Pendraken Miniatures Forum

Wider Wargaming => Painting & Modelling => Topic started by: Matt J on 10 April 2012, 12:28:05 PM

Title: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 10 April 2012, 12:28:05 PM
Just picked up the brushes again after having practically painted nothing for the last 6 months (other than a competition entry). I thought I'd start a diary to log my stuttering progress, get some motivation and hopefully post some nice pics  :)

Current projects -

Imperial romans - first 10mm I'd done and mostly finished http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,3865.0.html (http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,3865.0.html) just got to add some slingers

Dacians - Put on hold. Id heard the range is having a revamp in the not too distant future so I'm going to wait until these come out and hopefully they'll be compatible with the models I already have (the standard infantry aren't too bad but the flaxmen and sarmations are a bit lacking)

Hastings - Anglo-Saxons still in the bags. Normans started, 120 spearmen mostly finished and knights started.

SYW Quebec - models arrived week before last and are cracking sculpts. I've glued a few to strips as trial pieces.

Also ordered some of GW's new paints to try out. These should arrive this week so I'll give them a go.

Hopefully I'll have some photos posted this evening
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Steve J on 10 April 2012, 12:36:11 PM
Look forward to seeing the pics :).
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: nikharwood on 10 April 2012, 08:31:06 PM
Quote from: Steve J on 10 April 2012, 12:36:11 PM
Look forward to seeing the pics :).

Ditto  8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 11 April 2012, 09:21:12 AM
First batch of photos.

Norman spears
(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/normans.jpg)

Partially based and almost finish. Getting bogged down with the shields. My idea of a dark age army is one of individuals so I've tried to produce a different shield design per model and after the first 50 or so its getting hard to come up with new styles.

Anyway first unit is now based and finished. Just got to do the banner. Had several goes at painting the cast one before giving up, just didn't look right whatever I did, so snipped off to be replaced with a paper one.

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/normanspears1copy.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/normanspears2.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Hertsblue on 11 April 2012, 09:34:25 AM
Those shield designs are ace! Know what you mean about cast banners, though. Replace them every time.  :-bd
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Leon on 11 April 2012, 10:15:13 AM
Nice!

8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: nikharwood on 11 April 2012, 08:58:48 PM
Very nice indeed  8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: fred. on 11 April 2012, 09:16:32 PM
Good stuff, the shields look really good.

Have a look at some of the decal suppliers in 28mm for some inspiration on designs, trying to invent that many is hard work. One way to add more variety without having to invent new designs, is to reverse the colours of ones you have done already, or do the same style with different colours. Various styles of crosses seem to have been popular.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 11 April 2012, 10:08:50 PM
Thanks for the kind comments guys

Fred - yeah i've looked at some of the decals available on line and as you say it is mostly various stylised crosses. There are other styles using dragons or lion motifs but with the shield boss and the smallness of the shields reproducing these is beyond my ability.
To be honest the whole shield thing is frying my brain  8-} so I'm going to skip to some SYW stuff this weekend for respite.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: GordonY on 12 April 2012, 06:14:15 AM
Re Shields, best advice, just go for a single block colour, at least until the whole army is done, then go back and paint the devices on them. Or in my case, move onto the next project. :P
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Techno on 12 April 2012, 07:03:21 AM
Yet another show off ! ;)
Seriously Matt, those are wonderful ! :-bd =D> =D>
Cheers - Phil.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Phobos on 12 April 2012, 11:15:55 AM
Excellent work, I wish to see more!
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: nikharwood on 12 April 2012, 06:37:15 PM
Quote from: GordonY on 12 April 2012, 06:14:15 AM
Re Shields, best advice, just go for a single block colour, at least until the whole army is done, then go back and paint the devices on them. Or in my case, move onto the next project. :P
;D :D ;D
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Steve J on 13 April 2012, 07:00:38 AM
Beautifully done Matt 8).
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 20 April 2012, 07:20:35 PM
unfortunately not much done this week (kids, work etc)

just managed to do a couple of trial models for Quebec project (nice to have a break from chainmail and shields).
These are the start of the 58th foot. I'm hoping to finish the unit off this weekend (ever the optimist). Details on the models is really good though makes it much easier to get good results when painting

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/redcoat2.jpg)

Also if anyone knows a link to pictures of light infantry uniforms (for Quebec) would be very grateful.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: nikharwood on 21 April 2012, 10:36:35 AM
Looking good Matt  8)

A good (basic) start for uniforms: http://www.juniorgeneral.org/load.php?Period=4#French
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 21 April 2012, 11:12:37 AM
nice one, cheers Nik
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: fred. on 21 April 2012, 11:37:16 AM
There's a huge amount of stuff on that 18th Cent link for the junior general, plenty of info for painting in 10mm and quite a lot of flags too. While I knew of the junior genral site and it's paper counters I hadn't realised some areas had so much content.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 23 April 2012, 09:03:45 PM
Indians! haircut anyone  :D

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/indians.jpg)

cool models but would be nice to have a couple charging wielding tomahawks.

Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Hertsblue on 24 April 2012, 07:37:01 AM
Great painting, Matt. Reminds me of a central London bus queue..  :D
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 12 May 2012, 09:35:05 AM
Finally managed to finish the first unit for Quebec. The 58th foot, Anstruthers regiment.
Slow progress should have this project finished by mid 2014  :D

Banner to follow.

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/58thfoot.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/58thfootside.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/58thfootback.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/58thfootcommand.jpg)

\back to some more Normans now, mainly because i've run out of white spray.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Techno on 12 May 2012, 09:50:18 AM
Squeaks of delight !.....LOVELY work !! :-bd =D>
Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Ben Waterhouse on 12 May 2012, 10:13:05 AM
Oo Oo Oo! as above.  :)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: mollinary on 12 May 2012, 01:02:07 PM
Good grief, man, what are trying to do to me??!!!  Brilliant.

Mollinary
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Leon on 13 May 2012, 12:43:00 AM
Wow.

:o
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: nikharwood on 13 May 2012, 08:52:59 AM
Superb  8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Aart Brouwer on 13 May 2012, 09:08:32 AM
Matt of Munslow, you are evil. After seeing this, I will have to give up model painting and start keeping pigeons for a hobby to preserve some self-esteem.  ;)

Cheers,
Aart
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 13 May 2012, 07:53:41 PM
thanks guys glad you like em.

I'm not in a position at the moment to do any gaming so no pressure to get the models on the table so I can go to town a bit on em.

Seeing the close ups i'm still not 100% happy with some of the faces, look like they could do with some blending, contrast between highlights and shading looks too much. Then i look at the actual models and think give yourself a break man they are small (photos are about 4x mag).

Much respect to the sculptors you can only paint the detail they put in, who needs 28's when 10's are made this good  :)

Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 13 May 2012, 09:02:33 PM
Wow - those are superb!  :D
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Hertsblue on 14 May 2012, 07:57:54 AM
Super detailing is one thing, Matt, but the "GR" on the drummer's headgear is just sticking the knife in.  :o
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 14 May 2012, 09:31:29 AM


Quote from: Hertsblue on 14 May 2012, 07:57:54 AM
Super detailing is one thing, Matt, but the "GR" on the drummer's headgear is just sticking the knife in.  :o

you should see the '58' on the band on the back of the mitre  ;)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 27 October 2012, 09:52:27 PM
After a few months of dealing with the dross of real life finally got some painting done  :)  finished some Normans

Spearman units

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/norspearunits.jpg)

Medium spears

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/normedspears2.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/normedspears1.jpg)

Heavy infantry

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/norhvyspears2.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/norhvyspears1.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Blaxkleric on 27 October 2012, 10:46:59 PM
Quote from: Matt of Munslow on 27 October 2012, 09:52:27 PM
After a few months of dealing with the dross of real life finally got some painting done  :)

Know the feeling, but fortunately I'm in the painting zone at the mo. Long may yours last too  :)

But please don't paint anymore 10mm buttons on your models... I struggle just painting the basic jacket... you seem to pick out the seamwork!!  :d
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Nosher on 27 October 2012, 10:58:57 PM
This is EXACTLY why I am avoiding doing the vikings...

I painted an army of saxons followed by an army of Normans and the shield designs just about did my head in :d :d :d.

It doesnt seem to matter how varied YOU try to make them, the next shield just looks like the one you did 120 miniatures ago!!!!

Lovely stuff though Matt, puts my efforts to shame :-[
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 28 October 2012, 07:54:45 AM
Superb stuff Matt, beautifully detailed!  8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Steve J on 28 October 2012, 08:13:50 AM
Very nicely done as always Matt 8).
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Techno on 28 October 2012, 08:17:01 AM
Really good !! 8)
Cheers - Phil
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Hertsblue on 28 October 2012, 09:27:09 AM
Excellent, Matt. Shield-patterns are top-notch.  :-bd
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Rothgar68 on 29 October 2012, 02:52:20 PM
Very nice!
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Leon on 29 October 2012, 03:12:44 PM
 8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: nikharwood on 29 October 2012, 08:36:03 PM
Nicely done Matt  8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 12 January 2013, 10:17:12 AM
Planned to get loads of painting done over xmas but turned out to be zilch. I'm resigned to getting very little painting done until my little horrors are a bit older.
Managed to finish the Llanguedoc regiment for Quebec project. Just needs basing so pics to follow.

But Pendraken 2013 painting competition is here  :) so hopefully motivation to get cracking.
Mini's ordered today so I'm looking at trying to get through 4 entries -

Pre-C20th foot - Fraser's Highlanders
Mounted - Napoleonic 8th Hussars
Vehicle - M48A3 patton
Open - AWI battle scene

I've already got the highlanders so started work on those last night with a few minor conversions (arm/leg alterations, head swops etc) and I've worked out a reasonable tartan painting method (using a brush with 4 bristles  :D).
The Hussars should be straight forward just some minor conversions.
The M48A3 patton will be modelled wth some tank riders so I've ordred some vietnam figurs to chop up.
The AWI battle scene will be the most time (and I'll doubt I'll get time to finish it to be honest  :()

I'll post progress pics for anyone interested and good luck to all participants!

Bugger just realised forgo order the relevant bass  :(
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Leon on 12 January 2013, 04:57:34 PM
Quote from: Matt of Munslow on 12 January 2013, 10:17:12 AM
Planned to get loads of painting done over xmas but turned out to be zilch. I'm resigned to getting very little painting done until my little horrors are a bit older.
Managed to finish the Llanguedoc regiment for Quebec project. Just needs basing so pics to follow.

But Pendraken 2013 painting competition is here  :) so hopefully motivation to get cracking.
Mini's ordered today so I'm looking at trying to get through 4 entries -

Pre-C20th foot - Fraser's Highlanders
Mounted - Napoleonic 8th Hussars
Vehicle - M48A3 patton
Open - AWI battle scene

I've already got the highlanders so started work on those last night with a few minor conversions (arm/leg alterations, head swops etc) and I've worked out a reasonable tartan painting method (using a brush with 4 bristles  :D).
The Hussars should be straight forward just some minor conversions.
The M48A3 patton will be modelled wth some tank riders so I've ordred some vietnam figurs to chop up.
The AWI battle scene will be the most time (and I'll doubt I'll get time to finish it to be honest  :()

I'll post progress pics for anyone interested and good luck to all participants!

That all sounds good, I'll be looking forward to seeing some of these in the Comp!   8)

Quote from: Matt of Munslow on 12 January 2013, 10:17:12 AM
Bugger just realised forgo order the relevant bass  :(

Pop me an email and we'll get them sorted for you.

8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 12 January 2013, 05:18:45 PM
QuotePop me an email and we'll get them sorted for you.

Its ok Leon I've got another order to go to you in a couple of weeks so I'll add them to that.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Leon on 12 January 2013, 05:27:30 PM
Quote from: Matt of Munslow on 12 January 2013, 05:18:45 PM
Its ok Leon I've got another order to go to you in a couple of weeks so I'll add them to that.

8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: FierceKitty on 13 January 2013, 01:04:51 AM
Is a relevant bass a fish, a beer, or a stringed instrument nursing a grudge that it gets left out of quartets?
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 29 January 2013, 07:48:57 PM
Here's a couple of wip pic of the Highlanders hopefully to be finished this week. Thanks to Leon for getting out my other compo bits out quickly so I can start on the Patton and Hussars this weekend.

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/fhighlanders3.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/fhighlanders1.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/fhighlander2.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/fhighlanders4.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Steve J on 29 January 2013, 08:11:02 PM
A lot of detail you've managed to paint there Matt 8).
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: nikharwood on 29 January 2013, 09:51:08 PM
Quote from: Steve J on 29 January 2013, 08:11:02 PM
A lot of detail you've managed to paint there Matt 8).

Yes indeed  8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Techno on 29 January 2013, 10:39:16 PM
Thirded !

They do look rather splendid !! :-bd
Cheers - Phil.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Hertsblue on 30 January 2013, 10:12:59 AM
Looking good, Matt, especially the cuff detailing.

The pics could do with a bit more exposure, though. You could put them into Photoshop or similar and whack up the exposure/brightness. Failing that, a piece of white card to reflect light might help next time.  :-bd
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: FierceKitty on 30 January 2013, 10:14:56 AM
Exposure is a problem for Scots in high winds, you know.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: sebastosfig on 30 January 2013, 10:25:49 AM
Quote from: Hertsblue on 30 January 2013, 10:12:59 AM
Looking good, Matt, especially the cuff detailing.

The pics could do with a bit more exposure, though. You could put them into Photoshop or similar and whack up the exposure/brightness. Failing that, a piece of white card to reflect light might help next time.  :-bd

I agree.
They seem to look very good (considering what you have previously painted), but we don't see very well how good your performance is.

Cheers :-bd
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 30 January 2013, 11:18:29 AM
QuoteInsert Quote
Looking good, Matt, especially the cuff detailing.

The pics could do with a bit more exposure, though. You could put them into Photoshop or similar and whack up the exposure/brightness. Failing that, a piece of white card to reflect light might help next time.

I know  :) (just quick wip snaps so without the whole photo set-up)

They are coming along quite well so I don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet  ;)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Hertsblue on 30 January 2013, 01:33:52 PM
Ah ha! The plot thickens  :D
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 02 February 2013, 04:36:09 PM
Some french SYW, Languedoc regiment. Alot easier than the Brits not much lacework only buttons.

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/languedocfront_zpsa26df9ac.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/languedocback_zps1cef009e.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/languedocside_zpscb551853.jpg)

Only another 700 odd models to go on this project  :(
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Hertsblue on 02 February 2013, 06:54:41 PM
Very, very nice. Thirty figure battalions look good. Great stuff.  8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 02 February 2013, 07:08:56 PM
Thanks Ray

I think you have to take advantage of the scale and make units look like units. I don't game I just collect and paint so I try and pick conflicts that are manageable at around a 1-10 ratio.
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: petercooman on 02 February 2013, 07:20:54 PM
Looks fine!!
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 02 February 2013, 07:43:36 PM
Really cool!  8)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Matt J on 10 February 2013, 12:58:16 PM
first competition entry finished - M48A3 patton tank
I wanted the tank to look like it had been through a bit of hell, so bullet and rockets damge and plenty of silt in the recesses. I modelled some marines from the vietnam range to look like they were taking a break in between combat. The one head came from a roman slinger and the ciggy is a piece of fishing line.
Hope you like

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/m483a_zpsabb65860.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/m483atop_zpsc7c1e1f2.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/m48a3reverse_zps12e3d9ef.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/m48a3front_zps10271eb3.jpg)

(http://i1096.photobucket.com/albums/g340/MattofMunslow/m48a3crew_zps88c3a961.jpg)
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Nosher on 10 February 2013, 01:59:55 PM
"the ciggy is a piece of fishing line."

It's amazing what smokers will resort to when trying to kick the habit...!

I struggle to get the motivation to wander down the shop to buy milk these days, whereas three years ago I would have walked to hell and back for a packet of fags if I thought I might not have a cancer stick to light up first thing in the morning :d

Glad my smoking days are behind me - to be replaced by food and a six stone weight gain... :-[

Now I just need to learn the art of avoiding the fridge ;) 
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: petercooman on 10 February 2013, 06:58:28 PM
Nice model!!!
Title: Re: Matt's painting diary
Post by: Duke Speedy of Leighton on 11 February 2013, 09:40:18 AM
Superb kit!  :D