Painting
This area of 'Seize the Day' is devoted to painting the miniature models and figures that I shall be using in my own wargames battles. I intend to present my own step-by-step painting guides as well as reviews of figures and models that I have purchased.
First off let me say that I am only an average painter and that these guides demonstrate how I do things and the results that I get. It's always worth digging around on the internet and on the Flames of War site for other guides produced by some very talented painters.
"The first virtue of painting is that it is to be a feast for the eyes." - Eugène Delacroix
"Never leave a painting mediocre; it's better to take a chance with it." - Guy Corriero
Some Thoughts on Painting...
I have never painted a World War II figure before now. Like other newbies I have been stunned by both the quality of painting that I have seen on the web and by the incredible level of detail. For some people this can be a joy to see as well as a moment of despair, 'How do they do THAT with a 15mm miniature?'. Well, I'm no great painter myself but here are some of the points I always keep in mind when I paint and hopefully, if you are just starting out, you too might bear them in mind. If you are new to painting minitures then check out the Painting Miniatures FAQ for help.
- I'm not a master painter... yet. As in all other things, practice makes perfect and the more often I paint, the better I will become.
- 'A poor workman always blames his tools...' - I always use the best quality materials that I can afford: brushes, paints, tools and, most importantly, figures.
- Keep your brush loaded - working with water-based acrylics and a good quality brush means that you don't have to work too hard as a well loaded brush will do most of the work for you.
- Do the best that you can do on the day that you do it - I accept my limitations but I am always looking for new techniques and ways of doing things. When I sit down to paint I accept that what I produce is the best I can on that particular day but I know I will get better.
- Don't worry yourself about the quality of other people's painting, except to compliment them and learn from them. Don't forget that they have been on the same road as you, only they are now further along it...
Paints
I use water-based acrylic paints and my personal preference is for Modelcolor range from Vallejo. These are good quality paints that do not dry out in their bottles after a couple of weeks. The range of colours is extremely good and the price is not too bad either. The paint is easy to work with although some people find drybrushing not too easy with these paints - personally I've never had a problem.
Brushes
Without a doubt the single most important consideration if you want anything even appraching a good paint job! I have no particular favourite in terms of manufacturer but I always buy top quality sable brushes. Even for dry-brushing it's worth having a good brush (so disregard those who suggest using an old tatty brush for this).