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.

In December last year I had a heart attack and during recovery I needed something to keep me occupied. Due to it being winter I had no miniatures to paint so was at a loose end until my Dad suggested this; A colouring book.
Don't laugh.

These books are,I'm finding, a good source of inspiration when you are stuck for ideas, and range from 'mandalas' through to fantasy and science fiction(The ones I have).
I've found the following;

1) You can learn through trial and error how to blend,what colours work and what unusual combinations will create an end effect you may not have remotely considered..

2) I've gained a better understanding of how to do non-metallic metal finishes using yellows and browns for golds and greys and black for steel.

3) If you get it wrong you don't need to strip your models and start over,you just turn the page, or try again on a different part of the image.

4) It's fun and stimulating and it does help your painting from motivation to better finishes.

5) It's cheap; all you need is a book and a set of colour pencils which are blendable,you don't need to buy the most expensive equipment,you'll find that some cheap sets of colour pencils will out perform some of the 'supposed' high quality brands. The sets I use I got for under £20 UK pounds (Sets of 48)

So if you have hit the wall you should have a look and maybe try it; It will benefit you when you return to painting.

Hope it helps.

Glad to hear you are recovering from the Heart Attack, and this sounds like a great father/daughter activity to help develop your painting skills!

I suffer from "Painter's Block" all the time. Set aside time to paint, sit down, get settled, brushes ready, water, lighting, maybe some music or a favorite movie on the laptop. I'll pick up the model, and just stare at it. After a couple minutes, I set it down, and go do something else. Really irksome for me. When I get into the painting grove, I love it! Much like a writer, sitting there staring at the screen/keyboard and blinking cursor, I just can't get the paint on my brush and paint the model.

Hope you feel better and are back on your feet.

The coloring book is an excellent suggestion. My 4 year old has several and there are times I find myself looking at the pages as a means of creative expression. I don't actually have to color, it just gets me in the right frame of mind.