(updated) Canadian Militia and wash experiments

[fergal]

I just posted my first pics of my Canadian Militia and had some questions about how others use washes.

Here are the subjects



I have some questions posted on my blog about how YOU apply washes.  I'd love some feedback.

http://syw6mm.com/2011/01/milicen-and-more-experiments-with-washes/

Thanks in advance.

[Galloping Major]

Nice one Rusti,

I haven't used washes much for quite a while, still use them occasionally, when I do, for particular effects, it's usually highlighted over as you're doing. I'd go a bit further with the highlights on the flesh now if it was me. I think your wash and dry brush style is coming along very nicely.

A friend of mine over here has recently really picked up the pace of his painting by using "Army Painter" washes over flat colour areas, then highlighting over the washes in a similar way to you. Without the highlights, washed over figures tend to look a bit dowdy to me.

I'm a regular visitor to your blog, really impressed with the way you've taken to the FIW.

Lance

www.gallopingmajorwargames.com

[Furt]

I think your figures and project are coming along very nicely. 

I agree with GM about using highlights on their faces and his recommendation of Army Painter.

I am in no way a "painter" but have achieved decent results with brushing on Army Painter. Here is an example of some figures done in this manner http://adventuresinlead.blogspot.com/2010/11/purple-indostani-regulars.html

BTW I would have left a comment on your blog but it appears you need to enter your email address - something I unfortunately don't think is a good idea.

Keep up the good work. 

[fergal]

Lance,

Thanks for the comments/advice.  I'll lighten up the flesh a little, exactly what I was looking for.

I am interested in the army painter stuff as I have read so much about it on other blogs.  Admittedly I haven't looked too hard for it, but where I have a tin seems to be $25, that's over my budget for "experimental" stuff.  I have one more version of a wash that I'm going to try before I give up.  I used it on my "settler" figure and really liked the effects, but it seems to do great on dark colors and horrible on lighter colors for me.  Which is a shame as I really need to nail the white shirts for this period.

I am in love with the way that my Mohawks turned out as opposed to being almost satisfied with my milicen figs.  I like a much "crisper" appearance than the current washes are giving me. 

Furt,
Your buddy's figs are beautiful, I wish I could get that level of elegant shading from the wash.  If I find affordable army painter stuff (with shipping) I'll have to try them.  I'm mostly (99%) a mail order guy as I'm in the boonies.

Leave a bogus address in the future if you like, I'd like to read your comments!

[Furt]

If I find affordable army painter stuff (with shipping) I'll have to try them.  I'm mostly (99%) a mail order guy as I'm in the boonies.

Try Maelstrom Games -  http://www.maelstromgames.co.uk/

They offer free postage worldwide.

You will also need a mat varnish. I use Testors Dullcote, but that can not usually be shipped.

[Aaron]

As others have mentioned, I generally go back and add a highlight or two after a wash. That said, the two colors you have (black and Devlan mud) are a bit limiting. You should look into picking up the "Ogryn Flesh" and "Gryphone Sepia" too. I like using them on lighter colors like off-white and tan.

[Plynkes]

Personally I don't do a full-on wash on white, as it makes it look a bit muddy. I sometimes run Devlan Mud into the creases and folds, though, which can make the garment look worn and dirty without it seeming like the figure has fallen into the nearest duck pond. Of course, muddy might be the look you are going for.


With other colours I sometimes do an all-over wash, though. It all depends on the situation. I don't have hard and fast rules, just figure out what works for me by tinkering and experimenting.


Gryphonne Sepia and Devlan Mud I find very useful and use quite a lot. I use the black one for black hair, over a brown-grey base. The other GW washes I haven't really found much use for.

[fergal]

OK, GW washes are out and my own concoction is in.

These are the results of my new wash (no matte applied yet, so still shiny.



The whole story is on my blog
http://syw6mm.com/2011/02/oooh-shiny-miliciens-and-washes-part-deux/

[Aaron]

I like the new look. Much better results on the white in particular.

[Galloping Major]

I like the new look. Much better results on the white in particular.

What Aaron said goes for me too. 

Really like the relaxed conversational style of the blog. 


www.gallopingmajorwargames.com

[fergal]

Thanks guys, I just hit them with the dullcoat before I went to bed last night and they have changed 100%.  I'll post them tonight.

[fergal]

Final product is finished!



Full info on the blog
http://syw6mm.com/2011/02/miliciens-finished/

I also started experimenting with green stuff.


more here
http://syw6mm.com/2011/02/repainting-figures/

I have also received my sculpting tools in the mail, so the canoe project is back on the table.