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2019/01/03 16:11:22
Subject: Games Workshop's Most Artistically Impressive Miniature?
I'm in the midst of a Classics field trip right now through Greece and Rome, and got the chance during time off to see Michelangelo's statue of David in Florence. This, combined with my ever-growing hobby withdrawals while I'm away, generated the thought in my mind:
What is Games Workshop's most artistically impressive miniature?
For me, this question is one that encapsulates all classical criteria: things like realism of posture, suggested motion, musculature, fold-work on cloth etc, contrapposto (realistic half-relaxed position of standing). I'm eager to hear what people have to say, and obviously you can post whichever model conforming to whichever criteria you like! So long as you think it's the most artistically impressive and so long as you explain why.
Being the original poster, I figure I'd best start things off.
As far as I can think (and I had a good browse of the site), this build of the exalted sorcerer is the most artistically impressive. The drapery, ornate armour, sense of motion and purpose, both in terms of his arms on the staff and striding motion, encapsulate an altogether fantastic miniature for me.
An honourable mention goes to Grand Marshall Helbrecht. Something about his mighty stride always did it for me. Also, while I'm here, let it be declared that centurions and primaris aggressors LOSE this competition for me. Their proportions and poses just make no sense!
Anyway, I'm looking forward to hearing from you guys!
LDP
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2019/01/03 16:13:04
I'm going to choose Morathi. The dynamicism of the model, and the way the lines keep the viewer engaged with the model is phenomenal. I'm the opposite, where more sculpted detail is a detractor for me (because it's less room for freehand and unique artistry), so I love that Morathi has a lot of plan open space on the armor and her wings for the painter to add (or not) as they feel necessary.
Spoiler:
The Weird Boyz Shaman is a close second for me. It's a simple model, but you're immediately drawn to the staff and smoke, and the lines of motion lead you to the smoke plume. There's a real sense of movement in his tattered cloak, and you get a sense of the weight of his ornamentation pulling on the cloak as he swings around.
I love how you get a sense that he's really pivoting on his left foot while toe stepping with his right to help bear the weight. It just feels great.
I considered him strongly as well! What has always bothered me about him though is the inconsistent flow of motion in his hair, tabard, and the fireball on his scepter.
Also, nipple horns. Patent pending.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2019/01/03 17:34:55
The power armour abdominal musculature is all visible and bunched to match the twisted torso, there is a real sense of movement and poise as the blade is drawn. I scraped off some of the ornamentation as I also prefer a sleeker less ornate appearance, but you still get interest from the leg pouches.
Simple but really effective, so I use this dude for my kill team leader.
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2019/01/03 18:42:27
Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!
They've been coming out with some corkers lately, for sure. Morathi is up there, although the 'dress' doesn't sit quite right for me.
The new commemorative Noise Marine ticks so many 'Awesome' boxes, for so many reasons.
But, honestly, this juve from original Necromunda is still my favourite GW sculpt of all time. It's a comparatively simple sculpt, but it's beautifully done and she just oozes character in a way that GW's plastics still haven't been able to capture, for me.
(Please excuse my 20 year old paintjob...)
This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2019/01/03 21:22:45
2019/01/03 21:50:48
Subject: Games Workshop's Most Artistically Impressive Miniature?
I considered him strongly as well! What has always bothered me about him though is the inconsistent flow of motion in his hair, tabard, and the fireball on his scepter.
Also, nipple horns. Patent pending.
Yeah. When mine arrives I will be making him sans armour. Don't want to hide all that skin with its huge canvas for blends and contrasts. I might change the weapon too. Ive seen some people take that energy ball and put it in his hand.
Heresy World Eaters/Emperors Children
Instagram: nagrakali_love_songs
2019/01/03 23:03:58
Subject: Games Workshop's Most Artistically Impressive Miniature?
"Most artistic" in this case doesn't necessarily mean favorite model, my favorite remains the Wood Elf Waystrider.
But as for something artistic, something that looks like it jumped out of a painting in a museum or the cover of a fantasy novel, you could nominate any of the recent AoS large characters, cetainly Morathi qualifies as does Nagash and Allarielle and the Lord Celestant on Star Drake. But even moreso, you could take literally any single miniature from the Nighthaunts line, add a dark spooky background and it would be somehting that teenage me would've hung on his wall. I think the best example is darn close between Kurdoss and Lady Oleander, they're both such evocative figures that truly look like ethereal spirits. I guarantee that if they were on the cover of a book in my old local library, I'd have taken it home and read it (teenage me judged MANY a book by it's cover!)
WishWarGaming wrote: For me they did pretty good job on the Yncarne - avatar of Ynnead
Really? For me, that one's a prime example of what happens when you ignore the 'less is more' axiom... It would be a cool mini without all the swirly gak, but as is, it's a bunch of swirly gak with a mini hidden in the middle of it.
2019/01/04 10:44:47
Subject: Games Workshop's Most Artistically Impressive Miniature?
I agree that recent AoS releases look brilliant. On that line my vote would go to the Tidecaster (also chucked in a pick of Helbrecht because I mentioned but didn't show him in the OP). Consider them, with the exalted sorcerer, to be my top 3 :
WishWarGaming wrote: For me they did pretty good job on the Yncarne - avatar of Ynnead
Really? For me, that one's a prime example of what happens when you ignore the 'less is more' axiom... It would be a cool mini without all the swirly gak, but as is, it's a bunch of swirly gak with a mini hidden in the middle of it.
Exactly this is why I completely redone the swirl on mine: to better expose the Yncarne and add a lot of proper elvish feeling of sleek lines and flow. If a mini can be improved so much with conversion using only elements from original kit then it isn't greatest possible sculpt to begin with...
2019/01/04 14:01:15
Subject: Re:Games Workshop's Most Artistically Impressive Miniature?
WishWarGaming wrote: For me they did pretty good job on the Yncarne - avatar of Ynnead
Really? For me, that one's a prime example of what happens when you ignore the 'less is more' axiom... It would be a cool mini without all the swirly gak, but as is, it's a bunch of swirly gak with a mini hidden in the middle of it.
Exactly this is why I completely redone the swirl on mine: to better expose the Yncarne and add a lot of proper elvish feeling of sleek lines and flow. If a mini can be improved so much with conversion using only elements from original kit then it isn't greatest possible sculpt to begin with...
In fact its a matter of taste I prefer still original, but conversion also very nice.
Blog mostly about fast painting miniatures for WH40k and AOS
For some reason, I really like this model. Not only mount looks far better and more dynamic (despite being captured during a pause in movement) than virtually all 40K and AoS mounts, it actually looks like a believable animal and doesn't have elements ruining the sculpt like most AoS mounts, IMO. Also, scenic base fitting the pose is a nice touch, too.
2019/01/04 23:55:26
Subject: Re:Games Workshop's Most Artistically Impressive Miniature?
I have always loved this High Elf Noble from like... 2004 or so. Because of this guy, along with it sword guy friend, made me really consider a high elf army. There is just something about that mini that I adore. I guess it is the combination of the simple (for high elves), yet still elegant axe, the free-flowing hair... Plus I was never too fond of the half-a-meter high helmets those guys were rocking^^
Spoiler:
~5000 pts
~5000 pts
2019/01/06 13:48:43
Subject: Re:Games Workshop's Most Artistically Impressive Miniature?
AllSeeingSkink wrote: I find too many of GW's current designs feel a bit over cooked. I prefer the simpler things of times gone by.
The Green Knight.
The old Bretonnian Sorceress.
The old metal Bretonnian range was an awesome take on Arthurian fantasy, with character sculpts like Morgana le Fay, Repanse de Lyonesse and Bertrand the Brigand. It was one of the armies worst hit by GW's move to more caricatured design. And of course, to add insult to injury, the entire army got squatted by the move to Age of Sigmar.
The supply does not get to make the demands.
2019/01/12 08:09:59
Subject: Games Workshop's Most Artistically Impressive Miniature?
I posted this recently in another thread, but I do often believe less is more - particularly when it comes to miniatures which are traveling with us for gaming. One of my all time favourites is this Brian Nelson "Freelance Knight". I have one, and I'm terrified to paint it.
PS: Yes, this was from a time when GW would often give you a foot and mounted hero/character in a single blister because they didn't hate you.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2019/01/16 22:51:46