll be an amnesty until tomorrow afternoon (possibly even later as I have a D&D game to prep and run tomorrow! ) so take your time!
Great, because at the rate I paint it'll take me 4 hours to finish one of my five original guys.
I've been on holiday (for brothers Weeding) for the l last week or so and missed a fair few entries.
I left myself too much to do when getting back and I'm knackered from the travelling so will only manage to get 2 models entered but its better than nothing
Heldred was really fun to paint, a cool mini from Mierce. I wanted to give him an ancient feel and I think I've achieved it.
He's quite different from my usual work. Whole mini is full of scratches, dots and various textures.
Used a new recipe for the rust and old dirty gold. There's some copper oxidation as well.
Kitbashed Mephiston, complete. Though I probably will go back and make the sword more flamey. Decided to invert the usual robe and cape colors. Always felt weird that the black would go on top.
Nearly broke my computer trying to upload these last night so went to bed and uploading them now, so hopefully they will still count. Here are my Blades in the Dark.
Assassins look great, bantha_beast!
The eyes on your warden are fantastic, felt.
OMG, modock. The lighting and texture on your model is brilliant! Amazing work.
the bases have to be finished, right? Got an hour before this stirland mud dries
Automatically Appended Next Post: Cutting it a little fine I know, but here he is. I don't think the blacks were as good as they have been but I thought the face turned out well. Still not brave enough to try eyes. The hardest part of all was definitely trying to wrestle with the camera to get it into focus.
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Here they are, a trio of Predators. On the whole, I'm happy with them, though I do still think the first one is the strongest paintjob (possibly as it's just the most dynamic sculpt). More individual pics over on my blog, where I'll also have some Aliens/Colonial Marines going up soon as well if anyone's interested /shameless plug! 
that's incredible!