Wanting pointers on how to paint like you guys

[Alaric0503]

I have been into 40k for around 8 years. I have an army of Crimson Fists. I can paint well enough to get by but would love to be able to paint good enough to post pictures on here and maybe one day enter a model into a golden daemon competition. Message me on here or you can email me at a.leber0503 at yahoo.com
Thanks to all who are willing to help me if any.

 

[Avelorn]

First. It's easier to reply specific questions then general. Secondly. It's hard to give feedback if you can't see what level the person is on.

So I suggest posting a miniature on two in a WIP thread in that forum or some finished ones on this site.

The best general tips I can give are: Look at where you are and look at painters you would like to paint as. First really study your own work and theirs and then see if there are tutorials that suit your need, or if there are specific questions you need answered. It's not only important to paint a lot to be good, it's important to paint "right" so to speak. Even if "right" kind of differs very much between painters and what kind of style you want to achieve.

Another good tip is to buy a well painted miniature by someone who paints like you want to so that you can look at it IRL and more easily see what they do right. Most often people are generous enough in answering "how did you do that?".

 

[Shawn R. L.]

Choose what you paint carefully. I try to get mini's that fit my 'style'. I don't do good with a lot of fiddley tiny bits, thus I stick to stuff like orks and such.

 

[Tommie Soule]

i have never met anybody 'not good enough'. Everybody and all levels are welcome and encouraged!
Why let an insecurity/illusion hold you back?
Post now, learn now, have fun.

T

 

[cektopa]

I would agree, post something up. Not all of us on here are GD level painters (I certainly am not) but if you post something then specific help can be given. Take it from me, the people on here have been a great help, and have answered all of my questions. I bet that you probably have techniques and tips that you can share with us all too!

 

[Wyrmypops]

Without knowing what techniques you've got under your belt, best advice I could suggest would be to browse the articles section (see the menu bar). And the sticky thread that contains links to articles and forum threads on many useful subjects.

 

[Einion]

I can paint well enough to get by but would love to be able to paint good enough to post pictures on here and maybe one day enter a model into a golden daemon competition.

You're already good enough to post pictures here - there's no minimum standard.

In terms of improving, there's no better way to do this than to post your work for critical appraisal and tips. You might have to develop a bit of a thick skin but it's worth it, trust me; we've seen here how someone who really wants to get better can rise from so-so or tabletop standard to something way better in only a relatively short time, if they're willing to take on board critique and plug away - doing the practice, practice, practice thing.

Einion

 

[Engineer Jeff]

One thing i can definitely reccommend is to stick with it. Try to paint something to completion every week if possible.

 

[airhead]

Just be warned, when you post your fist pic and see that little guy blown up to a foot tall on your monitor, you'll be wondering who swapped your mini out with one painted by a preschooler.

It is scary and somewhat intimidating to enlarge our mini artwork up 1000% and suddenly see all those hidden flaws.
But it goes with the territory.

****
You don't say what part of the world you are in. One of the best ways I've found to improve is to paint with a better painted. You can actually see brush techniques, paint thinness, etc.

 

[Hoodoo_Hermit]

I was terrified to post my first mini but I took the plunge very recently (you can see it on this forum). Trust me, regardless of what score you get (mine wasn't flattering LOL) you'll feel better about getting your first out of the way and getting some pointers from those much more experienced. We look forward to seeing your work

 

[dogfacedboy uk1]

Just post some stuff up, and wait for the critiques from fellow painters. these crits will undoubtedly be followed with advice on what you need to work on and how to do it. People are on the forums to learn, so if you focus yourself and organise yourself to practice the techniques you should get better. Take the techniques one at a time and move onto the next. Start with looking at your prep techniques. You can't paint decently if the surface of the mini is not smooth. One other thing you could do is look at the galleries on here - many of the top painters have their early minis in there galleries. This will allow you to see how other people have progressed. So open the gallery of a favourite artist or two and sort the gallery using the "most recent" sort option. Then go back to their first posted mini on the last page. Then look at their gallery in reverse, noting what improvements you can see from each image to the next. Note the scores also as a rough guide to how people perceive the submission and read some of the longer comments as these will normally contain more constructive opinions. By doing this you may glean some pointers for improving your own painting skills. Many people on here who are utterly amazing started off as good/above average and got better through practice. Granted, some already had artistic backgrounds or natural talent or have been doing it since they were 10 and these people progress much quicker. If you are not confident of your skill I think it will be worthwhile for you to do this so you can see the people on here are mortal beings after all. Post away and everyone on here will be certainly glad to help you and watch your progress.

dfb

 

[kathrynloch]

Just be warned, when you post your fist pic and see that little guy blown up to a foot tall on your monitor, you'll be wondering who swapped your mini out with one painted by a preschooler.

****

QFT! Airhead I nearly spit my soda, I was laughing so hard. OMG! This is soooooo true!!!!!!

 

[Dragonsreach]

I'll echo the sentiments about posting something up, we don't point and laugh (normally) and you will get good and constructive advice.
Two things to remember, Scores don't really mean anything in the long term, so paint to please your own taste.
Practise makes perfect,so the more you paint the better you will find yourself becoming.

Oh yes we're not all sane here either.

 

[uglybug]

Thanks for posting your email I have entered it into a bunch of porn and as seen on tv sites you should be getting lots of mail shortly. Jk

 

[jcichon]

ty I would echo the statements as above. Find guides or books you can read or go to youtube and watch some painting videos, I would recommend Obsidian paintings stuff or awesomepaintjob but there are plenty of others on youtube. Danilo Cartacci's book on painting miniatures is great but it really focuses on historical figures. The best way to become a better painter really comes down to one thing. PRACTICE!!! Find techniques that work for you and figures you want to paint. Have patience and find a few mentors in or around your area or someone in one of the forums willing to take time and trade emails with. WHats great about this hobby is most people are willing to help answer questions. I have always been a historical figure painter so mini's are still pretty new to me but I love painting them. I found a few people online who I sent PM's to and asked for their help and they were more than willing to critique my work and tell me what to do better. All you have to do is ask and pleny of us will help.

 

[laurence]

i have never met anybody 'not good enough'. Everybody and all levels are welcome and encouraged!
Why let an insecurity/illusion hold you back?
Post now, learn now, have fun.

T

Wise words Tommie.