I got to use big fat ugly old brushes to do this. Although I like the results of true metallics I hate cleaning the brushes afterwards. The separate water pot to keep the metal flakes separated from the normal water pot. The fact when you thin the paints the suspension of the metal flakes almost completely breaks down.
So you don't thin them and the paint slowly dries in the bristles of the brush, making them so much harder to clean afterward. Metallics are just so unpleasant to clean up after.
But I was much happier with the results than I had been with the silver. It's familiar, quick and comforting because the results are what I expected.
And that meant I was still motivated enough to do the next step - Retributor Armour drybrush and stipple. Again, it's an unholy mess but I know that this will come right in the end.
That familiarity is priceless. Decades of painting may not have afforded me the increase in painting ability I hoped for and see others surpass with ease. However, it has given me that confidence in particular things. Whether it's my Tyranid scheme, glow effects, brassy/bronze or weathering.
They may not be perfect, but the results are good enough and having that confidence means I don't have to waste any mental load on if it will work, or what I'm going to do next. That means progress is smoother. And those little stumbles, like the Gunmetal, can be overcome relatively easily by switching to what I know I can do.
It is SO ugly right now. But I am so pleased with the results. The wellspring of emotions this is bringing forth is wholly unexpected, but such a blessing. I often see people say 'its a hobby - when it's not fun, stop', and I think to myself sometimes that's rubbish. Because, sometimes you have to push through that chore-like feeling to get to the bit you enjoy [or are familiar/confident with].
So I don't always enjoy when I'm painting. I had that zen moment doing the Termagants last season and this feels similar. But it's beyond the painting session. This may well be an entire project that gives me so much satisfaction I'll be able to taste the serotonin! Anyway, basecoats next to try and bring some order to this filth!
It might look messy right now, but all that work will pay off, once you add colour to the armour panels. The different tones in the metals already shine!
ReplyDeleteEven the raw panels could work. I bet a grimdark enamel wash [or equivalent] would create a pretty terrifying walker if this was a Chaos Dreadnought or Helbrute.
DeleteHa! I can relate. Not to spoil my own post coming up, but I can relate. I made a bad priming choice which will be inconsequential in the end but the project looks like hell now. There's a difference too between pushing through a challenge, which I think you are describing here, and recognizing when you're pushing on something you don't really enjoy or want to do. We want to challenge our selves when it matters, but not burn out on projects we really aren't motivated by. My 2 cents :)
ReplyDeleteYou definitely have to be aware when to push and when to take a break, But I see a lot more advice online suggesting take a break. Maybe that is the best advice to someone who is asking online what to do.
DeleteBut there have been so many times where I've taken on that challenge. Unlocking progress and potential, that I feel there's always a chance you just have to get over the hump and suddenly you're free-wheeling. I think the best advice is know yourself. Know what you're capable of and you're always capable of surprising yourself too! 😉