How to improve my nmm

[Thecadian]

hi
as some of you may know i am trying to learn how to paint nmm.I have read the tutorials on this site but have come up against a problem.My models are just looking like they have ust got grey weapons.They are blended Okay but they just dont look like metal just grey paint.How can i solve this thanks

james a painter in distress???

 

[painting raven]

NMM is a very difficult technique to pull off correctly not to mention master. I\'ve been working at it for years and sometimes it comes out good, sometimes not so good. That said, the best advice I can give is to look at other\'s work, especially the top 10 or so artists on this site and really study their work. Also, check out websites like www.museumreplicas.com and look at how light really plays on metal. As for specifics, first and foremost thin your paints and work from dark to light. For steel put a little blue in with your gray and for gold remember not to use a lot of yellow, use mostly browns and off whites. Contrast is key, so always make your final highlight the brightest point. I don\'t know if all of this helps, but if it doesn\'t try to get to a local convention or head to ReaperCon or something similar to see it done in person. Good Luck.

 

[generulpoleaxe]

there are a couple of tricks that could help you.

first, just before you add glare put a very light blue down, then add there glare.
this will give it more of a reflective shine.

second, weathering. weathering helps break up the grey giving the contrast that makes nmm work.

third, contrast. this can be achieved quite nicely with carefully placed washes/glazes of different colours.

depending on how the armour/weapon was treated by the smith will determine the different colours/shade that the reflections will bring out.

hope this helps

edit:- painting raven beat me to it.