BlackSmoke's Learnin' Log

[BlackSmoke]

Hi! I've been painting minis for wargames for a few years and I reckon I can crank out some pretty decent tabletop standard figures. However, I haven't had as much game time recently, so I thought I'd try to stretch and develop my brush work on some larger models. I'm under no illusion that these figures will be anywhere near the standard of the insanely well painted figures on CMON, but as long as I'm making progress, it'll be worth it. My main issue is that I'm very colourblind (and rely heavily on triads and paint sets), so any comments or advice, particularly on colour choice, would be welcome.

So, here's one of the first two 54mm figures that I'm working on - Verthandi from Andrea Minis. The skin is all painted with the Scale75 flesh set and I think I'll use Foundry Rawhide next on the 'bikini'. One thing that has definitely stood out to me since starting this is that I should get some Mr Surfacer and use a smoother primer!
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[BlackSmoke]

I started on the leather and the bikini, but I really didn't like the dark bikini ->
View attachment 28405

For one, it isn't different enough from the belts, so I repainted it using Vallejo Red Leather, but I'm really getting fed up with how shiny they are, even with matt medium added. However, I then realised that my Scale75 leather set has Orange Leather which looked a close match, so I repainted it again and am much happier ->
View attachment 28406

I think this works better and hopefully will work with the auburn hair I'm planning. Next is the legging...things!

 

[Zab]

That is looking really nice. Skin tones are something most people struggle with so that is some top notch work there and the nice smooth blends on the leathers really set it all off nicely too

 

[Kretcher]

Nice that you changed the colour on the bikini part, it looks much better now and very nice looking skin there. I do believe that you should push the darker part of the skin a little bit more later on (tint it with some glazes)

 

[BlackSmoke]

Thanks for the feedback, guys! Kretcher, I actually did have darker shadows to begin with, but wanted a smoother finish...less chiselled looking...but I'm open to suggestions.

 

[Kretcher]

Nay dont change for my views, it is you that should enjoy your figure and just let it be as it is. Just do the rest and if needed revisit the skin. I am more used to paint 28mm and then you need more contrast.

 

[BlackSmoke]

That's the plan. I've started on the leggings...still some details to add but I'm happy with the colour in general:
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[BlackSmoke]

More work last night! I added a bit more depth to the leggings and started on the sword. Got some minor bits to do, like tone down the highlight on the back of the tip, as I think it's too white, but think I'm happy. Just the hilt to do, but I'll wait till I get the Scale75 gold NMM set for that. I have a gold recipe that I normally use, but I'm liking these Scalecolor paints so much I'm transitioning lock, stock and barrel! The scabbard is next and then I can prime the cloak and get started on that.

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[Sigmar3]

This is looking really good, I don't think you need to be so modest about your skills lol. Skin is fantastic imo, and great nmm on the sword. I don't really have any advice as you seem to be doing well anyway, but I like to comment on things I like

 

[BlackSmoke]

Thanks, Sigmar! I think I've definitely improved just on this figure alone, but what's more, I'm really enjoying painting a larger figure and I want to do more!! Glad to hear I'm on the right track!

 

[Kretcher]

I have to agree with Sigmar, great work there.

 

[ten ball]

Very impressive, you have a natural eye for light placement and highlights. Just keep those paints thin to stop the chalky appearance.

 

[Sigmar3]

I think it's great when you feel or can see yourself improving, literally on one model. You get that 'ahaa, I get it now' moment lol.

 

[BlackSmoke]

Thanks for the feedback, folks!

I got my Gold NMM set from Scale 75 today, so I can do the hilt tonight. Hopefully get the scabbard done too. I think I'll do the shield next, rather than the cloak, as that won't get in the way as much when handling the figure.

 

[BloodFather of Kharnath]

Can't wait to see how it looks. I've heard good things about that scale 75 set.

 

[BlackSmoke]

I have painted the inside of the cloak now and attached it. The green has lost some yellow in the photo, but I'm starting to use an actual camera that I can tinker with settings rather than just my phone. I also filled the gaps in the hair where the join was and gave that an initial base coat. Progress has been a bit slow since the World Cup started!

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View attachment 28735

 

[BlackSmoke]

Bit more progress to show. Hair and face done, though I might add some final highlights to the hair and shade to the face. The cloak is done and the shield on. Just to do the front of it and we're almost there!

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[OffTheSprue]

You might be colourblind, but you definately have an eye for contrast, lookin great!
Just incase your wondering, the colours are working well too Smoke

 

[BlackSmoke]

I read once that colourblind folk are usually quite good at contrast as we can't rely on colour choice for effect. Or something like that! And thanks for the feedback, OTS!

 

[Zab]

Wow! That is one nice set of colors! Great blending too