ReaperCon 2019 -- Classes I Would Take

[rawlkeer]

I for one would love to see how to actually paint these things, because right now I have no clue, and our group has gotten few of these lately. I am definitely not a "go for gold" person :)  just saw the link in your post and am gonna go check it out

[Doug Sundseth]

Just now, rawlkeer said:

I for one would love to see how to actually paint these things, because right now I have no clue, and our group has gotten few of these lately. I am definitely not a "go for gold" person :)  just saw the link in your post and am gonna go check it out

 

To be clear, that link is not to one of my pieces (more's the pity). It's a gorgeous effect and I think it could definitely do well in a competition.

 

I think what I'll propose is more of an "Intro to painting translucents" class.

 

To be clear, when I'm working on a competition piece, I'm going for the gold as hard as anyone -- just with less success than many. I don't have a problem with the "Go for Gold" attitude, but I wanted to make it clear that what I would be discussing would be something a bit lower down the quality scale, because what I've managed so far is simpler.

[rawlkeer]

Looked at the video, wow that was awesome! I haven't attempted painting anything translucent because I was afraid of messing it up.

[klarg1]

On 4/18/2019 at 2:38 PM, TaleSpinner said:

I'm thinking up new class ideas for this year, and a post @Sirithiliel made about the new bones t-rex got me thinking.  Would there be interest in a hands-on Miniature Reposing class, where I walk you though how to cut, repose, and patch/resculpt a mini?  I do this so often, that I don't really think of it as a skill, but the other conversation made me wonder.  If enough people would be interested, I'll build the class.

 

I've done this a bunch with mechanical subjects (Battletech, CAV, etc.), but not much with living / fantasy sculpts.

 

Some coaching on posture, how much to cut away from a joint, and how to reason about the patch sculpting would be pretty interesting. Dealing with clothing also seems like a good place to garner tips. (fabric drapery would be its own class, but still...)

 

My past experience suggests that metal vs. Bones vs. other materials might make a difference, so you might have to pick one and focus on it.

[TaleSpinner]

On 4/18/2019 at 1:38 PM, TaleSpinner said:

I'm thinking up new class ideas for this year, and a post @Sirithiliel made about the new bones t-rex got me thinking.  Would there be interest in a hands-on Miniature Reposing class, where I walk you though how to cut, repose, and patch/resculpt a mini?  I do this so often, that I don't really think of it as a skill, but the other conversation made me wonder.  If enough people would be interested, I'll build the class.

 

Alright, I'll do it.  Title idea: "Yoga for Minis: Reposing your Models"

 

 

14 hours ago, klarg1 said:

My past experience suggests that metal vs. Bones vs. other materials might make a difference, so you might have to pick one and focus on it.

 

 

Yeah, metal is easier to repose, as it holds a new position without support, but is harder to cut in a class room setting.  I'll likely teach the class in Bones, but have a few metal versions prepared to discuss.

[Clearman]

1 hour ago, TaleSpinner said:

Yeah, metal is easier to repose, as it holds a new position without support, but is harder to cut in a class room setting.  I'll likely teach the class in Bones, but have a few metal versions prepared to discuss.

 

Understandable.  This might be naive, but I think the cut is the easy part.  Hiding the fact a cut and repose was made with appropriate sculpting is what I would like to learn.

[TaleSpinner]

26 minutes ago, Clearman said:

 

Understandable.  This might be naive, but I think the cut is the easy part.  Hiding the fact a cut and repose was made with appropriate sculpting is what I would like to learn.

 

And the hardest part to teach, but will definitely be covered. The problem is what material are we copying: fur? light cloth? heavy cloth? chain mail? etc...  So that's the part I have to figure out how to teach.  What I will likely do is go over where and why to cut, then how to prepare the edges for sculpting, then how to approach matching what is there with ideas on adjusting fabric drapery and the like.  Also what things you likely cannot repose without having to re-sculpt most things.

 

 

 

[klarg1]

6 hours ago, TaleSpinner said:

 

And the hardest part to teach, but will definitely be covered. The problem is what material are we copying: fur? light cloth? heavy cloth? chain mail? etc...  So that's the part I have to figure out how to teach.  What I will likely do is go over where and why to cut, then how to prepare the edges for sculpting, then how to approach matching what is there with ideas on adjusting fabric drapery and the like.  Also what things you likely cannot repose without having to re-sculpt most things.

 

 

If you are willing to get a little meta, tips on how to select a miniature for reposing could also be handy. There is definitely an element of strategy at the planning and selection phase. (This probably goes along with the last item in your list)

 

Personally, I would be really interested in the part about preparing the area for sculpting. I am always winging that with no background or strategy.

[Ludo]

On 9/21/2018 at 7:54 PM, Mr Melons said:

Since ideas are being thrown around and keeping newbies in mind, my wife and I were talking and an idea came to fruition. We've been seeing that this year, the gaming has pretty much blown up and had a big draw. I'm sure there was also a big draw of first time/new painters that resulted from this. We were thinking that a paint and take is great but lacks any real input besides whomever is your neighbor at the tables. How about a walk up (not online registration) of a "class" that is like a live Learn to Paint Bones kit (just not the same miniatures that come with it). You pick one of three bones figures, grab instructions, grab three paints and begin painting it. The instructor then comes by and walks a person through the steps, providing feedback or advice throughout the whole miniature. I'm sure it could even be cross promoted with the Learn to Paint Bones kits.

 

On 9/21/2018 at 8:13 PM, Keianna said:

 

Interesting idea, but maybe as a second or third mini. After running a paint and take, one of the things that suprised me was that most people just want to sit down and slap some paint on without much in the way of instruction. It was getting started on that first step that people asked the most about. I recommended that they start with a liner layer and very rarely did they want more than that other than help finding a particular color. 

 

That said, having times when the paint and take table was overseen by a person might not be a bad idea. It would pretty much have to be a volunteer. Maybe have a sign up sheet so you could commit to an hour or two at a time. I would have no problem doing that. And it would be cool to be able to say "OK this drybrushing technique I just showed you is detailed in more depth step by step with pictures in the Learn To Paint Kits that are sold right over there!"

 

On 9/22/2018 at 7:59 AM, Dragoneye said:

This is how the Gen Con Paint n Take was run years ago (I'm not sure how it is now, I haven't been there in several years :(  ).

 

The tables were arranged in a long U with volunteer instructors in the middle and the paint-n-takers around the outside. The volunteers handed out minis and helped set up paint areas, managed water and paint needs and gave basic instruction if desired. If someone just wanted to sit and paint for a bit, that was cool too.

 

 I could see this as a 'gateway' class for new instructors too. Perhaps the volunteers, who want to see if teaching is for them, go through a short seminar on how to teach the Learn to Paint kit (so minimal new material to be developed and well, sales pitch) at the beginning of the con. Then they volunteer to teach for say a 30 min drop-in seminar at the U. Then the drop-in students can stay and work with the volunteer instructor standing by, or leave if they choose. This could be located near Artist Alley so the volunteer instructor can act as a liason for students wanting more advanced instruction (i.e. help for introverts) and can get experienced instructor assistance if they're stuck.

 

The more I think about this idea, the more I like it. This could also be a spot to get advice on which classes to take to match skill level. The basic terminology issue could be a part of this and handouts and (mini) posterboards could tie in here too.

 

Someone, please shoot this idea down before I hurt myself.

 

On 9/22/2018 at 3:57 PM, Wren said:

 

This has also been my experience running paint & takes for the past several years at a local convention. I'm not sure anyone who attends thinks of me as 'Wren a studio painter who teaches classes at big conventions', or even 'Rhonda Bender who wrote a learn to paint kit'. They think of me as the lady who brings the paints and minis to this section of the con where you can sit down and paint. In the years I've been doing it (or the years I did a local monthly paint meet up), it is beyond rare for me to get asked a question for much tutoring at all. Some occasional washing and drybrushing, but a lot of people just as happy to sit and do their own thing with the mini. I'm more often asked how to assemble a multi-part miniature (or to repair one) than I am asked painting questions beyond super basics. I do get people who ask me to paint the eyes for them sometimes.

Questions about getting started (what order to paint the figure in, sometimes more foundational stuff of how to dispense and apply the paint) are by far the most common. My attempts to offer additional info to show people drybrushing and washing are as often rebuffed as they are accepted.

 

What people do seem to enjoy is having someone there to sit and chat with and to show off their mini to. I think it's reasonable to not try to throw too much at people straight away. If they're happy slapping some colours on a mini, let them enjoy it! There's no rush to get to a next stage if people are having fun with the one they're at. 

(This is not to say that I don't think that there is interest for basics classes or guided painting, I think there is. But those of us who hang out on the forums are the most avid type of mini painters who want to learn all kinds of things. I'm not sure we represent the entire audience of newbies to ReaperCon or the hobby in general. Some people just want to get some colour on their figures to enjoy their games more, and that is cool, too.)

 

Per @ReaperRon in the Thursday live streams I'll be running the Hobby Hijinx area again, this time with more planning. I had planned on asking for hourly volunteers to oversee the Paint 'N Take area (mostly keeping up with supplies) but also answering any questions.  If people are willing to volunteer, I'll gladly work to get it arranged so the layout is more like the classrooms. 

On 1/18/2019 at 1:28 PM, TaleSpinner said:

 

You'd have to come up with a means of conveyance from the room.  There is usually limited time to clear from a room.  I'm always stepping on the toes of the next instructor, and I don't need to be too careful with moving my stuff.

 

For the record, I too would be interested in taking a Water effects class.

 

 

I'm sure the hotel could provide a multi layer service cart that the bases could be set on in a corner of the classroom overnight.

[Keianna]

13 hours ago, Ludo said:

 

Per @ReaperRon in the Thursday live streams I'll be running the Hobby Hijinx area again, this time with more planning. I had planned on asking for hourly volunteers to oversee the Paint 'N Take area (mostly keeping up with supplies) but also answering any questions.  If people are willing to volunteer, I'll gladly work to get it arranged so the layout is more like the classrooms. 

 

I would be happy to, but sadly will not be at ReaperCon this year. As much as I want to, making sure I have housing comes first. 

[LordDave]

I have improved the techniques for the water basing class.  Here is my 2.0 version of the sample. 

 

"

Basing – Realistic water effects  Thurs  

We have been painting minis for years and now you are at a point where your minis look great, well except for the big black disc they are standing on.  This class will demonstrate several methods of creating watery bases.  Making convincing water bases takes time.  But much of that time is drying time between steps.  The class will teach each step of the process and allow students to have hands on practice of the techniques.  When a step requires longer drying time, the base will be set aside and premade bases (fully cured) will be handed out to use for the next steps.  This will mean each student will leave with several bases in various stages of completion.  Class will cover water and ice bases as well as how to add mosses, reeds, shells, sand, snow, et c. to accent the water features."

[Ludo]

Would there be any interest in a Round Table about starting/maintaining a regional painting club/social painting group?

 

 

[LordDave]

On 4/21/2019 at 12:22 AM, rawlkeer said:

I for one would love to see how to actually paint these things, because right now I have no clue, and our group has gotten few of these lately. I am definitely not a "go for gold" person :)  just saw the link in your post and am gonna go check it out

I will teach a tabletop level painting class that you may want to look into as well.  Its designed for fast but decent miniatures.  we will each finish a mini in the class together.  

[Kuro Cleanbrush]

Hey all!  I'm thinking of dropping my Exotic NMM class this year (since I've offered it like 3 years in a row) and doing something new.  Would there be any interest in a color shift class?  In other words, we would talk about how to transition between vastly different colors through both blending and textures.

 

Or, if that does not sound interesting, what new class would anyone be interest in seeing from me?

 

EDIT:  I didn't realize I needed to get my submission in so quickly, so I did not have time to wait for everyone's feedback; sorry!

Edited May 12, 2019 by Kuro Cleanbrush

[Pegazus]

1 hour ago, Kuro Cleanbrush said:

Hey all!  I'm thinking of dropping my Exotic NMM class this year (since I've offered it like 3 years in a row) and doing something new.  Would there be any interest in a color shift class?  In other words, we would talk about how to transition between vastly different colors through both blending and textures.

 

Or, if that does not sound interesting, what new class would anyone be interest in seeing from me?

 

Haven taken that Exotic class of yours, I would be up for something different. Tried thinking of different transitions as well, but I can't recall any. But maybe something other than a blending technique? Thought of getting your take of reflections, refractions, OSL, but then I thought of something that's probably useful!

 

What is some new technique you've gotten excited about in the last year or two? Something that's got you excited might be a good class topic.