Jump to content

What would YOU say to a newbie?


Recommended Posts

  • Replies 54
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Pretty much a repeat of what everyone else has said in different words?

 

Paint for a reason

This could be any reason you want. Mine is because it's relaxing/enjoyable to me, to get mini's done for games, to share, to make a little money here and there... you get the idea.

 

Approach painting in your own way

Sort of a side-note to picking a reason to paint. If you want to improve... do so. If you want to paint more mini's than anyone else... do so. If you want to paint mini's in really bizarre colors, do so.

 

Technique

Take it at the pace you want to. Things that help are: reading all the web-tips, collaborating (painting get togethers), trading mini's with or buying from folks who's work you like to "analyze" the paint job. Buy a color wheel and use it. As soon as I find it, I've got a pretty good book on color theory....

 

Well.. that's about it for me.... I look for motivation first, then technique... My reasoning: If you have the best technique, but no motivation, are you ever gonna complete anything?

 

MichaelG/IXMINIS

http://www.tinywars.com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Take it slow in this order:

 

- Brush Control

 

- Basic Basing

 

- Inks

 

- Non-Ink washing

 

- Drybrushing

 

- Basic conversion (eg weapon swaps)

 

- Combining Inks/Washes and Drybrushing

 

- More adventurous basing and conversion (they sorta go hand in hand so...)

 

- Highlighting or what I call 'careful and precise drybrushing' which is basically drybrushing larger areas that are suited to drybrushing but highlighting areas that need more care.

 

And that is as far as I've got, so I won't go any further.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't learn this like I did, I ended up learning some of the advanced techniques before I ever learned half of the basic stuff. Ya know it can be done but ya can't figure out why ya can't get the results. <_<

1) learn your colors and how they interact

2) get good quality brushes and paints

3)I know it sounds crazy but buy the most detailed minis you can find to learn on, it's easier to keep track of what parts are what.

4)hehe THIN YOUR PAINTS, if you do this at the beginning you don't have to relearn everything again (like me)

5)PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, don't worry if your minis start out looking more like Picasso's than living, breathing critters. All that comes with time and patience.

And last but certainly not least:

6)Have FUN, this is a hobby not the last hope of mankind, do it your own way. :upside:

 

ummmm, did I mention practice?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5. Learn about colour. You could be the best belnder in town and still turn out mini's that look terrible if your colours clash.

 

Where can I learn about colors. That is what I want to work on next. I am getting better at washes and dry brushing with each mini, but when I look at my collection, I see many of the "same" color combinations.

 

I've browsed through the CMoN gallaries for inspiration, but I want to learn what colors go well with yellow and what not to paint the shirt if the cape is blue.

 

I guess I just need some tips on what clashes and what enhances. :poke:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Practice-Practice-Practice!

 

Artists Art. That's what you need to do.

 

Just paint. Just slap paint on minis. You'll find what you like in time.

 

When you see a techinque you like, ask the artist how you did it. Most likely, they'll show you how to do it.

 

Clean your brushes!

 

Get some Gunk (flow-aid + extender + water) this will help your paint go on smooth, and clean your brushes.

 

More practice!

 

Paint for yourself. If you want a Duke Gerard in bright pink with purple armor. Paint it.

 

There are no mistakes, only experiments that didn't pan out. That's why you have Simple Green.

 

Keep your paint-scrubbing brush and your regular toothbrush far, far away from each other.

 

--And more practice!

 

--LSH

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5. Learn about colour. You could be the best belnder in town and still turn out mini's that look terrible if your colours clash.

 

Where can I learn about colors. That is what I want to work on next. I am getting better at washes and dry brushing with each mini, but when I look at my collection, I see many of the "same" color combinations.

 

I've browsed through the CMoN gallaries for inspiration, but I want to learn what colors go well with yellow and what not to paint the shirt if the cape is blue.

 

I guess I just need some tips on what clashes and what enhances. :poke:

That is where a colour wheel would come in handy

 

Laralu510 posted a cool page in the 'Color Advice' thread.

 

Here it is:

http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/TEACH/floral/color.htm

 

 

I've been told I have a good eye for colour, but I too find the majority of my miniatures seem to have a similar brown / green scheme <_<

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Dude, ..... dang and I thought I would never find myself saying that again. ::P: Anyways, Chastity's link is a good one, If ya need more info about colors and the way they work, just stop by your local library. You can find a rather ridiculous number of books relating to painting, colors, color theory, etc., It doesn't matter if they're written for canvas painting, the techniques, theories, and such apply both ways. I got to explain all that to my dad when he said that he could never paint minis like I do. The only difference between mini painting and canvas painting is the size of the brush and that with minis your "scene" is already decided for you. Ok, gettin off the soapbox now... need to get some more chocolate anyways. :upside:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...