Several years ago I painted in a fairly conventional manner - a base coat, a wash, then highlights (or layers as some call them). More recently, I have been experimenting with cutting out the highlight stages, as these are the most time consuming to perform. I thought I had made good progress with some of my recent efforts and was hoping I could do the same on these dwarfs.
Here are the two "cheat" bases to show how they look at the moment. They are a decent tabletop standard, but I like to get above this level. Trying to achieve it without using highlights is proving a challenge. On these figures, I might have to throw in the towel and admit defeat. Some highlighting is perhaps inevitable. There is certainly more work required on the weapons, the skin and the hairy bits ie just about all the model. I guess you just can't rush a dwarf!
6 comments:
They're looking really good. Great work there, the different beard colour to the normal orange is interesting.
Can I ask why you are trying to do it without highlighting and how well it works. I would have assumed that this is an important part of the painting process.
It's mostly to save time. Less time on each model means more models painted at the end of each month.
It's also a practicality thing. With most regiments you only really see the front rank, so why spend time layering the belt of the guy in the third row, fourth from the left?
Finally, it's an aesthetic thing for me. I am not a fan of drastic highlights, or "pop" as some call it, I prefer a natural, more realistic look. Missing out highlights makes for a more natural appearance. When I do highlight, I try to make it look as though I have not!
They are looking great for regiment units, though your "heroes and lords" section on your website has excellent examples of how far you can go with your dwarves (even if it takes much longer).
I'd like to suggest (as I've done before) that you post a step-by-step "tutorial" with both versions - simple and highlighted - at least if you find the time to do so.
PS: I'm painting Warhammer miniatures after a long time because of you dwarves minis, so, thank you.
Step by steps are very time consuming, I did one for painting orks which gives you a good idea of how I paint regiments. The next set of dwarfs are the more conventional armoured type, I might take a few snaps of those in progress to give an overview.
Hope you are enjoying painting your bearded folk!
I think they look good, but I also think they need the highlights.
I can't help myself, I'm painting some Late Romans at the moment and especially for the back rankers I think 1 coat and wash would probably be fine, but I can't help myself I'm in there adding highlights.
As a result my armies take ages.
But it matters to me, because I'd know they weren't "finished" even if no-one else ever noticed!
Usually on your models I think they look great when you show them, but these I think need a little more on the skin.
Tom
I think you have achieved a very good level with these models. I like your explanation on why you don't like to highlight, and might have to start doing that myself!! I really think for me the bases you have really add to your models too. The models would look boreing if the bases weren't as nicely put together as you've done!
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