Finished commission: Lord and Lady Volker (Inquisitor Hector Rex and his retinue, Survivor)

Finished the latest commission.  Lord and Lady Volker! Based on the Lord Inquisitor Hector Rex, his Retinue, and a Survivor from Kingdom Death.  This was a labor of love, as the client had a very specific idea for the project.  He's very happy, and I had a lot of fun doing it.  I added the 'scenic base' at the end so he would have a little display.  It's a group that's very important to him, and I wanted them to stand out.  Bases from Dragon Forge Design, of course.

Workbench update!! In-progress pile is a little much....

A quick WIP of the desk today. While finishing two more Space Wolf Dreadnaughts I got inspired to try to get as much of the basecoating done for the rest of the Space Wolf commission as well as a fun little project for a friend of mine.

Almost finished: 

- Space Wolf Ironclad Dreadnaught and Space Wolf Venerable Dreadnaught. 

- Ujahu, from Enigma Miniatures, for my Daemonic Menagerie 

WIP:

- 5 Skitarii Ruststalkers and 5 Skitarii Infiltrators (my army, Skitarii Ludi)

- Diabolist for my 30k Word Bearers Legion

- 5 Axes of Carn Maen from Mierce Miniatures, also for my Daemonic Menagerie

- White Scar Land Speeder Storm (gift for a friend)

- 4 Thunderwolf Cavalry

- 6 Space Wolf Bikes

- Space Wolf Attack Bike

The good news is I'm excited about each one of these projects!! Hopefully I'll finish up the airbrushing tomorrow and make some good progress.

I'm waiting for a Word Bearers transfer sheet from Forgeworld so when that arrives I'll finish the Dibolist and Ujahu. I also have a few more creepy minis on the way to join the Menagerie. 

After finally getting some paint on my Skitarii, I'm eager to get going with painting the rest!!! I'm going to try to keep it simple, as I don't want to get bogged down on my own gaming army, but the models are awesome and I love how my color scheme is coming along so far! 

Also in the wings, but not pictured, is a small 5 miniature project that I'm really excited to start. I'll have to squeeze it in between everything else, but it'll be worth it as it's an amazing project for a great client.

Just have to keep painting!!!

S'erum from Rackham Confrontation

What a fantastic miniature to work with! This project started from the bottom up, literally.  I bought Painting Buddha's 'Basing Alchemy - Earth' DVD because I wanted to start doing more of these kind of projects in between commissions.  I haven't done scenic bases before, so it was a huge learning experience.  There are, of course, many things I can improve on for the next base; but as it is I'm very happy with it.  After I built and painted the base, I needed a miniature for it! Digging through my boxes of shame I came upon S'erum from Rackham's Confrontation line of miniatures.  I'm proud to say that I have many of their miniatures waiting for my brush, some of which are already prepped and ready to go!

I really wanted to experiment with new techniques and materials.  I keep trying to push my understanding of color theory and contrast, but each time I feel like I come up short.  I look at it and think it needs more contrast, more definition, etc. etc.  Such is our pursuit.  I also have to point out that I painted S'erum over maybe 10-20 hours.  I don't have the will or the patience to spend hundreds of hours on a single mini; so I'm very happy with the results for the time I spent painting.

One of the new materials I used is an artists' acrylic from Golden.  I used Titanium White for Ben Komet's "Loaded Brush Blending" technique.  It's life changing.  Really.  I tried using Vallejo/GW/Scale75 white for the technique but it never worked.  They're all too thin! The travel up the belly of the brush! The artists' acrylic is very very thick, and thus sits on the tip of the brush and acts as a barrier for the rest of the paint!!! I nearly fell out of my chair.  I won't use it when just painting armies and such, of course, as it's incredibly delicate and time consuming, but I can't wait to practice more on future one-off projects such as S'erum.

Also, the new Scale75 Metal 'N Alchemy - Copper series of paints is beyond amazing.  I wish I had done more with the howdah, but that's life.  The gun, however, turned out better than I could have imagined.  It looks exactly like the polished copper you find with cookware and jewelry.  I have another fun project on deck that will make great use of the copper, so that's exciting!

These one off projects really help to cleanse the palette (forgive the pun) after doing a bunch of commission work.  When I have a longer break I'll start painting my own armies: Skitarii/AdMech/Knights for 40k (about 4,000 points worth), and soon a return to 30k with Word Bearers accompanied by a Daemonic Menagerie (which will be insanely fun to collect and paint).

On to the photos!

Space Wolf Armor rolls off the assembly line!

At last, some photos of finished work! Woo!!! Just finished up 3 tanks for my client/friend and managed to get photos this time.  Grateful that I enjoy painting Space Wolves as much as I do and grateful that I'm getting so much practice with my airbrush!  It's a good thing I like painting the Sons of Russ as much as I do, because he keeps buying stuff! A pitfall of the hobby, to be sure.  This batch was 3 tanks - a Rhino/Razorback, a Predator and a Land Raider Crusader; all magnetized/module for maximum flexibility.  I think they turned out really really well and I'm looking forward to finishing the next batch of Wolves.  On the table right now are 10 Skyclaws that just need basing.  After that it's a couple dreadnaughts, some bikes and (of course) some Thunderwolf Cav.

As always, more photos after the jump!

Ok so it's been a while.....

Two months! Yikes.  I have been delinquent.  I apologize.  I got mired in a Bushido commission that took much longer than I had anticipated.  Also some drop pods done to a basic standard, which didn't really warrant a photograph!  I have been busy, however.

I assembled and primed my entire Dark Age collection (90+ models) and sculpted their bases.  I haven't done much work with sculpting bases in the past, so it was a fantastic learning experience.  Looking forward to getting some paint on them soon.

I also cleaned up and prepped all the resin bases I'll be using for my 40k AdMech/Skitarii.  Phenomenal bases from Jeff at Dragon Forge Designs, as always.  Can't wait to get going on that project as well! Maybe after some of the Space Wolves I'm working on are done.

I also did a couple one-off projects that have a special purpose (more on that in a later post).  I did a custom scenic base on a plinth following the Painting Buddha DVD and learned a lot for next time.  Matt Cexwish said it looked cool, so that's all I really need.  Then I painted up S'erum from Rackham's Confrontation line, which was a ton of fun.  I got to play around with Scale75's new Metal N' Alchemy - Copper set and almost fell out of my chair from the results I got in a short time.  Just incredible.  Plenty of pictures to follow.  I also made a couple mini dioramas using Dropzone Commander models on Secret Weapon Miniatures flying bases, which turned out really well.  I will take plenty of pictures of these ASAP, as they were a lot of fun and turned out really well.

Other than that, I'm working on some more Space Wolves at the moment, including a Land Raider Crusader, a Predator, a Rhino, bikes, an attack bike, an Ironclad Dreadnaught, Thunderwolf Lord, and some jump troops.  Glad to be back at it with the Wolves.  Will get some pictures up soon!

Competition Entry - Dark Age Oathpourer

Just finished my entry for the first annual 'Eavier Metal 'Eadbangerz Painting Competition on Facebook.  I was feeling a little stagnant recently, and this competition provided a great opportunity to paint a model from a new range and to try out some new paints and some new techniques.  The model I chose was an Oathpourer from Dark Age.  Just a phenomenal sculpt.  Base is from Dragon Forge Designs (of course), and for the miniature itself I used only Scale75 paints.  Some new techniques such as stippled leather and loaded brush blending were used, which was a really fun challenge.  I'm really happy with how the model turned out (though of course there are a few dozen things I wish I did better; such is our endeavor).  It was a nice change of pace and and really breathed some life into my hobby for the past couple weeks.  Still working on the Bushido commission and a TON of Space Wolves! More pictures after the jump

Skitarii Ludi are on the march!!! Skitarii Army Musings and some Bushido WIP

So I took a bit of a break from painting to assemble an 1850 point Skitarii army. I am so excited about this project and this army in particular. Musings and army list after the jump!

Adventures in packaging a Reaver Titan for cross-country shipping!!

I finished the repair job on the Reaver Titan. Parts were challenging, but it was cool to see the beast come together again. The client's #1 concern was to have the model arrive safely and securely. I pinned everything I could with 1/16" solid rods and JB Weld, so the resin around the joint will break before the bond does.

On the workbench, and on deck! Reaver Titan and some Bushido!

On the workbench right now is a repair project: A Reaver Titan! The client had previously commissioned the painting of the Titan to another studio, but when it was shipped back to him it shattered.  Very upsetting, I'm sure.  It has languished in pieces for too long and has been sent to me for repair.  As it is the first time I am handling a Reaver Titan, it's a terribly exciting project.  Makes me want one of my own even more now!  1/16" rods and JB Weld should do the trick!

After the Reaver Titan is a large group of minis from Bushido.  The Silvermoon Syndicate.  This is going to be a fascinating and very challenging project, as there are many different styles and textures within the group, and lots of tattoos! It's a wonderful break from power armor and tanks, and will be a joy to do.

Imperial Knight Quartet Finished. What a blast!

Recently finished a very fun project: 4 Imperial Knights! All four were built using the new Imperial Knight Warden kit, though only two of the four are magnetized. The Knight Crusader and Knight Warden (rusty wasteland bases) are static, as they are for my personal army. The Knight on the snow base and the knight on the grey sandy base are for clients and are fully magnetized. I knew I would enjoy painting these beasts, though I had no idea just how much I would love this project. It is truly one of those moments where the experience outstripped expectations. Hope you like the end result!

Workbench Update - 6/11/15 - Imperial Knights!

     I am absolutely loving this project.  The 4 Imperial Knights are humming along nicely.  Worked out the heraldry, but am waiting eagerly for my large AdMech transfer sheets from GW.  I like that they are doing big sheets like FW does, and see some great little touches that will really make the Knights stand out individually.  I'm not sold on the banners, and may leave one or two of them off, depending on the final product.
     I've used some new products and techniques with this project, and couldn't be happier with how they turned out, which is always nice.  Tamiya metallics were used for all the silver/iron/steel, shaded with Tamiya Smoke and Badger Minitaire Midnight Blue candy.  Scale75 metallics have been a revelation.  Their Scale Color Metal N' Alchemy Series is amazing.  By far the best metallic paints I have ever used.  It's a shame that they take 4-6 weeks to arrive from Spain and with the VAT they're quite pricey, but they're worth every penny.  Just incredible coverage and vibrancy.  Can't rave about them enough.
     Working on the trim and metallics now, then the oil wash.  I'm particularly looking forward to the oil wash, as it will really pull the whole thing together.  I'm not going to weather the Knights much beyond just some pigments on the feet, as I want them to look crisp and clean and ready for battle. I was worried that I would get bogged down in the details and that the whole project would take forever, but I am inspired, and moving along at a good pace! I love these Knights.  Really looking forward to getting my hands on a Forgeworld Knight or two!  After this project I have a real change of pace project: a Bushido warband!  Really cool models and a project I'm very much looking forward to.  Without further ado, some WIP pictures!

Workbench Update! 6/4/15

I've decided to stop calling it Workbench Wednesday unless I actually post on a Wednesday. After finishing the Squats I have a somewhat daunting (but awesome) task ahead of me: 4 Knight Wardens!!! 2 will be in static poses (mine) and 2 are magnetized (clients'). Regardless, there are roughly 127 pieces ready for paint. The priming, basecoating, metallics and armor will all be done by airbrush, of course. Nevertheless, there will be plenty left over for the humble brush! 

SQUATS!

What a trip down memory lane.  I thoroughly enjoyed painting this little warband of Squats.  The client put together this group to use in a house-ruled Necromunda style game and thus wanted a post-apocalyptic feel to them.  I wanted to keep the palette to mainly earth tones but also wanted to make sure they weren't totally washed out like a lot of post-apoc stuff.  The Bounty Hunter is from Necromunda, which to this day remains one of my favorite games to play (along with Gorkamorka! and Epic).  Painting miniatures like these really take me back to my childhood and to the origins of my hobby, which is a wonderful experience.  Hopefully someone has some Necromunda gangs lying around that they want painted!? (must..not...check..eBay...must resist!).  I really like how they turned out, and that they look like a cohesive gang while maintaining a certain individuality.

More pictures after the jump!

Captain Karlean Commission Completed

Finished up the last piece of the Blood Angels commission: Captain Karlean.  I really like this mini, though in hindsight I wish I had done some freehand or something on the back of the cloak.  Oh well, next time! I am particularly pleased with how the purple gems and the Bieber hair turned out.  Again, no basing at the behest of the client.

Workbench Wednesday - 5/27/15

After a nice holiday weekend with my family, I gained some momentum with the Squat warband today. Finished up the 9 I was working on and painted the exo armor Squat as well. Only the Bounty Hunter and their bases to go! 

Over the weekend I also assembled a Dreamforge Leviathan Mortis, which was a fun departure from GW minis for a bit. A lot of parts had to be left off for painting, and a LOT of converting will have to be done, but I hope to soon have a suitable Knight Gallant as the opening salvo of my Dark Mechanicum army for 30k. For 40k, plans are in the works for an Adeptus Mechanicus army comprising of both Skitarii and Cult Mechanicus. This project will take some time, but I'm keen to have a playable 40k army again. My commission que is growing (which is awesome), but I have to remember to take some time for my own hobby so as not to deny myself completely! 

Next up in the que are a host of Knight Wardens. 2 for clients and 2 for me. I'll be painting them two at a time, as their paint schemes are nearly identical. House Ludi is rising!  I'm working on some fluff that incorporates my Solar Auxilia, Skitarii, Cult Mechanicus, Knights, Titans, and the new Imperial Militia from Book 5: Tempest. When it's fleshed out a bit more I'll be sure to share it. 

To oppose the loyalists, I'm planning a force of Word Bearers and Dark Mechanicum, accompanied by Daemons, Warp Cults from Book 5: Tempest, heavily daemonically converted Nurgle Chaos Space Marines, Knights, and Titans. Haven't worked out the fluff quite yet, but after reading Book 5 I'm sure I'll have a pretty good idea of the direction I'll be heading in. Exciting times in the hobby for sure!

Blood Angels Commission Completed. Tactical Squad and Razorback

Finished a quick Tactical Squad and Razorback commission.  Also have Captain Karlean finished, just need to take some pictures of him! The new Blood Angels Tactical Squad set is a really nice kit; tons of detail! I just did a quick re-paint of the Razorback without stripping the old paint, which isn't ideal but I think it turned out pretty well in the end!  Just realized I forgot to do the headlights though, but it's a good thing the client is a friend of mine and so I'll be able to get it back for the finishing touch.

I'm working on a Squat warband for an INQ28 style game right now, which is a lot of fun.  I really enjoy painting the models of my youth.  After that, it's an Imperial Knight Extravaganza! I have 4 Knights to paint, and they'll be my first ones, so my excitement can barely be contained.  As always, more pictures after the jump!

Finished Commission - New batch of the Sons of Russ!

Latest commission completed: more Sons of Russ! I'm having a blast painting all these Space Wolves, which is good because there are more coming down the chute! This is one of the things that really attracted me to commission painting in the first place: I wouldn't build and paint a Space Wolves army myself, but this has given me the opportunity to paint what is quickly becoming a sizable force.  The top dog (pun intended) in this batch was Logan Grimnar on Stormrider.  This model gets a ton of grief online, but I really enjoyed painting it! I mounted it on a Runic Mountain base by Secret Weapon Miniatures, as I wanted him to stand out a bit more than he already did.  It was a challenge to shave and mount all three elements of Stormrider so that they worked together, but I think it paid off in the end.  Without further ado, the pictures:

Full gallery after the jump

Caestus Assault Ram Rahabilitation Project - Finished

This was a LOT of fun to do.  The Caestus Assault Ram is probably my favorite vehicle in 40k.  Despite the boot jokes, it's great fun to paint.  My friend (and client) had previously commissioned someone else to paint the Caestus, and wasn't crazy about how it turned out, unfortunately.  He asked me if I could rehabilitate it for him.  I jumped at the chance!  We wanted the nacelles to match the troops it would be carrying most often: Blood Claws.  Step-by-Step pictures after the jump...

It's a great day at LMP!!

My Scalecolor order arrived from Spain! I am so excited to experiment with these paints, particularly the NMM sets and the Metal N' Alchemy series. They're made by Scale75 (of Abyssal Warlord fame), and are very well regarded. I won't be using them for everything I paint, but will certainly be having some fun with them soon. 

I ordered the Metal N' Alchemy gold set as well, but one of the bottles broke open during shipping. These things happen, and I have no doubt Scale75 will have a new one along promptly. 

Poor paint pot. I'm especially excited to try my hand at some NMM with some Dark Age minis and some Rackham: Confrontation. 

Workbench Wednesday 4/29/15

Greetings!! Just realized it's been a week and a half since I have posted! I've been working on some more Space Wolves in the meantime. I've finished a Caestus Assault Ram, Diemos Predator and Sicarian. The Caestus was particularly rewarding as it was a rehabilitation project and I think it turned out really well!  I'm finishing up Logan Grimnar on Stormrider (tonight, in fact), before finishing the Wolves with some Long Fangs and a Rune Priest. 

Logan on the Bench:

My commission que is growing!!! I want to take a minute to thank my clients for their faith in me and their support. It's been a fantastic start for this fledgling enterprise! In the que are a Squat Warband for an INQ28 style game, some Blood Angels, a large Necron army, a Bushido faction, some Skitaari, and a couple of the new Knights that will be released this week!!! I'm really excited for these projects, and again am so thankful for the opportunity!

I will endeavor to update more regularly with WIPs as well as some other projects that I have in the wings for me personally.