Metallic\'s progress....?

[ScottRadom]

Still struggling with metallics, but here\'s a piece of my latest effort. I am trying to use the style Matt Sterbentz layed out in his article. It looks slightly better in the flesh, but still wondering what improvements I can make. any further tips appreciated.

For this little Axe I tried to shade it more thoroughly and highlight to a much brighter place then I would have previously. I am not displeased with the end result, but of course could go for more pointers. Special thanks to Matt S. and GenerulPoleaxe (Chris) for helping me progress to this point. It\'s def. a step up from even two weeks ago so thanks to all for everything.

 

[Jericho]

Looks pretty solid. It\'s got the right balance of shading and hilighting I think, which is tough with metallics. Most people make them way too bright for my tastes, and don\'t work the shading enough.

One thing that can work wonders for metallics is some subtle tinting like in the article by Automaton. Washes of Scorched Brown and Fiery Orange can be fantastic for adding some very subtle dirt/rust to the mix. Very subtle would be the key for Dwarfs, they wouldn\'t let things fall into disrepair, but they wouldn\'t exactly retain their mirror polish if they were using them to crack Orc skulls all day

 

[ScottRadom]

Thanks for the encouragement and the tips. I\'ll go back and re-read the article.

Where abouts are you in Edmonton? I used to live in a permanent stupor just of Whyte ave & 99th st in 95-97? Have you been to any of the tournies there? I may have actually met you, I\'m from Saskatoon -the cradle of civilization-!

 

[generulpoleaxe]

sorry for the crappy pic as i\'m bloody useless with photoshop editing.
this should give you an idea about the contrast that you need.

 

[ScottRadom]

Ah PERFECT, thanks Chris!

Now it makes sense. I can look at something 1000 times without really seeing but I think I get it now. I was just sort of highlighting the entire edge of the area instead of the lightcatching edges. I was told that about a dozen times but your pic has helped it penetrate my thick skull.

Thanks a million for the great response. You still \"Da Man\".

 

[mattsterbenz]

Generulpoleaxe\'s picture shows exactly what I was going to say.

Keep up the good work!

-Matt

 

[ScottRadom]

You guys and this site are incredible. Think about the fact that one of you wrote an article outlining a techinique I love and another guy took the time from his life to edit a pic of mine to show me exactly what I need to do specific to my own miniature. On the inside I cry tears of joy! Anyone not currently subscribed to support this site should stand up and start flying right!

Love this place, you guys in particular are exemplary human beings.

I won\'t go back and fix up this particular model. I have about 70-80 more to do so I\'ll just work it out on the next one and post a pic. Thanks again, and maybe one day I can buy some of you guys a round at a gamesday or somethin\'.

 

[Remi]

@ScottRadom wrote :

...I am trying to use the style Matt Sterbentz layed out in his article...

Uuhhm, tried 2 find that article, could U pleez post a link or tell me how 2 find it ?Sorry, I\'m new here...

greez Remi

 

[ScottRadom]

http://www.coolminiornot.com/article/aid/744

there you go, I enjoyed it!

 

[ScottRadom]

A step forward....?

Okay thanks to everyone who has been holding my hand to better my metals. I can\'t express how grateful I am. Here\'s the last effort and I think it\'s a bit of progress. I wish I had the time to REALLY work each model a little further and get this techinique down properly but I have committed to painting 200 points of dwarfs a month for the next year. Part of my club\'s army painting challenge. If I fail I might get called a \"Sucka\" or a \"Jive Turkey\" so I am trying to learn these techniques and still make some speed on my work. anyway, here\'s the latest. Thanks again to all who\'ve helped so far and for any further comments as well...

 

[generulpoleaxe]

looking much better mate.
the more of the dwarfs you paint the easier it will become.
try pushing it a little darker next time.

 

[ScottRadom]

Thanks Chris!

Now currently I am using a base coat of Boltgun metal/Black. I call this \"Chaos Metal\" which is a name I made up totally by myself and did not rip off from an article posted on this site by Matt Sterbentz. I\'ve then been building up highlights and then bringing them back down in places with 2-3 layers of the citadel black wash. Should I consider adding more black to the shading, or simply make time for more layers? I\'ll give it a shot...

 

[mattsterbenz]

\"Chaos Metal\" is copyrighted by me. That will be $5 for every time you mention the name! lol lol

Do a few layers of the black wash, and you could either do more of the black wash, or add a little black paint to the wash to strengthen it. Either should work!

-Matt

 

[ScottRadom]

Pffft. Here\'s a little trick I learned from Vallejo Game Color....

\"Chaos-y Metal\"

Now you get nothing. Happy?

And of course, thanks for the tips and help as always. I really appreciate it guys. This stuff is going on the tabletop and while it may not look 10/10 up close the difference from 3ft over my previous efforts is stunning. Mucho Gracias.

 

[EldinTux]

Just to put my 2 penny worth in, try some different colour washes. Purple, green or blue can add some interesting effects, but make them thin. As was mentioned earlier some people just dont shade enough. I normally make it my first wash, then as you highlight & shade using more conventional colours the purple or what ever is slowly \'dilluted\' out, but it still has an effect. It\'s not my best mini, and as you can tell my photography\'s even worse but this one uses purple for the back plate.

 

[Aliengod3]

Here is my two cents. Paint your metallics in NMM format, it adds good contrast. Also try throwing in some dark blue or green because metallics look great when they are not strictly black. I know these are just gaming minis so I am not sure how far you want to take the paint job. Also when you use the washes water them down a little and paint them on and apply more washes on areas that you want darker. Washes and inks work real well for blending metallics well and fairly quick.

 

[ScottRadom]

Those are both good looks guys, and I really look forward onusing them in future projects. I am adding a bunch onto my O&G models that these techinques will look great on.

I do want to stick to more traditional color pallete for my Dwarf project. I like the look on dwarves and I\'m about 1/3 through anyway so I don\'t want to switch gears and go in a different direction just now.

I WILL be using the purple washes and the NMM Metallic approach on a few character models I am working on, and I\'ll sure put up the results as they come along.

Thanks guys!