EDIT: After assembling a pair of the Akhelian Guard, I can confirm that some areas of the model are pretty finicky! Kind of glad I'm not doing that all cavalry force now ;D.
Finished building my first unit of Akhelian Guard. Not the simplest models to assemble, but it felt good to complete the models!
Added some unit images below. Please tell me how the lighting is, if the light is bright, then I'll adjust and tone it down. Also how does one name image links again?
Awesome :) massive fan of the fluff snippets. Can't wait for some painted dudes to go alongside them ;)
Looking good man! Any thought to painting up a few so you dont have too big a mountain of stuff to paint before you are done assembling?
Buddy is looking great! The Deepkin line is absolutely gorgeous and your scheme does them well.
great job on the reaver, nice balance of colours, and the water should look fantastic with a coat of water effects.
Thanks guys, that means a lot ;D! I think I need a little more patience when applying thin layers onto the model when it doesn't cover well. You can kind of see on the skin that a little bit of the detail got lost. So I'm going to be a bit more careful on the other models.
Being patient with thin layers/bad coverage of paint is probably the hardest thing to do imho. I'm forever regretting moments when the first layer doesn't go on as I'd like and then I'm like 'maybe I'll just do a slightly thicker coat....why God...whhhyyyyyy??!!!!'
As it is, I think you've done a good job. The palette that you've chosen is excellent. The vibrancy of the pink especially draws the eye in well. Everything else being muted acts as a perfect counterpoint.
Really nice start Myen'Tal....now, where did I put my Reavers...
On another note, I am going to have find a different method of shading the skin then the Drakenhof Nightshade I am using. I do thin down the nightshade with lahmian medium, but the shade is still way too dark. It's not that noticeable on the male Reavers, but on the female variants, the shade is a bit harsher.
I ran into the same problem, as nightshade was just too dark, so I put a lot more Lahmian in the mix, then did a thin coat of pallid wych flesh on to. I also ran across someone that basically turned fenrisian grey to a shade, I might try that on a thrall.
I should note that I undercoat in white though.
Still they look great :)
I like the way the highlighting is done on the robes/capes! I'll have to give that a try. Looking solid so far.
Looking great! I like the way you've based the finished one as well!
well if you want to give the fenrisian grey a shot, here is what happened from my testing on my thralls with a 50/50 mix lahmian. The one on the left has a had a thin layer of pallid wych flesh.
http://i.imgur.com/0rNl3cu.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/0rNl3cu.jpg)
Huh, that actually looks great :D! I think I will give this a shot! It seems similar to the effect that Guilliman Blue has, but this one seems a bit more subtle and still complements the Namarti quite well. Did you thin it with just lahmian medium?
I love those Reavers Myen'Tal. The cloaks look like a particularly stormy sea...the colours are excellent and really compliment the models wonderfully. The completed base looks terrific too. Keep up the excellent work!
Sweet list :)
I had a quick game just using the Namarti Corps, Bretonian knights cleanout out a 10 man squad on charge, it might be worth having a 20 man squad of thralls, not sure if it will workout in the battleshock phase though.
I'll be interested to see how those shark fair.
Also, I do not know whose grand design was it to create how some of the Namarti Reaver models go together, but some of them are super frustrating. I managed to complete another squad last night, but I've managed to completely destroy one of the Reavers... leaving me with 9 >:(. So I'll have to find someway to replace that too.
I managed to drop a Lochian Prince and break him off of his base... now neither plastic glue or super glue with reseat him back on it. Guess I'm switching him out for the Ishlean Prince for now!
As for the Akhelian, he didn't break off of his seat, but the piece where the mount is joined to the clear plastic rod attached to the base.
Damn Myen-Tal... you've been holding out on us! These paint jobs are freaking great! The color pallet and paint jobs are fantastic! That warlock purple is the killer touch! How bout those bases though? Fantastic! Truly love your stuff man, keep rocking!
Sounds like an interesting game. That command ability to allow a unit to charge and fight in the Hero phase seems a bit over the top. The death version at least needs a high roll to fight twice.
Sounds like an interesting game. That command ability to allow a unit to charge and fight in the Hero phase seems a bit over the top. The death version at least needs a high roll to fight twice.
looking good. These are going to look great on the table as an army, very gloomy :)
Very nice! Can't wait to see what your bases are gonna look like. Your color choices are spot on, really has a good underwater feel. Keep them coming.
Ah yes. Went back and looked. I think that's perfect, really gonna look great. If you were gonna do a display board, how would you set it up. This army would look so great on one, like the armies on parade that GW does.
Out of curiosity, what did you think of the list I made in the battle report post? Do you think the Allopexes should be in that list? Or should I go all Thralls and Leaders?
I think it'd be great. I'm about to do a grave yard for my nighthaunt,I hope. Sketch it out and see if you like your idea, it always helps.
Grain of salt as I haven't had many games and have not used them at all, but I'm not sold on how useful Allopexes are, on paper, they don't seem to be very good at either shooting or close combat. In other systems a unit like this would be tanky, but Akhelian Ishlaen guard are tankier and generate almost twice the number of wounds on average. I have a lot oghosts in my area so rend, isn't as big a factor.
I need to go over the rules again, but I think it might be possible to take the High Elf Frostbird thing and the turtle. Thats a good chunk of your army that becomes hard to kill.
Another thing I'm consider is the corps battalion. Without it, the soulrender is still returning an average of 5 models a turn. Freeing up 100 points to play with, you could run a second soulrender and give yourself more room to manuver on the board, or run 30 thralls instead of 20, etc. I'll try and get a couple of games in this weekend, but they will be low point games so, will see what I can come up with.
I can't recommend enough adding in morsar guard. Those eels are probably one of the strongest heavy Calvary unit in the game. Also,they look amazing.
Sounds like you had a good game :)
Just a heads up, Ironjaws move alot faster than you think :(
Oh yeah, I've heard of the Ironjawz far reaching capabilities ;D, there are a couple of ironjawz players at my local games workshop. Wouldn't mind seeing who is the fastest army ;D!
niiice, looks like it will fit right in as an ally for your aelves too :)
Just catching up! Now that's a pretty colour scheme dude :) can't wait to see them all up and painted!
I just started on some more of the Deepkin models (Not going to tell which one ;)!), that I hope to share on the forum really soon. So stay tuned!
Such a tease ;D
Amazeballs! Love the striping on the shark. Colorpaloza! Excellent choices as always.
Have to agree with Dread, those stripes on the shark are a super nice touch.
looks good mate and I like what you did with the flight stand, it doesn't jump out like it would clear.
Ooh I like the mottled look you've got on the angry eels ;) clever way of doing it too, varying the basecoat and then washing over.
interesting colour combo with the green on the fins, its just different enough to notice with out standing out. I like it.
Love the colors, almost elecric. If you'd like I think using a bright orange faded down on the red might just add that extra electric look. Other then wow!
It would be neat having slight variations in the strips of colours ranging from purples to reds to oranges on different models in the unit. Just as in nature there are always genetic variety, I think it looks great on the tabletop.
Very vibrant! I also like the bluish tinged steel of the rider. What's the recipe for that?
Looking great dude :) and thanks for the recipe for the green-tinged steel. I'll definitely find a use for that :)
Looks good, and the upward position of the Eel works really well.
Looks good, but yeah I'm not sure how I would paint it either. Without an airbrush I'm guessing wet blending might be the way to go for such a large area.
That is certainly one of my favourite models. I was amazed at how big it is, when I first saw one.
Tau have some really nice options, just watch out for minus to hit stacking as it really hurts as you'll be hitting on 5s or 6s. Huge volume of shots though. Always wanted to tag team my Eldar with Tau :)
There are 3rd parties that make some really nice minis for them too, check out wargameexclusive.co m
Tau have some fantastic models, and almost the entire line is plastic, which is phenominal. You've got a lot of models to paint there bud!
Love that skintone :) I need to experiment a little more with multiple different coloured washes (or did you mix them?).
Looking forward to the Tau too :)
I wish, I got the book today. It'll be slow moving but I will aquire them maybe 1 kit a month. I'm gonna start with doom fire warlocks to add to what I have.
For the Greater Good! ;D
I look forward to seeing how they turn out! :)
Looks like you certainly have your plate full in the next little while. I dabbled in the world of air brushing, but mine has been sitting idle for half a year now. Good on you for doing some research and investing in some quality equipment. My problem is I always nickel and dime every project.
I built a games table a few years back. Basically 4x4 post legs attached with carriage bolts to a screwed square frame of 2x6s and reinforced in the middle with 2x4s on hangers. Even built it so the ply wood top could be removed and replaced in case I wanted to have different look.
There are a ton of designs on the web, but I don`t think you need to overthink it if your just looking for a nice flat surface to play on.
5) Gearing up to acquire an Airbrush and compressor. I'm looking at the Iwata Medea Eclipse HP CS and their Ninja jet Pro Compressor.
6) I also now have the ambition to start moving away from Citadel GW paint range. Now that they're going up in price again, coupled with the fact that they offer less paint, worse bottles that they come in compared to the competition, it just doesn't make sense to remain with it. I'm actually looking at the Vallejo Game and Game Air Range, perhaps coupled with some of their Mecha range paints. Anyone have any advice on how to best utilize these Vallejo paints?
Another Akhelian and a half done. This might be my least favorite finished Akhelian so far. I'm not overly fond of the pattern, and the blue highlights on the black armor isn't as clean as I'm used to. I think he still looks good, but I'll be rethinking the pattern on Akhelian #5.
I'm in squig heaven! You've totally inspired me to make some kustom tankbustas now that I see I can finally get some plastic squigs off of eBay to convert.
Those goblins are looking mint. Can't wait to see you throw some paint on those.
GW sculpters are having a field day with the new line, they all look amazing.
Looks like an electric eel now :)
Everything looks amazing Myen’Tal! The gobbos, the squigs, the eels, the barbarians...fantas tic work! :)
Thanks, Calamity!!! I've got another box of Grots and Squig Hoppers to assemble, and another Grot Box in reserve for now. Once that is completed, all I'll need is a unit of Sneaky Snufflers, Loonboss on Mangler Squig, and the Endless Spells and the army will be complete collection wise!
Just have to figure out how best to paint them.
Such a cornucopia of color! They, the colors, play well together. Rich and solid. I want to see a full army pic sometime.
Good solid start though. Also now know you're my dopelganger. All sorts of building but not much paint slinging. I'm about to get the chaos portion of the Shadowspear box, ya! Keep at it, check on you soon.
Assembly Update #3:
Also, here is some progress that I'm making so far:
Reinforcements! ;D
I’m keen to see what you do with these Myen’Tal! :)
Oh boy! Gonna be great, look just like mine as of now. We both need to paint but when we do and set them by each other, it will be greatness for sure.
The models look great, your getting the pro-warhammer "to paint" queue :)
I'll just keep building for now.
for the Leviadon and he suggests painting/assembling the turtle, howdah and crew separately.
Your Soulrender looks cool and I like how there is a metallic sheen to the finish. It is a shame that the harsh shadows are making it difficult to see any detail in your photo's though.
Soulrender is looking great mate.
Have you worked out a colour scheme for the snakes yet?
So jealous. Such a cool model and I just can't afford it. My b day is coming up and I'm going to try and get one of the DoK box sets or the loon curse set, not sure yet but one of them.
Anywho, I can't wait to see what your going to do with her and the rest of the army but understand it'll be a bit, water elves are cool too!
man the AoS model look awesome :)
The new trees look great too, I want to see how easy it is to move models through them as the old wood are kinda terrible.
You got two looncurse boxes? :o I’m so jelly! ;D I wasn’t able to get any myself. Will have to eBay the squig boss.
But anyway, great work on everything. :)
What Magenb said, definitely. Glad you're moving up but remember it won't fix everything, trust me most of us have been there with the splatter or the spitting and clogging. So be wary. There's also a lot that can be accomplished like smooth white, shadowing, solid base coats, etc. Just don't be afraid to ask for guidance, lots of pros on here.
nice. Buy some elcheapo plastic green army men/tanks. They are good practise dummies :)
At a stand still again. Health problems again. REALLY REALLY wanted looncurse but no money which is good because our local store only got 2 in and gone that quick. I'm actually trying to force myself to go back to my hobby room right now and paint but wore put from work today, ehh, who knows just might. Been living thru watching ya'll paint. Our KT groups have dissolved but hoping the release of elites will kick it back up. Still don't know if it will or if I'll get time. I got an 87 Chevy pick up last week and we're changing the engine out so I hope to get some game time in after working in it.
Blah blah blah. I got long winded there. If I paint tonight, I post progress pics. Thanks for asking.
Only if you don't seal coat it afterwards then you can really see a difference. You are correct my friend.
Regarding satin finish, it depends on what you put on top. If you pop a semi transperant paint or wash it will turn out a little different, but if you put a base or layer over top its no real difference.
Oh so cool! I'm so glad to see them all assembled. Now the grueling part, haha, I mean fun part. Will be waiting, trying to paint too, on your progress.
BTW, sad your selling them but understand, I've done the same thing for the same reason but replacing them, great. I've had 3 dark elf armies and now working on the 4th. I've had 4 sisters of battle armies and will be getting a 5th. Don't even get me started on orcs, vampire counts and the many others. But now I've slowed down, it's a good thing but then the new stuff comes out and its, EEEKK! Bug eyed and figuring out what to rid of to afford the new. Great addiction tho!
There are still a few armies outside of aelves that I'd like to take up sometime
Well the thing is that the new contrast paints require these two new spray primers, which can as also be touched up with their base variants. It's in the new warhammer community article about contrast paints.
I actually gave the Citadel Air paints a try with a brush.
I actually gave the Citadel Air paints a try with a brush.
I have not tried the Citadel Air paints, but the Vallejo Air White is fantastic for doing thin white lines with a brush. You can also use the metallic air colours like a wash on metals, especially if you want more of a matte finish rather than a glossy oil.
Im, well, I'm speechless. The colors, the overall texture, just wow! You just get better and better. Great job.
That Allopex is drop dead gorgeous Myen'Tal. I really like the colour scheme and your brush work has improved a lot as well, leading to a really clean finish.
Lovely mate, I really like how your Idoneth are shaping up.
Great to know, Mage! I remember giving the Vallejo Air range a try several years ago, but I never really got back into it since then. How do you find the Vallejo Air compared to the Vallejo Game Air range? And that's a question for anyone who would like to answer :). Do you think I should look into those ranges at all?
my most used brushes are about shot lol.
I'll probably be taking a break until Contrast comes out. That's for painting though
Wow, those minis look great. I'll have to check out contrast paint.
2- Don't underestimate the contrast medium! Thinning down the contrast paints with this medium is what turns this paint from mediocre to all-stars, in my book! It really changes the nature of each contrast paint, makes them smoother while also making the colors softer and far less harsh, streaky, and splotchy!
3- About any contrast paint painted over various shades of gold gives each contrast paint an interesting metallic properties!
Yeah I noticed the streaky and splotchy effect too, but I was using them like a normal paints, rather than going for the one thick coat, it does work if you really load up the brush, it just feels wrong lol. I'll try thinning them on the next one, thanks for the tip.
Try silvers instead of gold :)
Thanks, Mage, so I figured out how to reassemble thanks to your link. Problem is now that the trigger is not flexing anymore.
Any tips?
looking good, I really like the colour you used on min Morathi's wings and spear tip. The dryad scheme is look solid too, sooo many tiny leaves on those things.
From me it has been a pleasure watching you grow. I'm glad to see looshkin haunting around and miss Cav being around but so happy for his good work with GW.
Keep up the good fight my friend!
Other than that, though, I'm not too fussed about how they came out :D. I do think I need to learn some patience, however. I keep trying to apply contrast before something is fully dried lol. I'm going to try to do better about that.
Nice; I always enjoy reading a good batrep.
I started my warhammer career with the Asur during the start of 6h edition; but made the switch to Druchii fairly quickly. To be honest part of the reason I can't seem to get in AoS is because I still haven't forgiven GW for splitting them up in a bunch of subfactions and leaving several of my favourite units in the "index" scrolls, which unlike in 40k, makes it a lot harder to include them.
That's a nice scheme for marines, reminds me a bit of the Astral Claw colours during the Badab War.
You'd think that as far as hordes go; one consisting of bikini-clad women in thigh high boots would be the best kind.. maybe it really isn't your playstyle.
A new series of space Marine codexes are about to drop, so give it some time to let the dust settle.
Looks great and the gloss on the king's mount's scales and skin gives it a still wet look :)
cool stuff! That seahorse creature looks like it means business, I especially like the scales; they look very fishlike.
I'm not sure what the last guy is, a flying dryad? But he looks cool with those almost fiery autumn leaves.
... So, I've been tinkering with the Chaos Space Marine lists in Battlescribe... I feel like I'm running in circles of optimized lists at the moment. I don't know what combos are good or bad. At least with other factions I have some idea what makes a suitable list but these guys feel like a challenge lol.
Anyone have any advice for Renegades or Black Legion in particular?
Basically all chapters for space marines are getting new codexes with changes to unit rules and chapter tactics. There are enough space marine players out there that it could cause a shift in game play. So I would hold off until we've seen the full rule sets in action.
I have to say yay. You have so much and I want to see them painted, okay, call me styngie.
cool stuff; the witches look great en masse. painting that much (elven) skin is a daunting task though.. I look forward tostealingseeing how you do it :)
The sprites are also looking great; what colours do you have in mind for them?
Especially... after the Ynnari Rise like a Phoenix from the ashes!!!
3) The metallics are gorgeous, but the most difficult part of the Scale 75 range that I bought. Layering them over a dark steel didn't really work too well. Neither did layering them over a flat black... might try the vallejo gloss black sometimes and see if that helps.
If the metallics are really thin like GW's layer versions going over a light colour, rather than black.
There are a lot of rounded raised parts on the tree ancient, I really recommend dry brushing, I was super stocked with home well it worked on those models.
Those paints look pretty solid. The metallic on the swords, from what I can see, look pretty good. It all looks good tho. See ya soon.
Should I just make the trunk one color entirely?
It's personal taste, but tree trunks and branches tend to be a similar shade, unless the bark has been damaged, but that's only valid if your trying to make a real life tree, this is a magical floating tree, so go with what you like :)
I like the idea of using mud/dirt effects on the roots/base of the trunk, I would lighten up the bones first and then apply the effect.
It looks amazing. Question tho...what is the red stuff behind his head?
Hahaha, no. On his neck, haha. Above the cape :P
I don't mind the glass, lightning fast cannon as a play-style.
the Reaver looks awesome, the colour scheme just works.
The orange and white on the eel is a nice combo too.
The Akhelian looks great! very good color makes the mini look even more dynamic
What colour(s) are you using for the skin of the elf? it comes out really well.
loving the colour scheme, it really suites them :)
They look awesome! I still love the autumn foliage on the base, just really brings them to life. Always a pleasure to see.
I'm working on some electro priests for my buddy's admech and trying to paint, haven't started yet, my black legion.
I think you nailed the namarti reavers, it just works :)
Amazing colour palette. Your colour choices are superb and work very well in juxtaposition of each other. Great work on the highlights as well.
wow, that great mate, well done. I really like the splotch effect on the eel alot better than stripes. Having the rider in similar colours gives it a Jinba ittai feel, very well done.
Looking great! Love the finished paint job. Bummer you couldn't fix the other guys. As you said, it was worth a shot.
Looking forward to your surprise!
It's good to see them. I want them so hopefully soon. I do have to tell you that incubi don't get the obsession, sorry.
Wow! They're coming along great. I'm hoping to play my Nighthaunts Sunday against lizards. Hope it happens but we're a little understaffed so I may have to go work. So if all goes well a game against Salamanders tomorrow night, against admech Saturday night the AoS sunday, hopefully but with Christmas right around the corner and work, may not happen.
The game went well. It was a draw. My main screw up was letting Lay Olynder get stuck out on her own, I think they need to revisit the ethereal rules, -1 to hit, they are ghosts after all. Anyhow, my dice went cold as well but the black coach, never leave home without it. So far I've played 3 games of AoS 2.0 all against lizards. 1 win, 1 lose and 1 draw. The army is fun to play and lizards fun to play against.
the white and the blues are really working well on Volturnos, looking good mate.
So cool! Can't wait to see what you do with the bug and queen. Happy new year!
Happy New Year! And a long time indeed, my gaming group is playing a lot less these days and even less 40k when we do get together.. so painting motivation has been lacking lately. And I haven't been browsing forums a lot either. But I stopped by my local GW store the other day, and the community there seems to be a lot more active than it used to be. So that rekindled the hobby bug. :)
Speaking of bugs: that's an impressive looking beetle; I think it'll take to your painting style really well.
Looks like GW is about to drop another Elf army as well, kind of looks like they are bringing back the High Elves :)
Happy New Year! Enter 2020! It's the Year of the Aelven Gods, I'd say ;D, for the time is nigh for Aelves to strike into the heart of their foes on the battlefield (at least for me :P)!
Those eels look great; the orangy brown one is rather shiny though, I personally prefer the matte/satin look of the other two.
Looks like GW is about to drop another Elf army as well, kind of looks like they are bringing back the High Elves :)
Hey bud! So either you have bionics or don't sleep, you're a painting machine! I remember being young and that ambitious, keep it up, you're excitement keeps me motivated and others I suspect too.
Hmm? Somethings not looking right. I know you still got a lot to do but...I think it's the lower leg and feet color, maybe to yellowish? Of course could just be me. I'd suggest maybe a white dry brush on them. Other then that looking good.
Looking good mate, the Durthu is such a great model to paint and the swords in the wood elf range are stunning :)
Cool stuff allround!
The pace with which you are painting/building is impressive as well, keep up the good work.
Very nice! Don't think you can let anyone down :) again the colors are so smooth and vibrant. Thanks for the vote on my BL, tinkered with them then went after my sisters. That head dress is amazeballs!
I really like the blue Eels, I'm assuming the different colour schemes are for different units?
The purple on the cloak has come out really smooth, looks great.
What an amazing collection Myen'Tal!
I am also impressed with your pace. Nice dedication. Am jealous of your time. Your color combos are high level... Pointy ears forever!!
Oh my. Hard to say. If you have a sizable Eldar army now, I'd go sisters.
Do you think you'll able to copy the scheme if you decide to add to the later? Personally I'd dislike it if my new units would not 'match' the ones I already had colour wise.
But it does sound like a good deal
What is the yellowy brown colour on his pants?
Those riders are great, but the skin of those eels is stealing the show :)
Also; Yay for more Eldar!
cool! that cloak looks really wet.
How are you finding the GSW paints? I've had a look at them but have yet to order some.
looking good so far.
Did you get any of the colorshift paints from GSW?
I wish they had a local distributor down here, so many nice products, but its just super expensive importing them.
I think the light blue on the trim is a nicer balance than the green. Are you going to go with a pale skin for the namarti's?
I got a new airbrush myself a few weeks ago and just love it. As for the paints, can't really coach you there, I use cheap hobby paints like Delta waterbased, have for years. Cetaon colors, like turbo dork has, I'll spend a few bucks to have but no expensive line. Good luck with everything.
it's looking good, I don't see anything jump out with the metal parts. What was happening?
the bases look great; how is the metallic paint making things more difficult?
Best guess based on what you've said, is the paints in dropper bottles tend to be thinner than GW pots, if they have been sitting around for a long time then they'll need a really good long shake. Google Vortex paint shaker and save your arm lol.
It could just be the paint, like most whites really need very thin layers and you have to wait for each one to dry completely or it will streak or tear. Some of GW "layer" metal paints fall into both of these conditions, stormhost silver in particular.
So, wow! You are a painting machine. Sounds like you've got a lot of exciting events coming up so just remember to enjoy yourself playing as much as when you're painting. I'm trying to get back to painting, building no problem, priming no problem, just sitting down and pushing the brushes has gotten hard. Think I'll be back from burn out real soon. Until then I'll be living vicariously thru you.
40k Status: So, I've had every intention of starting 40000 by this point in the year. I've found myself playing with an inner circle of good friends who are also tournament players in their own right.
At the moment, our group seems quite divided on Warhammer 40k. One half is busy chasing the meta and the other half are so disillusioned with the balancing of tournament play that they've decided to focus on AoS for the time being instead.
Yes magenb is right from tourney point but the at home friendly games are still fun. As for AoS, couldn't stand it from its release but since 2.0 came out, I really like it. The really dumbed down rules actually make it enjoyable. Not having to worry about str vs toughness and a few other things makes it faster to play but I still miss me 8th ed except for the horde rule.
Yeah 40k is not in a good place, they were at the LVO and witnessed how bad it was first hand. The organizers made it rather clear they are killing the game, but I don't see it changing for the rest of the Psychic awakening campaign as it would have been mapped out long ago. Even then its going to need so much work to get it any where near a balanced game, it may be easier to ring the 9th ed bell. The big question will be if GW can pull themselves out of the cycle of releasing OP rules to drive sales.
So recently, I've been doing some deep-delving into Airbrush do's and don'ts with someone who is far more experienced with airbrushes than I am. He is schooling me in a number of tricks that I can use with my own airbrush to increase my painting skill set.
How to make water effect bases for Idoneth Deepkin - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wtlo-B9Nmc)
I'm acquiring the supplies to achieve the results in this video for ocean bases!
Inks! I've also purchased a good selection of hobby inks, specifically called Amsterdam Inks! They stood out to me immediately, a lot of different shades that look really great.
I've found some pretty good vaseline putty from AK meant to mask minis for airbrushing. It's specifically produced to leave no residue or anything on the miniature itself and is reusable
I'm also acquiring a Photography Light Box to enhance the quality of my photos and images. I know that's one weakness that I'd like to address, as bad lighting has been something I've been trying to combat for a long time now.
That is really cool, having someone with the relevant experience teach you is a great way to learn something.
I think the best thing about that video is the technique he uses to paint his sand.
Whoa inks are a blast from the past! My DE avatar was painted using one of GW's inks. I wish you the best of luck with them. I remember inks being really runny and it being really difficult to stop them pooling.
That sounds like a good idea. Tape is okay, but a product that can be moulded to any shape has got to be more useful and easier to use.I was thinking a long similar lines, but it may take some time before I learn to crank some cool patterns out without effort :).
Are you buying a Light Box that comes complete with lights? Don't forget it is how you light the Light Box that is important. Taking a picture in a Light Box just using frontal lighting will still produce a picture with harsh shadows.
that's a striking blue on the weapon shaft, is that a contrast paint over a metal? Looks sweeeet.
Nice! It looks like you enjoyed the game, against the nobelist, choke *cough*, little army of never hurt a fly, beings. They love their mothers and have nothing but respect, grr arrg, I can't do it. They're loathsome, caniving, dispicable but I love my night goblins. Anyhow, looks like you're getting the hang of the air brush so keep them coming.
Cool stuff; nice to see the airbrush is working out for you, that eel is looking great.
It's also nice to see a batrep with some pictures, are the units clustered together like that so they can take advantage of buff bubbles? I haven't really played AoS but I do try to wrap my head around it from time to time :)
dang that light box does make a big difference to photo's, very nice.
dang that light box does make a big difference to photo's, very nice.
Just another side note, the Vortex paint shaker is god's gift to man!!! ;D ;D ;D
hahaha, yeah great little work horse :)
The soulrender is looking cool in the foilage, is it a product or something you made?
The light box has made an unbelievable difference to your photos and everything looks really vibrant. The cloak on Eidolon is spectacular and the Isharann model looks like a different model in the improved ligh.
It is a real shame that the resolution is so low.
I was initially zooming in on the camera, but I've got some alternatives to try already.
This is probably as good as its going to get resolution wise from the phone. Let me know if you think it's enough!
I will also try not to zoom in anymore, ha-ha.
So if you click on the link, let me know if you can access the entire album... there's a little button in the bottom right hand corner that for editing the photo. You can zoom in as much as you want!
I use imgbb.com . It's been great for me. Check it out if you'd like.
Sorry I haven't dropped by to say this before now, but your Idoneth are looking fantastic. The whole army all together is such a striking visual, I think you may win some games just by lining those boys up and throwing your opponent off their plans.
I think my favourite models are the Akhelian Eel riders. I'm impressed with all the different colour schemes you've come up with...each unique, each very reminiscent of things that you find in the ocean, yet, most importantly, you have them looking like a cohesive unit, despite their glaring differences.
Amazing work Myen'Tal.
Ya know I love all that you have done. This one, holy cow, is so beautiful. The scales work, colors, just brilliant.
The scale look great and the rider's armour fits really well with the rest of the model.
I'm actually waiting on a new chair to come in before I resume my painting.
My current one is about shot with the way it is now lol.
So what do you guys think for a 2nd army:
Lumineth or Daughters of Khaine?
I'm feeling a lure between both, but I feel with the beastgrave and now war cry reveals for the knainite shadowstalkers... i'm feeling the pull.
I have not seen any significant changes to how DoK play and you didn't seem that happy with them.. that said they might play differently later on and there is nothing wrong with just collecting and painting them.
I'm look at those Lumineth and the new warcry elves and I would like to get my hand on them for some conversions into 40k ;)
BUT, after some more thought, I think Lumineth are just going to be better from a cost perspective. DoK is likely the most expensive army in AoS right now. So, maybe I don't want to relive that part so much lol :P.
your nailing the eel skin, it looks great!
The wood is looking good, the light and dark tones through to wood not just in the veins is a really nice touch.
Your getting good with that air brush, the eel looks boss. The blue wash really brings it out. The purple touches are solid and the rider fits perfectly with the rest of your guys. The ship looks like it's coming along nicely. My suggestion, it's a ship wreck that's been submerged, I would add a bit of greying to it with some light blue or turquoise to give it that old rotted appearance. Anyhow, can't wait to see it finished.
Wow everything looks fantastic. Your eels are just brilliant and the base of the purple one looks amazing.
I like the look of your ship as it is and I am not sure if it needs the added realism of rotting wood as Dread suggests. Considering all the magic that is going on I think the highlight you mention should be enough to finish the model off.
those pink flesh tones look good. The colour combo on the Namarti looking great
Wow, the eel looks great so far. Good blend of yellows and blues. This is just a thought but if you used the same red on the reigns I think it would compliment the reds on the rest of it. I still can't get over those cool bases you got for them.
I got to try out my first contrast paint the other day, one of the flesh colors on my secret project. I will now be happy to paint flesh, one of the best paint options I've ever had in my 30+ years of mini painting. I've been trudging along on this project pretty steady so hope to have pics up soon.
Keep up the great work.
Looking good, digging the group shot too :)
What silver are you using?
Looking good! Really dig the blood smears all over the bases......pause for effect....just kidding ::) they look great and still make me jealous, love that army but will probably never have. You know my favorite part is the skin tone, love that. As you saw on my blood queen, I kinda stole a bit of that idea from you.
See ya soon 8)
The Reavers are looking sharp! I want to get some as counts-as Mandrakes or something for my Drukhari. Everything is looking killer!
Nice work Myen'Tal. I can't wait to see what you do with that big turtle...when I got my tiny AoS kick a while back, that was one of the units I most looked forward to and dreaded painting, so to see where you take it....no pressure, but if it's great, maybe you'll be scratching that itch of mine and you'll start an avalanche!
Great work though due; you can be rightfully proud of the army that you're building.
Do some test painting on a old soda bottle or something, given inks are transparent, you might find it is too dark on that much of the model. I have noticed even with orange paints, it needs a number of layers over black, while yellow is rather painful, at the very least, I would consider pre-shading with the primer.
Brown washes help darken the gold or even brass, the orange should still work, but might not be dark enough to make much of a difference. I stumped onto one of Duncan's new video's where he uses Gulliman flesh contrast on gold instead of agrax, its an interesting idea I'm going to have a play with.-
That sounds like a better plan Myen'Tal. I think your previous idea may have been a bit too busy; you're models are already visually very striking, so I don't think an ostentatious colouring would be required. The previous idea would have resulted in a riot of colours which would have detracted from the overall scheme.
Looking forward to seeing the new direction you're working in and how it all comes together.
As Dread says though, less talky, more painty.
Gonna look sweet. Good colors. Now get one done so we can see it ;)
Ad Mech? Looking forward to it Myen'Tal.
I'm starting to think that you're my hobby twin on this board; we always seem to fire off the same long term projects.
Which Forgeworld are you planning on painting them as? And why; background? Army abilities? Colour scheme?
looks like some of the deep sea creatures with that green, nice take on the lore :)
They all look good, except I wouldn't use orange on the cloth.
I would be very tempted to use the bottom right, but I would use but I would use mostly red cloth with a white trim. It would go well with my exodite fire dragons.
You know, that is a brilliant idea, Mage. I actually like that color combo a lot :). Would you mind if I borrowed that idea off of you ;D?
That latest eel looks terrific Myen'Tal; I would say that though, as it's practically Miami Dolphins colours!
Your Idoneth really have progressed so well. Looking like a terrific force. I must buy and paint some more of those at some stage.
Also looking forward to whatever you decide to do with the Lumineth. Another fantastic model range.
The Lumineth cavalry is simply georgeous. I tend to find a lot of horse miniatures to be a little bit goofy looking. Those horses really are the noble steeds you see IRL. Lovely.
A reminder to please make sure that posts do contain meaningful content. I've had to remove some in accordance with forum rule 2 (http://www.40konline.com/index.php?action=rules). This is not the Tavern ;).
Omg, you've been busy. More painting of the beautiful people's. Can't wait to see.
I lose track of all the stuff you pick up, never work on, then flip for more stuff!
In a way, I admire the practice...I would just suck it up, put it in my never to be painted drawer and then move on!
Looking forward to seeing some paint go down on the Lumineth dude!
GW has a lot of amazing sculpts it can be hard to pick. As much a I love my Eldar, there is only so many you can paint before it feels like work, that's when I break out something else to paint, usually a single box of something else is enough to break it up. Might be another way for you to get into 40k instead of getting big chunks of an army all at once.
Looking forward to see the new pointy ears with some paint on them.
The soulscryer is looking great, those fish look angry lol and the Eel is looking good too well done.
are they the bases they come with?
I'm glad you stuck it out because that is a badass model! Very well done. The armor plating is fantastic. The purple and blue skirting really adds to its character.
looking great, the army is just going to look very cool on the table, can't wait to see any army wide shot :)
those spears... man I'd be nervous about transporting those suckers.
Man that plnkle color on the blades is reaalllyyy eye catching! I love it! A non metallic color and it really works fantastic with the color palette on the models. 8)
8) I love the soft colors. Still looks great to me.
Wow they look great! love the soft color pallet and the blue splash color is really nice. Great execution too!
That is such a cool looking army shot Myen'Tal! You've done excellent work creating a cohesive force. I love it.
I'm glad your nose wasn't put out of joint with what I said about Eltharion. The changes you've made have done wonders for the model. I really like what you've done and now Eltharion has the paint job that it's standing in the army demands.
Well done bud. Very well done.
alright army shot :) looking great mate, the purple metallic is a nice touch that will set them apart from others doing a similar blue white scheme.
8) oh boy you're coming along nicely.
That army shot looks great, you got to do another one when they are all painted :)
I don't know if it is a testament to your painting, or the models themselves, but even unfinished the Wardens look fantastic.
Ditto to the above. I'm getting ready for a big paint night later this week, probably friday night but my house goes up for sale tomorrow 8). We're all moved in at the new house, still looking for stuff but moved, whew. Really ready to get after it, can't have you getting all the glory, haha. My night gobbos are on the table with my new banshees and some csm for the first up.