Welcome - My Painting Philosophy

If you're looking to paint Golden Deamons, you're probably at the wrong place. However, if you want to learn the basics of how to crank out decent rank and file, and pick up some good tips on how to tackle your special characters, then pull up a chair and grab a brush. Most of us would agree that the hobby is better when everyones' miniatures are painted. However, there are many who have neither the time nor the perceived talent to paint. Hopefully I can dispell some of the later and help you maximize the former. Eventually, we'll get the world painted ... one figure at a time.

While some would consider me a fairly accomplished painter, the truth of the matter is that I've been out of the hobby for a while and have recently rediscovered it with my two 5-year old boys. As such, I have neither the time nor the undisturbed space that I would want turn out my highest quality work. In any case, to my boys, a quickly painted line trooper is almost the same as the painstakingly painted hero, only I don't wince as much when it gets dropped. The other advantage to quickly painting rank and file is that my kids can actually participate. After all, it's that what it's really about? So, without much further ado ... my painting philosophy.

When I paint rank and file, by general rule of thumb is that the figure is going to be viewed from approximately 12 inches (30 cm) away. If I make my details too fine or the shading too subtle, people aren't going to see it. I keep this philosophy in mind - to an extent - even with characters and monsters.

Take a look at the picture of the Eldar avatar on the right. The photo simulates a viewing distance of 12-18 inches - at this distance, it looks good. The colors stand out, everything blends nicely, and the figure has details that catch your attention

Keeping that in mind, I try to make my details bold, use a lot of contrasting colors that will stand out against each other, and use highlight colors that are at least one shade removed from the basecoat.

On the left, this close up picture shows that the blending really isn't that smooth - not bad, but nowhere near Golden Demon quality. For the tabletop though, it works well

I paint rank and file a regiment at a time. It takes a lot less time and the regiment will have a more uniform feel too it. Just because you're painting quickly, doesn't mean that you're painting poorly. Take your time and make sure that you cover everything completely. Avoid being sloppy as you paint and your miniatures should turn out fine.

Leaders and independent characters are painted individually or with a group of like figures. It's still easier to paint all the armour pieces on 5 to 6 figures at a time than individually. When all the common basecoats are done, then I take the time to paint the individual details.

Here are two other figures that make heavy use of drybrushing over a black priming to create heavy shadows and contrast that stand out nicely on the battlefield. Again, my standard is tabletop quality that maximizes the time I have to paint and allows me to enjoy the hobby with my kids.