Free Hand Painting - good or bad on a mini?

[fullheadofhair]

As the title says - what is your opinion. Over the last 2 years, especially for competitions there has been a big move towards a large amount of free hand painting on mini's - with ornate and lavish banners.

I personally don't like it, as I think it takes away from the mini tho' I think it is very skillful. The mini just ends up looking unrealistic - examples that spring to mind are demons where their wings become banners with exquisite free hand skulls or scenic painting. Skilled yes, but realistic - No (I know it is a sci-fant mini, but I do like its composition to have some reality in it.

Sometimes the result is an overly busy mini where the mini has lost its purpose in the composition - i.e the mini isn't the important thing anymore, it has just become a canvas to demonstrate some-ones free hand skill.

Any hoo, just wondering what others think, and as always IMHO

[Trovarion]

lol lol lol I love you too...

[fullheadofhair]

Bugger, just looked up your posts. Didn't post with you in mind - it was more aimed at Victor Hardy mini's - honest guv. Teach me to be more careful!!

[endrem]

I actually agree with fullheadofhair, freehand definitely requires expert skills, but in lot of the cases people tend to abuse it and so the minis become too busy and unrealistic. And IMHO here belongs Trov's GD mini, too: It represents amazing skills and control of the brush and paints, but why on earth would a demon paint loads of skulls on its wings?

I like decent freehands, though, some non-figurative patterns on capes (or around the edges) for example.

[Demi_morgana]

as for me:
on one side I can't disagree that for example putting freenanded angel on land raider tank is sth unrealistic and silly, it's like putting glowing sign: yo, I'm here! don't miss me!
but on the other side gd and other competions are organized to pick out the best painters and imo great technique is a base if someone wants to participate in such competitions
moreover I think that most miniatures come from "fantasy" line so there's no reasons why artists shouldn't paint freehands wherever they want
You can like it or not but it's only a matter of composition and personal taste

[Trovarion]

just all go on, i havent received enough bashing yet for the skulls yet! GOGOGOGOGO!!!

[endrem]

No Trov, don't take it wrong, I'm a big fan of your work

Demi: You are right, it is a matter of composition and taste, those are the right words I was looking for

[Trovarion]

seriously I dont care anymore "how it is intended" I just cant read the same stuff again and again and again and again anymore...

[Demi_morgana]

hey, I didn't want to offend You
I really like Your gd demon prince
sorry for misunderstanding...

[Trovarion]

you didnt even mention it, don't know why you feel like i was talking to you demi ^^