LilLoser's All Metal Deathwing

[lilloser]

How long does it take to turn this:

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Commision%20blog/DSCF1664-1.jpg

 

Into this:

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/deathwing1.png

 

I attempted to create a Deathwing army in a week and paint it over the course of a weekend. This happened some months ago and I posted the progress and write up on my blogsite. However, having found this excellent site, I wanted to post up what challenges I faced, how I overcame them (if at all) and my own thoughts on how I wished to create a Deathwing force.

 

I will post up the progress in chronological order (with the original text) and offer any conclusions that have struck me now that I am at the end of the project looking back.

 

 

DAY 1

 

This is what the army started as:

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3568.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3582.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3571.jpg

 

 

Thank you for reading, any advise you may wish to impart to a green Deathwing commander would be greatly received.

 

LilLoser

[Isiah]

I always regret getting rid of a load of metal DW termies. I still have a metal termy Chaplain and Librarian lurking somewhere. I shall be watching progress here with great interest.

[Bryan Blaire]

Did you break into my house and steal my figs? Now I have to go check my box... :D

 

Seriously, pic so far looks awesome! I'd like to see what you're thoughts on building up the army were.

[lilloser]

@ Isiah: I decided to rededicate the templar wing because of my frustrated attempts to sell the army. I'm very glad no-one took me up on the offer in retrospect.

 

@ Bryan Blaire: I broke into some guy's house to steal these; might have been you, might not...

 

Cheers man! This project is quite far along and I've posted much more on other forums (for my sins). Should I post an update everyday, or just dump it all here now?

 

LilLoser

[Interrogator Stobz]

DUMP NOOOWWWWW!!!!!

 

Gives me something cool to look at on a Sunday morning :)

 

s

[lilloser]

Ok, I won't edit the posts, I'll just whack them all up in order. Apologies to other threads for hogging the forum for a while:

 

START...

 

...The metal terminators appear smaller than the newer metal ones, and they come in a limited range of poses, so bringing them up to scratch will be a priority. I've immersed myself in Dark Angel reference pictures, stories and Gothic architecture which I will translate into the miniatures themselves.

 

Unlike my other projects, speed is key here. I have set myself a schedule of a week to get everything prepared (well, the terminators at any rate - i'm not optimistic about having my landraider stripped and prepared by the weekend). I'm only converting a few characters, leaving Belial to create at my leisure, and painting whatever I have prepared over the weekend.

 

DAY 2

 

Here is what the army looks like today:

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3573.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3572.jpg

 

I've still yet to name the squads or the sergeants. What kind of names do Deathing members have? Also, what other books, or reference would you recommend I read? So far, all I know about Deathwing is that they paint their armour white to symbolise the passing from one world to the next (becoming ghosts), and that they are named Deathwing because one unit saved a recruiting world from Genestealers. Why do they have a broken blade as their symbol?

 

I only have time for a quick update now. Thank you to everyone who has replied, I will write responses a little later on tonight.

Day 3

 

Time is getting away from me very quickly now. I have started to put the squads together and sort out what weapons go where. Making a decent Deathwing list is a real art. Despite having limited choices, there are a plethora of combinations to be considered.

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3584.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3586.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3587.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3588.jpg

 

I've mainly been concentrating on the bases. Because the old terminators were designed for a single 25mm (I think that is correct?) base, they don't dominate the larger bases like the newer plastic ones do. I can use this to my advantage by putting a lot of Blanche-esque craziness on the bases, and building a sense of place. Dark Angels enjoy a rich heritage of fantastic artwork, something which I intend to exploit through the Sergeants.

 

Think, walking psychopathic Cathedrals; thats the direction i'm heading in.

 

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3585.jpg

 

 

 

Day 4

 

I had the day off today, so in between my commission work I'm putting in a double shift.

 

I've built up the bases, added all the cool fallen masonry and started the green stuff work.

 

The bits I ordered on the weekend still have not arrived and i'm getting a little skittish as to whether they will arrive by the weekend. I'm waiting for the main colour that I will use on the army and an assault cannon. Worry, worry, worry.

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3594.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3593.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3592.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3591.jpg

 

 

After a little rummaging, I found that I have just enough parts to make a dreadnought. Viva La Bits box.

 

 

Dreadnought

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3590.jpg

 

Army

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3589.jpg

 

@ Horus Aximand - Have you ever seen Winter Dyne's Deathwing commission? Absolutely fantastic work, something which I intend to emulate and copy.

 

DAY 4 (continued...)

 

Wow, what a long day. The Deathwing are nearly complete. The odd bit of Green stuff here, a smattering of glue here and they should be ready by Saturday for priming.

 

Here are the last blurry photo's you'll see of the un-primed army, that only look slightly different from the ones posted above. I will take some cleaner photo's tomorrow (yay more bare metal, bet you can't wait for that), then start my painting marathon Saturday morning. If you like the look of any of these models and you would like to see close up's now is the time to ask.

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3624.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3628.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3627.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3626.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3625.jpg

[lilloser]

DAY 5

 

Urghhh, all sculpted, all ready to be primed tomorrow. I've been telling myself all week that i'd experiment with a grey primer on this army, but i'm starting to bottle it a bit now. I'm leaning toward dusting, as I am fairly familiar and comfortable with that technique.

 

Any comments or advise would be nice, but as it stands now, i'm setting my alarm clock for 8 a.m, and starting to dust after i've had my coffee.

 

Here are cleaner pics of the the models I have been working on. I hope you enjoy them:

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3622.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3621.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3619.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3618.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3616.jpg

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3614.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3615.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3612.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3613.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3609.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3608.jpg

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3603.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3605.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3606.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3601.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3602.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3598.jpg

[lilloser]

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3600.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3598.jpg

 

And finally a nice little tip for those who want more imposing Dreadnoughts. Use an appropriate washer at the hip and shoulder joints to beef up your beast.

Shoulder joins

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3597.jpg

Hip Join

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3596.jpg

 

 

Here's a question, should I paint the Storm Bolter casing red or green?

 

EDIT: I've put a poll on the question. Opinions considered up until the time I come to paint the casing.

 

Also, does anyone know a good technique of painting a strong red over a white background? I've also found red a little washed out over white.

 

LilLoser

 

 

 

REFLECTION:

 

The casing of the guns was a huge concern for me at the time. I was indecisive and lost valuable time over the weekend painting session. I had a very clear idea of the tone I wished to strike with my Deathwing army; I wanted the classic white / bone pallette from Space hulk:

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/pic353051_md.jpg

 

Rather than the more traditional bone, green and red combination:

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/IMG_5462.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/IMG_5465.jpg

 

 

Interesting tidbit; when these models came out, Rogue Trader was still the officially supported version of 40K. These guys had a 2+ basic save, minimum 6+, with options for refractor fields and grenade harnesses.

 

I'll update you on how I did tomorrow and follow up with some WIP shots.

 

Hope you enjoyed the pre amble. I'll put together a more coherent document like my design notes from my Blood Angel project.

 

LilLoser

[Interrogator Stobz]

Brilliant work, awesome greenstuffing LilLoser, I can't wait for more....

 

You've made my Sunday :D

 

 

stobz

[Deathwing70]

this is awesome!

You actually made me go search and find my old metal termi's. Untouched for several years... I really should do them some justice and put paint on the unpainted and repaint the painted ones!

 

 

 

Will definitely keep an eye on your progress!

[ellis_esquire]

SOme great conversion ideas here - particulalrly love the mount of candles! Awesome. Making me want to go redo my original metal termies! great stuff.

[lilloser]

@Stobz: Thanks man. Love your army too.

 

@Dethwing: You should definitely do that. I much prefer the older metal poses, problem was making them individual. With a little effort, you would be surprised with what you can come up with.

 

@ Ellis: The candles came about to cover up damage on the model!

 

 

7 Day log continued:

 

Respect sushi knives. I took the tip of my finger clean off with a showy swipe of a blade. It hasn't grown back, and I never did find the missing piece.

 

The Current State of the Project

 

The mission: Paint a Deathwing force over the course of a single weekend.

 

Outcome:

 

FAIL

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3643.jpg

 

Urghh, I really thought I could bash an army out in a weekend. I love converting, and I love painting each model to a high standard. While it is possible to do both (check out Harry's blog in the fantasy section, the guy is a machine of high quality output). The habits I have fallen into do not contribute to speed painting, habits such as worrying over tonal range, experimenting with new techniques, not having any primer...

 

In my 48 hours, I managed to lie down two coats of Dhenb Stone (for good coverage), and three or four very thing layers of VMC Ivory for a solid cover... not very productive huh?

 

With this in mind, I'd like to offer some advise to anyone else who would like to attempt something similar, and throw down the gauntlet to anyone who thinks they could have done better!

1) Make, base and prime your models before the 48 hours begin.

 

I think that it was a major mistake to prime the models within the weekend's time limit. I had 23 models to paint. I estimated that I would spend at least an hour on each model, equalling 23 hours of work (i'm a math savant). Priming the models (once I nipped down to Halford's to buy bloody primer) took me much longer than I thought it would, eating too much of my painting time. This leads me nicely too...

 

2) Make a plan

 

Draw up a timetable of the weekend and divide it into hourly slots. Plan your painting time, and try and estimate when you will complete each stage of the painting process. Don't worry if you go over your planned time limit for a stage, because you may gain the time back somewhere else.

 

And make sure to PLAN BREAKS. Plan time for food and getting a little exercise. The quality of your work will suffer unless you take a little time off.

 

3) Entertainment

 

Whenever I paint, I enjoy music playing, listening to an audio book or having a crappy movie, or t.v series on in the background. Having some noise on in the background can keep you company, and stop you feeling so isolated on your painting marathon.

 

I'd highly recommend downloading or buying a load of films/albums/books that you have not heard before, and mix them with your favourite films/albums/books during the weekend. I watched Pandora for the first time, and really got me in the mood to play space hulk with my terminators.

 

4) Know the painting process before you begin.

 

I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my Deathwing. I had researched the painting process and found a painting process I really liked. The only thing I had not decided was the bolter casings, but I knew how to paint red, and green, so no big problem there.

 

Paint a practice model if you like, and time yourself doing it. See how long it takes to make your plan estimates much more accurate.

 

Being unsure of the process, and experimenting halfway through your painting session will eat up your time.

 

5) Have Fun!

 

Remember you are doing this for fun. Yes this is a challenge, and you should push yourself to complete what you set out to do. However, if the dog is acting up, or your kids want to play, or if an alien crashes through your window, remember to keep your painting challenge in perspective.

 

Try and get a few friends around to attempt the challenge with you. It's a lot easier to keep motivated when you have a group of friends calling you a wuss if you don't finish up the highlighting on your Commander's face.

 

Loser's Challenge:

 

Do you think your better than me? Well, you have a lot of nerve mister. Prove that you have the mettle to complete a game legal army of a 1,500 pts or more within the space of a weekend 48 hours and forever gain the respect of your peers.

 

I'd love to hear if anyone is attempting this challenge, and would love to see photo's (or better yet a project log) with your army.

 

Start you project log or post with: 'Loser's Challenge' and let's be seeing what you got.

 

Enough from me now. I'll post up closer shots of my Deathwing, and show off what I've been working on this week.

 

Toodles,

 

LilLoser

 

+++++++++++++++++++++

 

And this is what has been distracting me:

Librarian

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3652.jpg

 

Chaplain

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3648.jpg

 

Here are a few sketches I have for Cain, commander of my Deathwing force. I'm hoping in time that a Deathwing force can be lead by somebody other than Belial, but for now, this will be a Belial stand in.

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3657.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3658.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3659.jpg

 

++++++++++++++++++

 

 

Have you seen this? I got a lot of inspiration for my Belial from The Lion's Sketches. If you like my thread, then you'll love this one.

 

@ Jayman. Thank you. My aim for the army was to use all my old metal terminators and update them in line with the current dynamic terminators.

 

What have been wasting my time on today?

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3646.jpg

 

filing down and repairing my landraider.

 

Cain W.I.P tomorrow.

 

LilLoser

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

Urrgghhhh, sorry to ask this but could someone leave a comment please so that I can post more? I'm posting too many images, and the forum won't allow me to publish my next post because it will merge...

 

You want more pics; then please add a comment.

[Brother Degas]

very nice, wish I could do my models that fast and good looking.

[lilloser]

Cheers Brother Degas. But they have taken a long time to complete.

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

Here is today's efforts:

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3653.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3654.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3656.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3655.jpg

 

I'm stuck on what to use for a head. I want a stern, strong face that was released around the same era as the Abaddon kit. I want to keep continuity with the Terminators I already have and more importantly, I don't want to spend much money! I've had a root through my bitz box and turned up nothing so far.

 

I'm also concerned about the great big Chaos star in the middle of the torso. Creative input on how to get over these hurdles will be appreciated. Right now, I'm planning on sculpting wings on the skull to make it look more imperial.

 

LilLoser

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

I wanted the eagle design as a nod to this illustration:

http://i416.photobucket.com/albums/pp242/johnhackworth86/006049839.jpg

 

@ Thanks Abaddon. I thought I may get some backlash for using him. Accusation of him being to chaos-y (which admittedly he is, with a great big honking Chaos Star sprawled over his stomach).

 

@ Despiser: God you're right. I've had a little test run with fimo putty, and the cloak/cowl/robes looks right. It definitely completes the model, but it does cover up an awful amount of cool details and little rivets.

 

Urgh, I hate having to make decisions like this, but thank you for the heads up. I'll give it a couple of days and hopefully the problem will just go away!

 

On a brighter note, I have found a head. A noble head it is too, beautiful, stern and vicious:

 

http://www.games-workshop.com/gws/catalog/...dId=prod1140233

 

Luckily for me I unearthed the very same Dark Angel, severely damaged and scarred. I bought the model over ten years ago, and became frustrated at how difficult his eyes were to paint. I did however like the pose, and decided to hack him up for my Imperial Guard Lord (such is the confused creativity of a ten year old).

 

I think this head fits the nostalgic trip i'm taking with this army, and is fitting because the sgt is a dark angel himself. I'm giving him a promotion, and a hair cut.

 

LilLoser

 

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Oh so nearly there!

Blu-taced Cain / Belial

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3661.jpg

 

Cain / Belial W.I.P

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3676.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3675.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3677.jpg

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3678.jpg

 

I decided to make the extra effort and sculpt the broken sword sigil of the Deathwing on his bolter. I still don't know why this is the insignia of Deathwing - perhaps it's a big conspiracy?

 

http://i751.photobucket.com/albums/xx159/lilizzyloser2008/Deathwing/DSCF3679.jpg

 

I just need to tidy him up, cover up any unseemly joins or defects in the sculpting with purity seals and then attach his Sword. Complete and ready to prime. I'm really proud of how his stomach has turned out - if you can't see it I will try and take tighter photographs of the winged skull.

 

I also think that the candles work well enough. I may have got a bit carried away with this, but space marines are nothing if not over the top. Cain is bringing the light to galaxy in a very literal way.

 

I'm not sure whether or not to add more wings to cover up the points on his right leg; could I get away with these, justifying them as lightning bolts?

 

LilLoser

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

Long weekend...

 

Look what's on my workbench:

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P1000839.jpg

 

 

Here's the state of the project.

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P1000901.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P1000899.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P1000898.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P1000902.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P1000895.jpg

 

I have added classic chapter markings (Rogue Trader decals) to the models and added battle damage to the armour.

 

 

I've decided to paint the sheaths of the guns grey instead of the traditional green or red. When Xyon first suggested this I dismissed the idea too quickly. I thought that the models would look quite dull and monotone. However, painting the sheaths in green or red really draws the eye away from the main model. By keeping the sheaths neutral I can develop colour sigils on the model itself.

 

Ultimately, I was finally swayed by this;

 

Damn, can't add video.

 

I have a few more photographs on my website and a retro Deathwing game video clip.

 

LilLoser

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

I still have more images if someone could pop a comment beneath this message.

[ellis_esquire]

Im loving this whole thread lilloser - its a real honour to see into another creators head as it were - Love the gothic touches! Youve gone places a la gothica i dare not! That finger sounds nasty!

 

On the broken sword - i cant recall sources but beleive its surrounded how the deathwing/inner circle are the only ones to bear this symbol of a sword broken. i beelive the broken sword is symbolic of the broken honour/heart of the chapter from the great schism and the fallen ones. Until all the fallen are captured the sword remains broken. Something like that.

[lilloser]

I wanted to evoke the scenes from the second edition (or was it first, the book after rogue trader). I love the art work of John Blanche and I wanted to capture that insane cyber renaissance presence the Dark Angels had then.

 

I have not been idle. In between painting a Biel Tan force for my friend and sculpting Sanguinius I've managed to try out a few flesh tones for the Deathwing commanders. The photo's are HUGE and take forever to upload to photobucket but I have this one for show:

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/P1000975.jpg

 

You can find more piccies here of this venerable character as well as a large breasted Praetorian officer.

 

I hope you enjoy.

 

LilLoser

 

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

 

I'm so close to being finished. Here are a couple of eye bleedingly close photographs of the squad sergeants. I'm sorry about the photographs, I've tried re-sizing them but photobucket doesn't want to play nice with me (EDIT: Seems I've managed to re-size one. Perhaps the photo's need time to readjust.)

Sergeant Appollyon

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P10103841.jpg

 

Sergeant Imahiel

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P10103071.jpg

 

Sergeant Belphegor

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P10103991-1.jpg

 

Sergeant Zhagen

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P1010357.jpg

 

Dreadnought Cain

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/P1010340.jpg

 

I've taken these photographs for the unusual purpose of adding them as contact photographs in my address book. I have been looking for an army list app with a nice bright interface for my armies, and I've hit on the idea of using the iPhone contacts to create a profile for every unit in my army:

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/8f5cc932.jpg

 

It took a bit of time writing out all the stats and rules, but now I have an easy reference to all the units equipment, special rules and weaponry. I've even included a "Roll of Honour' to note down any notable kills, campaigns or actions.

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/3965c968.jpg

 

As you can see, poor Cain has nothing under his Honour Roll yet, but Belial has already bagged a pheonix lord, Avatar and a Wraithlord (he's a beast with a Thunder hammer).

 

LilLoser

 

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

And that brings us bang up to date with what I have painted so far. I will be posting updates all week on my blog and publishing images here as well.

 

Any thoughts, commentary of opinions you may have please fire away.

 

All the best, and thank you for reading.

 

LilLoser

 

Edit: Thanks for the message Ellis and the info.

[VAGABOND]

I'm loving this topic, such an inspiration to everyone.

 

Well done mate and keep up the good work :)

[Captain Semper]

LilWinner more like it... This is out of this world! I'm so impressed with this thread I don't have words!!! Green stuff, painting, posing, the lot! And classic miniatures to boot! The skin tone on the Abbadon-derived termie is ;) Gongrats mate!

[Interrogator Stobz]

Now you've made my Monday too :D

 

You're too damned fast for words, I set a timeline too but can't even dream of getting a single termie done in 1 hour :jaw: .

 

I'm so glad you embraced the whole gothic/Blanche theme, It's fantastic and makes your army look like they are toting 10,000 year relics everywhere they go. AWESOME. btw I've always liked the 'spikey' bits of chaos too and leaving some on really helps with your look.

 

I've been umming and arrring about doing my aquillas in gold like yours (and the DW cover, they come from), that was my inspiration too, I may try out one test model soon to see if I want to follow that path or just keep my 'stone' ones. I'm hopeless at sticking to a theme :lol:

 

Cheers for your inspiration

 

s

[IanSturrock]

Amazing work -- makes me want to finish off my DW force...

[lilloser]

Thank you for the compliments. I liked the old archaic style that some of the early DEathwing illustrations have. Since this project is to a large extent an exercise in nostalgia, I thought it appropriate to take as many cue from John Blanche's art and 80's to late 90's GW art.

 

One last update, just made today:

 

Almost forgot to upload this. I took the photo on my phone so the quality isn't brilliant.

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/3d11fae3.jpg

The image is inspired by the Artwork of William Blake, and the Emperor Tarot Card. I believe the exact image I copied from was from the poem Jerusalem.

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/John%20Blanche%20Deathwing%20Research/Jerusalem-The-Emanation-Of-The-Giant-Albion-Plate-51-Vala-Hyle-And-Skofeld-Showing-The-Crowned-Vala.jpg

The Emanation of the Giant Albion

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/deathwing%202/John%20Blanche%20Deathwing%20Research/emperor-1.jpg

 

The Emperor Tarot

 

If you haven't seen any of William Blake's work, please open another web browser and look right now. They are nightmarish and beautiful and haunting and I'm sure will inspire someone reading this. There are many hunched, tormented figures in Jerusalm, crouching down, often naked, covering their countenance from the viewer. I wanted to translate the sense of shame to the figure of the Emperor of the Tarot as an allegorical representation of the Unforgiven's penance. I have also given the emperor a broken sword; something for all those Jungian & Freudian students out there.

 

Then I set the entire thing on fire!

 

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x450/LilLoser2011/771a687e.jpg

 

I think I may have gone a little over board with the matches, and on reflection, the image I chose to paint was too complicated. I needed a clearer, simple banner to burn the crap out of. Lucky I took a photo beforehand to show my intention.

 

Enjoy.

 

LilLoser

[IanSturrock]

Ha, the burned banner is equal parts beautiful and insane. :jaw: I think it looks absolutely fine as it is, personally -- really fits the "heroic last stand time, as we're all doomed" vibe of classic 40K.

 

I am a huge Blake fan -- came across his poetry in school in the 1980s, and his art soon after. I have a couple of books of his art.

[Brother Kovash]

Dude, this is probably the most entertaining thread I've seen in a while. My hat goes off to you for even attempting to build an army within a week. I can't wait to see how your land raider turns out.

 

 

If I may just make one suggestion. Belial with the storm bolter and sword is probably the least used combination. I've been running my Belial stand-in with twin lightning claws recently, and he packs quite a punch. You should consider making one yourself if you plan to play competitively.

[Bringer of Redemption]

I am impressed beyond belief at what you've been able to do, lilloser, especially given how long it takes me to build and paint a single terminator.

 

I'm now eagerly awaiting your next update.

 

--BoR

[VAGABOND]

Dude, this is probably the most entertaining thread I've seen in a while. My hat goes off to you for even attempting to build an army within a week. I can't wait to see how your land raider turns out.

 

 

If I may just make one suggestion. Belial with the storm bolter and sword is probably the least used combination. I've been running my Belial stand-in with twin lightning claws recently, and he packs quite a punch. You should consider making one yourself if you plan to play competitively.

 

Yeah I'd make the arms magnetised so you can swap and change them around.

 

Kovash hit it on the head though mate, but I think imo the SB/SoS is the weakest combination of the 3. In my Mech DW army, my Belial has Lightning Claws with the Command Squad and Chaplain attached. Since April I've been using the TH/SS option in my Throne Of Skulls list.