Black and White

[cloudshaper2k]

Has anyone on here ever tried to paint up minis using nothing but gradients from black to white - as if they're from a B&W photo? Any tips or advice? 'cause I've got a project I'm about to undertake that is going to take me completely out of the Technicolor world.

[TGP]

I think Derek Schubert did something like that. [pauses to search]

 

http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?/topic/50274-50050-lobo-sanchez-bandito-sculpt-j-wiebe-paint-d-schubert/?hl=%2Bderek+%2Bmonochrome

 

http://www.reapermini.com/Miniatures/cody/latest/50021#detail/IG_593_1

http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?/topic/40039-50021-buffalo-bill-cody-in-sepia-monochrome/?hl=%2Bderek+%2Bmonochrome

 

http://www.reapermini.com/Miniatures/Chronoscope/sku-up/50023#detail/50023_doc_front_ds

 

...at least three times it turns out. Ooops make that four:

 

http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?/topic/42626-halfling-noir-03439-dicarus-darksword-02889-dire-rats/?hl=%2Bderek+%2Bmonochrome

 

 

[Darsc Zacal]

There's been various threads that have featured minis done in monochrome. A quick search turned up these.

 

http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?/topic/50274-50050-lobo-sanchez-bandito-sculpt-j-wiebe-paint-d-schubert/?hl=monochrome

 

http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?/topic/48032-77004-why-did-i-use-my-darkvision-bones-cave-troll/?hl=monochrome

 

http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?/topic/47637-sepia-deladrin-02834/?hl=monochrome

 

http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?/topic/42626-halfling-noir-03439-dicarus-darksword-02889-dire-rats/?hl=monochrome

 

If you were wanting to, I'm sure you could find more.

 

EDIT: ninja'd! At least this proves the search engine is your friend.

Edited August 8, 2013 by Darsc Zacal

[trystangst]

It's a concept that sounds easy enough - though the execution is entirely more troublesome. It's not just a matter of getting shading right - it's being able to replicate the different textures and surfaces while using only shades of grey.

[Grimreaper71]

I just did that for the painting pulp contest. I am not anywhere close to Derek's level of skill mine was painted in the harsher style of frank Miller's sin city.http://www.reapermini.com/forum/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=39468. I would suggest to find where your light source is coming from. Then use that light source to find the lights and darks

[Corporea]

yup- I like to use my bright painting lights to see where to put the highlights. You can also use different tonal grays if you're having a hard time with the contrast. Using a blue or red gray for different areas makes it easier. Taking a picture of the miniature under very bright light and then changing it to grayscale may also help. Thinking about the way light hits different textures and fabrics is key. Looking at photos of your fabrics, etc- sometimes even changing them to grayscale is a helpful tool. Have fun!