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Hey Dakka,

Late last night as I was hunched over a Flayed one and splashing blood on randomly, it suddenly occurred to me that I have been enjoying painting much more these days than in the past. Previously, painting was a chore and I had more dried paint pots than actual useable ones, due to long intervals between painting sessions. These days however, I can't wait to get to my models with new ideas and all.

It could be because of a few reasons which I thought I'd share. And hopefully for those who found painting a chore, like me in the past, can start to enjoy the painting part as well.

1. Paint new models often
I find that there is more joy in trying out new and different kinds of models. Even if it is a model with slightly different pose, it gives something exciting to do and something new to experiment on. So for me, I did Necron warriors, did a bit of a back portion of the Ghost Ark, painted a Heavy Flamer Sister, assembled a Tomb Blade, went to scarabs etc. By then, going back to Necron Warriors would seem almost new again.

2. Paint one at a time
Or sometimes 2. I get more satisfaction finishing a model and trying any new ideas I have on each one and I find that I tend to improve a little each time. For those who can do batch painting, I salute you. I tried it with Skaven and failed miserably. I used to do 20 slaves at a time. I've still got the same 20 for the past few years, half done.

3. Always have a full bowl of water
For me I get kind of lazy if I have to set up, take out the brushes etc. So I try to ensure that its all setup and kept ready to go whenever the painting bug bites. So while waiting, even if its for a few minutes, I can still get a coat of paint in and get my brush washed and dried. I've done up a warrior while waiting for food to heat up in the microwave.

All this is probably not fast painting but at least I get a lot more enjoyment out of it. It's very basic stuff so it's really for new players or those who may not have the luxury of a painting community/support at their FLGS.

I wouldn't recommend painting only one model at a time, but there's something to be said for taking on too big a batch. I did a 20-man batch once. Once. Other than that though, sounds like you're right on the money! Having a permanent hobby space set up will help you paint a lot. I just move my chair over a little and there's my workspace, so I can just quickly get a coat in here or there.

Also, the joy of finishing something is a great motivator. Once I finish painting something, I want to paint something else almost immediately.

I also usually have a mini sitting in front of me that I'm not totally happy with even tho I'm sure like most painters I'm never totally satisfied with any of them and always see places I would like to improve on. For me the latest was a Blood angel test piece that a wash erased 90% of the layer highlights on, its there simply to remind me to take them brighter than my brain says is enough.
Another thing I do is TRY to keep my work area all neat and tidy as it makes everything easier to get to and just looks better.

I find doing a big batch works the first time. The first 20 Night Goblins I painted were awesome, the 2nd batch of 20 I was like "omg this is taking forever I just want them done".

Painting new models is good, but you need to make sure you don't accumulate too much of a back log otherwise it starts to get depressing!

I paint absolutely no more than five figures at a time, and they tend to be of a uniformed squad eg. Space marines or Imperial Guard.
When I paint irregular troops I have to restrict myself to only a few colours so I'm not spending more time opening bottles than actually painting.

Good brushes help a lot, as well. I have discovered Kolinsky sable, and it's streets ahead of the synthetic brushes I've struggled to use.

I found That I enjoy painting models that I'm not going to be playing with.

I had to trudge through a load of imperial guard and some chimeras cos I wanted to use them in games and I really didnt want to paint them.

However I have odd models here and there from my younger days that I am painting just for the sake of it and experimenting on techniques and I cant wait to get some free time to paint them. Very strange

Admittedly I only paint for pleasure so never need to worry about having an army ready, I tend to have 2 models in front of me at a time and spend time thinking about how I would like them to look prior to picking up a brush. I have 2 so I have somethiing to paint while the other is driving.

I only started painting in december so I know i still have a lot of learning to do. I went in to my local gaming store and found a couple of new companies (when I say new I mean newly found to me.) And picked up a couple of minis. I picked up a warmachine coleman stryker and a celtos cathbad the druid. I have found this helps break the monotony too.

I use the reward program...i tell myself if I paint these 15 gaunts I get to paint the tervigon to go with them or once i finish these 5 genestealers I can do a warrior. Tends to keep my mind focused on painting...although sometimes it makes me rush through some of the "horde" units like gaunts....