Back again!

Hey Everyone!

Wow has it been a while since I updated this blog!

Since my last update, my mild Carpal Tunnel Syndrome really started to be inconvenient.  I finally made the plunge, and switched to an airbrush, hoping to alleviate my symptoms at least somewhat.  It was effective for a while, but eventually even that wasn't enough.  Coupled with my typing-centric job, the pain and numbness got in the way a lot.  A few months ago, I had surgery on my left hand, and it has completely relieved my symptoms.  I'm back to normal, for the most part, thought I've grown to really like the results I get with my airbrush.

I'm currently working on an Ogre Stonehorn commission.  It's about 99% done, just awaiting the arrival a bit that was missing when I received the model from my client/

This project has been a lot of fun.  It is really the first Warhammer Fantasy Battles model I've pained, so it's been fun working my way through it.

It is also the first real "organic" model I've worked on since I did some Fenrisian Wolves a ways back.  Working on an animal model like this is a unique challenge compared to most 40K stuff's technical style.

Next up, I'm working on a Malifaux Guild crew, as well as expanding my Minotaurs and Eldar;  And, if I get bored, I might plug away on my Zone Mortalis terrain some more.

Thanks for reading!

Angron, Primarch of the World Eaters complete!

I've been working on this special model for a long time, and I'm finally satisfied with it.

It seems like it is much easier to get great painting result on a great model, and Forge World knocked their first Primarch out of the park, if you ask me!

I really like the design of the base on this piece.  The Angron model sits on a 40MM base, that fits into the larger 60MM scenic base for display purposes.  When you use Angron in a Horus Heresy game, you just pop the model out.

Both bases are given highly detailed resin pieces for detail, and they look amazing.  The only complaint I have is that the larger piece, for the 60MM base, doesn't go to the edge of the base.  If you look at Forge World's example, you can see how jarring and unfinished it looks.  It is a shame to leave such a beautiful piece that way, so I added some texture to the rest of the base to blend it.  It took several layers to get it perfect, but I am really happy with the results.

This is the first time I've experimented with weathering powders, and I think they worked great.  They really add a lot of texture and weight to the finished model, and they were super easy to use.  Secret Weapon Miniatures recently released a pigment fixer, which made the process really easy.  I also used their pigments, and couldn't be happier.  

Here's a final pic, of the two pieces as I discussed above.

As much as it pains me, I've decided to sell this model.  It is beautiful, but, ultimately I don't have the room for it (especially without a World Eaters army to accompany it).

If you;re interested, you can find the eBay auction HERE.

Thanks for looking!

Reentering Realspace!

Wow! It have been SOOO long since I updated this blog! I didn't realize it had gotten away from me like this! A lot of changed since my last post... I've lost at several tournaments, but won another "best painting" award! I've added a huge Necron army to my collection (posts incoming!) and had started a CSM army before getting sidetracked. My carpal tunnel has really started to flare up when I paint, so I've recently invested in a airbrush (a Badger Renegade Velocity), in the hopes that it with reduce workload and time. I'll be starting a Horus Heresy: Betrayal Imperial Fists list to break in the airbrush, I've been wanting to challenge myself with a yellow project for a while now, and shading light colors seems like it lends itself to airbrushing. For now, you'll have to make do with some pics of my last (probably) completely hand-painted model, a CSM Helbrute!

 

I was working on a small Emperor's Children army, using some of the Dark Vengeance stuff as a starting point. Since my wrist issues have flared up, I'm moving on to the airbrush project. This one was very time and effort intensive, but he is probably some of my best painting work.

 

I spent a lot of time wet-blending and working on zenithal lighting by hand, and I really think he came out great.

 

 I also did some conversion work: adding a Reaper Autocannon in place of the Multi-melta. I used plastic rod and jeweler's chain on that, and, if I recall correctly, a Necron Immortal gauss bit for the bayonet.

     

I also added a missile bit to the maw on the other hand, so that I could play it as a Missile Luancher if needed. The nice thing is, the conversion is subtle enough that it can still be played as a Powerfist if desired. I also did the base in cork, something I've been itching to try. It was really simple, and worked really well. I plan on using this method in most or all of my future projects. As always please let me know what you think of the model and paint! Sadly, I'm selling this one on eBay. :( Since I am switching to airbrushing, and I am a stickler for cohesive painting, I abandoned the rest of my CSM plans. I can't paint an entire force the way I did this model! It will take me ages, and I will likely ruin my wrists! ;) If you're interested in the model, here's a link to the eBay auction:

  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181122617312#ht_500wt_1288

Thanks for reading!

Dave

Foodhammer 2K11 Best Painting

Everyone,

Just a quick update today, time is limited!  Last week, a friend and I made the trip up to Flint, MI (4 hours!) to play in the Foodhammer 2011 charity tournament!

A big "Thanks!" to all the guys at Fresh Coast 40K and Gamers Sanctuary for hosting this awesome tournament!  We had a great time, and met some great people!

Alas, I didn't fare very well in the gaming part of the tournament.  But, I did take home the awards for Best Painting!  Here's a pic of the army I took to the tourney (credit goest to Fresh Coast 40K for the pic):

Thanks again to all the guys at Fresh Coast 40K for the kudos!  I've spent a lot of time and effort on my Space Wolves over the last 2+ years, and if is awesome to think that other appreciate it, too!  There were several armies at Foodhammer that were super-well painted; I'm honored and humbled to have been awarded Best Painting from that field!

That's all I've got time for this week... please check out my Commissions page if you're interested in some work.  I've recently simplified and reduced the pricing structure, so now is a great time to get some work done!

As always, thanks for reading!

-Dave

Contemptor Dread Update, Death Company Stormraven WIP

Hey all,

I've made some serious progress on my Angels Sanguine Contemptor Dreadnought.  I've still got some weathering and stuff to finish, and the base only has a basecoat, but it's starting to come together.

I also still need to finish environmental effects, like sand on the Dread, and blood from the Dark Eldar Scourge.  

This model has been a ton of fun to paint.  There are lots of details, but they aren't overwhelming in the way they are on some infantry models (I'm looking at you Wolf Pack).  Kind of purely by chance, this thing sort of ended up as a test for my Angels Sanguine paint scheme.  I think it's working really well.

The Dark Eldar Scourge on the base has been fun, too.  It isn't a model style I'm used  to, which is a nice change.

I've also made some significant progress on my Death Company Stormraven.  This has been the most enjoyable vehicle model I've done from GW.  They have made serious strides in model design and mold processes, even since the Land Raiders and Rhino that are out now.  

Some people seem to be put off by the look of the model, but I actually like it a lot.  It's a bit on the small side, but I think it fits the overall Space Marine aesthetic really well, and it is intimidating on the table.

I still have another few X's to paint on, but I've been debating on their location.  I want to put one somewhere on the tail, probably on the top of the stabilizer wings (or whatever they are), and I think I'm going to put one on the front of the assault ramp.

All the weapon options are magnetized (though they aren't all painted yet), so I can change the Melta/Bolter on the front, and use any of the top-mounted turret options.  I magnetized the Storm Bolters on the side doors inside the model, and did a little bit of modding, so they just pop on and off.

More Dark Eldar details on the base here, this one is a chunk of a Raider.  The base is from Secret Weapon Miniature's Desert Mesa series.  I can't say enough positive things about Justin and the crew over there!!  They offer a terrific product line, with great prices, fast shipping, and great customer service!  

I also use their Flight Stand Widget to mount the Stormraven, which includes the 1/2" thick acrylic bar and a mount that glues to the bottom of the model.  It works great, and I find it far superior and sturdier than the standard GW stand.  I also inserted a magnet into the rod, and one on the base of the model.  This keeps the Stormraven in place a bit more securely, and still allows the base and model to be separated for transport.

I used masking tape to make the X's on the wings, I think they came out really sharp.  You might have noticed that the Stormraven is more heavily highlighted than the Contemptor.  I did this for 2 reasons: it's a flying vehicle, so is exposed to constant wear when used; and its a Death Company transport.  In my mind, the Death Company wouldn't have a lot of time to spend worrying about their transports aesthetics, so it would get worn out fast.

That's it for this week!  As alsways, comments and critique are welcome!  Keep in mind, though, that these are works-in-progress! 

If you like what you see, consider hiring me to paint your models for you!  See my info page here!

Thanks,

Dave

Commission Update and Continued Discounts

Everyone,

I've finished a recent commission of D&D figures, and thought I'd share the results.  First up is a pair of some sort of Lizard-Men with a flamethrower.  These guys were a lot of fun to paint, since they're a bit of a departure for me.

Next, we have a pair of Orcs.  I painted both, and actually sculpted the axe that the smaller one has from greenstuff and plastic card:

Here's a close up of the shield on the big one's back, with a freehanded symbol that the client requested:

I also have a wolf-man paladin, which I painted and did some sculpting work on:

The model was originally an ape-man of some sort, but I sculpted a new face from green stuff, to make it look more like a wolf-man.  I also freehanded the wings on the shield.  It is, apparently, a shield of throwing, and the client wanted something to indicate that on it.  

The last painting work on this set was on a swordmage character:

I also did a bit of model repair on a model he'd already purchased painted, as well as basing:

That's it for this week.  I'm still plugging away at my Contemptor Pattern Dreadnought, and putting the finishing touches on my Angels Sanguine Death Company Stormraven.  Hopefully, next week, I'll be able to share more.

Remember, I'm still running a sale on commissions!!  If you order 5 or more models worth of work, you'll receive 20% off!!  See my commissions page for details!

Thanks for reading!

Dave

Contemptor Dread WIP, Lone Wolf, and Discounted Commissions!

As you can probably tell, Space Wolves is my army of choice in the world of 40K.  I love the fluff, they suit my play style, and they have a terrific codex.  But, sometimes, I get tired of painting blue all the time!  Over the last few months I've been planning a totally fun (that is, not competitive at all) Angels Sanguine list as a side project.  It has been pretty slow moving, but painting red and black is nice for change!

Once I saw the Contemptor Dreadnought from Forge World, I knew I had to have one!  So, I decided to pick one up to use as a Librarian Dreadnought in my Angels Sanguine list.  It arrived on Wednesday, and I got a chance to assemble it this week:

This model was an absolute joy to assemble!  Basically, every joint on this model is either a ball socket or a rotating wheel joint, which makes is extremely poseable.  You can really get unique stances and poses with this kit.  I've got him stepping on a Dark Eldar Scourge, and he is on a Desert Mesa base from Secret Weapon Miniatures.  

Since I'm using him as a Libraran Dreadnought, he is equipped with a Force Weapon.  I had one left over from the Blood Angels Furioso kit (which I used to make a Death Company Dread), so I used that.  I modified it a bit, since the Contemptor is so much taller than a standard Dreadnought.  I cut the shaft in half, added some plastic rod to the middle, and sculpted a bit of green stuff for a handle.  I think it looks pretty cool, and the added height is definitely better.

I still have to add a ton of Librarian details (Psychic Hood, icons, etc.), but I'm pleased enough with the start to show it off.  I've also taken some pics of a Space Wolf Terminator, which I usually use as a Lone Wolf:

I finished this guy a while ago, but I like him a lot.  I love the wolf pelt/cape thing, and really like the Space Wolves Storm Shield, too.

The shoulder icon was drawn on with a Micron pen, all my Space Wolves have Ragnar's markings.

Also, I've decided to run a promotion on my Commission Service!! For the next 30 days (through 10/24), any commissions that are scheduled (with a minimum of 5 models per project) will receive a 20% discount!!  That is like getting work on one model for free!  

Please check out the Hire Me page for prices (please not, they do NOT reflect the discount) and contact me if you are interested!

As always, thanks for reading!

-Dave