Beginner to Miniature Painting

[kengar]

Janta,

That Pinesol trick is very handy. I'e always been under the impression that nothing short of lacquer (sp?) thinner will do it and I thought that would probably eat right through any plastic. I still remember when they tricked me one time at my job at pouring some lacquer thinner into a styrofoam cup...I really should have known better.

And Janta, if I can ask, why do the eyes first? I'm sure I'd find out after I do it the other way around once or twice but I've learnt to admit my ignorance but not yet let go of my curiosity. As for making mistakes, I'm certain I will but I do want a hobby that I'll enjoy.

Different people do the eye at different times. I used to be a firm "eyes last" person, now it depends on the figure. Some people do the eyes first so they'll be "fresh" for what's ofen considered the most difficult part. I usually do the eyes when I do the rest of the face, but make them the last part. That way any ink washes don't discolor the whites, etc.

 

[Halivar]

And some people, like me, might skip the eyes altogether. The black makes it look like the eyes are hidden dark shadows. But then, I like the dark, gritty look.

 

[janta]

And Janta, if I can ask, why do the eyes first? I'm sure I'd find out after I do it the other way around once or twice but I've learnt to admit my ignorance but not yet let go of my curiosity. As for making mistakes, I'm certain I will but I do want a hobby that I'll enjoy.

I do the eyes first because if I mess them up (as often happens, even when using a micro-tip pen) it's easier to correct than if I've already painted the rest of the face. I can just paint over the goofy eye with white paint and not worry about slopping over on the other parts of the face. I'm not saying the eyes should be the very first part of the mini you paint, just the first part of the face. And FWIW, I only recently starting trying to paint eyes, after I read about those micro-tip pens. I'm amazed at what a difference it makes to making a mini come alive.

P.S. -- if you use the pinesol trick, you may find you have to take an old toothbrush or something to the mini to get the last vestiges of paint off. LIke I said, though, it's handy; I've got a mini soaking right now, awaiting her third repaint (sad but true).