Hello explorer of the deep jungle,
maybe here is another treasure for you to find.
Another Painting Jam with frequently asked questions drops in. A lot of questions arrived at my desk the last weeks and I am sorry that I won't be able to answer them all. I did pick some out which in my view will answer the most. Let's get it on then with a question I recieved over on CMON via private message:
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Jurre asks:
"Hello 'Jarhead',
Let me first introduce myself!
My name is Jurre, and I'm trying to pick up miniature painting again as relaxation time I had a 'break' of about 2/3 years now, actually just before college started.. Now, I'm slowly trying to pick it up again, although I wont have that much time for it as before college started. After starting painting on a miniature I noticed I still quite got the hang of it, but also have some questions, and I hoped you could give me an answer!
My question is about wet in wet blending and layer blending, up till now I actually always have used layer blending, which in my opinion takes a lot of time but I have the idea it is much cleaner then wet in wet blending.
What I find hard with layer blending always, especially with the highlights, is that the colours are not that rich and really present, while I have the idea with wet in wet blending the colours are much more alive?? Which blending actually gives the most smooth results? and can you just combine the two methods? Which method do you actually prefer? And maybe, could you just tell me the real difference between the 2, which one is better in what situations?? Sorry for the bunch of questions, but I'm really trying to pick everything up again! Thanks a lot!!
Jurre"
My answer:
Hiho Jurre!
Glad you found back to miniature painting, believe me it is truely a great way to relax. I try my best with giving you an answer to your questions:
In fact you are right. Using only layer blending in gentle steps will bring you a cleaner result than wishywashy with wet blending. Sure both can be combined and this might already be the answer to one of your questions. I use both. I am using wet and wet to find a way into the concept of the figure, sketch my light and shadow, sketch my colour choice and the idea of the scene. After this I am using layering or glazing technique to clean up areas and intense the contrast between shadow and light. For me none of the two techniques is better or worse. I use them both to paint what I want to achieve and see at the figures areas. If I want to have a good clean look on an area I will start with layer blending/glazing if I want to keep the area vibrant of colours and the surface is big enough I would paint a wet in wet sketch first. Painting wet in wet on smaller areas is pretty difficult though.
"What I find hard with layer blending always, especially with the highlights, is that the colours are not that rich and really present, while I have the idea with wet in wet blending the colours are much more alive??"
I am not sure if I can go with you on that point. I know what you mean but most time the reason of it is not the technique, more the colour choice. Imagine your basecoat, for example a solid green. Now to make it darker the easiest way you mix in some black - it is getting darker and desaturead, less colourful. The same happens when you mix in a colour for your highlights that has a big amount of white in it, for example bone colour or whatever. White will desaturate your light too and it will your colour in the light turn fading from strength. When mixing your colour to your highlight tone I recommand keeping an eye out for this effect. When you mix and you see your tone is getting too white put in a drop of yellow or orange, just a tiny one, to keep the colour strong, then highlight further, again too much white in it, then redo the step. You go much slower to your highlight but it won't lose its power. Hope this explanation is understandable.
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iENA85 asks via mail:
"I write as I was like an idiot in front of the fire warrior painted by you .. I wanted to ask you a few tips to make the damage on my models wear on the armature .. thanks and keep it up"
My answer:
I think the bist hint I can give you about damage and Tau are the following links. First four part video tutorial about different damage and weathering tips. You can transport all those techniques explained there to smaller areas on your figures too:
And some articles that might be interesting for you when it comes to creating damage and additional Tau:
An overview about Weathering, including theory and practical use.
The use of hairspray during your weathering session can bring wonderful results.
Simple article on what you can achieve fast with your airbrush and some gaming models.
Hope my answer helped you with your painting joy!
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Keep on happy painting!
Best Wishes
Roman
Watched all the parts of the weathering tutorials.
ReplyDeleteEven though German ain't my first language, I could understand most of what has been said. Lucky for me Dutch ain't that different.
I do hope i'll ever be doing some weathering. And i'll keep this tutorial in mind. The highlighting really gives it such a great depth.
What is that pencil you use to add the metal effect at the end of part 4?
ReplyDelete