Help out an absolute beginner?

[Absolutenoob]

Ok, so I hope nobody is just going to yell at me just to go through the guides, wikis, forums on how to paint, im just after a really straightforward answer. For my first effort im trying to do up a flesh golem from the castle ravenloft boardgame. Im using the one on this page http://blog.gamesparadise.com.au/ravenloft-painting-guide/ as a guide. How the hell would i get such detail on the the stitches and such? Is it just a wash or can you actually paint that detailed? If its a wash what color would it be?

Sorry to be a complete beginner here, hope my question isn't too obvious.

 

[gohkm]

You'd paint them normally. Where the seams are joined by the stitches, you could paint in a dilute wash of black or really dark brown (or whatever colour you want the flesh shade to be - just darker) to bring out the seam. Carefully pick out the individual stitches, and highlight them normally. Bear in mind that the tinier the area, the higher the contrast you would need, since most of the time, you'd be viewing the figure from a distance.

Does that make sense?

 

[TrystanGST]

Welcome. No one's going to yell at you. We were all new once. Like Gohkm said, you can use a wash or ink to darken the seam, then come back and paint the stitches your intended color.

 

[10 ball]

Welcome. If you are just starting out my advice would be to get a real smooth base coat made up of a few watered down layers in each area. Then move on to shading, highlights etc. Dont jump straight on to the fine details (although its tempting) because if you have to go back to the main areas it will drive you mad with repaints.

 

[Absolutenoob]

Thanks guys, ill give it a shot. Cheers for the help :dance:

 

[rustrat]

Also if youre going to put on a was hmake sure you dont put your final highlight on before the wash as this can somtimes put a mark around the last thin line. Put your midtones on then the wash this way its smooth and wont look chalky or rough.

 

[Conium Maculatum]

Post pics. Don't be afraid of what it looks like, you can always get some feedback (good or bad) once people see the finished article! And no, no one is going to get pissed off for asking basic questions and not hunting through the guides etc. They can be seriously confusing sometimes especially when starting out and they appear to be 'apply paint to miniature. wash miniature, apply highlight. Here is your finished Golden Demon winner'. That said, have a look at them. As with many teaching methods, you can be told how to do something loads of times but still not get it until you read one guide that clicks and you go 'Ahh, that's how it's done!'

Keep the faith. We all started somewhere.

 

[me_in_japan]

Yup yup - like folks have said - the key to making a part of a mini stand out (especially a small part) is to paint it quite brightly and surround it with a dark brown or blackish colour. It's definitely worth experimenting with washes. Mix up a few - one with more water, one with less, and one with what you reckon is just the right amount. Paint the skin of the mini your chosen color (say, mid brown), shade it as you see fit (a wash with a darker brown or greenish brown, or you could be more selective and just put the darker brown in places you deem shadowy), then as carefully as you can (without agonising over it) paint the dark brown/black wash into the cuts in the skin, not worrying about if you're getting it on the stitches themselves. Then, with a tan/beige colour carefully pick out the stitches one at a time. Use the side of the tip of the brush for this, and be careful about how much painted is loaded in it.

And don't worry about asking questions - that's what we're here for

Oh, and with regards to reading tutorials and stuff - I find I go through phases where I want to paint, and phases where I kinda lose interest or am just too tired to do it. Those are the times I'll do a bit of reading, watch some YouTube tuts, and so on. If the muse is on you, though, just pick up that brush and paint!