Chest of Colors forum

So, I gave myself a painting quest: paint, train, learn, try and paint again to attain level 3 in painting. In case somebody didn't know: lvl3 in terms of painting studios is the 'Eavy Metal level - above good tabletop (lvl2), but below competition lvl4.

It all started with Halbarad (photos https://tomash.wfb-pol.org/reaper/halbarad/), which I've considered my first lvl3 mini, but which was judged to be "a bit above lvl2, maybe 2.5". After that I began thinking what my painting needs to reach lvl3 - and, as for now, I think that they are:
- precise painting of small lines and holes (also lining)
- smooth cloths
- great metallics: I'm not into NMM and looking for "the ultimate metal painting way"
- freehands, especially ornaments (there's a long way to go for me here)
- further development of face painting skill (although I think it's good enough)

So, to being with, I've got this Reaper's Duke Gerard, Crusader Warlord:
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this "main part" I considered mostly finished, just want to add some ornaments to the red cloth.

And, what I started painting today - Brother Captain Stern, Grey Knight Hero:
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For the first time I'm really satisfied with cloth - transitions seem smooth and color is just fine. I think I also found my "ultimate silver-blue armor wash", after applying it the "only" thing left is highlighting and glazing with inks.

Any advices on what should I also work on to complete my quest?

Stern is still too messy to judge the paintjob, but the Duke is pretty good.

My reccomendations at this stage are:
- the face needs more depth: either shading or highlighting, or a combination of these two
- reds need the same
- metallics look really nice, just the rivets need to be highlighted. they are always reflecting more light
- the base is surely not finished. is it?
- the hair needs highlights to definte their flow and shape better
- gold looks very good
- the off-white clothes look finished
- I'd add some deeper and slightly bluish shado along the recess on the scabbard

1) ok, will do that
2) actually I'd prefer to leave reds this way - they're not too deep but realistic, yet nice
3) forgot about some of the rivets, right!
4) right, it is not; I suck at doing bases anyway
5) i thought hair is already defined pretty well, but OK - will highlight them more
6) thanks
7) they are
bluish near the scabbard? but it's leather on red setting?

Anyway thanks for priceless advice, will apply them and post updated photos

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quick editing to show you what I meant... well, roughly...

OK, I'll aim for that with the face and scabbard.
Still not convinced about deepening the red though.
Thanks very much for great explanation, it surely took some photoshop-time

Before I saw this one, I sat to painting this one a bit. Highlighted hair, accented rivets and tried to add more depth to the face. Here're the results:
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I think I overdid the hair a bit Well, it won't be the first "corrective" glazing done on this mini.

I think I've finished the silver armor of Stern - got shiny silver with bluish tint, exactly what I aimed for Worked a bit on the golden elements, but they need some further highlights anyway.
Also, eyes (looking a bit up - he's facing demons, right?) and first attempts on the face.
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Don't have any idea on how to paint the book and its surroundings (this strange "plate" beneath the book). And what colors do You think would be good for the "I" on the chest?

Brother Captain Stern - a late WIP.
(TODO: finish both arms, jewelery, freehands, fine details)
Deepened the shadows on face and red cloth, as You suggested
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definitely looking better than earlier. Keep up the good work!
I still wouldn't call it lvl3 though.

jesli chodzi o mnie to posiedziałbym troche nad mieczem i okrawedziował model - mimo dodanych cieni wciaz brakuje mu kontrastu
moze pomogłoby tez nałozenie najgłebszych cieni? to tez poprawiłoby kontrast

we are in the english section, my dearest moderator

Demi_morgana wrote:jesli chodzi o mnie to posiedziałbym troche nad mieczem i okrawedziował model - mimo dodanych cieni wciaz brakuje mu kontrastu
moze pomogłoby tez nałozenie najgłebszych cieni? to tez poprawiłoby kontrast

the holiest crap!!!
in this case:
as for me I'd spend more time painting sword and paint model's edges: inspite of added shading it still suffers from lack of contrast imo
maybe painting deepest shadows could be helpful too?