10 replies to this topic

[Shogan]

I've run into this issue several times and I'm just wondering if anyone else has had the same problem? I find it most the time on belts of figures. I'll be painting and then I get to something and just stare at it trying to figure out what I'm looking at.

Right now I'm painting the blade singer (14645) and there are at least two things I have no idea what they are. On the front of the skirt is an apron of ropey-cord tassel thingies (very technical) which is fine, I'm assuming that's just decoration. But then there's this other thing overlapping it. Just another decoration? And just to the right of the belt buckle is...a thing...it tapers down at the end, very small...I have no clue. I'm sure it looks exactly like what it is, I just don't know why that is. Lol.

Anyone ever have the same issue?

Thanks!

[MonkeySloth]

When I have this issue I just decide what color needs to be on that part of the miniature for balence sake or, if I don't need to worry about that, just paint it in a color that I'd like.

[Jen]

If I can't figure out what something is, I'll try to paint it a color that will make it blend in with everything else so it 'disappears'. That may be making it the same color as neighboring areas, or it might be painting it a neutral like dark brown or something like that.

[Bloodsbane]

If you want to figure out what it actually is, see if you can find other painted examples of the miniature (for example on here or on coolmini). If you're lucky enough that it's available, you can check out the original concept art the sculpt is based on.

If that's not an option, you get to decide what it is yourself :)

Overall, I have an easier time figuring out small details like that if I hit the undercoated (black) miniature with a light white spray from above before I start painting. It gives the volumes a lot more definition, and you get a zenithal lighting scheme to start from.

Good luck!

[ixminis]

I either figure out what it is OR I post a macro photograph of it and ask other folks what they know/think it is. I don't see the things being described in the official piccie, so I cannot tell if I can figure it out.

Any good at macro photography?

Now, if I really am unsure, I paint it so it shows up, but matches the overall paint scheme. I've gotten a few things "wrong" over time, but it's not a glaringly obvious widgetbobble if it matches.

Thx,
MG

[Shogan]

Any good at macro photography?

Actually, I'm terrible at it. Lol. I just bought this awesome new coolpix camera that might as well be a paperweight for as well as I can use it. I've worked with it a few times but I really don't know what I'm doing. It's a good tip though, I'll keep messing with it and maybe I'll have some luck. Thanks!

[Ishil]

The first thing I do after I decide which mini to paint is to look for how other people have painted it .

Ishil

[Adrift]

I've actually posted questions about 'what' something is in the Reaper General forum and Bryan or one of the other guys can tell you exactly what it is normally.

Other than that, MonkeySloth and Jen give good advice.

[Dr.Bedlam]

If I don't know what it is, why did I buy it?

[rright0102]

Just paint things that you know what they are, sometimes what is left over becomes obvious. That is because it might be part of something and the other end sticks out at the other side of the things you know.

[rright0102]

Oh, one more tip. sometimes a wash early on will help outline and make things clear.