Stark Sworn Swords and Banners

[AlxRaven]

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Hi, all! First time posting here, so hopefully the pictures come thru correctly. Here is my take on the Sworn Swords and Stark Banners. The Sworn Swords I finished off by painting the bases the same green as the Banners. The plan is to prime the trays the same as well, but my friend is thinking of going the flocking route, so that may change.

 

[AlxRaven]

Just to add some thought process here. I like adding individuality to sculpts that are the same (I did this with Zombicide and Massive Darkness previously). I took the approach of these units being the closest thing to a standing army the Starks have, so I made MOST everything the same. However, since they’re not quite as well funded as the Lannister’s, there’s elements of individuality in items like pouches, boots, etc. The Lannister’s, I imagine, would be much more “standard issue”, whereas other Stark units would be less so, like the Umbers.

For me, this didn’t disrupt the “assembly line” approach too much, as I still used the same colors. I just painted different parts with those colors. (The boots of one, the gloves of another, etc)

I’m working on the rest of the Starks, Bolton’s, and unique Lannister’s currently. And friend and I are sharing painting duties on two pledges, I paint Starks and he does Lannister’s, so they they look cohesive when fielded together.

Feedback is both welcome and appreciated.

 

[TheGrinningWolf]

Very cohesive and nice looking. Great job. Will you be adding any eyes and shadow/highlights to the faces, particularly the captain in the front row?

T W

 

[AlxRaven]

He looks better in person, so maybe it’s just the way the light is hittting him. I’ll try to get a better shot of him to post.

I tend to drybrush prior to applying wash instead of highlighting, as I’m not entirely confident yet in my ability to highlight without jacking things up and having to start over. Doing the drybrush first can sometimes convey a similar effect, as long as I take into account how the wash will effect the color. For example, I avoid using true black as a color and use a really dark gray instead, so when the wash is applied it looks closeer to a highlighted black.

Im also concerned about the added time it would take to highlight. But lately I’ve been thinking I’ll go back and attempt some once I’m caught up on painting.

As for the eyes. Again, I don’t have great luck at it turning out a way I like, so I tend to reserve it for sculpts where the eyes are more defined. Like the dogs, which have a visible eye, versus others that just have a vague recess.

however, if you or anyone else would like to share some tips on highlighting and eyes, I’d be happy to hear them!

 

[AlxRaven]

So here’s a better shot. While better than the first, on second look I do agree that there’s not as much contrast as I thought. He may be one I go back and practice highlighting on, to make it pop more.

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P.S. - is there a way you rotate pictures, or do I just need to remember to turn my phone? (Posting from my phone)

 

[TheGrinningWolf]

Thanks for the extra picture. Photos are always tricky to show highlights but he looks very good overall.

As for rotating the photo, I just usually do that with my phone camera settings first. I don't know of a way to rotate it within the forum.

T W

 

[AlxRaven]

Thanks!

Yeah I couldn’t find anything either, so guess I’ll just have remember.