Painting minis and how to do it right?

[Legionnaire]

Last Monday I had a discussion with some of the members, and professed my ignorance on how to do it right, painting minis that is. Apparently there's been a non-realised thought for the past few years to have like a workshop day, where the old hands show the newbies how to paint a mini good.

I am going to buy new brushes and ink, which seems to be the preferred basic kit, drybrushing will also be dabbled with. I have also taken to heart tips from members and from the internet.

But it would be nice if there would be any kind of workshop day, I would definately be interested.

The Swede.

[Matt]

A good starting point would be Kevin Dallimores book available from Foundry and other resellers.
It takes you through various techniques.
The GW guide isn't too bad either with some nice stuff on color (if you're into that sort of thing).

Matt

[dave3]

There are some usefull and informative video's on youtube, like...
Miniatures Video Painting Guide - Fundamental Techniques
Cheers, Dave

[sapper]

I think Ove's suggestion is a good one. I've been painting (15mm) figures for the best part of 25 years, but still feel a bit deflated when I see some of the mini works of art some our club members turn out - no names no pack drill, at this stage.

Martyn

[steven]

Ove

As Matt mentions, the Kevin Dallimore book is very good - if you like i can get you a copy at less that you would pay in the shops. However, you can borrow my copy for the moment which i shall bring along on Monday. However, some quick suggestions that are always worth bearing in mind. Firstly you need a good, well ventilated area that wont be disturbed by children or wives - and one that has good light. Failing that you can buy daylight lamps which are expensive or you can buy a normal lamp and fit a daylight bulb. 2. Brushes - buy the best you can afford and look after them - dont buy cheap as they will produce poor results. Clean the brushes using an appropriate cleaner and store them upright with the bristles upmost. 3. Get some good books that show the patterns you need - there are some nice ones around that increasingly are made up of pictures of reenacters wearing the real uniforms or very good copies. I have a lovely one on medieval soldiers. 4. Practice and try again and again to get the best results. 5. Dont bite off more than you can chew - what i mean by this is dont rty and paint 100 soldiers together - this can be very discouraging as you paint one bit on each figure, and it seems that you will never finish. I tend to paint around 10 at the most together. I know some paint more together - Brian for example does paint far more but he has more patientence than me 6. I always undercoat my minatures in in black but thats because they are more 20th century orientated, and then dry brush over with white which brings out the detail. Then i do the faces, then the main uniform colours, then the camo (if appropriate) and finally the webbing, guns and grenades etc.
There's always different ways of doing this, as there are different ways to skin a cat.
Have fun and chat to someone like Terry or Steve Coppelthwaite or Peter Bennett and they will give you the advice.

All the best

Steven