Pics of a few of my mini's (2/20/03)

[KnowTheToe]

I big issue with figuring out lighting is I have no training in any form of art, except ceramics, which I was no good at - I actually made taco book ends that held small speakers for my final project - talking taco book ends. I was not asked back to take any advanced ceramic classes.

Anyway, at this point I struggle on determining how light reflects off of objects and bends oalong objects. Thanks for the link, I had not read this one yet. I will try and look at it this weekend.

 

[Azure Trance]

Very nice figs - may I ask how long you've been painting for? Also, as an outsider looking it, a few Qs: is the difference between NMM and Metallic is that NMM isn't reflective (therefore making it harder to paint, but more easier to customize to your own whims?) And how do you get such subtle colors for muscle tone and slight color shifts?

 

[Gizzard]

is the difference between NMM and Metallic is that NMM isn't reflective ?

I will jump in here but leave the rest for the Toe. ;-)

NMM is a technique where you use Non-Metalic paints to paint the metal parts of your figure. Non-Metallic Metal, NMM. If you painted an Axe on a flat canvas, you'd just use greys and whites to create the illusion of reflective silver. Pretty straighforward in theory; a lot of art experience in practice.

Now imagine using the same freehand techniques to paint a 2D Axe onto the miniatures 3D Axe. Fortunately, you dont have to sell that the object is a 3D Axe, as the sculpt already does that for you. But you do have to get the lighting right and the colors right. When it works, like it does in those pics I linked above, its incredible. You really feel like you can see the reflection of the horizon; you really feel like the helmet is made out of chromed metal.

 

[collin]

Toe:

Great painting! I thank you so much for sharing your craft and finished product with those of us novices on the messageboard. I am still relatively new to this hobby, but I love it! It's a creative outlet for me and relaxes me. I just wish I had a better place in my house that I could leave everything permanently set up.

Also,Gizzard, thanks for the explanation of NMM.

I'm looking forward to seeing what progress you make, and any tips you have for us rookies would be appreciated.

Collin

 

[KnowTheToe]

I have been painting for two years. I did some painting back in Jr. high (16 yrs ago), but I am not counting that.

Painting the layers is hard to translate in writing. I took a class at a local game store and it has made a world of difference to my technique. Basically, I start dark and work the colors up. For the Ogre, I started with a mustard color and painted the primed fig, the I added a little brown to it and painted the deep creases. Using the base mustard color, using many small brush strokes I painted the sides of his muscles (areas right above the most shaded recesses). I then add some off white/cream to the mustard and then using very small brush strokes I worked up toward the top of the muscles/skin. You do that as many times as you want until you get the desired look. I used 3 layers for the Ogre, I was not going for a great blend job, but I think it worked out very well (for me).

I took a 3-4 hour class from Jen Haley and Ann (can't think of last name) and it made a huge difference. I needed to see how something was done. I had read articals, but was at a definite block. I will post some pics of my first attempts at painting to show the difference. The Ogre, elf ranger and barbaian were done since the class, all my other figs were done prior.

 

[collin]

Toe:
Thanks for your reply and tips. I took a painting class last Fall for beginngers at my local game/hobby store as well, and it helped me immediately to grow by leaps and bounds. What I need now is an intermediate or possibly advanced course to make the next leap. I appreciate anything you can show us here in the messageboard. I have to admit, though, that the best way to learn how to do this stuff is the Nike principle - just do it.

Muchos gracias,

Collin

 

[Darius101]

Anne E. Foerster (vaitalla) I believe was Jen's partner for that class.

Here is a link to her figs:

http://www.secondworld.net/

Good work on your figures man....now I gotta get out my brushes again..lol

Darius

also look into this site for painting tips and advice:
http://miniature-painting.net/index.html

**Edit** Glad I could help....Wish I could post some of the stuff she painted and sold on e-bay. Amazing stuff...

 

[KnowTheToe]

Yep Forester, that was Anne's last name. Thanks for the help and the link. The fig with the red banner and black cloak with the flames she used to help teach us how to blend from a deep red all the way to white without making it look pink or orange. Much easier said than done. It is nice to see the finished product.

 

[Thresher]

Hey theyre really nice, I used to paint the lil mongrels myself about 8 years ago and it drives you insane.
I'd get through a big unit of critters and by the time I was done you'd look back and see the improvement over them and sort of cry for a bit and re-do the first ones...
Endless tears

I gave a lot away recently to a friend who's playing D&D and needed some orks and humans, now Ive just got 300 bloody high elves that even John West would reject.

 

[KnowTheToe]

Hey theyre really nice, I used to paint the lil mongrels myself about 8 years ago and it drives you insane.
I'd get through a big unit of critters and by the time I was done you'd look back and see the improvement over them and sort of cry for a bit and re-do the first ones...
Endless tears

That is why I will NEVER paint an army.