Royal Italian Army in East Africa, 1939-41 (Bolt Action 3rd Edition)

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

Nice additions - this is going to be a cool force.



Ahem! Whilst you may not have been aware of washes in 2002, they were very much a thing long before that. I remember making washes with humbrol enamels and white spirit in the 80s. They were effective, but not very practical!

Its probably because Games Workshop didn't sell washes yet, and I was taught how to paint by a former GW employee. He did such beautiful work with just a light tough and layers of drybrushing.

I hope I don't come across as being difficult; I didn't know what was possible at the time as my painting training came from one person with his particular way of doing things.

[Rick]

Many of the GW employees I knew in the late 90's/early 2000's used watered down artists inks as washes. I had a friend of mine who only painted with washes - he'd undercoat a figure white then just build up layers of washes and, try as I might, I'm completely unable to replicate his style.

Just thought I'd mention that.

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

Many of the GW employees I knew in the late 90's/early 2000's used watered down artists inks as washes. I had a friend of mine who only painted with washes - he'd undercoat a figure white then just build up layers of washes and, try as I might, I'm completely unable to replicate his style.

Just thought I'd mention that.

I'd like to see that. My friend's technique was like that, except drybrushing layer on layer instead of washes.

[fred]

Its probably because Games Workshop didn't sell washes yet, and I was taught how to paint by a former GW employee. He did such beautiful work with just a light tough and layers of drybrushing.

I hope I don't come across as being difficult; I didn't know what was possible at the time as my painting training came from one person with his particular way of doing things.

Not at all - we have all had different journeys in painting. Current pre-mixed washes are very handy, but they are just a packaged version of something that has existed probably as long as paints have!

The many layers of washes over white, or the many layers of dry brushing are techniques I understand at a basic level - but from an execution perspective I don't think I have either the patience or the confidence it will turn out right from the starting point through the many steps.

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

This project was shelved over the summer, but it's coming back and I'm about a squad and a half of colonial troops away from having it finished! Maybe. These guys are pretty neat and will stand out on the African battlefield or wherever they're pressed to fight for Italia. For those just joining us, this East African force has basing to mimic some of Ethiopia's more fertile lands in lieu of the usual desert basing.

These particular troops are an Eritrean NCO with shotel, and a trio of Moselman (Muslim) troops in turbans from Askari Miniatures.

[NurgleHH]

I think your shade made the figures to shinny. In norther africa the uniform was matt from the sand and dust. So maybe some matt varnish on it???

[BillK]

Nice work all the way around.

[CapnJim]

Them fellers look good to me!

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

I think your shade made the figures to shinny. In norther africa the uniform was matt from the sand and dust. So maybe some matt varnish on it???

Do you have any varnish to recommend? I didn't like how the matte spray looked when I used it on a tank, it came out kind of frosty looking.

[NurgleHH]

Do you have any varnish to recommend? I didn't like how the matte spray looked when I used it on a tank, it came out kind of frosty looking.

I can‘t give an advice, because everyone has it own style. I don‘t like sprays, bad experience. Became too white. I use Vallejo or AK and a brush. So I can control the thickness and got the best results.

[CapnJim]

Do you have any varnish to recommend? I didn't like how the matte spray looked when I used it on a tank, it came out kind of frosty looking.

I use Testors' Dullcote (it's a spray matte varnish), here in the States.  I haven't had the frosting effect with that, like I've had with other spray matte varnishes...all the figures in my various threads have had it applied to them as the final step in my painting process...

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

Thanks!