Franco-Prussian War

[Adam west]

Incredible work javier absolutely inspiring and yet at the same time soul crushing that I'll never be able to a paint like that!

[paulr]

Incredible work javier absolutely inspiring and yet at the same time soul crushing that I'll never be able to a paint like that!

Well said, you may be surprised how well the figures paint up

[Javier Gomez]

Incredible work javier absolutely inspiring and yet at the same time soul crushing that I'll never be able to a paint like that!

I disagree, it's really easy to paint these minis with great results! It's just a matter of technique and using the right colors, as always. No special talent needed.

[fsn]

I disagree, it's really easy to paint these minis with great results! It's just a matter of technique and using the right colors, as always. No special talent needed.

I was practicing in a bunker down in Texas and this good old boy with a big hat stopped to watch. The first shot he saw me hit went in the hole. He said, "You got 50 bucks if you knock the next one in." I holed the next one. Then he says, "You got $100 if you hole the next one." In it went for three in a row. As he peeled off the bills he said, "Boy, I've never seen anyone so lucky in my life." And I shot back, "Well, the harder I practice, the luckier I get." That's where the quote originated.

Gary Player, Gold Digest, 2002

[Leman]

I have painted up some Prussians for the my Project 50 using one of Javier's techniques for 10mm, as described in his book, 'Painting Wargaming Figures.' The results were noticeably an improvement on my previous technique at the very first attempt. It was relatively easy and an awful lot quicker. I also found it worked better using individual basing of figures rather than painting rods. This is what I use:

[Techno]

Very impressive....and useful tip you're passing on there, 'Bob'. 
If you find it's quicker and easier.....Bit of a 'no brainer'.
If I ever get the chance to get the paints out 'properly' again, I'm pretty sure I'll be using this method.
Only tried the 'spatula method' once.....Just couldn't get on with it.

Cheers - Phil

[toxicpixie]

Very nice!

But... what's the "spatula method"?!

[Subedai]

I disagree, it's really easy to paint these minis with great results! It's just a matter of technique and using the right colors, as always. No special talent needed.

I agree, in my opinion anyone can paint. Over the years I have tried any number of different painting techniques and that is all it is - technique. You need a bit of patience when you are learning a new technique and it seems to take a while to master but once it's there it's like riding the proverbial bike. Look at the work of Javier and Matt of Munslow, black undercoat and all your deep shading is done for you so you are already halfway there. I tried different styles on my 10mm Mongol Project but have decided to revert back to black undercoat for anything else I do in that scale. The fiddly bits like a 'T' face come with time. The use of bright colours -sometimes a bit lighter than they really should be coupled with a nicely presented base of contrasting colours and you are there so
a lighter base will enhance bright figures and contrast dark coloured ones. DON'T use dark bases for chaps with dark colours.

[paulr]

Very nice!

But... what's the "spatula method"?!

Wot he said

[Techno]

Have I used the wrong word ?

You know......Those wooden 'thingys' that look like they could be tongue depressors from ancient times.
Sticking the figures to those, and painting them  in 'strips', rather than individually.

Say, aaaaah ! - Phil

[Leman]

Yep, that's what I call a painting rod. It's ok but it does make some areas very hard to reach which can spoil the look of a figure if not done with care, e.g. the side of the face behind a raised sword arm can be tackled if the figure is on an individual stand, but is much more tricky if there are figures fixed either side of it.

[toxicpixie]

Ah yes, the method is use these days the trick is angling the figures appropriately and not cramming too many on to block access...

[Glorfindel]

I've been on the Forum a while but, for some reason, haven't looked at this thread before.
Magnificent figures, flags and terrain.   Simply wargaming at its best and very inspirational.
Well done !

Interesting to see the very effective painting technique used.   I spend time adding a couple
of layers of highlights but the figures don't look half as effective as these.   You really have
got this down to a fine art.

The down side is that it is too inspiring and makes you want to divert from your current
project and try FPW.   I just don't have enough hours in the day or cash to finish all the
projects I want to do....

Anyway, very much looking forward to the next installment of pictures.

Phil

[paulr]

Have I used the wrong word ?

You know......Those wooden 'thingys' that look like they could be tongue depressors from ancient times.
Sticking the figures to those, and painting them  in 'strips', rather than individually.

Say, aaaaah ! - Phil

I thought you were talking about a painting method... How do you use a spatula to apply paint to 10mm figures

Ah yes, the method is use these days the trick is angling the figures appropriately and not cramming too many on to block access...

Exactly, I tend to space figures out at about 2cm, more if the pose requires it

[Techno]

I thought you were talking about a painting method... How do you use a spatula to apply paint to 10mm figures

Well....Obviously you sharpen one end of the spatula to an ultra fine point, and dip that in the paint.

HAH !
Thinking about that particularly silly idea.....Decades ago when I played Subbuteo, I used to sharpen the end of a wooden cocktail stick, and use that as a 'brush' to paint numbers on the backs of the players.

Cheers - Phil