Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Hello, this is the best place I could find to post this (sorry if it's the wrong place).

So I suck at painting, how can I not suck? I'm just confused when it comes to vision of what the model should look like and then getting to look like that.

How can I not suck? I've seen videos on YouTube but even then I just don't always know what on earth is going on. Is there somewhere that has "painting for n00bs?"

#1 Skip the negative attitude, you'll never paint well if you tell yourself you can't do it properly

#2 practice

#3 watch tutorials frequently

#4 practice

Can you post a pic of one of your models? Are you having difficulty in coming up with colour schemes or is it actually getting the paint on the model that is causing you problems?

Modelling and painting is a process. If you can get your heaqd around it then it becomes much easier. Also a lot of it comes with practice.

I'm not the best painter in the world as I'm more of a gamer but it helps me to paint models exactly as they are pictured in WD or on the box. That way I can keep referencing back to the picture and see the differences to correct. Also, I am a huge HUGE fan of WD Masterclass Painting articles. I am no WD shill but those step by step articles are great for someone like me.

AFter that, make sure you buy good brushes (Rosemary & Co. kolinsky sables from the UK or Winsor and Newton Series 7 brushes), take care of them, and practice like crazy.

It would really help us help you if you posted some pics up of what your miniatures look like. "I suck" is a very general and broad problem.

Indeed, even a some what bad picture can go miles. Also though I agree it takes practice first of all.

What I do is think in my head the basics, what the pants color should be, what color will the guns be, will I make the hair multi colored. Thats really it, then I just start painting the basics and from there I had highlights and washes and all the fancy stuff. I think you might be over loading your brain with what you want, just think it out and then take your time. Thats one of the biggest things is people try to get their minis done in 5 mins, and that never works out......unless your one of those speed painter types, MAN those guys make me jealous

Try to structure your practice attempts. Pick a model you want to learn to paint or a style you want to learn then look for a tutorial or guide (there ae guides for every techniue I can think of) and just sit down and try it.

have a look at these books:-

http://www.scribd.com/doc/23270615/THE-ULTIMATE-MINIATURE-PAINTING-GUIDE

also, this is helpful :-
http://www.scribd.com/doc/20569867/How-to-Paint-Citadel-Miniatures.

do research on what you are painting, get an idea of what you want, look around to see what other people have done. Also GW's website has loads of step by step stuff that can be helpful im most situations.

But most of all - PRACTICE, that is the only way anyone gets any better, keeps trying new things. Just be patient and it will all work out. Remember, your meant to be having fun, so don't stress yourself out.

Hope that helps you out.

Just work at it. Also try getting paper and pencil out first and draw(colored pencils help) out the fig and just get a feel for what area you want to be what color. Also it cannot be said enough practice makes...Err, better if not perfect.

Good luck!

http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/index.php?s=962cafc2078309f9dd32aab48cfbc81e&autocom=pages
If you have trouble with colors, these painters should help on deciding beforehand.

Zulander wrote:Hello, this is the best place I could find to post this (sorry if it's the wrong place).

So I suck at painting, how can I not suck? I'm just confused when it comes to vision of what the model should look like and then getting to look like that.

How can I not suck? I've seen videos on YouTube but even then I just don't always know what on earth is going on. Is there somewhere that has "painting for n00bs?"

practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice practice and practice.

Also you can go to you're local GW or gaming store and get some tips/advice from the guys there.

You should also consider trying to paint another army
- just try it - to see if that's easier. It worked for me as i started with tyranids - of which i suck at painting - then i tried painting an ork - of which i'm a million times better - and i was rather impressed with the results. Also, pick up tips and don't just rush in there with any old paint - think about it first!!! - i'm confident you'll be an expert in no time at all. (With usage of the tips we're all offering)

Personally I see the painting and modeling side of the hobby as a constant journey. Your never going to be done. It's not something your going to get good at once day and quit doing since you've reached the proper level of skill. Your skill level is going to constantly move towards getting better and better, but there is no end to it. Perhaps I'm getting too philosophical here, but my point is there's always going to be some area of painting/modeling where there is room to grow. That's what makes it enjoyable is there's always something new to try. So pick something up and practice. Don't be afraid to try something new, as long as your learning something, your moving in the right direction. If you make a mistake, there's always more models and/or simple green for you to try again on.

Another good piece of advice already addressed here is to talk with people who are also into the hobby, it helps both as a motivator and for learning and exchanging ideas. One of the reasons I love this board, so many knowledgeable painters here with good information to share.

There's 3 secrets to painting a good table-top quality miniature.

1) Clean lines - use the right sized brush for the right sized area. You get the feel for it pretty soon. The big thing to fight is the urge to rush through the tedious stuff. Not too bad for infantry, but it's an SOB when you're paining the 1000 nooks and crannies on a vehicle.

1b) If you really want clean lines, don't assemble 100% of the miniature before you paint it. Leave off the arms/gun on your infantry and you'll have a lot easier time of it.

2) Washes are your friend. You can buy a great big bottle of black or brown wash (get em both!) for something like $6 at thewarstore.com . It always amazes me how crappy a miniature looks when I put the first basecoat on and then how much better it instantly becomes after a good wash.

3) Dry-brushing is your friend, at least for quick, easy, and effective results.

None of the above 3 takes any particular skill to do (painting clean lines is probably the hardest, but you can always go back over an touch-up oopsies) but if you do all 3 you'll get something you won't be ashamed to put on the table.

Another thing is to just relax. It's been said before, if you already think you suck at painting then prepare for more crappy models. Positive thinking gets you far.

One more thing, and i don't know if it's been said or not but, try not to swamp yourself. As soon as it starts to look like work with an entire army still left to paint and you get stressed. You believe that it will take ages and lose interest. Start with a squad and don't even bother looking at the other models. They will get painted in due time. Good Luck to you.

All good advice here.

I am by no stretch of the imagination a great painter but I have gotten way better through trail and error.

Dont be scared to put paint to your minis. There aint nothing you can put on em that you cant take off and start again. Simple Green is your friend.