Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Painting & Modelling => Topic started by: ErHo on 30 August 2017, 08:15:48 PM

Title: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: ErHo on 30 August 2017, 08:15:48 PM
Its been 15+ years since Ive painted 10mm or smaller, the sculpts on these are incredible... dare I say cute undead?

Sorry for the pic size, I'm hastily posting this where and when I can!

Issue with these are the colors of the bones and the base.   I'm not sure how to properly differentiate sand and bone on such a small scale, they more or less just blend in.
(http://i.imgur.com/SEVkqQP.jpg)
I'm thinking of going back to hit the shreds of skin on the horses with different colors, grays and browns I suppose.
(http://i.imgur.com/QKBbCV9.jpg)
Pay no attention to the Orkboys in the back!
(http://i.imgur.com/qWijccD.jpg)

I dont know yet, thinking of defaulting back to grays brown basing, but I was hoping for an egyptian themed board to game on with my Dragon men, based the same way.

Any ideas or critiques are welcome and appreciated!

Thank you
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: paulr on 30 August 2017, 08:21:49 PM
Welcome ErHo :-h

Good looking figures and nice desert basing  :-bd =D> :-bd

Would a darker wash help the figures stand out a bit more  :-\
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 30 August 2017, 08:22:40 PM
Add green flock?
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Ithoriel on 30 August 2017, 08:26:40 PM
Sun bleached bone would be whiter. Maybe a final highlight of white to lift the figures?

Or if they've been in the ground they could be darker - grey or even dark brown.

However, a light drybrush of white would be simplest.  
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: ErHo on 30 August 2017, 08:29:46 PM
Quote from: mad lemmey on 30 August 2017, 08:22:40 PM
Add green flock?

I'm leaning away from the green flock, having used tons for my last D&D campaign.    I thouhgt to use the tan/dead grass flock, but thats so close to the bone, I'm at square one again.

I think I'll have to lighten either men or base afterall
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: fred. on 30 August 2017, 08:31:52 PM
I like them as they are - having the skeletons blend into the ground seems appropriate.

If you want to lift the figures away from the bases, a couple of suggestions

A light dry brush of white as suggested by the others.

With the bases, add a few little bits of clump foliage and small rocks
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/OtGIQ46qwdqTNGPf9kumodUOYaNYrdd6NEjY1c8LsPWJaBwYJTVeW7V0UbFN4rJTcyB_JugfpV2bsdqcxT_iU5K4a5i1dfdigBmSU9eIl25vhzXyP-4Do9q5eiMyE5n3kMAaeqa7-REOIfBE-qm2awkJssedcrEZ0CaGDvMqL0JAVE_-jRVqGpgQhB02e1I20_th5I3neLqsrxQ7j4gTtwd0GMkEwm4cS2NkAj5Uzwo8NFQilUoIL0K-ebXYe8GH5wbWkerk4lwU8zVpUbRWFjp2pGZ1XtH0RbaLeYxO7JacS0nMFY9aolbB_ybsKlKQELhlD1ViiVwmxTNONwvjUk1cGiEpeo0CGvYMZJkMjjSHAsVXmo-xQEZlqq9SNVnRc4Fw1B5_L5_cqNEyKQ6UBx_NTcbRk5SeQNP9MxvAtN7ON8JpLb39dDTfQrxtcNVFvitX0QaxaEgOL4yumhNvie5RmbfkTrRxPO4ADqFo7XJS8StfdhCrvswkzcyTF8_MZEBydsSwb9EKqx1xf2mXDFGcBT7yO6mwAl8p4LbRgwPJ3rMsZvz27ygYrX4qOQeUj4xTx7GKef2_r2A8vemhWkEPVVpy-BacqURYt94PMS7v8teFI1-aqyExXQbwDehdPosx0SECVJ4c4OZyp3HuzAiax7OJdFtqq8W1rqj9iGncsHA=w1022-h622-no)

These are 15mm, but it gives you the idea.
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: ErHo on 30 August 2017, 08:32:51 PM
Quote from: Ithoriel on 30 August 2017, 08:26:40 PM
Sun bleached bone would be whiter. Maybe a final highlight of white to lift the figures?

Or if they've been in the ground they could be darker - grey or even dark brown.

However, a light drybrush of white would be simplest.  

Thank you, and you as well Paulr!

I'll have to do one or the other, possibly both.

As it is, I used a linen colored base, washed it with watered down AP brown ink and highlighted with the same linen color.

Thank you guys for the suggestions, I'll try them all out and see from there.
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: ErHo on 30 August 2017, 08:35:56 PM
Quote from: fred. on 30 August 2017, 08:31:52 PM
I like them as they are - having the skeletons blend into the ground seems appropriate.

If you want to lift the figures away from the bases, a couple of suggestions

A light dry brush of white as suggested by the others.

With the bases, add a few little bits of clump foliage and small rocks


These are 15mm, but it gives you the idea.

Those are handsome fellas you got there!   Did you use bare sand with the white highlight on top?

That green in patches does look good, MadLemmy, you might be right as well
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: fred. on 30 August 2017, 08:47:06 PM
Quote from: ErHo on 30 August 2017, 08:35:56 PM
Those are handsome fellas you got there!   Did you use bare sand with the white highlight on top?

That green in patches does look good, MadLemmy, you might be right as well

Thanks, I was pleased with how these chaps come out.

I think the highlight was a pale sand, rather than white.
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Leon on 31 August 2017, 12:53:16 AM
Very nice!  As the other guys have said above, I'd either put a white highlight over the figures to lighten them up, or pop a bit of flock/brown on the bases to darken those down.  Just to get a bit of contrast between figure and base.

8)
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: DFlynSqrl on 31 August 2017, 02:14:29 AM
Very nice ErHo.   8)  I like seeing more Undead roaming around.  I agree about adding some green.  Just a splash here and there and add some bushes like Fred did in his picture.  I think it would still have an arid look to it.

Mine have more green than you're talking about, but if you did about half or 1/3 it might give your base some color and still have a desert look to it.
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EjEewJl4WR8/WLN3YB3AFhI/AAAAAAAADaE/H2dYZ_YY4fszWjTaum-zDLsqclONdsrnwCLcB/s1600/SkellieWarriors2.jpg)

If you do decide to put skin on your horses they'll look something like this.  Here's a picture of mine, if you want a general idea of how it might look.

(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8voq5IHnSXM/WJfTAa_aYoI/AAAAAAAADTg/XqlQcTB6oIIrNNaFyrDC4GbT6OQ4_50GwCLcB/s1600/SkelCavS.JPG)

Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Terry37 on 31 August 2017, 02:38:00 AM
If they were mine, I'd hit them with a thin brown wash  and when dry highlight with a wet dry brush (I know seems contradictory, but that's how I term it - its a thinned paint that is very watery, but with only enough on the brush to leave highlights). I do not paint the highlight on randomly, but try to hit those areas that truly would be highlights. Then I'll go back with a wet dry brush with more paint in it for the areas that special should be highlighted - in the case of skeletons, around the eyes, jaw line, ribs, joint bones, etc.

Here is a picture of my skeleton Riders for my HOTT Halloween army to give you an idea of how my style turns out.  The ones on the left are the better example as the ones on the right are in too much sun light. I tried to make any cloth left with a faded out and dirty look to it.

(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh235/terry37photos/Painting/IMG_1068_zpsryhjl9uy.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/terry37photos/media/Painting/IMG_1068_zpsryhjl9uy.jpg.html)

Hope this helps,

Terry
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Techno on 31 August 2017, 05:42:28 AM
Another vote for a very light drybrush highlight with white.

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: d_Guy on 31 August 2017, 05:00:48 PM
Well, the skeletons have certainly come out of the closet! Some lovely examples - almost a trailer for the up-coming painting competions.
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Steve J on 31 August 2017, 05:07:41 PM
Great work and agree with the suggestions already mentioned.
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Techno on 01 September 2017, 06:11:43 AM
Quote from: Techno on 31 August 2017, 05:42:28 AM
Another vote for a very light drybrush highlight with white. Cheers - Phil

I forgot to say what a fine job you've done on those, ErHo !  :-bd

Cheers - Phil
Title: UPDATE!
Post by: ErHo on 05 October 2017, 06:17:23 PM
OK guys and gals, you were right in every recommendation so far on how to improve these boners!

Added flock and white highlights, but I still have a lot of touch-ups left as well as painting the shields and whatnot red, emblems, etc.

Sorry for the pic size, I've had issues today of all sorts!

The warband

(https://i.imgur.com/jVrHffA.jpg)

HQ
(https://i.imgur.com/bANJrcN.jpg)

Necromancers

(https://i.imgur.com/apSGTAR.jpg)


Any feed back would be great, I'm wary of the flock application, if its too stark of a green clump and needs thinning out or blending out to the sand?

Let me know what you think?

Thanks !
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Leon on 05 October 2017, 07:09:56 PM
Those look really good, nice work. 

8)
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Raider4 on 05 October 2017, 07:20:07 PM
I think those are excellent. No need to worry about flock/sand ratio - they look really good.

Cheers, M.
--
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Matt J on 05 October 2017, 07:49:14 PM
Those are really good  8)
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: fred. on 05 October 2017, 08:20:25 PM
They look great.
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Techno on 05 October 2017, 08:47:22 PM
Absolutely belting !  :-bd

Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 05 October 2017, 09:31:19 PM
Those look great.
Bonus point for the use of the word 'boners'!
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: toxicpixie on 05 October 2017, 10:13:04 PM
Spot on, they pop really nicely against the green & sand base! And still look pretty "deserty" :)
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Womble67 on 05 October 2017, 10:15:11 PM
Very nice indeed

Take  care

Andy
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: DFlynSqrl on 06 October 2017, 01:33:08 AM
Look great to me!   8)
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Ace of Spades on 06 October 2017, 05:18:42 AM
Dead on!

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: paulr on 06 October 2017, 06:40:49 AM
Nobby, Mr Spades requires his coat!
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: fsn on 06 October 2017, 06:47:58 AM
Wha? I haven't finished going through his pockets yet.

Anyone want a furry humbug?
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Ace of Spades on 06 October 2017, 06:57:58 AM
There could be a furry hamburger in the inner pocket come to think of it... ah well; keep it for all the good work you do around here sir! :D

Cheers,
Rob
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Terry37 on 06 October 2017, 01:10:37 PM
I like them! Nicely done.

Terry
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: ErHo on 06 October 2017, 03:17:29 PM
Thank you gents!  It means alot, thank you!
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Techno on 06 October 2017, 03:51:39 PM
Credit, where credit's due !

Cheers - Phil.
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Jim Ando on 06 October 2017, 04:19:39 PM
Great job on those skeletons.

My mates got a pendraken undead army  his is still silver .

He fights with them unpainted the lazy git.

I should refuse to fight him until he finishes painting them.
Jim
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: ErHo on 06 October 2017, 04:31:18 PM
Yep!  I cant field an army unless its nearly done, though I have had these out against silver dragonmen!
Title: Re: Warband: Skeleton warriors and cavalry - Issue with bone on sand
Post by: Moggy1000 on 18 October 2017, 09:57:18 AM
Those look amazing, love all the shading and detail work... How do you work so well on something so small? My dark elves just look like paint is splodged on haha