Musings - New Armies

As I continue through these IG painting projects, I realize that I will probably start doing some more "building" before they're all completed. In the interest of keeping things interesting I think I will do one unit/squad at a time, bouncing back and forth between different armies. Not sure if it will work but I thought I would share a few of the ideas that are brewing in the ol' noggin'

• SPACE MARINES: I did some a long time ago but this new army has a very specific vision.  They will be called The Liberators.  Yes, there is already a chapter by that name but oh well, bear with me.  Inspired by the WW2 Liberator bomber, these marines will be down and dirty marines, painted in OD and bearing lots of character.  The chapter symbol will be an eagle head and the Chapter banner will be a variation on the classic Japanese flag but with the colors of the American flag.  These guys will be a very "gung ho" "can do" kind of group, very "John Wayne".  The challenge for me here will be the composition of the models, using unique poses and customizing whenever possible.
• ALBINO ORKS:  Still in the conceptual stages, it may have already been done.  I am thinking Orks painted from a shade of light pink up to pure white, pink snouts and red, beady eyes.
• TYRANIDS: I want to have a crack at building a 'Nid army using the color scheme made popular by Simon Egan.  Below is a pic for reference...

 

So that's it for now.  Do you guys have any cool ideas for future projects?  Just brainstorming?  Share with the group...

The war goes on, 

Hessler

Heli Sentinel Progress (1)

I progressed about 95% on my Heli Sentinel Squadron leader:

As with most painting, this 1st model took a little longer due to some re-working on the paint colors.  Sometimes you just can't see how colors will work together until you get some paint down.  Vehicle numbers will be in single digits.  These crazy SOB's are very much a voluntary unit with heavy turnover due to the experimental "heli" technology.

Please leave comments and criticisms, both are welcomed.

The war goes on,

Hessler

Mech Rough Riders Complete

Please excuse my over indulgence with the photos but I couldn't help myself.  I will probably make another 3-5 of these but that will be further down the road.  I must admit that these bike tested my patience while painting them.  I will consider assembling & painting them in sub-assemblies next time so I can get to some parts easier.

Thanks for looking and feel free to leave comments & criticisms.

Next up on the painting block...Heli Sentinels

The war goes on,

Hessler

Mogul Kamir...Biker Style

So I finally completed some painting.  This is my "biker" version of Mogul Kamir...

Not much to say here, I kitted him out as best I could.  This being my first real return to painting in sometime, some of my shortcomings as a painter have come to the fore.  Oh well...I can only get better from here on out.  I hope to have the rest of the squad done this weekend.  And yes, I saw the mold line on the arm when I posted the pic...it will get fixed ;)

Also, I received a few "triads" from Reaper paints.  Overall the paint seems to be a little watery compared to Vallejo.  Not a big deal, you just need to adjust how much you water them down.  As for finish, I found the Reaper to be a bit blotchy compared to the Vallejo, even after a couple thin coats.  I still have a few flesh triads to test out but I think I'll be sticking with Vallejo for now.

C&C is always appreciated. 

The war goes on,
Hessler

A Call To All Painters...Flesh Tones

Lots of good ideas here...go to the comments and ad your input.

After the better than expected response to my last post, I have decided to pursue even more ancient knowledge by asking about flesh tones.

Here's your chance to contribute to an eternal database of painting formulas and techniques that will benefit generations to come.

What are your color choices?  Does one manufacturer have better flesh tones than another?  How many layers?  Washes?  Shading?  Highlights?  Eyes?  No eyes?  Do you know of any good resources on the web for painting skin?

The deeper question...do you use a technique or formula you consider to be unique?  

Let's have it...

Musings - Paint Before Glue?

Good tips here...check out the comments.  Feel free to add your own input, as well.

Just a question today, for all the hobbyists out there.  Many have often wondered if it might be easier, more economical, to paint components on the sprue before they are assembled.  Has anyone ever tried this?  What were the advantages?  The disadvantages?  Some are more obvious than others.

A deeper question...has anyone done this for more than just a squad, over the course of an entire army?

So let's have your input.  Leave your comments and let's attack this subject like the devoted Imperial subjects we are.

Workspace

I just got back from a great weekend in the country and I figured it might be a good time to snap a few pics of my hobby area before it gets completely trashed again.

This left side is used for all the assembly and tinkering...it's all tools and bits.

This side is my paint station.  The full spectrum lamp is my most recent purchase.  Thanks to Les at AwesomePaintJob.com for the tip.  I mostly use Vallejo and Wargames Foundry paints.  I like the WF paints because they are sold in triads...a base color, a shade, and a highlight.  The drawback is that they don't come in dropper bottles, which I absolutely love.  I think I will either gradually switch over to Reaper, as they offer the triad sets and come in the dropper, or transfer my Wargames Foundry paints to dropper bottles.  Either way...a daunting task, no doubt.

That's all for now.  Thanks for reading, I hope to have an actual hobby update for you in a few days.

The war goes on,
Hessler