[Frost Giant Warrior (1H Axe) on the stand]

Both of your giants are outstanding! And I rather appreciate what you did with the base on the second one: that sense of scale is great! Imagine being one of those little people... it's a little terrifying to think about!!

[Mystic Portal 44133]

Great job with everything! I especially love the sheen of the jade statues, and your OSL is coming along quite nicely.

 

On 8/26/2020 at 2:02 PM, Kuroneko said:

I think I need to extend the green to meet the red, but I'll leave it for the next session.

I think you're right, if would benefit from that. I think it could be cool to try overlapping the different color lights a little. Though if you do that, I would keep in mind that this is additive color mixing, not subtractive. So you'd have yellow in the overlap of the green and red, and magenta between the red and the blue.

 

Looking forward to seeing its progression!

[Darcstaar vs. Bones I, Ep. 11: Shadow Dragon]

Nice job fixing the lean! And the tree trunk looks good, too.

[Isolation Speed Painting]

I really like those wizards, especially the face on the goblin's staff :)

[Fjyrrulm Awaits: Aussie's Ongoing Fantasy Mini Extravaganza]

On 8/26/2020 at 10:58 AM, Glitterwolf said:

Those wings are awesome!

 

Thank you! It really helps that they're so wonderfully sculpted

 

I have a small update on the dragon, as well as some other projects that have been on the back-burner for a while. Mayhaps posting them here will encourage me to work on them I've started experimenting with manipulating the light and shadow levels using the program GIMP. I'm impressed with how much of a difference it can make to poorly lit pictures, especially while maintaining details and colors. It's something I am keeping in my tool-box, for sure.

 

On to the stars of the show:

 

A straight-forward barbarian made with a head and body from Kings of War's...northern soldiers, I beleive, and the arms from Frostgrave Soldiers kit. My superglue was a little too enthusiastic to help, and got all over him. I need to get some CA-glue debonder so I can clean up that mess.

 

A guard, armed with a longsword. Head and body are from FG Soldier box, and the arms are from Perry's Foot Knights.

 

I saw someone do this pose, and knew I had to make one for myself. Everything is FG Soldier, except for the spear and shield, which are from a Warlord vikings kit and a GW skeletons kit, respectively.

 

Just a small gang of thieves. The first set are made from the Warlord vikings box, and the second set from the FG Soldier kit.

 

A captain for my brother's band. Made from the solider kit, with a sword from Warlord's vikings, and a shield from a Reaper sprue. The sword came off the model, so I need to use a little epoxy to affix it.

 

An apprentice for my brother's band. I struggled deciding how to evoke the idea of him being a spell caster, when I thought to make him have this more relaxed pose, maybe whispering to the magical forces as they gather in his fist.

 

Here's an ogre that I've left unfinished for quite some time. I didn't base him specifically so I would come back for touch-ups and reworking a few things. Clearly, an effective tool! This was the first time I ever experimented with adding colors that don't have the words "skin" or "flesh" in their names, and I was really chuffed with the result. It can use a little refinement, and all the other textures need some work to get to a similar level.

 

Last, but certainly not least, we have the dragon. I've done two main things since I last updated: I worked on the wings more, and I made the jump and started recess-lining the skin/scale texture.

 

For the wings, I kept reworking the drybrushing, to build up the brightness. The one notable change was to add some green in the mix, which is a little more noticeable IRL. I will definitely be adding more green tinting as I go along, it helps sell the ocean vibe I'm going for. I'm wondering if some slightly brown tones might look good and add some extra depth, too. I think overall the folded wing looks pretty great, while the extended one needs some refining to get to the same point.

 

I used Nuln Oil for the pin/recess lining; I think it's most evident on the neck right next to the head, and on the back between the shoulders. I did this partly because every video I've watched about doing this level of precision work says to make sure the paint flows well, which the GW shades do. I also didn't want to make it a super dark or opaque line, as I think that would look cartoony. This turned out to be easier than I thought, I think largely because I made sure to practice a good bit by using just a damp brush before trying the real thing. This let me figure out how to hold my hands steady in some weird positions, and generally give me the confidence to try it out. And although it's a little subtle right now, I can work up any areas I want to have more definition. I might also experiment using a drying retarder, so that I can more easily clean up any mistakes I do make.

 

I think my plan of attack to finish up the dragon, will be to keep working on the area that stands out to me/bugs me the most on any given day. Generally speaking, my to-do list consists of:

- Touching up the color transitions on the red, and build up those transitions in neglected areas (mostly the backside and the wing fingers) and adding highlights to each 'scale' (*shudders just thinking about it*)

- Recess lining the skin/scale texture to desired levels

- Working on the wings' blue until I figure out what looks good...and then doing that front and back

- Rework the overall lighting transitions on the underbelly areas, and start adding highlights, and maybe some extra texture

- Touch-up/refine all of the claws/back spikes/horns

- Give the whole face area the TLC it deserves (including dat eyeball)

-Touch-up shadows around rocks of base

-Choose and implement a nice marble/granite scheme to use on the structure

- Fill out the vegetation some, and add detail bits if desired (weapons, bones, treasure, etc)

 

Each one of those bullets has a fair few bullets within it. But, I think this is all achievable.

 

And a special thanks to those who are interested enough to read my ramblings

[Isolation Speed Painting]

I like your color choices across your models! The flames on the guitar are quite nice, and that pug is pretty adorable!

[Warhammer Dwarf Miners]

These are some rather swell looking dwarves! That teal color looks really great, and doesn't seem to be a common choice for dwarves. Also, the lamps and candles look nice

[Deadmen Tell No Tales]

It's always a bummer when something isn't primed well, especially when you've already started painting. I'm glad you were able to get it figured out, 'cause I want to see that thing painted!

[BENEATH THE WAVES by GLITTERWOLF]

Nice shark, that Moonstone is a really nice color and was a good choice for it!

[Fishman Priest Pope Bulbloba by Glitterwolf]

That's a good looking fishman! I especially love the work you did on the weapon and the glowing dangling bit.

[Fjyrrulm Awaits: Aussie's Ongoing Fantasy Mini Extravaganza]

I have a quick update for today.

 

I did some more work on the wings, working on the areas I though needed improvement. It's hard to tell from the photos, but there's more contrast than there was. I'm trying to achieve a slightly ocean-like appearance with the wings, and I think I'll need to experiment using some different colors subtly to sell the look. Really, I just want the wings to have a somewhat otherworldly feel to them, and that's the one way I've come up with that I can wrap my head around. I'm open to any suggestions y'all might have!

 

 

Here's a close-up with slightly different lighting. I also did some work increasing the highlights across most of the red using that RMSP Phoenix Red, and then using a mix of RMSP Imperial Purple and Citadel's Screamer Pink to do some tinting in the red's shadows. Two of my favorite sources of mini-painting information on youtube, Vince Venturella and Marco Frisoni are both always talking about how important it is to "push" the contrast in your models, and each time I do so with either tone or value, I think to myself "you guys are sooo right."

 

 

I figured it was about time to show you the rear of the model. I haven't done nearly as much work on it as the front of the model. Which makes sense to some extent, because it's mostly  not well lit (my intended light source is up and to the right of the tip of the tail). It still deserves some TLC to be brought up to par with the rest of the figure. Here, you can also see where it broke cleanly from the joint, at the ankle joint.

 

Now I just...gotta keep on, keepin' on

[Fjyrrulm Awaits: Aussie's Ongoing Fantasy Mini Extravaganza]

@snitchythedog I remembered that the bear traps are from a model That I'm fairly sure is from Privateer Press. I looked, but didn't find it. I do remember that the figure was a barbarian guy running and jumping with a two handed axe overhead, and he was wearing a bearskin cloak (was naturally wearing the head as a hat) which had bear traps on it. I did a search on Etsy, and there are several listings for 28mm scale 3d printed bear traps, and they were relatively inexpensive. I think that might be the way for you to go!

EDIT: If the listings there aren't the right size for what you want to do, try sending a message to the maker and see if they can print them smaller or larger for you. In my experience, people are usually willing to accommodate.

 

1 hour ago, Glitterwolf said:

 

This lasts till the end of the year.

There are 4 categories.

 

Rules and Info here:

https://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/89948-8th-annual-reaper-forums-large-model-challenge-rules-and-discussion-2020/

 

Thanks, I read through it several times, and somehow missed the end-date clearly stated at the top until the 6th or 7th time I read it

[WIP Dreadmere fishing trip Diorama]

That purple is looking great so far, and the blue pops really nicely! I don't have really any experience painting purple, so I can't help you there. However, whenever I want some advice on painting a particular color, I check out Vince Venturella's Hobby Cheating series, that's a link to his video on purple. Hope that helps!

[Fjyrrulm Awaits: Aussie's Ongoing Fantasy Mini Extravaganza]

8 hours ago, Glitterwolf said:

I love the conversions!

 

You can enter it in here to start with!

 

https://forum.reapermini.com/index.php?/topic/89944-2020-annual-contest-non-reaper-40mm-bust-and-diorama-entries/

Thank you! And very cool, I didn't know about this, thanks! I didn't see anything specifically about a deadline, is the cut off the end of the year?

 

2 hours ago, snitchythedog said:

Very cool conversions so far filling out a great thread.  Where did you find the bear traps?  Been looking for some that I do not have to scratch build.

Thanks! I believe those are from a set of adventuring gear bits from Reaper, but I'm not certain. The bits box sometimes seems to produce things out of thin air! I'll see if I can find it after I return from an appointment.

[Hermit with Ravens - Please support your local newb]

11 hours ago, Samedi said:

I have to give the soft wobbly lichen some structure. I have no idea so far how to do that. Maybe some thinned PVA-glue might work. Does anyone have some experience with this?

 

Thinned PVA should do the trick. If not, I would experiment on any leftover pieces you have, starting with superglue. That might make it shiny, so to dull it you'd either have to paint it or try a matte sealer.

[Release the Kraken ! (WZK73774 Kraken, Wiz Kids)]

I'm really loving the tones you have going on with this model!

[Fjyrrulm Awaits: Aussie's Ongoing Fantasy Mini Extravaganza]

On 8/22/2020 at 10:24 AM, Glitterwolf said:

 

You should visit the Randomness Rampancy Thread.

We chat and have fun there.

 

Karol Rudyk Art

I remember seeing it.

I have a bust from his hands waiting for paint.

 

 

Thanks, I'll make sure to drop by! And that's a great bust, I look forward to eventually seeing some paint on it

 

 

Update time! I was compelled to do more work on the dragon, so I did. And although I haven't done any work on my Frostgrave minis since my last update, I do have figures that have been in the works for a while. So, as a man of my word, I have some pictures of those to look at first :

 

This is my wizard. I'm a sucker for big swords, and wanted a barbaric shaman type of spellcaster, so here's what I came up with. I'm really happy with him overall; the pose turned out pretty well and doesn't look off, and the sculpting is adequate. Since I have the Arcane Eye spell, and to make him a more obvious magic user, I sculpted an eye in the palm of his outstretched hand. By the way, that hand is from a set of Warhammer ghouls, and I had to file down the finger-tips quite a bit to make them look reasonable

 

Speaking of spells, I made up something to represent his Elemental Shield. I was looking for something to base it off of, when I found this bit in my box. It barely needs anything extra to sell the idea, so I added those magical flames/tendrils in an annoyingly tedious process.

 

The next batch of figures were made specifically for my campaign, but I will definitely end up using them for my or my brother's warband.

 

I love this guy's attitude. The idea is he's a scavenger barbarian, who takes equipment as trophies and uses them. He's a big ol' mix of bits, too: the body is from a King's of War mini, the arms are from the Frostgrave soldiers kit, the shield is from a WFB skeleton, and the helmet is from set of Perry Miniatures foot knights. I really enjoy doing conversions/kit bashes, and this one was a load of fun. Big guy with a big sword! He can be used as a knight, templar or barbarian, depending on my mood. I just have to remember what list I'm using!

 

This guy is an combat engineer, so he can easily maintain those bear traps, and he has a mess of tools and supplies in his pack, so he can get the group of of unforeseen situations. I really like how the mattock turned out. The head is a mace from some Reaper bits. My brother is using this guy as his wizard.

 

Sometimes I like to peruse for bits, knowing that sometimes they'll just speak to me. That's what happened when I saw the crossbow, I knew I had to make a unit of monster-hunting mercs (which is what this whole group is in my campaign). I believe the bit is from a Necromunda ganger. Pretty obviously going to be used as a crossbow-man or an arbiliest.

 

Every group of monster hunters needs a sacrificial I mean brave local boy to show them where the beast resides, right? I really like the feeling I captured here, I like to think he's turning to hit a rat he heard scurrying Can be used as a thug.

 

Every group of mercs needs some poor soul to carry all of their junk, right? He can be used as a thug, or whatever the porter class is called.

 

Resident scout/ speedy and sneaky person. Used as a thief.

 

I figured a group who hunts monsters should also have a guy with a long, pointy stick, to help keep the creature at bay. So we have this guy. Can be used as a man-at-arms or a templar.

 

And now on to the new work on the dragon:

 

This shows off the mossy patches I added around the base. I also added some dirt around some of the grass tufts, though it's not all too noticeable. I also touched up some of my work on the pigments. I have Terracotta Earth and Burning Sands pigments from Secret Weapon, and I've enjoyed the effects I've been able to get with them.

 

I did a quick wash of Nuln Oil on the columns to take down their brightness.

 

I wanted to start to block in the values and colors of the wings. I started off by glazing black across them. Then I did some drybrushing with Citadel's Kantor Blue, and then a drybrush of Sotek Green, followed by another with some RMSP Polished Bone mixed in. I'm happy have blocked in the idea quickly; now it just needs a good bit of refinement. I'll do some more targeted drybrushing, along with some layering and glazing.

 

I also did a fair bit of work pushing the red highlights across the neck, lower jaw, a little on the upper jaw, the back, thigh, shoulders, and tail. I also extended the bright area of the tail further down it. I've been using RMSP Blood Red and little Phoenix Red for the brighter areas, so I've been using more Phoenix Red in the mix, and occasionally using just that. I'm really starting to truly adore the contrast in value and tone across my darks and lights of the red. My patience is paying off!!!

 

Here's a closer shot that I think more accurately represents the colors (such a hard thing to do!!) It also shows off the little bit of highlighting that I did on the cheek membrane and the gums. I do think the gums need some tinting, maybe just a red to subdue it some.

 

 

I'm continuously excited to see that I can keep pushing the model, and that I haven't messed it up beyond repair! At this point, I'm kind of curious to see just how far I can push this piece. Could I get it to a level where I'd be comfortable entering it into a larger painting competition? I wouldn't expect to win, but I think it could be fun to enter, and not feel outlandishly outclassed.

 

On that note, what kinds of things do you think this model could use to push it into that realm? I still have a lot of work to do, primarily on: the foot, the wing membranes, the wing "arms", the underbelly, the horns/claws/body spikes, and the mouth. I'm also going to experiment doing some easy recess painting by using oil paints, as the skin/scale texture across the model just has to be utilized properly, and I don't really like the idea of pin-lining the whole thing. But, one of the painted versions I found on CMON did just that! Maybe I'll get to the point where I trust my hand enough to do that by the end of this model...

[Fjyrrulm Awaits: Aussie's Ongoing Fantasy Mini Extravaganza]

Thanks for the info! It certainly didn't come off as anything nefarious, just unknown. I figured that someone who calls themselves "Glorious Leader of WOOF" most likely has a good sense of humor

[Fjyrrulm Awaits: Aussie's Ongoing Fantasy Mini Extravaganza]

On 8/21/2020 at 1:18 PM, Glitterwolf said:

 

I know I've seen that model before, who makes that dragon?

 

The model is Xardrax the Ancient from Karol Rudyk Art. This is the only piece from them I have, but I hope it's not my last! Everything they make is a limited edition, and this one is now sold out, unfortunately. It was love at first sight, and when I saw it was  limited run, I knew I had to strike when the iron was hot. I had been on a search for not just a dragon, but for THE dragon for some time (many very cool models out there, but none spoke to me the way this did), so the whole situation felt rather serendipitous!

 

On 8/21/2020 at 1:07 PM, Glitterwolf said:

 

This is a very friendly forum, usually is.

There are many very kind people and creatures on this forum.

Hope you enjoy it here and will stick around.

 

I for one always like seeing painted minis.

 

As for me being kind....well, how else can I recruit new members for WOOF?

 

I agree, it seems like a pretty great community! I plan on sticking around, as I miss this kind of environment. I got started playing 40K and was active on the Bolter and Chainsword forums, though I haven't done anything 40k in 15 years.

 

I, too, am a fan of painted minis! And I'm not sure what WOOF is, but kindness is almost always a solid strategy

[Fjyrrulm Awaits: Aussie's Ongoing Fantasy Mini Extravaganza]

15 hours ago, ced1106 said:

Those players better appreciate it when you plonk that thing on the table. 

 

Besides pics of the warbands, feel free to post "in play" pictures of the game, including comments. Frostgrave session reports tend to have some pretty climactic moments... 

 

Thanks for the kind words! I''m hoping for it's eventual reveal to walk the line between the players going 'that's so cool!' and 'I should have worn the brown pants today'

 

14 hours ago, Sharkbelly said:

That looks great! I can almost feel the heat about to come pouring out of it.

 

Thanks! I hadn't looked at it like that, but now that you mention it...I think I have a little bit more direction as to how to proceed with the red. Thanks for that!

 

12 hours ago, Glitterwolf said:

Awesome!

 

Thank you! I am most happy to be blessed with your kind, ubiquitous presence; it's part of what inspired me to join the forums!

[Star Wars Legion Cassian Iden Versio and ID10]

These look sharp! Nice job on the black, I find that it can be tricky to walk the line between "no visible highlights" and "basically dark grey." I see some nice shine on those boots and gloves, too!

[Dan's Build Journal #4 - The Ranger's Camp (COMPLETE)]

So cool!!! I especially love the campfire you did, it's absolutely *chef's kiss*!

[The Black Goat with a Thousand Young]

This....is absolutely disgusting. Great work! I really like your choice of colors, those greens and purples make for an eye-catching combination.

[Tiny Furniture's "143-1 : Halloween Pumpkins"]

Those look really nice! You have some really good definition and texture on those jack-o-lanterns

[77091 Nienna, Female Elf Ranger - conversion time!]

8 hours ago, Peithetairos said:

Yes, the laces were quite frustrating. I think a needle tool with a slightly finer tip would help with such delicate work in the future.

 

If I understand correctly, you rolled out tiny strands of GS, placed them over the seem and one another, and then used a needle tool to refine/define the details? I can see that being super fiddly! Above, you mentioned the idea of presculpting the laces, which I think could be a good way to go. Especially if you use more yellow than green in your mix, to make it more flexible. I'm still quite the novice at sculpting, however, so I have no idea how practical this may be.