Urbancohort has started this painting thread and is keeping it wholly clear of apostrophes although it is all about his painting skills developing.

[urbancohort]

Perhaps someone can advise... I am using matt acrylics, and matt varnish... why do I get shiny patches whilst avoiding getting white patches from too thick layers of the latter?

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[urbancohort]

Here is the final article. I used Citadel Middenland Tufts to try and recreate the sort of sedge grass (? Not a botanist I am afraid) that might be found in a rather boggy area like the Somerset levels in 1685. Used a dark ink to try to stain the painted sand a bit darker. Now to start on some flintlock/matchlock men and grenadiers.

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[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Very nice work on that whole base.
I was not trying to be a grammar nut, sorry, just the apostrophes stop replies.

Sorry

[urbancohort]

Very nice work on that whole base.
I was not trying to be a grammar nut, sorry, just the apostrophes stop replies.

Sorry

No apologies required! I went to Grammar school and am quite anal about it!

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[toxicpixie]

Finished article looks great!

I like a spray varnish tbh and haven't had a problem with shiny puddling - some Matt  varnishes are matter than others though...

Another technique I like is similar to Fred's suggestion. A light undercoat (white, sometimes gray, sometimes the base colour if it's not too dark), then block paint and use a wash (magic or "proper" depending on taste) to shade.

[urbancohort]

So, I now also have the first stand of matchlock men to go with the pikemen. Have adapted my technique and based the next batch in black paint.

[O Dinas Powys]

Here is the final article. I used Citadel Middenland Tufts to try and recreate the sort of sedge grass (? Not a botanist I am afraid) that might be found in a rather boggy area like the Somerset levels in 1685.

Just for the record: sedges are sedges; grasses are grasses; (and rushes are rushes) 

They look pretty effective to me

Botanically yours 

Meirion

[toxicpixie]

Looks good to me! How did you find it - think they're "crisper" for less work, or harder, or... ?

[urbancohort]

Just for the record: sedges are sedges; grasses are grasses; (and rushes are rushes) 

They look pretty effective to me

Botanically yours 

Meirion

Every day a school day! I learned something new!

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[urbancohort]

Looks good to me! How did you find it - think they're "crisper" for less work, or harder, or... ?

All I really know is:
1) there is a point when the main colours are on the figure and it is looking truly pants and I want to give up and take up needlework.
2) the figures look better to my eye than the photos show.
3) I am and always have been a looney perfectionist so unless all my figs look like Clib's I won't be happy with them..

Don't know I would describe my efforts as 'crisp' but I think that the high quality of the castings helps.  As I said, I have painted the next batch black as per advice given earlier on this forum.

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[urbancohort]

Ready for starting painting

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[Norm]

All I really know is:

2) the figures look better to my eye than the photos show.


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And that is what matters most. Digital photography can be unkind, especially as out kit and software tends to over sharpen pictures, white balance is seldom spot on and we end up looking at enlarged versons on our screens of things that are not intended to beviewed in that way.

I think you should be pretty pleased with your results.

I have been thinkingof late that I actually spend too much time painting all the detail on 10's / 12's and that I should take a more care-free approach to painting, to get the benefits of 'mass' and faster production that the scale brings.

[urbancohort]

I have been thinkingof late that I actually spend too much time painting all the detail on 10's / 12's and that I should take a more care-free approach to painting, to get the benefits of 'mass' and faster production that the scale brings.
[/quote]

I know what you mean! I read somewhere that at 300ms ( I think) all that would truly be distinguishable woukd be the coat. However, it has to be said, one of the things I like about the LofA era and 'lace wars' is the gorgeous uniforms of the period. It is part of the draw.

Of course, another issue accuracy wise is colour. Yes, all the British Army wore red coats but pre-industrial processes, how uniform could that be? Anything from light brown to almost white pink would seem to be arguable?


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[toxicpixie]

What Norm said, in triplicate

As I'm in the middle of some big jobs my "personal" stuff is getting very minimal treatment and is currently an experiment in speed over technique

[urbancohort]

A bad workman blames his tools, but I have noticed my brushes tend to get a bit frayed and that interferes with a crisp, clean paint job. I am using a feldherr paintbrush, anyone recommend a brand or suggest any way of dealing with the fraying please?

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[d_Guy]

urban,

I use Windsor & Newton Series 7 Sable brushes which are pricey but hold up really well. I rinse them out well then "point" them with my lips (I am too old to worry much about toxins :-) ) then store them with their protective point covers (little tubes). I use them just for the color blocking.  Old ratty brushes for everything else (washes, dry brushing, etc)

I clean them occasionally with this stuff which seems to help keep them like new.
Granted, my brushes are probably used only six to ten hours a week.

https://www.amazon.com/General-Pencil-Company-Masters-Preserver/dp/B001TNR7VM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1492297419&sr=8-4&keywords=The+Masters+Brush+Cleaner


Hope this helps.

[urbancohort]

It does, many thanks! Happy Easter! G

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[Ithoriel]

I buy lots of cheap brushes and the occasional expensive ones. Both are trashed in less than a month of a regular, painting every day, painting binge.

The main thing that extends the life of my brushes is my other passion ... MMORPGs.

If I'm not painting I'm not ruining brushes!!

[urbancohort]

Started on the grenadier company for a bit of diversion..

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[urbancohort]

Detailing still to come.

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