Grenadier Hirelings Set

[Mrwigglesworth]

WOW!   They look amazing! 

[phreedh]

I give you ten quid! They are honking amazing! And you've done them so quickly!

[Sangennaru]

i REALLY love it!

[DeafNala]

Thanks for the "full size" link; the enlarged photo gives a better idea of how VERY IMPRESSIVE your paint job really is...your assistant did a FINE job on the bases. The flushed complexion on the Imbiber is perfect. VERY WELL DONE!

[Bloodysword]

I just added your site to my favorites list.  Amazing art work!  I am so impressed.

[Damien]

The paint jobs are gorgeous, I really like the end results of your method, the colours are so vibrant. The bases are also done really well, I like the look of the brown rocks (I always do mine grey). Once again thank you for the step by step and get another Grenadier box; I think I speak for everyone when I say we want you to continue.


Cheers
Damien

[antimatter]

Thanks for all the comments. It's been fun painting these guys again after having done some of them in enamels almost 30 years ago. Back then I would not have imagined there were fairly simple techniques that could make these guys turn out so well, and so quickly. It's just that nobody told me that I could use a watercolor brush, or acrylic paints, or spray primer to start the shadow and highlight process.

One thing I did not describes was the base process. It was adding rocks and sand with Elmers glue, then painting a thin layer of tan on top and letting dry. The sand in my area is mostly light-colored calcium carbonate (coral rock really), so I don't paint over the light pebbles. If the sand is darker I add a drybrush of white+tan. Then when it is all dry, I add a wash of burnt umber + black + matte medium + some water. In some wet areas I dab a small bit of english ivy green, or olive to make mossy sand. Sometimes I use blue, purple and burn sienna ink to add a bit of color to the dirt and rocks if the figures are really colorful. I usually try to keep the rocks a similar tone to the soil, and give them a light wash of umber/black also. The final touch is a light drybrush of tan+white, then the flocking. I'm not a big fan of using lots of flock or grass. Just a touch here and there for color.

I'm curious who has the rights to these old boxed sets. I know Mirlton has the bulk of Grenadier stuff, but there are none of the old boxed sets, save a few goblins. Do they have the rights to everything, but are only casting some things? I'd use the photos of these painted guys in ShadowSea if I could figure out who to ask permission. I'll check with them anyhow and see if they can help me out.


By the way, here is the new box I have on the docket. I'll see if I have time to start these little guys.

[Teshub]

Wow, just beautiful work.   

[Operator5]

Your work is making me want to back and find all those old sets on ebay. I remember the Hirelings set and wanting to get hirelings when I played just to be able to use them.

I hope you find the old dwarf set and paint those up. They were my favorite.

[phreedh]

Your work is making me want to back and find all those old sets on ebay.

You're not the only one there, Richard... know exactly what you mean. *looks at lead pile* Must be strong...

[rob_the_robgoblin]

Stunning work, I'm really looking forward to the Halflings getting some paint on them! 

[Damien]

Cool you have another set! Whats funny is that I have the hobbit on the mule on my painting desk now. I was thinking of painting him, I got all inspired by your Grenadier models. Actually I am painting some Grenadier Skeletons right now.


Damien

[antimatter]

I'm on the lookout for other sets on ebay, so I'll see what I can get. I like the monster manuscripts also. those were always some great models.

Some tempting stuff here  http://shop.ebay.com/shaggymatt36/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562

The shipping is pricey from the UK but he has the demon box, an awesome set.

[Dr. Kevin Moon III esq.]

Lovely paintjobs! Can't wait to see the halflings.

[Delaney]

A bunch of these boxes just came up on ebay too... your mission is to paint them all!

Amazing work, really inspiring.