I've been feeling like my painting has really plateaued lately and I'm trying to work on the fundamental techniques -- thin paint, blended layers and attention to detail.

This means I'm doing a lot less with my army -- which wasn't much to begin with -- and taking a break from vehicle weathering for a bit.

In deciding to focus on quality painting I'm going to stick with basic models -- most likely Space Marines until I get into flesh tones -- with no conversion, etc.

This first project is a Dark Angels Champion I've wanted to do for awhile. My targets:

Bone cloth
Armor with an extreme highlight
Lens effect on the eyes
SMOOTH BLENDING!

Of course my photos don't help but I took shots from several angles so that some idea can be gleaned:

Video Tutorial - Quick Weathering Part 4: Pastel/Pigment Powders

Here is the fourth and final installment in my first weathering video tutorial series. This is a quick look at weathering with pastel/pigment powders. I weathered this a bit more heavily than I would have normally done so that it would show up on my little camera but the basic techniques are the same.

Tamiya 2.5 Ton Truck - example from the video

Video 1: Artist Pencils

Video 2: Dot Oil Filter

Video 3: Oil Grime & Rust

Finished Arvus Lighter Commission

I painted this model for Niroe - usually found on the Boot Camp and WIP forums - using the oil methods over a Krylon grey primer base. I used a bit of Tamiya XF-62 "Olive Drab" on the cockpit and one panel on each wing.

The engines got a bit of powder weathering to get the blue heat effect. I drybrushed the exhaust Boltgun and then Bronze before adding another blue wash.

The decals were weathered with sandpaper -- remember, before you use sandpaper on a decal it's gloss, decal, gloss and then sandpaper. If you're going to do additional weathering, like the dot oil method I used, an additional matte coat is applied first.

And unless Niroe wants to see something changed this one is finished and it's time to move on. Next up... probably another tank.

Video Tutorial - Quick Weathering Part 3: Rust & Grime

This is the second part of my oil weathering video - presented here as Part 3. In this video I take a quick look at applying rust and grime with oil paints.



Part 1 - Artist Pencils

Part 2 - Oil Dot Filter Method

Imperial Guard: Winter Theme Chimera 02

I finally finished the winter theme Chimera I was working on... just in time to realize I forgot to weather the pack and the drum can on the back. Sigh. For now those oversights will get to live on as I've set the model aside already. It's time to work on something else.

I'm really pleased with how this one turned out. It was enough work that it's not something I'd do every day -- but not so much that I'm unwilling to do a Guard army to this standard. I'm still debating between my winter Guard and my traitor Guard though...

For now this is just a one-off Chimera. Enjoy.

Video Tutorial - Quick Weathering Part 2: Oil Filters

I've put together a series of video tutorials covering the basics of my three favorite weathering methods: pencils, oils and pastels. The image below shows the results of all three techniques applied over two different base coats.



The second video in the series demonstrates using small dots of water mixable oil paints to weather a vehicle. This is most commonly referred to as the dot filter method.

It cuts off at the end to stay under the ten minute maximum - and I'll post part two of this video shortly.

Video Tutorial - Quick Weathering Part 1: Pencils

I've put together a series of video tutorials covering the basics of my three favorite weathering methods: pencils, oils and pastels. The image below shows the results of all three techniques applied over two different base coats.



The first video in the series demonstrates using artist pencils to create scratches as a foundation for later weathering.

About my commission work....

I am currently accepting commission work. I quote projects at a rate of $15 per hour and will give you a firm MAXIMUM prior to starting work. If I go over there is no charge for the extra time - if I'm under my estimate you keep the difference.

I no longer offer lower quality, quick work commission painting. My focus is on high quality, layered and blended painting. I'm also a big fan of weathered vehicles, of course, and happily take on those projects.

Check out the "Testemonials" label to see what folks have said about working with me -- and the pieces below are fair representations of what I do on commission these days.

If you have a project you'd like to discuss please email misterjustin at gmail with the information. I'll get back to you as quickly as I can and, if you like, get a current or former client in touch with you so you can talk to them about their experience.

If you are interested in having some models painted please email misterjustin at gmail dot com with some details on what you're looking to have done.

Tau: Pathfinder Shas'Ui

I got this guy as part of the miniature exchange on the Relic forums and am entering him into the exchange competition.

I decided to weather Shas'Ui only slightly but to really go to town on the shield drone. I figured the shield drone would be old, weathered and pretty damaged from soaking up shots. I didn't repair the gap in his power line only because I'm a lazy git. This was my first Tau and I really enjoyed painting him.

Hello Toycutter

This is just a quick hello to anyone coming to the site for the first time via TOYCUTTER. Thanks for the write-up of my commissar!

http://www.toycutter.com

http://www.misterjustin.com/2009/05/commissar-01.html