 I've jumped in on another of the Relic painting competitions. This time I think I actually stand a chance. I am very pleased with the colour and highlighting on the red coat, the glowing effect on the green eyes, and the sallow colour of his skin - especially the shading. I used Chinese hexagramatic icons for the wards on the hem of the coat - with weathering to blend the whole thing together. Other than black and white for highlights and shading this is also the first time I've used only three colours on a model. The base leaves a bit to be desired but I haven't gotten motivated enough to do anything about it. I'll post an update when the results are in at the end of the month. Labels: Competition, GW, Imperial Guard
 This is probably my most elaborate commission to date. While I have done larger models, with more detail, this was the first full conversion and paint job on commission. I know that I've detailed the model in other posts - but I'll recap here: The wings and all of the weapon arms magnetically attach. You can lift the model by the wings or the lance - although it should, of course, be moved by the base. He has STRIPY PANTS, with which I am very happy. There is freehand on his legs and checks on much of the cloth. This one shipped out this week and, much like my original magnetic general, I'm sad to see it go. The fella I painted this for went to great lengths to find me in order to get this model though and I'm glad I could meet his expectations. Labels: Commission, conversion, Empire, GW, Magnets, WFB
 I finished my first Tyranid paint test for my "Games Day '08" project - using the Leviathan colour scheme - and now I'm having second thoughts about adhering directly to the fluff. Instead of painting the Carnifex first I think I'll go back and do up a few 'Gaunts in various colour schemes. Because the scene I'm re-creating includes a lot of snow I'm hesitant to put a bunch of mostly white models on to it. I have also finished the hill but think I'm going to scrap it. A bit more planning will have to go in to the hill and trench if I'm going to try and fit everything on to a 12x16" base... and I'm not sure it's going to happen. This may become a much smaller project, representing the top of the hill and far fewer models. Labels: Competition, Games Day, GW, Tyranid
 This long time project is finally finished, packed and out in the mail to Niroe. Although I started his Valkyrie first I still have that one on the table - it should also be finished this week. Although the snow wound up a bit thicker than I had intended I'm still pleased with the base on this one. The model uses more rare earth magnets to attach to the base. This was also the first time I'd put my trust in to decals and tried the gloss coat/decal/gloss coat/paint method that I have recommended to so many others. Turns out it works just fine... which I suppose I knew. I simply hate applying decals. There are a lot of detail shots for this guy floating around and I'll see what I can do about putting together some better composite images. Labels: Bases, Commission, Forgeworld, GW, Imperial Guard, Magnets, vehicle
 Commissioned Black Templar Tech Marine that I'm pretty darn happy with. I'm going to go in and clean up the BT icons on his shoulder and knee but otherwise think that he turned out quite well. I am especially pleased with the armour chipping and the limited rust on the exposed metal of the servo backpack. The rust was accomplished using the "Rust All" product which I'm becoming happier with the more I use it. I'll get some better photos online the next time I break out the light box. The blending and highlighting on the red don't come through particularly well in these shots - although you can see some of it in the third photo down. Green and blue were chosen as the split contrast colours for the red on this one. I did not, however, make any specific attempts to apply them as spot colours. Labels: Black Templar, Commission, GW, Magnets
 It's been awhile since I updated my Leman Russ project so I thought I'd post another WIP shot. I did the snow on this one at the same time as the Thunderbolt base... and managed to get the snow weathering BACKWARDS on the treads. Oops. Note that all of the snow is at the FRONT of the vehicle and not the back. I'll be fixing that shortly. I also intend to add mud to the tracks, undercarriage and track marks - as well as water effect to the engine compartment to show where snow has melted on the hot metal. I had originally planned to add several guardsmen slogging along behind the tank. I'm going to save those for another project and just get this one finished so that it's not distracting me much longer. I have far too many big projects on the table right now. Labels: Bases, GW, Imperial Guard, vehicle, WIP
 An early update on the Thunderbolt project. I am quite pleased with how the split urban camo scheme worked out - although I think that the snow on the base is a bit thick. There is still a lot of work to be done, of course. I'll add all of the detailing, weathering, chipping, wind streaking along the wings... some techniques that I've never applied before. This project has been a real pleasure and I intend to re-use the base idea for every future flyer. Labels: Bases, Commission, Forgeworld, GW, Imperial Guard, vehicle, WIP
 The only vehicle in my 750 point army list - this one lone Razorback is going to need to find a way to get across the table and deliver my only shooty Marines. Good luck with that, little Razorback. Despite being cannon fodder I'm pretty pleased with the vehicle. Having decided to redo my army if I decide to keep playing I went ahead and put more effort in to the only vehicle. I can field it as it is and be happy with it and put more detail in later - although I think I'm going to break my own rules and do some of that detailing now. It's getting harder to keep on track with this 750 point army. This is especially true when I want to go back and completely redo so many of the miniatures. Ah well, tabletop first.... Labels: Army Blog, Black Templar, GW, Space Marines, WIP
 The first eight of my Black Templar Initiates are finished. Each is standing on one of the resin cast bases I made for this army. BT symbols on the helmets are very much in evidence - although I have otherwise kept detailing to a minimum to help me get this army on the table. Included at the bottom is the Marshal complete with his magnetic lightning claws and my Assault Marine test model. I have a pair of the Assault legs magnetized and ready to paint - that will let me swap the Marshal either way to match current and future lists. Of course now I plan to completely recast my bases... but that a topic for another post. Labels: Army Blog, Black Templar, GW, Magnets, Space Marines, WIP
 This guy is finally finished. I have him sealed, set aside, and ready to use with my army. He is sitting on one of the bases I made for my Black Templar army - and I've added a white casing to his bolt pistol to make him match the squad he'll attach to. It's nice finally seeing some progress on this project. The idea that I might actually get an army on to a table in July is starting to seem like a reality. A very geeky reality. Labels: Army Blog, Black Templar, GW, Space Marines, WIP
 Just about finished with this one. Of course now that I actually have a 750 point Black Templar list it turns out I'm not actually going to use him. Ah well. He has been fun to paint and I'm quite happy with the conversion. Labels: Army Blog, Black Templar, conversion, GW, Space Marines, WIP
Still some clean-up and highlighting to do, otherwise I'm pretty pleased with this guy. Like the Marshal and Emperor's Champion he's being done to a high gaming standard so that I can get him on the table. Unlike the previous command models this one was actually quite a conversion, of course, and I hope to go back and give him some proper painting attention later. I'll finish out the crozius with a red handle and add some more white to the skulls. I will probably also go in and add some shading to the white on his robes... but we'll see whether I do that or start in on the squads next. All-in-all quite pleased with how the army is coming along; even if I only have three models on which to base my opinion. Labels: Army Blog, Black Templar, conversion, GW, Space Marines, WIP
 I went back today for the monthly painting group at the local store and found out this fella had taken the win on the competition from last month... with all but one vote! That makes him my first win and the first piece I've had in the display cabinet. Points on which I'm told he won:
- Flesh and character of his face
- Freehand on the books
- Text "LUX OCCULTA" on the bookmark
- Source lighting on the armour
I got more feedback about how he could have used some OSL from the staff -- and, unfortunately, you can still only see the lighting effect in the first photo. Even in the light box the highlights just look like glare since that's where the light actually falls. His right knee is still blank since I'll probably send this guy to eBay eventually and add whatever chapter badge by request. Thanks to everyone that provided feedback. If anyone still wants additional close-up photos just let me know and I'll see what I can do. YAY! Labels: Competition, GW, Space Marines
 The finally final version of the Emperor's Champion for my Black Templar army. This model was made using 100% off the sprue parts with no actual conversions. Most of the bits are from the Black Templar sprues - with the exception of the chest: command sprue company champion and the legs: assault marine sprue. The base was made with cork and gravel... which I will replace when I cast my new line custom of resin bases. Done to a high gaming standard for use in my 750 point Black Templar army. With this fella done, and the Chaplain/Reclusiarch nearing completion, I should be working on my squads in the next week or so - commissions permitting. Labels: Army Blog, Black Templar, GW, Space Marines
 I got a lot of feedback on this guy when I posted him to a couple of servers and this prompted a number of changes:
- Replaced the sculpted chain with actual chain
- Added the skull and shield to the chain
- Replaced the off sized arm on the crozius
- Resculpted the decoration on the left leg
- Sculpted TEMPLAR on to the right pauldron
- Resculpted left hand to be closed instead of pointing
- Modeled with magnetic backpacks in place
I'm quite pleased with the changes for the most part - but now I can't decide whether or not he needs any additional purity/crusade seals. I am particularly ambivalent about the ones I had on his neck. I like the idea of adding long flowing seals, like vestments for this chaplain, but do have to agree that the last round was overkill. Labels: Black Templar, conversion, GW, Space Marines, WIP
 Playing with conversions today and got this guy to a point I'm happy with. There's still some greenstuff work to come -- going to give him vestments and do something on his legs. No backpack on him at the moment as I will make it magnetic so I can swap those with the Marshal. He'll wind up being able to use one of the jump packs or the BT backpack. This fella also took with him a big chunk of my thumb and left a long gash in one of my fingers. Everying people tell you about appropriate use of sharp craft blades is true. Go figure. Labels: Black Templar, conversion, GW, Space Marines, WIP
 A pair of Tier 1 Chimeras to match a Daemonhunter army. These bad boys will transport the Stormtroopers in CancerMan's ( Relic forum) army. The freehand was added when the project came in under the allotted time. Overall I'm quite pleased and got the green light today. Labels: Commission, Daemonhunters, GW, vehicle
 After entering in the Relic painting competition I was inspired to try another model -- this one is for a local competition. Everyone has one month to paint this bad boy; he's due the first Sunday in May. I'm probably 75-80% finished already but want some suggestions on the force staff. I've tried to do source lighting again -- not object source (OSL) -- and highlighted the armour as though the light were slightly forward and on his left side. When I get him in to the photo box this effect should show up better. It is most visible on his pointing arm where it's nearly black except for the light blue on the top. Labels: Competition, GW, Space Marines, WIP
 I am finally ready to call this model finished.... for now. There are still a lot of things I would like to change, and I may still add some blood and gore, but I'm rather satisfied with the end result. For a first run with Non Metal Metallics (yes, the yellow bits are supposed to be gold) I'm more than satisfied. My NMM steel could be a bit better but I'm sure it will get there with practice. I had considered selling this one -- but I don't think that I will be able to part with him for awhile. For now he's going to sit upon my shelf. Labels: Chaos, GW
 This is the final image I'm using for the Relic painting competition. Once voting is up I'll get a link to the page -- although I think that it's going to be a very, very tight competition. I am quite pleased with the result and am glad to be able to set this guy aside for awhile. If it weren't for the competition I'm sure I would have cut more corners and settled for less -- as it is this will be a piece I'm glad to see on my shelf for awhile. Labels: Black Templar, Competition, conversion, GW, Magnets, Space Marines
 I'm so close to finished that I can taste it. It is delicious! I'll be very glad to set this model aside for awhile and get back to Kharn and my display tank. I'm pleased with the overall result but still a bit disappointed that he's not on the same level as the Kharn model. I expect this guy and a couple sets of arms to find his way to eBay once I get a new commander put together for my 750 point list. I still need to finish highlighting the armour and detail the sword -- otherwise I think that this guy is ready to go. I've seen a couple of the other entries for the competition now -- and while I know I don't have much of a chance I'm still glad to be entering and competing. I've learned a lot between this and the Kharn model; both of which were intended for this competition and both of which got more attention that my usual efforts. One week from tomorrow.... Labels: Black Templar, Competition, GW, Magnets, Space Marines, WIP
 I got home too tired to really paint tonight so I decided to do some modeling for my army with the few BT bits I have on hand. Having made the two test models that I debuted with my magnetic commander I was, however, out of Black Templar torsos. I found a Company Champion torso in my bits box and decided that it was perfect usable in my BT army - and perfectly unique enough in the scheme to fit for a character model. And so... here is the "Emperor's Champion" model for my 750 point Black Templar army. My goal with the army is to use only existing GW pieces off of the sprue with no conversion, no sculpting and no plasticard additions. I really want to see what the GW plastic models are capable of... and so far I'm pretty happy with the results. I'm waiting on a bits order to get the BT bolt pistol for his right hand. I will use one of the BT shoulders on that side and, of course, more decorative bits. So far he's up to 11 purity/crusade seals -- and I found a BT backpack topper in my bits box. Of course I'm so happy with this piece that I will probably make a new body for my magnetic commander. If he's going to be the centerpiece of my army I figure he ought to be at least half as bad ass as this guy. Labels: Army Blog, Black Templar, GW, Space Marines, WIP
 Tier 1 Black Templar Rhino and Razorback. These vehicles will join the Black Templar Predator I did awhile back. With the Black Templar stuff I've been painting, and the black and white scheme for Niroe's army, is it any wonder that I will be fielding a Black Templar army of my own? Labels: Black Templar, Commission, GW, Space Marines, vehicle
 Final image on a squad of Black Templar Crusaders and three heavy weapons. These were done to the Tier 1 standard and I think are very representative of work at that level. I will actually use shots of these guys when I update the commission page to show examples. Ultimately I'm pretty pleased with them and plan on fielding my own Black Templar army at a similar painting level. Now it's back to trying to find a scheme for Niroe's flyers that will do justice to the incredible detail that Forgeworld saw fit to model. Labels: Black Templar, Commission, GW, Space Marines
 I finally (finally!) have an update image on my magnetic Black Templar commander. This is the model that I will be entering in to the Relic competition (with only 2 weeks to go, eep!) -- and what will become the centerpiece of my 750 point army. Yup, I'm finally (finally!) going to give playing a try again. The last time I played we were all being amused by the new 2nd edition rule set. Ah, those were the days. So now I have a couple of 750 point lists drawn up and hope to hit the tables this summer. The last shot in this image shows the commander with twin lightning claws next to two test models. The next image is just a sample from the Black Templar dreadnought I've been working on. I haven't done anything but the two weapons -- and I'm not sure I'll use them if I actually build a list. Regardless of whether or not I wind up fielding this army I think it'll be a good exercise -- and if nothing else it will be good practice.  Labels: Black Templar, Competition, conversion, GW, Magnets, Space Marines, WIP
 I redid all of the NMM gold -- I have also done the bulk of my NMM steel. I do intend to go over the chains with some rust and dirth but only when I'm ready to weather the whole model. The 40 mm base was made from Super Sculpey. Still a bit of work to do including the gun, axe, finishing the backpack and general clean-up and weathering. I hope to finish him today so that I can get back to my competition entry... which I haven't touched since I picked this guy up. Labels: Chaos, GW, NMM, WIP
 This is the first actual WIP image for the model. And, so far, some of my best work to date. This includes extensive layering on each colour and non-metal metallic (NMM) gold. This is my first foray in to the world of NMM and while it was a pain (and I'll do it differently next time, of course) I'm pleased with the overall result. More to come -- but I finally feel like I might actually compete with the other folks in my tier. [UPDATE: Denied! I will not be able to enter this model in to the competition - I did too much work on him for everyone to feel comfortable beliving that it's only 2.5 hours - or started *after* the competition began. So back to my original model.] Labels: Chaos, Competition, GW, WIP
 Another piece for Bill's armoured company. This is his conversion and I think that it really came together. If you're going to put a Commissar in a tank then that tank needs to be able to blow the bejesus out of other tanks -- and this can do just that. Quite the intimidating piece of equipment. This one was painted to the Tier 1 standard -- but with all of the detail on the model I think that it really pops even at that level. Just a superb model. Labels: Commission, conversion, GW, Imperial Guard, vehicle
 Unless I get change requests back from the client this one should be ready to go. The conversion work was done by GreyDeath of the "Work In Progress" forums -- and the commission was for a Tier 1 (aka gaming standard) paint job. I put some extra work in to the body of the jeep because it was 1) a real pleasure to paint and 2) good practice for my weathered black. The mud glaze was done a bit thick intentionally as I thought a gun jeep would have a bit more than a touch of dirt in the corners. On a Tier 2 model I might have gone so far as to glue "mud" along the lower portion of the jeep if the client wanted it. In the end quite pleased with the result. I hope the client is as well. Labels: Commission, conversion, GW, Imperial Guard, vehicle
 I'm going to post this guy on a couple of forums for some final feedback -- but I think he's finally ready to make his appearance on eBay. I have to say that I'm glad to have the project completed. I am really pleased with the results of the magnets though. I already have four right arm options for the BT commander that this model inspired. I suspect that it will be very easy to get carried away creating combination options. Labels: eBay, Empire, GW, Magnets, WFB
 This incredible conversion arrived today with a collection of miniatures for my next commission. This client is fantastic and always sends me the most interesting things to paint. There are several other pieces in this shipment that I can't wait to paint -- but more on those later. I'm really looking forward to painting this one and hope that I can capture the character of it appropriately. The little details are just a wonder -- and while the body came from a Land Speeder you really wouldn't know it given how seamlessly the whole thing comes together. Labels: Commission, conversion, GW, Imperial Guard, WIP
 Another set of arms finished today; the only up side to being home sick, I suppose. I also finished the cloak and included the symbols of Sigmar in freehand... but I'm not entirely pleased with the result and hope for some feedback. At this stage only two sets of arms, two heads and one body to go. Oi. For now it's time to take a break. Labels: eBay, Empire, GW, Magnets, WFB, WIP
 I got the final okay on this order just today and except for some clean-up on the bases (that I noticed in the photos) it's ready to go out. This is the first time I've done a squad or unit to a mixed quality. In this case the Inquisitor was painted to the "Tabletop" standard * and the retinue was painted to "Gaming" standard. Shared colours, the excellent bases the client provided, and a unified theme managed to bring these models together though and I'm happy with the results. *Note to self: replace the "tabletop" and "gaming" mumbo-jumbo with "Tier 1" and "Tier 2" -- it's makes just as little sense but it's easier to keep straight. Labels: Commission, Daemonhunters, GW, Inquisitor
 I have finally had a chance to make some more progress on my Empire General project. In this case I made some changes to the armour, to add to the red/white theme, and finished a pair of arms and one head. There's still a lot of clean-up to do, and a tail and base to be painted and finished, but overall I'm quite pleased with the results. I also have a lot of fun repositioning the pieces and swapping bits in and out. I am not a huge fan of magnetic commanders... and I've already started drilling and gluing a Space Marine. It's going to be hard to let this one go when it's finished -- but I really don't have a use for him and a magnetic display piece doesn't make much sense. Hopefully he goes to someone that will use him on a regular basis. Labels: eBay, Empire, GW, Magnets, WFB
 I got some painting done on this guy today. Unfortunately the metallics are so reflective that the whole thing looks totally washed out. This is actually quite likely the best painting I've ever done. The last image is me lifting the entire model by the tip of the lance. I managed to pick up and move the model across the room -- all holding on to the lance that was simply attached via the magnet. Fun stuff. Now I'm off to find a tutorial on photographing metallic paints. I'm hoping to have the finished product on eBay within two weeks. Labels: Empire, GW, Magnets, WFB, WIP
 The new Warhammer Empire General comes with so many modeling options that I was immediately drawn to the model. The sculpting is excellent, especially for plastic, and so I had to pick one up. This seemed like the perfect model to experiment with rare earth magets on -- and now each of those arms, heads and even the cape can be attached to either body. Like most first projects I learned a lot about how to (and not to) work with tiny, tiny magnets -- but I'm very happy with the result and plan on making a habit of this. A few weeks to paint him up and he's eBay bound. Labels: eBay, Empire, GW, Magnets, WFB
 Another four hour model - this one managed to come in slightly under the allotted time. Unfortunately my lighting doesn't let me capture the various shades of blue that build up on the black armor and this will ship back to the client before I can fix that. While I'm pleased with the final result it's not a very exciting model. As GW seems to be moving more and more to plastic models I hope to see an assassin boxed set at some point. The conversion possibilities would be interesting to play with. Labels: Assassin, Commission, GW, Inquisitor
 The first of the Cadian guards for the display base is finished. I started with the tank commander that came with the model and I'm pretty pleased with the result. Now that the model is starting to come together I no longer plan on keeping the "CADIA" text on the dozer blade. I will probably strip this and replace it with the Cadian flag or similar iconography. Labels: GW, Imperial Guard, vehicle, WIP
 I received a second commission order from Jacob - this time for an Inquisitor and his retinue. I got to spend an hour working on this one to get the base colours set and give me a better direction for the rest of the work. In this case I was given free reign on colour decisions and plan on doing the armour in a dusty black - some freehand on the cape - and otherwise in what is present. I chose a blue shading on the cape to add some additional depth and make it look a bit cooler. While there is still a lot of clean up to do I am happy with the overall effect and think it will look fantastic with a nice Inquisitorial symbol in the middle of it. I'm rather pleased with how the flesh tones turned out but they're not as sooth as I might like. Labels: Commission, Daemonhunters, GW, Inquisitor, WIP
 I finally had an opportunity to put some time in to the Leman Russ project again. In this case I based all of the gun barrels in a gunmetal blue;added the Cadian gate iconography to the front of the tank; and completed the highlighting and first round of details on the turret. I also managed to get a GIANT RED FINGERPRINT on the finished black side of the turret. I will correct this when I go back in to highlight and detail the body. The turret took about two hours to get from the base colour to the current state. I expect to put in another hour before I decide it's finally finished... not counting the application of snow when the model is finished. It's likely to be awhile before I come back to this one, however, as the next commission models just arrived. Labels: GW, Imperial Guard, vehicle, WIP
 Not a lot of progress at this point but I am very happy with what has been done. Overall I think that the model is progressing very well and may well be competition worthy if I ever manage to finish... and stop changing my mind about the details and little touches. Something learned: if you're going to attach a vehicle to a display base mark out the location before adding any basing materials... and leave that area bare. I had to go back in with a screwdriver and clear spots for the tank to sit - otherwise it was sitting too high, didn't rest on the tread marks I had added, and ultimately looked like an afterthought. I plan to make some additional progress tonight and should have an update to post in the next couple of days. I would like to have this one finished within the next couple of weeks so that I can focus on other projects. Here's hoping. Labels: GW, Imperial Guard, vehicle, WIP
 After painting so many tanks on commission I decided it would be fun to paint one to a display quality for myself. I have no idea why I thought this would be fun but it's too late to turn back now. At this stage I have only completed the first of at least three highlights on the red. No highlights on the black yet. I am also going to try and remove and replace the lettering on the front -- it seemed straight at the time. Oops. Still a long, long way to go - including a display base. I intend to have the plow beaking apart a barrier on a tiered wooden base. The model will be removable for possible game play. Right now I'd say I am no more than 5% complete. That's five, not fifty. Good thing I have other projects -- this one is going to drive me nuts before I'm finished. Labels: GW, Imperial Guard, vehicle
 I just got the final okay on a Black Templar Predator Tank painted to gaming standard. This one was done in the black and white scheme with the lascannon turret and heavy bolter sponsons. This is also the first time that I've had the hunter killer missile launcher on a vechicle - and I have to say that I am not impressed with the options that GW gives for attaching it. Another fun vechicle finished though and another happy customer. I can't complain too much. Labels: Black Templar, Commission, GW, Space Marines
My wife is beginning to think that I'm crazy. As I improve the models I'm interested in painting are taking longer and longer to finish -- but are, of course, packed with a greater and greater degree of detail. Now when I talk to the award winning painters and find out they'll spend at least 45 minutes on a face I'm not as surprised. This guy was a lot of fun and bits of him are certainly the best work that I have done to date. There are a few little things that I would like to go in and change but I know better than to fiddle with him at this point. Putting him down is the hardest part though. Size comparison: the circle on the banner is smaller than a dime and is just a touch over .25 inch. The little man, including his base, is 1.25 inches tall. Now it's on to the next piece - and forcing myself to finish the pieces on my table that I am no longer interested in. I also got another shipment of tanks and vetrans on commissions which are going to be fun to paint. YAY HOBBY!  Labels: GW, Space Marines, WIP
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