Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Alaitoc Warlock: Base Coat

I managed to get the base laid down on my warlock. This was no small task considering I had company all weekend AND got an X-Box with Kinnect yesterday. What I am, only like 10 years behind?

I just blockied in some color to get an idea what the model is going to look like, as well as sketch in some of the lines for the robes. I still plan to add an Alaitoc Craftworld rune and warlock rune to the robe. So far everything is going well. I found it interesting how many coats of blue i had to use to get over the white primer evenly.

Also had a chance to play against the new Necrons this weekend. I pretty much stole a victory, because I have no clue how my Eldar are going to deal with all that AV 13. My warlock squad with spears were all stars. They carried me to a close victory. In all it was a lot of fun, and I think the Necrons are very clever and tricky army.

Thanks for reading,
T

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Alaitoc Warlock: White Primer

I have, in the past, had strong feelings about white primer. I would often proclaim to any who would listen, "I would never use white primer unless I was painting a white army!" This was awhile ago, when it didn't seen utterly absurd to have strong feelings about anything as trivial as primer color. Even still, this silly stance from yesteryear took root in my psyche. The idea of using white primer always seemed distasteful to me, though I couldn't even remember why. So then, as I consulted the vast internet advice on painting yellow, the trope of "white primer" rubbed me the wrong way. Even to the point of defiantly banging my head against the black primer until I finally found a yellow I can live with. Perhaps it was the "victory" that finally caused me to reevaluate my perceived dislike of white primer, and ultimately figure, "What the heck let's try it."

Weirdly enough, the yellow was not the driving the "What the heck bus". As previously stated, I am happy with the yellow. It was actually the ring of Graveyard Earth around the bases. It took like four coats to cover, and it is one of the last things I do. I made me crazy to have to keep painting so close to the finish line. Further motivation existed in the opacity of the Citadel blues that I use. I liked the brighter blue, and wanted it just a touch brighter, without having to change colors.

My primary concern was if the white primer could make things lighter, would it drastically change the way the model looks. I figured it was best to experiment with the base, as that isn't looked at as much as the miniature in most of the stuff I paint.

First thing I did was lay down the Tallarn Flesh base coat, like my other Eldar. I remember looking at the helmetless ultra marines and thinking how much the flesh color jumped off that blue. I figured since I was doing a predominantly blue army I could use something similar to make them stand out from the base.
That ended up being pretty pink. Over the black primer the color was a lot duller, and looked more dirt-like. Articulate term, "dirt-like", word smith I ain't. In order to tone down some of the pink I drowned the base in a Devlan Mud wash.
Once dry, I dry brushed the Tallarn Flesh back in, getting a color I could live with, both fleshy for the pop, and dirt-like.
In some basing article I saw at GW's webpage I saw another base that used this color and they put purple in it. I dug it, so I pretty much bit it. I used Leviathan Purple and a wash brush, basically rolling the brush as I pulled it across areas to create odd sized splotches. I also started painting the rusty-metal-thing by laying down a couple of coats of Dark Flesh.
After that I dry brushed the whole thing with Bleached Bone. It was really hard to get a comparison as to whether or not it looked the same because the bright colors where being outdone by all the white primer on all other parts of the model. I put the base next to one of the storm guardians I had done, and it looked close, but I kind of ran into the same thing. The storm guardian's base looked much darker, but it was also amid a lot of dark colors.
Lastly, I did the rusty-metal-thing by dry brushing on some Blazing Orange, then Macharius Solar Orange, and finally some Vomit Brown. After that I washed the bottom and made some streaks with Devlan Mud. Lastly I liberally stippled some Chainmail on to the whole piece to create the metallic sheen and appearance.

Final conclusion? Seeing them side-by-side, what do you think?

For me it is too early to tell. I think it will be best to just get the model done and compare it to the rest. The good thing will be that I have some leeway as it is a Warlock, not a rank and file guy. If he stands out it is not too disruptive, since they tend to have a distinguishing look in most Eldar armies I have seen.

Thanks for reading,
T

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Alaitoc Guardians Complete

From Stuff I Have Painted: Eldar/Dark Eldar
Well kind of. They are sans their warlock atm. This first half of the squad, which I already posted, came out like this:
From Stuff I Have Painted: Eldar/Dark Eldar
From Stuff I Have Painted: Eldar/Dark Eldar

As stated, I wasn't wild about the camo, or the yellow, so for the last five I went this route:
From Stuff I Have Painted: Eldar/Dark Eldar
From Stuff I Have Painted: Eldar/Dark Eldar

I like this scheme a lot better. Though there is a difference side-by-side:
From Stuff I Have Painted: Eldar/Dark Eldar

As a whole (picture leading the entry) I think it looks fine. These guys were a lot of fun to paint. It is too bad they have turned out to be trash on the table. I am going to get going on the warlock next. And I ameagerly awaiting a go at the Ranger/Pathfinder models.

Thanks for reading,
T

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

SSSWMB Compromised!

From Mars' Project Blog
We have been having a lot of fun with our Planetary Empires campaign, and if you follow Tallarn over at Still Practicing (Which you should!) you would see that he has been doing quite well. The crux of his success, he has hypothesized, is tied directly to the establishment of his Super Secret Space Wolf Moon Base. As of this weekend, SSSWNB has now been compromised. Jeremy's Imperial Fists have taken over the SSSWMB spaceport, but just barely (Needed a "5" and rolled a "6"). The photo leading into the article was shot on my phone in order to accomplish a timely razzing.

I didn't get a lot of painting done this weekend, which I could have called from a mile away, as I just posted something about painting. We had company and autumnal festivities to attend. Was able to get a couple of quick games (And how...) with said company. And in one day I lost not one, but two games, in the first turn. It was something else. There were a lot of contributing factors like scenario, and Seize the Initiative, etc but both Codex Space Marine lists ate my lunch. It was a real-deal butt whuppin', and an excellent reminder that the Space Marine Codex can still be pretty legit.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Painting Advice

Before we get under way, this post is editorial. If you aren't too terribly interested check back on Tuesday for more painting articles.

I get beat up a lot, by myself more than anyone else, for not having a painted army. Full disclosure, I don't think I can field a painted minimum force org in any army I have. Yet over the last two years I have been painting steady, and completing more models than ever. I have more armies than sense right now, and that is its own editorial. Even still, I have been asked by a couple of people lately how I keep at it? I have fellow gamers, whose skills I respect immensely, saying they are looking for motivation. So I thought I would share some things I do here.

Get your mind right. You "get" to paint, you don't "have" to paint.
There are a lot of reasons why I can't see this hobby as a chore. I do it to unwind, and if it is causing as much stress as my job, well then I will do something else. This hobby is something that the participants are privileged to be part of. Especially now, there are people who can't afford to play, or have no time because they are working a few jobs. "Count your blessings" seems kind of hokey, but there is some merit. Instead of focusing on the things that make it feel like I chore, I remember the things I enjoy, that couldn't come about from any other hobby, then I start slinging paint. Ultimately, it falls to me to make sure the right mind set is there, because otherwise I can pretty much talk myself out of anything.

Be inspired.
I have an entire Pandora play list of music posted on Massive Voodoo. Not only do I like most of their music selections, but hearing the songs reminds me of their blog, and consquently, their work. Art, photos of other minis, even photos of stuff that "feels" like what I am painting, are scattered around my work area. Often times I will paint with my codex open, looking at the unit I am painting or pictures of the army. These visual and tactile props help me slide into a creative mindset where some enjoyable painting can get done. I know I am in the right place when I realize my wife is looking at me funny because I am occasionally making the, what I perceive to be, sound effects of the piece I am painting.

Do it.
Sounds trite. I know. It actually was the advice that lit the fire for me, and ironically enough it was given by someone who only just last weekend finished the first model he has done in a year. It is easy to talk yourself out of painting. It is easier to turn on the TV, X-Box, whatever. Just don't. Find what it takes to not turn on the distractions. Maybe you won't even paint. Maybe you just sit and stare at a wall a few times, but unprogram the need for quick and easy stimulus. I set times. I go an hour a night, 4 nights a week, and then 2 hours on the weekend. This time is for painting, or nothing. No other distraction is allowed in for fear of it taking over the joint. As important as it is to make yourself start, also make yourself stop. Even if you want to keep going, don't. Save it for the next session. Sometimes I can't wait to get to my brushes only because it has been bugging me all day that I am one color, on one guy, away from having the group done.

Thanks for reading,
T

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Alaitoc Camo Update

From Mars' Project Blog
I had mentioned in my earlier post that I felt like the camo was too subtle. My friend Deke agreed, so I revisited it for the remainder of the Storm Guardian squad. I think what I have found is what I am going to keep. I still wanted the camo pattern to be more subtle than a lot of the ones I have seen, but I needed it to be obvious that it was there as well. Obvious camo, ha!
From Mars' Project Blog
The blues are a little brighter, to make the contrast more evident. I think this also makes the model more interesting to look at. So far it is working for me, and I am pretty eager to see it with the spot colors on the miniature. I also got some advice on another way to do the yellow, so I am hoping I have as much success with that as I did the camo. Thanks for reading, T

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Alaitoc Storm Guardians Half Done

From Mars' Project Blog
Truthfully just under half, as I run a warlock with them. But I won't let that rain on my parade. You may also notice I reverting back to this template. I liked the way the dynamic template looked, but I didn't like not have the option to have my banners or a blog roll present. With five of these bad boys under the belt the scheme is coming together...kinda.
From Mars' Project Blog
I really like the way the bone is working out for these guys. It is a very successful spot color against the blue. It is rich enough to add some real interest. I purposely have not shaded as deep as deeply as I normally do to make the pieces really light. The yellow is still vexing. I am still struggling to get it smooth. I want a more buttery look, but a more yellow color.
From Mars' Project Blog
For this next batch, I will be more heavy handed with the camouflage and try to smooth out the yellow a little. We will see how it goes... Thanks for reading, T

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

More Work on Alaitoc

From Mars' Project Blog
In the limited time I have had for painting I have been working on the Storm Guardians. They seem to still be holding my interest, and the paint scheme isn't very demanding, save yellow. The camouflage pattern isn't coming out as distinctly on mine as others who paint the Alaitoc. I think the colors I am using cause it too be more subtle, but I have yet to decide if it is too subtle.
From Mars' Project Blog
The yellow is still kinda kicking my butt as well. I forget how much patience is required to make it look nice with really any yellows, but especially the GW line. I have read a lot of really great tutorials on yellow, and it is just one of those things that requires time, one way or another. Yellow just tends to suck to lay down, but huge pay off when done. Also, winter came to Belsbeth II. This should be the last round of our Planetary Empires campaign. It has been a lot of fun and I am getting very good feedback on it.
From Mars' Project Blog
From Mars' Project Blog
Thanks for reading, T

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Alaitoc Storm Guardian

From Mars' Project Blog
I needed a break from power armor. I have always loved the Guardian models, specifically Storm Guardians. Back when you could run Black Guardians, Storm Guardians were pretty cool. Now they have been kind of clown shoes in a lot of my games. None the less, I dig them, and so I have them, and I thought I would throw some paint down on them. I went for Alaitoc because it is a very painter-friendly color scheme. The yellow and bone spot-colors against that dark blue work well for catching the eye. I also friggin love the Ranger/Pathfinder models, and they are kind of Alaitoc's thing. Lastly, I will probably use this force in an upcoming team tournament army in January, and Alaitoc is the Craftworld that seems to intermingle with the other races the most. Anyway, butterfly that I am, I am sure I will be flitting back and forth between this, AoBR, and whatever the hell else I feel like. Here are some closer pics of the finished "test model". Sadly, my sealing coat left him looking really grainy. That is pretty much the nail in the coffin for GW's Purity Seal for me. I will stick with Testors.
From Mars' Project Blog
From Mars' Project Blog

Monday, October 3, 2011

Terrain for the Shed

From Stuff I Have Painted: Planetary Empires
Yesterday was a little tough, so I needed a victory. First off, my Football Club, Arsenal, choked. That happens pretty early on this side of the Atlantic so there was already a bummer by noon. Then, on top of that, my Football team, the Seahawks, spent the afternoon sucking. It was definitely a day for easy and rewarding painting, a slot well filled by terrain. Also, since I was listening to the Seahawks game on the radio, I wanted to do some painting that required almost no concentration. I tend to be "passionate" about Seahawks football, and think it best to not have small, delicate, or crap I wish I didn't just throw, things in hand at game time.

Special thanks to Magnus at Magnus' Project Log for the grip of barricades he traded me for beer. I got the building from a tournament like four or five years ago so I decided it was probably time to get it painted. The colors came from an Antropologies catalog my wife had. I remember looking at the back drops of the pictures and thinking how cool wherever the hell the models were looked. Unfortunately that catalog was no longer around so I had to go for it from memory.
From Stuff I Have Painted: Planetary Empires
From Stuff I Have Painted: Planetary Empires
From Stuff I Have Painted: Planetary Empires
From Stuff I Have Painted: Planetary Empires
From Stuff I Have Painted: Planetary Empires


Sorry about some of the crap pics. The Shed's lighting isn't exactly awesome. Anyway, I was very happy with the way it all came out. I would love to do more like it, but I really hated assembling those buildings so unless I get some already built...I don't like my odds.

Thanks for reading,
T

Monday, September 26, 2011

My Assault on Assault on Black Reach Part 13 and more!

From Mars' Project Blog
These guys are due by midnight, Saturday, and I am playing on a team tournament all day SAT. Pretty much got five days to finish them off. "Days" is a little misleading there, I should say five days worth of painting time. I got all the base colors blocked in, so all that is left is shading and highlighting. This deadline is bearing down on me, but it is my own fault. I will prevail! Here are a few more base coat pics:
From Mars' Project Blog
From Mars' Project Blog


We had our first round of the Planetary Empires campaign come to a close. In the narrative the planet's vegetation has become hostile, as if it is feeding off the violence raging across the planet. Huge vine-like thickets have begun springing up over night. So to reflect this I put a little flock on the tiles to look like clumps of tower vegetation.
From Mars' Project Blog


In addition, I had it so that whomever won the most Cities of Death victories in the first round got to claim the Hive City tile, Halcyon 5. It was a draw between myself and one other player, and so we rolled off. I ended up getting the hive, go Dark Angels!
From Mars' Project Blog


Lastly, I implemented a bounty system where in players can place bounties on other players units. The first player to kill them can collect the bounty. Your's truly and his Ven Dred proved hard to kill so a bounty was placed on him by our bug player, Steve. Pat, from this blog right here, collected the bounty in hail of Long Fang fire, and was paid accordingly:
From Mars' Project Blog


The brand is apropos I think.

Thanks for reading,
T

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

My Assault on Assault on Black Reach Part 12

From Mars' Project Blog
I was just getting to the good part on the dred, the highlighting, when I realized I needed to jump ship. Things got a little hectic last week and I was enjoying the Planetary Empire campaign games so much that I kind of blew off painting. Now I have just 10 short days to complete 10 models for our local club's painting challenge. So the dred is going to get shelved while I finish the tac squad, so I got them underway last night.
From Mars' Project Blog


About a model a day to meet the deadline. I will shamefacedly admit, this will be a close one...

Thanks for reading,
T

Monday, September 19, 2011

This Blog Post Was To Be Epic

From Mars' Project Blog
But it ended up being a "had to be there". For those that were there, we had a great time with a game day for our planetary empires campaign we launched over the last two weeks.

For the first round we were only playing 1k points, and on a 4x4, so we could have a couple of games going at the same time in The Shed. I meant to take a bunch of pictures of this 40k bonanza, as almost everyone there got in three games, fueled by beer and grim dark dark grimness! But, I was having so much fun that I forgot. So instead you get a few pictures of a few games, and Larry's smoking hot ork boyz mob!
From Mars' Project Blog
From Mars' Project Blog
From Mars' Project Blog


Thanks for reading,
T

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Not Slacking, Promise!

From Mars' Project Blog
My brushes have been resting as I was trying to build my DA force up to a level where they can be used for a forthcoming campaign and some events.

My hobby time has been filled with knives, files, and glue, as illustrated above. That is all done now, so back to the dreadnought. I should have an update soon.

Thanks for reading,
T

Monday, August 29, 2011

My Assault on Assault on Black Reach Part 11

From Mars' Project Blog
From Mars' Project Blog
Got some work done on the dread this weekend. I even found a few spare bits from a Dark Angels sprue I must have had at some point, to spruce it up. I am a pretty big fan of dreds, and am really enjoying painting this.

On Friday, right before I got off work, I was talking some terrain with Magnus from Magnus' Project Log. I got home and decided I should paint on some of the stacks of plastic craters I had sitting in my game room/storage building, affectionately referred to as, "The Shed". When Planet Strike first came out, before any reviews hit, I had preordered and paid for the crap-terrain-crater-things. They had been sitting around collecting dust,because they pissed me off. Anyway, I sat on my porch with some big brushes and listened to the Mariners game. It turned out alright (The painting, not the game. The game was dismal with the Mariners sucking it up as usual...)
From Mars' Project Blog
From Mars' Project Blog
From Mars' Project Blog

Thanks for reading,
T