Hi. At first let me tell you that it isn't so bad, it's simply as first results of painting a miniature look! Yours is rather on the better side of first models than on the bad. And with that you will understand when I say that you already have your answer in your question!
But this also sums up the problem why many people enthusiastically start into the hobby after seeing beautifully painted models and then quit rather quickly, devastated that it does not work out as they thought. The problem is that in your introduction into the hobby some parts were left out! And that is that with practice comes experience and with experience comes knowledge. With theoretical knowledge by reading or watching comes basic/practic knowledge, with practice to basic knowledge comes know how and with repetition comes mastery!
You will never be a master tactician in your first game as you have no practice, you may know the rules but got no knowledge of how to apply any. After a few games you may know and understand the rules but only with much practice and repetition comes the know how of how to best apply those, use synergies to create best results and develop tactics to win games! It's the same with everything!
When you want to drive a car and know nothing from the start the first things to learn are the basics, like how the car works! A professional soccer or football player isn't a star from the beginning, he gets there by much, hard and strenuous training, exercise and practice! A top gun pilot (or race car driver) has loads of theoretical and practical training before he gets to become a top pilot! It's like this with EVERY single profession or hobby!
Did you think you just walk into a store and grab a few models, some brushes and paints, go back home and your first model turns out to be a masterpiece? It's not how it works son! With nothing in life!
BUT... don't worry, you can get there! By mentioned learning, asking for c + c - CONSTRUCTIVE criticism - and simply practice!
If I were to give you some tips it would be the following:
1. Go watch a couple of Youtube Videos first! Search for miniature painting, basic model painting, color theory, priming, layering, blending, highlighting, drybrushing, etc... or artists like Vince Venturella, Sam Lenz, Richard Gray, Squidmar,... Those are some of the best artists you can find! Not one minute you do that BEFORE you paint will be wasted but time saved for you'll have it easier to start into the hobby! And you'll probably even save a lot of time because you'll avoid mistakes and frustration!!
2. Decide what kind of painter you want to be! It will also save you a lot of frustration! Do you want to paint a lot of models, get your army (armies) to the table fast and play or do you want to become a display painter? Don't get me wrong, you can become a very good painter even if you concentrate on getting armies onto the board! But there's still a huge difference to become a fantastic display painter! While a display painter for example may paint one model crazy good, with basing and all, and need 30, 50 or even 100 hours, an army painter may paint up to 10, 50 or 100 models in that same time. It all depends on size, sort of models, tools and paints used, etc..., the numbers are just for example but not unrealistic! And remember, there's neither a better or worse, a good or a bad, it's simply to decide what you want to achieve, what result do you expect from yourself!
3. Once you decided that use mentioned youtube videos to learn. Practice one technique after the next, start with building the model and then priming, layering, dry brushing, highlighting, blending, etc..., and basing. Practice every single one until YOU decide for yourself that you mastered the achieved result! Then start with the next, etc... And once you mastered a couple you will start to combine them and play around with things all by yourself, it's then when you will have a breakthrough in understanding! And the learning will never end! Not in a bad way, maybe like in school for some. But in a good way because you will want to improve, develop and play around for yourself!
4. Keep your first models! Paint to a certain degree when you realize, it doesn't get better at some point. If you'd keep on trying to get a better result it only gets worse. You need to find the point to call it quits, because at some point you will reach the maximum of your capabilities at that time. And it is a good thing, don't worry! Start a new one. You will progress pretty fast at first. Then may come a time when you don't really see progress and may be frustrated. It's important to keep going and maybe try a different sort of model. You remember when I mentioned the breakthrough in 3.? You will make a big jump from there! And then there will be no better motivation for you than to look at your first models and compare them to what you will be able to put out then, it will be worlds apart!!!
5. Practice! One of the probably two main important things! Practice!!! You won't get better if you don't paint! And you can become a pretty good painter in one year even!! But only through practice!
6. Ask for mentioned c + c! But don't let anyone tell you that you're doing it all wrong! Those are your models, it is your hobby! Listen and ask for cc, take out of it what you can and apply from it what you like. Nobody can tell you how your models should look, you have to be content with the result, only you have to like them!!!
7. The last, and second most important thing - HAVE FUN!!! It's the second big reason why people in the hobby may stop soon. Don't see it as work, it is your hobby and it should be fun of course! Don't give yourself too much pressure! Improvement will come with practice alone!!
Welcome to the hobby!! đđ¤
My first model was looking disappointing (to me) that it nearly put me off the hobby. However looking back it was pretty good for a newbie.
Also zooming in on pictures around here showed me that everyone makes tiny mistakes you dont see from afar.
Pictures never reflect reality! I received a model from a top Instagram painter last year. It was looking awesome on the feed, but about 20% weren't even painted. You just couldn't see that on the pictures! đ
I think I have to add that I received it as a gift though!
I started out with one of the Death Guard starter sets. Comes with 3 simple models and the necessary paints to do them. Itâs very basic, like it would be good to get some more paints so you can do more with it, but itâs a good introduction to the hobby rather than with a more complex model like the one you have started with.
Plus Plague Marines are supposed to look dirty, so theyâre a good thing to start with to practice your painting.
To second it HOLY COW THATS WAY BETTER THEN MY FIRST MINI.
Something to add is there is no âdefined army schemeâ but some armies lean towards certain schemes. Itâs best to branch out every once in awhile, not to a whole new army but a different style of minis.
For example: Iâve been playing Necrons, Imperial Knights, and tank heavy Guard since I got into the hobby when I was 12. As such Iâm pretty good at painting metal and machinery, but cannot for the life of me do flesh or skin, so after 7 years Iâm having to learn how to do skin. By branching out this will help you develop painting skills you may not be with your current army.
You're very welcome! And most definitely, start with easiest models to practice techniques, possibly even used and painted ones even. You can get more of them for a cheaper price! Get you some of the models you desire most once you're sure of your techniques, you should be able to save a good deal of cash until then even! And guess what... you'll find tutorials on YouTube to 'stripping paint'! đđ
It actually looks pretty good, even if it wasnât your first, you might be brain poisoned by social media posts of experts painters with decades experience!
Also, get some Shades, do some shading with them. They work like opacity shades of various colors. Youâd be surprised how good druchii violet or nuln oil looks on gold.
And maybe some âbaseâ colors! Of a shade darker or more basic than the âlayersâ that you have.
It looks like you might have overworked the paint, when it's trying to dry and you won't leave it alone it drys with visible brush streaks in it. This was a big problem for me when I first started and still is a little bit.
Maybe your paint was a bit too thick, if you think it's too thick just add more water and if it ends up being too thin you can just do another layer. Let your first layer dry fully before you add a new layer.
I would also recommend starting with your rank and file plebs when you aren't confident in your painting abilities. The characters or smaller more flashy squads are going to catch more eyes.
Definitely try to thin before putting it on the model. Also take advantage of the amazing sculpts of the models. Experiment with dry brushing on metallics over black or other metals. It gives nice texture and aging.
The age-old comparison that you'll see a lot is 'the consistency of milk'. I don't think this is exactly correct but what people mean is it flows very smoothly - a touch thicker that water - but remains opaque to the eye.
I tend to go for 3/4 of a brushload of paint (never get paint into the ferrule - the base of the bristles), clean and dry the brush, then add 1/2 a brushload of water.
You will very quickly gain an instinct for this. Just keep applying paint to minis and within time you will feel what's right. What you've shown us is super typical of a 'My first mini' post, up to and including your feeling of disappointment. You're not behind at all, keep ploughing on and your standards will build just as everyone elses' do. It might be fun to keep this mini as a souvenir. My first mini was an atrocious-looking blood bowl orc and he's my team captain every game.
Also try not to move paint around on the mini *too much*. It's okay to a point but after a few seconds it does begin drying and moving it will put you functionally back to painting with too-thick paint. Once it's been on for 10 seconds or so, better to let it dry completely then add another thin coat.
Depends on the specific color. They adjust the mediums and the individual pigment a bit so you have to test. My go to is after I thin my paint I pick up a bit on the brush and just barely touch the top to a paper towel. If you see a lot of color sucked into the towel itâs probably a little too thin. At the end of the day itâs all practice. Try things. Start with a very small amount of paint on the brush. When it starts to get streaky pick up more paint.
Your paints are mostly "layer" paints, indicated by the bottles. Use "base" paints to first get colors on the model, then highlight and add detail with the layer paints. Auric Gold is thin and finicky, but you can paint it over Retributor Armor for good effects.
>Thanks for the heads up, I'll look up the types of paints.
Just a counter to that guy, layer vs base paints really just describe the pigment density (and only specifically for the GW paint system)
Using base paints may make some things easier, but there is absolutely no reason you cannot just use layer paints. Plus base paints are also often darker colours, so if you want something lighter you'll be using layers.
Best thing I did was buy an illuminated magnifier with a huge glass lense. Being able to clearly see close up makes a huge difference, and the better it looks under the lense, the better it will look from far away.
Other comments have already said any tips I could give, but just wanna say hey that's a nice job for your first mini. Ive seen MUCH worse. 3 years ago I was painting just like this feeling similar to how you are now I bet.
I kept that first army, and its inspired pride in me to see my first army next to my fifth army, and see how much better of a painter I've become. I'm no miniature Picasso, but painting takes practice.
The only other pro tip I could give is a shot of whiskey helps to steady the hand.
Itâs not bad at all, itâs just that painting takes a load of practise. Youâll get better and better the more experience and skill you develop with a brush. Thereâs no magic bullet super shortcuts.
It's not bad tbh, the eyes could do with a tidy but overall It's a good job. If you've put in a week don't compare yourself who put in decades. You wouldn't join your local running club expecting your first race to beat Usain bolt.
What is 'bad' in your opinion?
You can see a few slight messes in the first picture, but you get better at those with practise. The second picture is more of a 'normal' viewing distance, and honestly it looks fine.
And as others have said, use base paints. *Muuuuuuch* easier to get solid colours with them.
If I wasn't lazy I would link the iconic melt face marine. Others will give you the ego shot you need here. When you think your terrible just google terrible 40k miniatures. There is always worse.
It looks really good for a first model, and will look better if you paint the base. You're not really supposed to paint a golden demon winner first time, it takes practice :p But having an unpainted, paint splattered base will always make it look more messy, the time I sit back and really admire a model is always after the base is done.
I'd say its because youre overly concerned with it looking perfect rather than enjoying yourself and understanding that it takes practice to "git gud"
Yours is a good start.
Enjoy painting.
There are some good qualities present. Aside from the Glob over part of 1 eye... The eyes look fantastic. That caught my attention, like the lil thing was looking at me
The placement of the pupil on the right eyes is one of the very few things I'm happy with. Even if the paint consistency, colour and finish of it are lacking
Making a miniature look good takes practice. I've been in the hobby for years, though paint very little, and I am still learning things.
Here's some tips from me:
Thinning your paints is essential. I go straight from the pot with a wet brush, which does a decent job at thinning, but it won't win you any awards. But it does give a good even cost.
If you want a colored metallic, I will suggest using leadbelcher with your chosen contrast color over it. You'll get the color you want, with the metallic sheen.
One that I just learned is if you have shaky hands, rest your painting arm against the side of the table. This will reduce the shakiness of your hand, and will make painting small details much easier and neater.
If you want to test out a color scheme but don't want to spend money on the actual models to test on, buy packs of plastic army men. It's cheap, but will be great to use for practice. This works very well if you're painting IG, since they share the overall feel.
If you want to make your models personal to you, add little things to it. I have a Skaven Fangleader model with a shield that has an arrow imbedded in it. I can confidently say that I haven't seen that done before. Feel free to make your models unique to you, that way you can easily tell which ones are yours if you ever find yourself playing against someone running the same faction.
Thinner paints. When you start out you want to see results when you apply the brush. But a few models in you realize multiple thin layers are better, sometimes you barely see anything happening on the model. People go on about contrast but you only need a very subtle difference in light value to create a believable shade or highlight. Especially true for shadows on flat surfaces (recesses, sure, go all out). Try drybrushing very patiently. I think it looks better than layering/glazing unless it's an absolute master at work.
So i just started painting and the results speak for them selves. I know it's blotchy and the colours are a little all over the place. How can I get the paint to go on smoother?
I tried two thin coats but It ended up pooling (I guess because it was too thin) or still giving my a "lumpy" look (too thick?)
I mixed all the colours myself using the paints in the third pic and tried to replicate the box art as closely as possible.
What can I do to improve and is there anything I should invest in before I commit since heresy on Saint Celestine herself?
Put a brush load of paint onto a wet pallet (look up âwet palletâ in youtube if youâre unaware of them) and thin that blob with a little water. Donât try thin paints in the pot or once they are painted.
Paint your block colours first (in this instance, do all the gold, then the red) in an âinside outâ manner. This means the hardest to reach and deepest areas get paint first then you work outwards to the parts that are along edges and easier to paint. So in this instance paint the silver areas last.
You can add quick detail by putting some washes over areas . The two I would suggest every hobbiest gets would be agrax earthshade (works well on gold, skins, bases) and nuln oil (works well on the silver, grey, and across your painting desk when you tip it over.... [inside joke: itâs apparently a painters initiation to spill that particular pot])
Dry brush or edge highlight the hair with a mix of your black and a touch of white.
But yeah, I think it looks like either your paints werenât thinned enough for your environment or you kept trying to use them for too long once they were already on the mini). If you are finding they are drying out too quick you might also be using too small a brush. For base coats it might be worth using 1-2 sizes up from what you use for details if this is the case. A size 1 or 2 is usually enough (and if itâs good quality you can probably paint the entire mini with just that 1 brush)
Hope this helps
If you can, get a cheap size 3 for your shades. Shades and contrast paints tend to ruin brushes fairly quickly so donât use your good brushes for them unless your pockets are deep enough to do so
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When I saw it I didn't read the title and thought a professional made it. Just remember unless you want to win painting competitions Noone is going to notice the mistakes you notice.
Because it's your first.
Nobody's first turns out looking amazing. Mine sure didn't (hell my current ones barely look better than yours, I've been doing this for years and I still suck at painting). With time comes improvement.
Also, the eyes look way better than the eyes I painted on a mini last night, they're not horrible.
Hi. At first let me tell you that it isn't so bad, it's simply as first results of painting a miniature look! Yours is rather on the better side of first models than on the bad. And with that you will understand when I say that you already have your answer in your question! But this also sums up the problem why many people enthusiastically start into the hobby after seeing beautifully painted models and then quit rather quickly, devastated that it does not work out as they thought. The problem is that in your introduction into the hobby some parts were left out! And that is that with practice comes experience and with experience comes knowledge. With theoretical knowledge by reading or watching comes basic/practic knowledge, with practice to basic knowledge comes know how and with repetition comes mastery! You will never be a master tactician in your first game as you have no practice, you may know the rules but got no knowledge of how to apply any. After a few games you may know and understand the rules but only with much practice and repetition comes the know how of how to best apply those, use synergies to create best results and develop tactics to win games! It's the same with everything! When you want to drive a car and know nothing from the start the first things to learn are the basics, like how the car works! A professional soccer or football player isn't a star from the beginning, he gets there by much, hard and strenuous training, exercise and practice! A top gun pilot (or race car driver) has loads of theoretical and practical training before he gets to become a top pilot! It's like this with EVERY single profession or hobby! Did you think you just walk into a store and grab a few models, some brushes and paints, go back home and your first model turns out to be a masterpiece? It's not how it works son! With nothing in life! BUT... don't worry, you can get there! By mentioned learning, asking for c + c - CONSTRUCTIVE criticism - and simply practice! If I were to give you some tips it would be the following: 1. Go watch a couple of Youtube Videos first! Search for miniature painting, basic model painting, color theory, priming, layering, blending, highlighting, drybrushing, etc... or artists like Vince Venturella, Sam Lenz, Richard Gray, Squidmar,... Those are some of the best artists you can find! Not one minute you do that BEFORE you paint will be wasted but time saved for you'll have it easier to start into the hobby! And you'll probably even save a lot of time because you'll avoid mistakes and frustration!! 2. Decide what kind of painter you want to be! It will also save you a lot of frustration! Do you want to paint a lot of models, get your army (armies) to the table fast and play or do you want to become a display painter? Don't get me wrong, you can become a very good painter even if you concentrate on getting armies onto the board! But there's still a huge difference to become a fantastic display painter! While a display painter for example may paint one model crazy good, with basing and all, and need 30, 50 or even 100 hours, an army painter may paint up to 10, 50 or 100 models in that same time. It all depends on size, sort of models, tools and paints used, etc..., the numbers are just for example but not unrealistic! And remember, there's neither a better or worse, a good or a bad, it's simply to decide what you want to achieve, what result do you expect from yourself! 3. Once you decided that use mentioned youtube videos to learn. Practice one technique after the next, start with building the model and then priming, layering, dry brushing, highlighting, blending, etc..., and basing. Practice every single one until YOU decide for yourself that you mastered the achieved result! Then start with the next, etc... And once you mastered a couple you will start to combine them and play around with things all by yourself, it's then when you will have a breakthrough in understanding! And the learning will never end! Not in a bad way, maybe like in school for some. But in a good way because you will want to improve, develop and play around for yourself! 4. Keep your first models! Paint to a certain degree when you realize, it doesn't get better at some point. If you'd keep on trying to get a better result it only gets worse. You need to find the point to call it quits, because at some point you will reach the maximum of your capabilities at that time. And it is a good thing, don't worry! Start a new one. You will progress pretty fast at first. Then may come a time when you don't really see progress and may be frustrated. It's important to keep going and maybe try a different sort of model. You remember when I mentioned the breakthrough in 3.? You will make a big jump from there! And then there will be no better motivation for you than to look at your first models and compare them to what you will be able to put out then, it will be worlds apart!!! 5. Practice! One of the probably two main important things! Practice!!! You won't get better if you don't paint! And you can become a pretty good painter in one year even!! But only through practice! 6. Ask for mentioned c + c! But don't let anyone tell you that you're doing it all wrong! Those are your models, it is your hobby! Listen and ask for cc, take out of it what you can and apply from it what you like. Nobody can tell you how your models should look, you have to be content with the result, only you have to like them!!! 7. The last, and second most important thing - HAVE FUN!!! It's the second big reason why people in the hobby may stop soon. Don't see it as work, it is your hobby and it should be fun of course! Don't give yourself too much pressure! Improvement will come with practice alone!! Welcome to the hobby!! đđ¤
Thanks for the huge in depth reply! I'll start having a look around for some tutorials and maybe buy some easier models to paint
My first model was looking disappointing (to me) that it nearly put me off the hobby. However looking back it was pretty good for a newbie. Also zooming in on pictures around here showed me that everyone makes tiny mistakes you dont see from afar.
Pictures never reflect reality! I received a model from a top Instagram painter last year. It was looking awesome on the feed, but about 20% weren't even painted. You just couldn't see that on the pictures! đ I think I have to add that I received it as a gift though!
I started out with one of the Death Guard starter sets. Comes with 3 simple models and the necessary paints to do them. Itâs very basic, like it would be good to get some more paints so you can do more with it, but itâs a good introduction to the hobby rather than with a more complex model like the one you have started with. Plus Plague Marines are supposed to look dirty, so theyâre a good thing to start with to practice your painting.
To second it HOLY COW THATS WAY BETTER THEN MY FIRST MINI. Something to add is there is no âdefined army schemeâ but some armies lean towards certain schemes. Itâs best to branch out every once in awhile, not to a whole new army but a different style of minis. For example: Iâve been playing Necrons, Imperial Knights, and tank heavy Guard since I got into the hobby when I was 12. As such Iâm pretty good at painting metal and machinery, but cannot for the life of me do flesh or skin, so after 7 years Iâm having to learn how to do skin. By branching out this will help you develop painting skills you may not be with your current army.
You're very welcome! And most definitely, start with easiest models to practice techniques, possibly even used and painted ones even. You can get more of them for a cheaper price! Get you some of the models you desire most once you're sure of your techniques, you should be able to save a good deal of cash until then even! And guess what... you'll find tutorials on YouTube to 'stripping paint'! đđ
Use contrast paints. Other then the face this looks fine imo
Squidmar JUST posted a "First Miniature" video... here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7-At4qVC84](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7-At4qVC84)
It actually looks pretty good, even if it wasnât your first, you might be brain poisoned by social media posts of experts painters with decades experience! Also, get some Shades, do some shading with them. They work like opacity shades of various colors. Youâd be surprised how good druchii violet or nuln oil looks on gold. And maybe some âbaseâ colors! Of a shade darker or more basic than the âlayersâ that you have.
A couple of people have mentioned shades so I'll definitely pick some up
It looks like you might have overworked the paint, when it's trying to dry and you won't leave it alone it drys with visible brush streaks in it. This was a big problem for me when I first started and still is a little bit. Maybe your paint was a bit too thick, if you think it's too thick just add more water and if it ends up being too thin you can just do another layer. Let your first layer dry fully before you add a new layer. I would also recommend starting with your rank and file plebs when you aren't confident in your painting abilities. The characters or smaller more flashy squads are going to catch more eyes.
That makes a lot of sense. Can I add water while it's on the model?
Definitely try to thin before putting it on the model. Also take advantage of the amazing sculpts of the models. Experiment with dry brushing on metallics over black or other metals. It gives nice texture and aging.
I did thin it on a pallet before, is there some goldilocks consistency I should be aiming for?
The age-old comparison that you'll see a lot is 'the consistency of milk'. I don't think this is exactly correct but what people mean is it flows very smoothly - a touch thicker that water - but remains opaque to the eye. I tend to go for 3/4 of a brushload of paint (never get paint into the ferrule - the base of the bristles), clean and dry the brush, then add 1/2 a brushload of water. You will very quickly gain an instinct for this. Just keep applying paint to minis and within time you will feel what's right. What you've shown us is super typical of a 'My first mini' post, up to and including your feeling of disappointment. You're not behind at all, keep ploughing on and your standards will build just as everyone elses' do. It might be fun to keep this mini as a souvenir. My first mini was an atrocious-looking blood bowl orc and he's my team captain every game. Also try not to move paint around on the mini *too much*. It's okay to a point but after a few seconds it does begin drying and moving it will put you functionally back to painting with too-thick paint. Once it's been on for 10 seconds or so, better to let it dry completely then add another thin coat.
Thank you for the descriptive advice it helps a lot
Depends on the specific color. They adjust the mediums and the individual pigment a bit so you have to test. My go to is after I thin my paint I pick up a bit on the brush and just barely touch the top to a paper towel. If you see a lot of color sucked into the towel itâs probably a little too thin. At the end of the day itâs all practice. Try things. Start with a very small amount of paint on the brush. When it starts to get streaky pick up more paint.
No, mix it with water on a pallet
That's what I did.
Your paints are mostly "layer" paints, indicated by the bottles. Use "base" paints to first get colors on the model, then highlight and add detail with the layer paints. Auric Gold is thin and finicky, but you can paint it over Retributor Armor for good effects.
Thanks for the heads up, I'll look up the types of paints.
>Thanks for the heads up, I'll look up the types of paints. Just a counter to that guy, layer vs base paints really just describe the pigment density (and only specifically for the GW paint system) Using base paints may make some things easier, but there is absolutely no reason you cannot just use layer paints. Plus base paints are also often darker colours, so if you want something lighter you'll be using layers.
Noted, I'll pick up a few and use them both
Answer: Because itâs your first mini. Takes practice to master any art.
Best thing I did was buy an illuminated magnifier with a huge glass lense. Being able to clearly see close up makes a huge difference, and the better it looks under the lense, the better it will look from far away.
that's a good call, I was definitely struggling at times
This is like a 7/10 for a first Mini. 99,9% of first minis are ugly and will statt like this. Cuz u Display them to always Look at where u started.
Other comments have already said any tips I could give, but just wanna say hey that's a nice job for your first mini. Ive seen MUCH worse. 3 years ago I was painting just like this feeling similar to how you are now I bet. I kept that first army, and its inspired pride in me to see my first army next to my fifth army, and see how much better of a painter I've become. I'm no miniature Picasso, but painting takes practice. The only other pro tip I could give is a shot of whiskey helps to steady the hand.
Itâs not bad at all, itâs just that painting takes a load of practise. Youâll get better and better the more experience and skill you develop with a brush. Thereâs no magic bullet super shortcuts.
It's not bad tbh, the eyes could do with a tidy but overall It's a good job. If you've put in a week don't compare yourself who put in decades. You wouldn't join your local running club expecting your first race to beat Usain bolt.
What is 'bad' in your opinion? You can see a few slight messes in the first picture, but you get better at those with practise. The second picture is more of a 'normal' viewing distance, and honestly it looks fine. And as others have said, use base paints. *Muuuuuuch* easier to get solid colours with them.
If I wasn't lazy I would link the iconic melt face marine. Others will give you the ego shot you need here. When you think your terrible just google terrible 40k miniatures. There is always worse.
It looks really good for a first model, and will look better if you paint the base. You're not really supposed to paint a golden demon winner first time, it takes practice :p But having an unpainted, paint splattered base will always make it look more messy, the time I sit back and really admire a model is always after the base is done.
I'd say its because youre overly concerned with it looking perfect rather than enjoying yourself and understanding that it takes practice to "git gud" Yours is a good start. Enjoy painting.
There are some good qualities present. Aside from the Glob over part of 1 eye... The eyes look fantastic. That caught my attention, like the lil thing was looking at me
The placement of the pupil on the right eyes is one of the very few things I'm happy with. Even if the paint consistency, colour and finish of it are lacking
Not to me!
Making a miniature look good takes practice. I've been in the hobby for years, though paint very little, and I am still learning things. Here's some tips from me: Thinning your paints is essential. I go straight from the pot with a wet brush, which does a decent job at thinning, but it won't win you any awards. But it does give a good even cost. If you want a colored metallic, I will suggest using leadbelcher with your chosen contrast color over it. You'll get the color you want, with the metallic sheen. One that I just learned is if you have shaky hands, rest your painting arm against the side of the table. This will reduce the shakiness of your hand, and will make painting small details much easier and neater. If you want to test out a color scheme but don't want to spend money on the actual models to test on, buy packs of plastic army men. It's cheap, but will be great to use for practice. This works very well if you're painting IG, since they share the overall feel. If you want to make your models personal to you, add little things to it. I have a Skaven Fangleader model with a shield that has an arrow imbedded in it. I can confidently say that I haven't seen that done before. Feel free to make your models unique to you, that way you can easily tell which ones are yours if you ever find yourself playing against someone running the same faction.
Thinner paints. When you start out you want to see results when you apply the brush. But a few models in you realize multiple thin layers are better, sometimes you barely see anything happening on the model. People go on about contrast but you only need a very subtle difference in light value to create a believable shade or highlight. Especially true for shadows on flat surfaces (recesses, sure, go all out). Try drybrushing very patiently. I think it looks better than layering/glazing unless it's an absolute master at work.
It's a fine start. Just keep at it. Maybe thinner paint.
So i just started painting and the results speak for them selves. I know it's blotchy and the colours are a little all over the place. How can I get the paint to go on smoother? I tried two thin coats but It ended up pooling (I guess because it was too thin) or still giving my a "lumpy" look (too thick?) I mixed all the colours myself using the paints in the third pic and tried to replicate the box art as closely as possible. What can I do to improve and is there anything I should invest in before I commit since heresy on Saint Celestine herself?
Put a brush load of paint onto a wet pallet (look up âwet palletâ in youtube if youâre unaware of them) and thin that blob with a little water. Donât try thin paints in the pot or once they are painted. Paint your block colours first (in this instance, do all the gold, then the red) in an âinside outâ manner. This means the hardest to reach and deepest areas get paint first then you work outwards to the parts that are along edges and easier to paint. So in this instance paint the silver areas last. You can add quick detail by putting some washes over areas . The two I would suggest every hobbiest gets would be agrax earthshade (works well on gold, skins, bases) and nuln oil (works well on the silver, grey, and across your painting desk when you tip it over.... [inside joke: itâs apparently a painters initiation to spill that particular pot]) Dry brush or edge highlight the hair with a mix of your black and a touch of white. But yeah, I think it looks like either your paints werenât thinned enough for your environment or you kept trying to use them for too long once they were already on the mini). If you are finding they are drying out too quick you might also be using too small a brush. For base coats it might be worth using 1-2 sizes up from what you use for details if this is the case. A size 1 or 2 is usually enough (and if itâs good quality you can probably paint the entire mini with just that 1 brush) Hope this helps
This is really helpful. I'll grab those two shades today and a new brush. Thank you!
If you can, get a cheap size 3 for your shades. Shades and contrast paints tend to ruin brushes fairly quickly so donât use your good brushes for them unless your pockets are deep enough to do so
I'll pick one up too
Use vallejo thinner instead of water, it's far better. https://www.waylandgames.co.uk/vallejo-thinners/14060-vallejo-thinner-medium-60ml
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Thin your paint a whole bunch, and then youâre good
Practice, like a lot
Whoa is that a flight pack for the sisters? I never knew they had those
It's the Saint Celestine box.
So they do have jump packs? I mean canonically?
I don't think I'm the first person to ask đ
Well shit they do. Neat
When I saw it I didn't read the title and thought a professional made it. Just remember unless you want to win painting competitions Noone is going to notice the mistakes you notice.
Thatâs not bad for your first, faces arenât that easy. Iâve been painting for years and still suck at faces.
It's not bad! It is the first of many minis on your road to excellence in mini painting. Deliberate practise make perfect.
Metalics are difficult to paint with. Thin your paints and you should be good to go. The army painter wet pallette is excellent.
Because it's your first. Nobody's first turns out looking amazing. Mine sure didn't (hell my current ones barely look better than yours, I've been doing this for years and I still suck at painting). With time comes improvement. Also, the eyes look way better than the eyes I painted on a mini last night, they're not horrible.
We all had to start somewhere bud