Looking for help to learn How To Highlight my Dark Eldar Vehicles

[Renny27]

Hi there,

I'm still a newbie on CMON and this is my first thread, I did some research in the Painting Forum but I still haven't found what I'm looking for or maybe I skipped it.

Basically I'm looking to learn more for when it comes to Highlighting Vehicles, especially Dark Eldar Raiders, Ravagers, Venoms & Razorwings.

I have the most recent How To Paint Citadel Miniatures, but I would like to learn more and get into more technical detail, types of methods, etc.

As paints I use Vallejo/Games Workshop, and as for brushes I use a mix of Winsor & Newton and Lotus Deco.

I get into a lot of details with my painting, (still not a pro like most mates on CMON though!), and I'm finding a problem with when it comes to Highlighting the final very thin lines, these usually are coming either too thick, or i'm going over other areas, so I'm spending a lot of time re-fixing my paint jobs over and over again, and it is very time consuming and sometimes, frustrating. I tried highlighting with drybrushing method but it leaves the vehicle very dusty, and it's not the best job to finalise a Dark Eldar vehicle, I tried thinning my paints, but I'm still not 100% if this is the best way to do it.

May anyone kindly give me a first hand help or re-direct me to some Thread where I may find the holy grail of the Highlighting Techniques?

Thanks beforehand and looking forward to read and learn more painting skills.

Renny.

 

[TrystanGST]

If you're referring to the studio GW Dark Eldar vision, then it's really down to brush control. I'm not a huge fan of painting a vehicle black, edging it in green (Necron) or purple (Dark Eldar) and calling it a day. But that's just my opinion. A lot of times, when I'm trying to just hit an edge with paint, I actually use the side of the brush and drag it along the edge.

 

[MAXXxxx]

when I'm trying to just hit an edge with paint, I actually use the side of the brush and drag it along the edge.

the 'secret' to thin straight lines is in bold really that's the important part besides using a bit diluted paint but not enough on the bristles to flood the area (the brush control part).


one small advice: forget the GW-how to paint release.

- the book part is good-ish, but skips a lot of important steps inbetween the shown steps
- the DVD they give with it is absolutely horrible to watch. Production(video and audio quality) is good, but what they show is simply bad.

 

[Renny27]

Thanks for the prompt reply, here's a pic of the Ravager - Img ID: 332699

I started painting some parts, and then gluing them to the hull, even the hull itself was first painted into two seperate parts and then I joined them together, I had to do so to keep the detail visible and at the same time be reachable to paint.

Eventually I did the same with the crew, side sponsons, sail, etc.

Now as a final job, I have to improve the purple lining of the Hull itself and Highlight it. I did those lines a year ago, and after doing some tests and improving my painting skill, I decided to give those base colour lines a revamp.

I did a Highlight test on the front "Battering Ram", and I think that's the way to go, the thing is that I'm finding it hard to go through the whole Hull! ;p Especially now that the thorns, chains and skulls are glued to the hull. Then I have to do the same with the Gunner's Sponson "Shield", and sail.

Thanks to both of you for the support and the brush control tip, I think I will be doing some practise later on today. Will definately keep you updated about this project.

Kindly view my gallery and be free to comment, I would really appreciate it to know my level of painting and improvement, I posted some pics of the Ravager and some W40K Objective Markers.

Hope you'll like them.

 

[TrystanGST]

I think the Ravager looks just fine. If anything, you might want to mix up a little black/purple intermediate and try a quick blend of the edging, but other than that it's solid.

 

[Renny27]

Cheers mate, will be trying some things later on.

 

[TrystanGST]

Like this, but purple:
http://www.jrn-works.dk/gallery/mini.php?range=Warmachine&model=Manowar

 

[Renny27]

Thanks for the link mate, not really sure how to apply such a technique, but I'll be doing some research and tests. Cheers mate.

 

[TrystanGST]

Oops - sorry. Here's the tutorial that picture came from:
http://www.jrn-works.dk/tutorials/tut.php?tut=paintingBlack&lan=eng

 

[Renny27]

Big Thanks mate.

 

[Einion]

I get into a lot of details with my painting, (still not a pro like most mates on CMON though!), and I'm finding a problem with when it comes to Highlighting the final very thin lines, these usually are coming either too thick, or i'm going over other areas, so I'm spending a lot of time re-fixing my paint jobs over and over again, and it is very time consuming and sometimes, frustrating.

Practice, practice, practice. That's 90% or more of how to do that kind of thing better.

Einion

 

[tidra650]

I think the lines look good. But if you want a thinner lines, try not pressing as hard on the brush. And only use the tip. You need a good brush, like the Raphael.

Paint consistency also matters. If its too thick, then it's going to leave brush marks, lumps, ect. If its too thin, you might have to repeat, paint running into cracks, ect.

Good luck!