Miniature painting and loving it...but I want to get better: questions from an old noob

A wash is paint thinned to be very, very thin. It can be used for two purposes. One is to apply a tint or slight color shading to entire surfaces.  The other is to darken cracks and crevasses.  Say, for instance, to darken panel lines on an aircraft, or to darken folds in clothing.  Because of the large amount of thinner compared to binder, it is very runny, and will spread into cracks and such.

If you're getting into figure painting, the two top sites are Planet Figure and Timelines Forums, Some of the world's best figure painters frequent these sites, including guys who sculpt masters for a living and guys who paint the box art for many companies.

www.planetfigure.com/forum

http://www.timelinesforum.com/

You never mentioned what is your medium preference - oils, acrylics, enamels, mixed?  

I too would recommend checking out the two sites ajlafleche has linked.

regards,

Jack

Thanks Don!  Great explanation!

ajlafleche,

Those are two very good sites indeed.  I also came across a very good figurine dealer in the UK called otherworld.  Very nice quality and variety.  otherworldminiatures.co.uk

Thanks again,

Crafty

jgeratic,

My medium of choice for fantasy pewter miniatures is a combination of acrylics and watercolors.  Oil just simply takes too long to dry for me and enamels was never a consideration.  I start out with a base of primer applying 2-3 very light coats (white for lighter color schemes, black for darker).  Then, I work from the dark colors to the light colors.  This method was taught to me a long time ago and has served me well.  Next, I apply coats that are a combination of the primary target color, a slightly darker  color and water.  This allows the darker color to settle into the nooks and crannies.  Finally, after all the detail work is complete, I create the ground according to what the figurine is doing.  For example, an elf in the woods needs adhesive, kitty litter for rocks and a coat of brown, dark brown and green.  Then, when all is done, I lightly spray with sealant to keep it preserved.

I talk to much!

~Crafty

Good, I'm familiar with acrylics.

Using a watered down dark colour is great for areas such as belts, buttons, etc. to make it stand out more.  On clothing, not so much if you are relying on gravity to fill in - you tend to end up having shadows where they shouldn't be.  On cloth folds, the dark area should be on the underside, but you can't control this if applied like a wash.  

You can still apply  as thin paint, but it has to be applied with precision - this means one fold at a time.  It is more work, but will be worth it in the end.   An overall wash should be relied more on tying things together, adding a slight variety in shade,or if you find there is too much contrast.  

I would suggest looking up Marion Ball on youtube.  Her's is a tutorial on face painting, but the basics can be applied to other parts of the figure as well.  Of course, her's is not the only way, many have posted videos on their own individual methods, just have to find the ones that suit your style.

regards,

Jack

Jack,

The model  above is fantastic!  I really am impressed.  Thanks for the information on Marion Ball as well as the technique tips.  I am so excited about receiving my first miniature.  My crafting is being down for two reasons:

1.  I love painting miniatures.  Starting over from scratch is a bit expensive; however, it is absolutely worth it.

2.  I am experimenting with a new role playing technique for AD&D.  I will create an entire adventure where all the main important happenings will be played out to scale using dioramas.  It is a large project so I am giving myself a year to complete it.  Writing fantasy as a Dungeon Master has always been easy for me.  This new challenge will really bring the players into the game (I hope).

In other news...I am using new techniques for my 47 year old body.  First, there is the matter of a steady hand.  I have read in numerous places that a long rod can be used to steady the hand.  Next, I am purchasing a magnifier head set with LED lights for the most detailed work.  Finally, I will be utilizing as many painting techniques as I can in the development of my characters.  This will probably result in an elaboration occurring as I go from miniature to miniature.

Thanks,

Crafty

Crafty, thanks and you're welcome.  

I'm same age as you, and have refrained from relying on a magnifier for now - though I will blow up a piece when viewed on the comp screen to see if something needs tightening up.  Maybe the fact that I'm near sighted has helped me thus far, but some day...

For sure, good lighting is very important.  I've seen rods used when canvas painting so the artist doesn't lean his hand onto wet paint.  Myself, when requiring steadiness, I just make sure both hands are leaning on the table edge.  Having the figure temporarily mounted to better hold on to is also a good idea.

regards,

Jack

Hey Jack!

I wear bifocals so the magnifiers are necessary.  I do not mind as it will get me so close to the detail, I should see the casting pores!!  I have seen numerous techniques for holding a miniature.  My favorite is to just take a short 1 x 2 and reverse tape it.  The casting will stay in place as long as you need it to using this application.  

Good light? CHECK!  I have a room specifically dedicated to the art we pursue.  Soon, I hope to be adorning the walls with dioramas.  Most importantly on this topic is that I received a nod from a higher up to do this: my wife! :)   Of course, since I am reintroducing myself to the art, I am sure my first few dioramas will not be worthy of hanging or putting on shelves; however and hopefully, I will get there in time.

Always great speaking with you Jack even though my membership is only a day old.

Thanks,

Crafty

I thought this was a great tutorial

www.armorama.com/modules.php

I'm not sure what is being defined here by "regular figure painter" - someone who paints historical/real subjects?

Isn't the Warhammer genre based on armoured suits?  That requires a different approach to painting, opposed to a figure that is wearing cloth.  I can see why the interest in metal can hold a person's attention.   This is something that begins in infancy - bright shiny objects are always more alluring.

regards,

Jack