bgcdazzler's first ever mini WIP (a confusion of cockups and learnings)

[Maenas]

I think it was a good decision too. Anyway you got the practice so now you will do your next approach better

I started NMM on blades since they are much more similar in shape so when I feel confident enough I will try it on an armour which is a lot more complex. But as Arch said, I also think NMM is not for all the miniatures.

On the cape, don't scrap it! it looks really good! You have time enough to improve on your next one! LOL man you go up so fast xD xD

 

[khavor]

On the cape, don't scrap it! it looks really good! You have time enough to improve on your next one!

Agree!! And I think the true metallics work better with the cape, don't go back!

Honestly I think nmm is even harder to pull off on larger scale models. The smaller the model the more you have to exaggerate the highlights and shadows (which works well for nmm), but with a larger model your colors can be a bit flatter because there will be more natural variation and natural highlights. If your painted on highlights don't quite agree, it's more noticeable. (Just my opinion though...)

 

[KruleBear]

The freehand on the chest plate is fantastic....and don't strip that cloak!

 

[Digganob]

Is one of your next sculpts going to be a scream queen who is to pretty to die

 

[Schwarz-Brot]

Hey dazz, would you mind sending me a high-res version of "my" picture?

 

[meaty_nosebleeds]

thanks so mych dazz! it was really helpful! if you wanna do a step by step just make it on the next freehand you paint!

i also vote no for painting over the cloak. that freehand is to fantastic to kill!

 

[bgcdazzler]

Cheers everyone. Schwarz, just pm me your email address and I'll send you a larger copy.

Last night's session was a short one - just a bit more added to the dwarf:

 

[meaty_nosebleeds]

dwarf is looking awesome man. keep up the good work

 

[Schwarz-Brot]

Really classic looking dwarf. Would fit perfectly for any classic dungeoncrawler or RPG. PM is coming!

 

[khavor]

Such a nice start on this dwarf, love it. If you haven't cooked him yet, I'd have the top of his hood fold down and lay on the back of his head.

 

[Digganob]

I swear you throw clay together faster than I can keep up with. I just picture you sculpting it and saying, hmm lets add this here...perfect...this there....perfect....this over here...and done. Its like your not even trying and it just magically happens. Frustrating that I can't go as fast as you but proud of how dam good you took to sculpting and the work you do.

 

[bgcdazzler]

Glad you like the dwarf so far! He's a fun little fella, but lacking in detail at the moment - it's either him or the elf tonight, depending on my mood...

@khavor: yep, a good shout on the hood. The beard, nose, hood and cape are all unbaked so easy to tweak.

@digga: I should make a (boring) hourlong video to prove that it definitely doesn't go like that!

 

[Digganob]

You should, just so I believe you.

 

[wargamesculptor]

Nice chainmail it's something a lot of people struggle with

 

[SaintToad]

Good looking dwarf. I can imagine him gruffly accosting an elf.

 

[bgcdazzler]

Thoughts about Crystal brush

Hi all, quick update from me on elf and dwarf:

Elf has a bit more colour to him:

Dwarf has a bit of decoration to his armour now, a better hood, and an axe hand:

Like most people I've been looking at the crystal brush entries with complete awe and amazement - some of the work is utterly beautiful. This may sound naive, but I never realised that this silly, fun little hobby could inspire art. Putting the technical ability to one side, some of these pieces are truly provocative, serious artworks. Plainly, there are some really gifted painters and sculptors that are not playing around. I never realised that before - but then, I don't have much experience of this world.

After having my eyes opened to what is possible, it made me look at what I'm up to in a new light. Why am I toying around with.a simple dwarf, daubing paint on an elf? Why am I not aiming higher?

well, I'm rethinking how I approach things. I'm going to stop thinking of my little items as 'messarounds' and start thinking of them as practice. Within a year, I want to make something that feels worthy of a Crystal Brush entry.

You can tell from my update above just how far I have to improve in order to get there, but I want to do it. And if you can all help me to improve and get there - as you have been doing all along - then the drinks will be on me.

My ambition is awake!

 

[Schwarz-Brot]

If this is your goal be prepared for some harsh critique. You know, there's always something to be found. Never forget that critique is always mend to be constructive around here. With your ambitious goal people will start pointing at every little imperfection.

I have some personal thoughts on that matter... I was very ambitious when I was into painting a few years ago. This was one part that killed the fun in it for me. I was not able to mentally step back from my too high goals. Then I got frustrated and looked into gaming miniatures but never found a real group to play. Also, it would take me days to get a gaming mini done. That was another reason to leave my brushes alone. I simply felt I wouldn't ever be able to reach my goals. I never lost the hobby completely out of sight. Always peeked at GWs display armies when I came along a store and sometimes visited my old forums to take a look at the galleries. When it hit me again I started completely different. My goal now is to complete minis in a timely manner to a standard I am happy with, knowing there is always stuff that can be done better. In the last few weeks I improved my painting way more than in all the time trying to figure out the best techniques before I left the hobby. Most important - I painted way more miniatures in a few weeks than in all the time before. The Zombies are dipped, but still looking absolutely gorgeous for being played with. So why should I care. There it is, the joy of painting.

So if you ever encounter that kind of frustration along the way, I know exactly what you are going through. I feel you have way more talent than I do and you probably have a stronger ambition than I do. You can reach your goal, maybe in a year, maybe in five, who cares? Just be able to take a step back and do some fun stuff, ignoring your ambition from time to time. And feel free to talk to me about it. I'll hear you. There are ways to force fun stuff, like little fun challenges and stuff like exchanges to cheer you up and distract from the main projects.

Please, DO NOT GET LOST along the way.


Edit: I am sure people like Arch, Tero, Digga and all the other nice fellows will be there as well.

 

[YetiSA]

That's a very bold ambition but one that I'm sure you'll be up to. The quality of the stuff you sculpt is excellent, especially considering how long you've been doing it, and that cloak alone proves that you have the painting potential. It'll take a lot of practice and probably a lot of swearing but I'm sure you'll get there.

By the way, I really like what you've done with the armour and the green is very striking against the red.

 

[bgcdazzler]

Thanks both - Schwarz, I have no problem at all with criticism - it helps me to improve! So I never get precious about it. Besides, I'm never happy with what I do anyway - and if something cocks up (as it often does) it can just go on the 'practice' pile. Simple!

but I'm glad you're looking out for me.

And Yeti - if I have no other skill, I am at least a Jedi master at creative swearing!

 

[Digganob]

The Schwarz is wise in all things! He makes an excellent point. At any rate, you we are all here for you. If that is your ambitions and goals we will all do our best to help you reach it. The main advice I can give and I am sure you already know this but, aim high and don't be afraid to fall short, because your friends are here to catch you and push you forward.