Opinions on my painting

[pcmodeler]

I\'ve only done a handful of gaming minis. My primary insperation is Dirk Stiller, but my work has a long way to go. I really have a problem blending acrylics and it may be due to the brands I use (Polly Scale and Citadel). I do add extenders, but still less than great results. I usually end up having to integrate artists oils into my work for better blending, etc. Anyway, here are 4 that I\'m working on right now. This is my first attempt at trying to recreate a chrome type effect (wraiths robe trim in early stages) and fire (Sword and conjured demon). The flash washed out the colors a bit. I was in a hurry to take the photos.

Any tips, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Katana_Angel]

Well, I think they\'re all looking pretty darn good. Most of them are works in progress, right? The fire, especially from the mage, has a nice feel to it. Also, the foremost wraith with the dual swords has great blending on the shirt (and good lining!).
A lot of the folks who\'re better than I talk about adding flow extender... stuff. For the life of me I can\'t remember what it\'s called, eh heh.
You use oils? Eeesh, how do those mix? Since Acrylic is water based, I would think it\'d be a nightmare to work with.
The trim is looking good, from what I can see. Maybe a close up on just that wraith would make it more defined.
Hope this helps a bit- I know i\'m liking what I see.

 

[pcmodeler]

Thanks.

Actually, I don\'t mix the oils and acrylics. I usually try to blend with acrylics as much as possible and then, once dry, go back and paint over that with oils partially.

For example, the wraith in back was done in acylics first. I then mixed a very light blue oil for the highlights and then highlighted further with pure white.

I really need to take a better pic as the wraith robe is a super dark blue as well, so there is a lot more color variation.

They are all still in progress so hopefully things will look a bit better as I go as well.

 

[tidoco2222]

I agree with Katan_Angel it looks like so far so good. I have had a problem blending acrylic paint especialy Citadel colour because it is really quick drying for years. I am no expert but I tend to use layering more than any thing else. Your work so far looks excellent.
lol

 

[Legacy Account]

Those\'re looking class! I particularly like the chap back left. Post some closer pics when they\'re done so we can have a good look at the blending - it\'ll be easier to help then.

 

[Shawn R. L.]

You have a good handle on color and composition. You are well on your way. I paint exclusively with artists acrylic paints. It\'s all I\'ve ever used so I can\'t really comment on any of the \'gamming\' paints. When I blend I do many thin coats, sort of running the brush out of paint at the edge of the area to be highlited or shaded. As the brush runs out the paint gets rather transparent and the \'blend\' is smooth. It takes practice. As far as oils go the only one I would EVER use is a type (not brand ) is called \'alkyds\'. They are a quick drying (overnight) oil based paint. Regular oils take a week to a month to dry. Oil based paints are like painting with butter. Smooth dosent even start to describe them. They can be rather transparent. Get them at a good art store. Shop around, they can be rather pricey.

 

[supervike]

egads!

Well, I certainly can\'t give you tips, but as someone who is just staring with gaming minis, it looks like you are on the right track!!

Good job, and keep us posted.

 

[barkel]

Citadel

I do like the citadel paints, though the more I think about it the more I wonder why. I do have to water Citadel paints down a good bit. And I have found that certain colors just don\'t mix well. For example, Black, Dark Angels Green, Snot Green, Goblin Green, and Bilious Green all seem to mix with each other quite well. But add white and the color seems to get thrown off. Futher more, add any of the blue-green colors and you get some funky versions there too.

That said, for all of you tribulations with GW paint, you painting does not seem to be suffering. You are quite good. I also really like the wraith, back left. Very cool. I am anxious to see it finished.

barkel

 

[praetorian0_1]

I used oils once- by accident when I was just starting out. I grabbed a wicked color from my bro\'s case and painted up a dragon- it was weird how I could smooth out the clors and blend like crazy, then I stole some more of these little tubes. To my shock 5 hours later it was wet when I went to pick it up.lollol
It took a week to dry and bro was pissed at me wasting his color- I guess they are monster expensive even for a little tube- ahhh what are brothers for though.:innocent:
Nice work- I may just go back and do some of this again- on purpose