'nids part 244 - Biotitan Tyranid Hierophant pt.1

I don't know if I'm deluding myself but right now this beast seems really easy to do. I started with the bio-cannons. I think that was just half an hour's work to get the Bonewhite on the arms. Then I did the legs. I am actually going to note down the rough painting time as I think it'll be far less than you would expect

Front legs are also 'boned' up

And this is the slightly more difficult stage, picking out all the torso ribs and the tail is also done. can't wait to get onto the blue areas so it can start coming together. I'm pretty sure the washes will be a challenge so that it's not dripping everywhere.

Then I'll be doing the black claws and spikes but will also shade the Razorback. This is just a diversion from the Razorback at the moment. I know where my muse is and I'm going with it but the Razorback is definitely something that will be finished alongside this. As I began this seems easy but I'm well aware that when I start those chitin highlights I will get very bored and the Razorback will be a suitable escape so I don't go too crazy.

Forgebane

My order of Forgebane has just arrived, along with some industrial sized pots of Valejo Black and Sepia Wash! You'll have already seen some unboxings and reviews online but I thought I'd just share mine.

'nids part 243 - The Biggest Build - TO DONE!

I'm just going to leave this here, it's been a long time coming and no doubt a lot to look forward to when I start laying down some paint.

So I get the Big Build Big Gamboge Stamp of Approval.

And in case you wanted to see it in primed condition.

Don't worry it's not Behemoth, I just always prime my Hive Fleet with red oxide.

Right, now get your popcorn...

Dark Angels - Tanks - Razorback glazing

With the Samurai complete this was the main project I have that's outstanding, not entirely true as you'll see but the most complete and therefore the easiest to finish. Glazing was the next task and once again I considered using the unmixed Valejo Dark Green but for consistency I resorted to two coats of Citadel's Waywatcher Green Glaze to enrich the Waaargh Flesh.

With the green now correct the next step is to add some shading back in to increase the contrast and bring the dark to my Dark Angels. Now I know this is a one or two session process at the most but for some reason I'm avoiding that next step. I've sepia washes of the bronze still to do, detailing [rivets, badges, purity seals etc], verdigris, some extra highlights of the green and battle damage.

So not a significant amount left - one to two weeks work but I'm just not feeling it. You can see that the two tanks are matching up [the shading will help unify them] and it'll be great to have them both complete.

What I'm going to do is just take it slow. Concerted effort and trying to push through will complete it but I really don't want to end up hating the process. Luckily I have another project just come 'online' I can misdirect with, by doing some base coats and then when the slow progress on the Razorback is eventually complete I can jump whole-heartedly into that.

Citadel Samurai c1984 TO DONE!

I must confess [I must because it's the name of the blog!] I chickened out over this guy. Flushed with the success and sense of achievement completeing my old skool Predator I was convinced painting this original Citadel Samurai from around 1984 would fill me with a huge sense of nostalgia and pride.

But as the 'Eavier Metal painting challenge deadline came to a head I 'rushed' his completion. That is I didn't do my absolute best and he probably deserved better. Don't get me wrong I think I aced the eyes [for me] but the base, in particular the highlights around the text, the blending on the pants and some other compromises failed to deliver the same feeling of success.

However, he's far better than the original Humbrol attempt I did nearly 30 years ago.

I think the highlights on the skin came out OK too, I tried to paint the lips differently but they came out really odd looking. It actually still needs varnishing and I'll be glossing the scabbard and base.

I even tried to differentiate the hamon of the blade a little, creating the pattern made by the clay that's applied during the forging process. It's not great but I tried.

So another little success and another Great Big Gamboge Stamp of Approval.

Let your creativity be recorded

 

The BBC has teamed up with University College London to run the Great British Creativity Test. I'd seen the link a few times and then suddenly realised 'hey I'm creative, I paint toy soldiers every night'. It's rather sad how I didn't really relate my day job as a graphic designer in any of the questions regarding creativity but mainly answering in my hobby capacity, plus my two visits to the Southport Floral Hall Rock Nights [dancing, of a sort] and my daily blogging [creative writing] I ended up in the top 5%.

 

As we're all creative in the hobby I think it's worth having a go in the interest of science [its not one of those silly facebook polls] here's the direct link

https://creativitytest.pilots.bbcconnectedstudio.co.uk/

Dark Angels - Tanks - Predator - Moar pics

I occassionally question the validity of taking these 'moar' shots but the Veliva filter often helps create the pictures I use most often to share what I've done on forums and social media.

I love the richness and high contrast, I can never quite tell which is the most accurate representation of the model, but these pics definitely made my Predator look cool.

Which might suggest these aren't the most representative of colours...

Regardless I love the results.

And I love the tank too. I perhaps would have liked some form of spiked ram at the front. Not sure where the original ended up. It's fine without and I think the weathering on that leading edge is 'neat' but I just envisage these with something to run folk over with ;)

Company badge again was well executed. I could have gone with the stick on disc but I actually like how I've managed to make soemthing that could almost be a decal. If anyone ever asks then I'll know the effort was justified.

Again the laser lenses just came out so well. They totally look like those glass electricity insulators and add that touch of colour.

The rear drop pod Chapter symbol - it does the job. The big number 5 though, yummy

Rear lights, perhaps could have done the two outer ones as indicators, which would have amused me.

Anda a minimal amount of devotional script and litany, just to break up the expanse.

And the slightly more understated verdigris, in the darker turquoise just seems right.

The Heavy Support symbol is OK, probably the least convincing addition for me but I don't dislike it.

I'm pleased I didn't go too OTT with the scratches and weathering, certainly not like Euronymous.

It'll be cool to have this on the battlefield but I suspect it won't last long against Ben's own armoured division, sadly.

But love the fact it just looks like a WWII tank, which suggests I should probably be playing Bolt Action with them!

And the Camera360 pics on a white background, giving a different green altogether, make of these what you will...

Next up will be my 1984 Citadel Samurai, completed for the 'Eavier Metal Facebook group competition. It's far from winning standard but I just wanted to join in. Then its my old skool/nu skool Razorback and then time to take stock...