pointers

[hubbabubba]

I\'m looking for some advice on how to improve.
with reference to the pics below, what can I do.
http://www.coolminiornot.com/134905
http://www.coolminiornot.com/134904
http://www.coolminiornot.com/134159
http://www.coolminiornot.com/133969
http://www.coolminiornot.com/133968
http://www.coolminiornot.com/133967
etc etc etc
Things that have already occured to me:
-More contrast in highlights, possibly swithing from drybrushing to blending, althought the drybrushing\'s alot quicker for painting units, and on flat armour surfaces I like the weathered feel it leaves.
-Metals, I generrally prefer darker metals, , but in the photos they don\'t get enough contrast. I guess I could give NMM anouther shot, but I find it daunting in terms of squad painting.
-Photography, I\'m working with a basic digi camera, I think the photos are ok considering, maybe you know differently.
-Change the subject, I reckon I\'m getting average scoring \'in part as alot of people are sick of seeing Ultramarines, This is not an option as I\'ve still got 30+ mini\'s to go and 4 tanks. (promise I won\'t post them all he he he)
Thanks in advance for patience, comments and advice.
(Be critical, I\'ve got a thick skin)

 

[krom1415]

You have some good technique there, I especially like the faces
I think to progress, do what you have outlined above and maybe work on the little details, as they look a little blue, and have a look in the gallery, there is a wealth of great Space marines in there

 

[Highbulp Billy]

Originally posted by hubbabubba
(Be critical, I\'ve got a thick skin)

Brave man, I raise my glass to you :beer:

It may be a contentious issue but are you looking to improve your painting or your scores? To me, the quality of your painting is already very high. Unfortunately, your subject matter has been identified as a bit of a turn off for some and that can skew the rating. As Krom said, you\'ve picked up on the key to improving your standard by identifying new techniques to use. I guess the next step is practise, practise, practise. Blending will be time consuming but when it\'s doen right it makes a big impact.

I would advise picking a mini that is completely removed from Space Marines (maybe a fanatsy style) and painting that up just to prove you can and enable you to try something different. You may even come back to the UMs with a fresh approach.

For now, I\'ll leave the experts to offer wiser words than I can but I\'ll say again that I\'m impressed with your gallery so far.

 

[generulpoleaxe]

the drybrushing is making the armour look too textured.

if you switch to blending you will find with practice you have more control over the effects you can achieve.

your photographs are to busy, a couple of angles is all you need.
your lighting as well isn\'t doing you any favours.

practice one new skill at a time and you will see a steady, controlled, progression.

hope this helps.

 

[Target]

I can only repeat the views of others.

The standard of some of the details (especially the faces) appears very high and clearly demonstrates that you have talents.

Blending on the armour will take a lot longer, but I believe that this will greatly improve the look of your models.

Also try and limit the number of models in a photo. When you have spent a few hours blending away, you don\'t want your efforts lost in the background of the image.

All in a good standard. Keep it up.

 

[hubbabubba]

Thanks for all that, much appreciated.
Interesting point you made there Highup billy, I guess reallythat improving your painting and improving your score should go hand in hand, but photography and subject matter and what ever, in the real world....
Anyway thanks again

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Dont totally get rid of drybrushing. I like the textrue it adds. As I said in another thread, the \'uber smooooth\' thing is very cool ---BUT---texture also has it\'s place. Also, they both play off each other, heightening each other and complimenting eachother.