Quannum's Wolves - An SW painting blog! [NEW PICS]

[hendrik]

if you don't want to use a colour code i'd say stick to a certain type of figure and use that in as many different ways as possible, for example grey hunterpacks get triangles on their shoulderpad, bloodclaws the obvious claw etc.at first i painted my shoulderpads just like you, but it lacked the pack feeling so i decided to follow the codex

[Quannum]

Quick unofficial update - BOTH the Scouts and a Long Fang pack have been completed.

 

My wife and I are buying a Canon Digi SLR camera today so I am holding off taking pics until I have my new toy...

 

But, expect shots later or early tomorrow...

 

Q

[Jaarl Stormfang]

Real good terminators, top quality. What's next?

[Token]

quannum, how would you paint red eyes, to shine like your blue eyes does?

[Hear da Lamentation]

Yeah, I really, really like these. I love your style of painting - very subtle, but really effective.

[spjaco]

The HQ model's eyes are inspiring to say the least. Great job.

[Quannum]

Thanks for all positive comments so far!

 

@Token: Hmmm...to achieve the same effect for red eyes (and assuming you're using GW paints) I'd do the following:

 

1) With a fine detail brush, cover the whole eye area with a 1:1 mix of Blood Red and Red Gore.

2) Over the middle 75% of the base layer, apply a layer of pure Blood Red.

3) Over that layer, paint 50% with a 1:1 mix of Skull White and Blood Red (should be pinkish).

4) Wash that with a 1:1 mix of tap water and Baal Red ink.

5) Finally, add a pinpoint dot of pure Skull White.

 

 

 

Sorry for the lack of pictures lately - the wife and I are still figuring out how to use the camera well plus we've just come back from a holiday in the Peak District (UK). Good news is, I took my army with me for a spot of painting here and there and have completed a fair whack. Expect to see a large update tomorrow, with pics of the following completed units - (painted but not based):

 

1) Tactical Squad 2 with Rhino and accompanying Wolf Guard

2) Long Fangs 1 with Razorback

3) Wolf Scouts with accompanying Wolf Guard

4) All three Land Speeders!

5) The Vindicator

 

^_^

 

Q

[Tsavong Lah]

Awesome stuff! How did you get the shading on your Rhinos? I'm having some trouble getting my washes to look good on such large surfaces.

[Sven Dragonfire]

These are really stunning, love your painting style. Would love a complete run down of how you paint them. Army painter spray to base coat and then whats next? Can see you use washes, but what and how?

Looking forward to seeing more painted, will follow post real close. my only critiscm is there's not enough contrast between the models and the bases. The bases with snow look better, but a contrasting base will often make the models stand out better.Really nice models.... awesome.

[Quannum]

These are really stunning, love your painting style. Would love a complete run down of how you paint them. Army painter spray to base coat and then whats next? Can see you use washes, but what and how?

Looking forward to seeing more painted, will follow post real close. my only critiscm is there's not enough contrast between the models and the bases. The bases with snow look better, but a contrasting base will often make the models stand out better.Really nice models.... awesome.

 

Thanks very much! I have a rather large update coming after this post...

 

The bases are definitely a work in progress, the Terminator bases are a better indication of what I'm going for - I do want to keep it snow-themed. After all, they are the Warriors of Asaheim...

 

Will put a complete run-down of how I paint them up once the army is done...

 

Q

[Quannum]

++PAINTING UPDATE NO.3++

 

Here we go...though the pictures are slightly overexposed and therefore everything looks more blue than they actually are!)

 

I present the Wolf Scouts, Vindicator, Long Fangs (and Razorback transport) and Land Speeders:

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/GroupShot1.jpg

 

 

Long Fangs:

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/LongFangs1.jpg

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/LongFangs2.jpg

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/LongFangs3.jpg

 

 

Razorback:

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/Razorback1.jpg

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/Razorback2.jpg

 

 

Wolf Scouts (including Wolf Guard Wolf Scout Pack Leader:

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/WolfScoutsWolfGuard.jpg

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/WolfScoutsPack1.jpg

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/WolfScoutPack2.jpg

 

 

Land Speeders:

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/LandSpeeders4.jpg

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/LandSpeeders2.jpg

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/LandSpeeders1.jpg

 

 

Vindicator:

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/Vindicator1.jpg

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/Vindicator2.jpg

 

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b245/QuannumProjects/Space%20Wolves%202011/Vindicator3.jpg

 

 

 

C&C welcome...though do remember these are only completed up to Stage 1 of my painting order (see OP for more info...)

 

Q

[Quannum]

Bump.

[Iacton Qruze]

Looking good. The bases bother me though. Everything will look more complete and cohesive once you get all the bases finished... or at least not a dipped shadow grey.

[Heimdall Skullcrusher]

Your painting looks top notch. The only criticism I have is to get rid of some of the mold lines before doing the painting.

[DV8]

While the results are more than satisfactory tabletop quality, I don't like this army for the fact that it's just very sloppy all around. The many visible mold lines hurts my eyes, as does the lack of properly drilled weapon barrels. What really bothers me also is the far-too-liberal application of "washes", which makes the army look dipped. If you're going to use washes, at least take the time to apply them properly so that you don't end up with pooling and black-brown spots everywhere!

 

But hey, what do I know... I'm a guy who'll spend 2 to 3+ years on an army...

 

 

DV8

[Quannum]

While the results are more than satisfactory tabletop quality, I don't like this army for the fact that it's just very sloppy all around. The many visible mold lines hurts my eyes, as does the lack of properly drilled weapon barrels. What really bothers me also is the far-too-liberal application of "washes", which makes the army look dipped. If you're going to use washes, at least take the time to apply them properly so that you don't end up with pooling and black-brown spots everywhere!

 

But hey, what do I know... I'm a guy who'll spend 2 to 3+ years on an army...

 

 

DV8

 

Wow...

 

...just wow.

 

Q

[maverik_girl]

I hate to say it but the man (DV8) knows what he's talking about, and he's right I'm afraid. I also agree on his dipped comment :teehee:

[Grizzly Adams]

While the results are more than satisfactory tabletop quality, I don't like this army for the fact that it's just very sloppy all around. The many visible mold lines hurts my eyes, as does the lack of properly drilled weapon barrels. What really bothers me also is the far-too-liberal application of "washes", which makes the army look dipped. If you're going to use washes, at least take the time to apply them properly so that you don't end up with pooling and black-brown spots everywhere!

 

But hey, what do I know... I'm a guy who'll spend 2 to 3+ years on an army...

 

 

DV8

 

Wow...

 

...just wow.

 

Q

 

I think this is a pretty sweet lookin army myself, well done Q! I really like the blue/yellow contrast, really makes the army pop. I like the wash look, as I am a proponent of it myself.

[Chapter Master Ignis Domus]

I actually tend to prefer heavy washes, as it looks more dirty and worn when done right.

[MaveriK]

While the results are more than satisfactory tabletop quality, I don't like this army for the fact that it's just very sloppy all around. The many visible mold lines hurts my eyes, as does the lack of properly drilled weapon barrels. What really bothers me also is the far-too-liberal application of "washes", which makes the army look dipped. If you're going to use washes, at least take the time to apply them properly so that you don't end up with pooling and black-brown spots everywhere!

 

But hey, what do I know... I'm a guy who'll spend 2 to 3+ years on an army...

 

 

DV8

good lord, at least I don't feel as bad now cause I would work on ONE mini for a week, maybe two. Only because of my hectic schedule, or I'm just lazy and I want to do the model some justice. I hate mold lines! I had to do an entire pack over again because of it. Not to mention, there are some mold lines that I would miss until after it's painted and posted. Then I'd be like d'oh!!! I just only started using the hand drill instead of my dremel. I prefer the hand drill tool to the dremel because I have better control on it. Having barrels drilled out makes the model look better.

 

I actually tend to prefer heavy washes, as it looks more dirty and worn when done right.

I agree, when done right! but even I have to question some of the bases that are also washed.

[Marshal Wilhelm]

Wolves of B&C!

 

I turn to you for advice and feedback as I chronicle the emergence of my very first Space Wolf army! Expect regular updates as work continues!

 

Q

 

 

While the results are more than satisfactory tabletop quality, I don't like this army for the fact that it's just very sloppy all around. The many visible mold lines hurts my eyes, as does the lack of properly drilled weapon barrels. What really bothers me also is the far-too-liberal application of "washes", which makes the army look dipped. If you're going to use washes, at least take the time to apply them properly so that you don't end up with pooling and black-brown spots everywhere!

 

But hey, what do I know... I'm a guy who'll spend 2 to 3+ years on an army...

 

 

DV8

 

Wow...

 

...just wow.

 

Q

 

You did ask for feedback and advice, right?

 

People can always be more 'pc' in presenting their argument, and if commenting should be doing it 'with love' as it is very easy to be critical and condemn anything. Even a Golden Daemon Winner's piece is not actually perfect. People cannot be or do 'perfect'.

But also, if people only want affirmation, which is fine, then the advice and feedback part of the OP shouldn't be there.

 

When I paint, and imo my photos do not show the quality of painting I have performed, I want to look back in 10 years time and think 'Wow, these still look sweet'. Not everyone is as fussy.

But for me, tabletop standard includes:

Neatness. Years later, you can always make something fancier. You cannot go back and make it neater.

Neatness includes no mould lines, no paint rings, paint 'in between the lines' and barrels drilled out.

 

You don't need NMM, nor wet blending, nor three levels of colour for each of you three colour minimum.

 

It can be a simple job. But still a good job too.

 

Sorry if this comes across as me dog-piling. You are already shocked by DV8's comments and hopefully I have 'lightened' them up for you, rather than just adding salt to them.

 

I do like you raised Hammernator, btw.

 

http://i918.photobucket.com/albums/ad29/Marshall_Wilhelm/Avatar%20stuff/images-2.jpg

[DV8]

Wow...

 

...just wow.

 

Q

 

While I apologize for, perhaps, the bluntness of my post, I in no way wish to apologize for the intent behind them. People around here who know my posting style well enough know that I don't sugar-coat; I call my shots as I see 'em, and I tend to (usually) be pretty sardonic about it too.

 

They also know that when I comment and critique, it's with the intent that hopefully you can improve.

 

I agree with Wilhelm; while achieving a presentable tabletop quality paintjob in a 'relatively' short amount of time can be an good goal to work towards (after all, nobody likes to play with unpainted models), there are a few sad truths that you have to accept (it took me many years to come to this realization and to put into practice techniques and methodologies that take advantage of this knowledge).

 

Cost. The sad truth (and this isn't a rant about GW prices) is that these models are rather expensive, and they will continue to rise in price. When you're spending hundreds and thousands of dollars (yea some of my 2k armies ballpark in that range unfortunately) on these models, you want to get it right. You don't want to spend that much money on an army, rush through it, and then realize 6 months or a year (or even a few years) down the road that you're not happy with it, and want to redo it all over again. Back in the good 'ol days when you could build entire armies out of pewter, this usually wasn't too difficult since stripping pewter models is easy. But with everything in plastics and Finecast resins (or Forgeworld resins), reusing models is an arduous and laborious process, and it seems kind of silly to spend more money (and more time, see below) just to redo the same army to "get it right this time around".

 

Time. The investment of time in this hobby is a cost in itself (time is money), and there's no sense half-assing the job with the "intent" of going back and touching it up again later because, lets be honest here, nobody ever does. Once they're finished to that initial quality and set on the shelf, it's very rare that a person will go back and continue to work on the entire army. Once the mind has accepted that it is "finished", it's hard to get around that roadblock.

 

The United States Marine Corps has a great saying: Slow is steady, steady is fast, fast is good. Where's the sense in rushing and finishing an army in a month, only to go back a year later and redo it all? Why did you bother wasting the time in the first place then? If you want a good-looking army, you're better off spending that extra time to get it right the first time around; that way you save yourself money, time and frustration from having to constantly redo everything.

 

There's a reason I choose to spend 2-3+ years on an army. You look at my Space Wolves or my Vampire Counts; I have been working on both armies since early 2008, and while I have only amassed a total of 6000 points of Wolves and 2500 points of Vampires (all painted), it's all painted to a quality that I know, 1 year, 2 years, 10 years down the road, I'm still going to be happy with.

In fact, it's ridiculous the amount of time I've spent on my Vampire Counts. Doing the math, I've probably spent somewhere in the range of 3,500 hours, for a grand total of 136 models (the majority of which are skeletons (100) and Grave Guard (25)). If you do the math, that averages out to 25.7 hours per model, and assuming a relatively low rate of say, $20 per hour, this army cost me $70,000 worth in man hours.

 

 

I mean really bottom line is this: the amount of time and effort you want to spend on the army is your choice and no one can call you out on it and force you to work any harder or longer than you want to. But know that the quality and caliber of the army will reflect the time and effort you spent on it.

 

 

DV8

[Sven Dragonfire]

Hey Q, dont get disheartened by some of the comments you have received, every one has differant standards and abilities when it comes to constructing and painting their miniatures. You have been c&c'd by some of the best. Yes there are some horrible mould lines, barrels not drilled and the bases still need work, which is something you already know, but your work imho is solid, and would look good on a tabletop. I am a massive fan of Maverik and DV8, who is def one of the best painters I have ever seen, but as pointed out do you want to spend that long on an army. God I wish I could paint like DV8, but even if i could would never be able to spend that much time on my miniatures. Busy life,- family, friends, work and other commitments - my hobby is only a small part of my life. And I just want to get my Wolves on the board, crack open some beers with my buddies and play the game.

 

Listen to what the experts say , learn and apply it on the next model you paint. Move on.

 

Still looking forward to your next batch of models. Still love the look of the army.

[Quannum]

:lol:

 

I feel I may have been misunderstood - I was not disheartened by DV8's comments - as someone pointed out, this is EXACTLY what I'm looking for! I said 'Wow' because TBH I hadn't even picked up on some of those things, and it showed that I have more to work on that I had initially thought. Yes, it may have been rather blunt, but I'm thick-skinned and for one, appreciate the honest feedback.

 

I'm sure you all know the feeling when you've been working at something for hours on end, staring at the same models over and over: you need a fresh pair of eyes to help you spot the things your mind is glossing over. I hadn't even considered drilling the barrels but now I will.

 

Suffice to say that DV8 has given me food for thought - and as I move into stage two of the painting, these are things that I will be remedying and working on.

 

As for the heavy/dirty wash look, I actually like that look/feel. I appreciate this might not be to everyone's taste or preference, but it's what I'm running with.

 

:)

 

Q

 

And as for the bases, they're really, really, REALLY, not completed yet.

[Burningblood]

Where'd you get those nifty viking style weapons for your wolf scouts? That's the kind of thing that I'd like to do with mine, but honestly, I'm a novice.