The Neurode Crusade - Updates and Fixes to HQs and Elites

[greggles]

Diffuse the light more when taking the photos.  That might make you happier.  Sharp shadows tend to much up the way the metallics and highlights show up in photos.

 

They look great.  As I sit here about to begin, they are an inspiration!

[mytimeprez]

Those look fantastic! Crusade on Brother.

[Golf33]

 

Also, I'm quite annoyed how the highlights look in the pictures. I quite like them the way they are (quite thick and strong) when I look with the naked eye, but on the screen they are somehow disappointing. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining: I'm just sharing my observations.

I think that has a lot to do with distance and light. The close-up photos are like putting a spotlight on the model and holding it an inch from your nose. Not exactly normal viewing conditions for a model! I've found that when I paint for subtle shading that looks good up close, the models tend to lack 'pop' on the gaming table... I haven't really managed to go the other way yet.

[Brother Christopher]

Posting this maybe litters the forum a bit, but it is also a great motivation to keep working. The chance to share the results, that is. Thanks for your visits and comments!

 

This is the third instalment of a series of quick updates. I want to paint as much as I can before tomorrow, because tomorrow life comes back to normal and real life occupations and responsibilities will take over. Still, that didn't happen yet.

 

More Sternguards and some backpacks.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070226_zpsd61a3bf5.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070227_zpsdea8cb4f.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070228_zps58a93a93.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070234_zps8ab532ed.jpg

 

I'll experiment with photos, when the models will be done. Right now I limit myself to 'quick' WIP photos and complaining about them ^^

[mytimeprez]

Your Sternguard are looking great Brother, you are making great progress.

[Brother Christopher]

Moar pictures on the way. 3 next guys, this time assault marines. I got 9 marines second-hand, they were painted red and badly assembled. I did my best to rescue them. It also turned out that 2 of the bunch didn't have a harness torso, so I added some chains (JP chaplain style) to imitate them. How do you like it?

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070243_zpse97c939b.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070246_zpsa2bfa378.jpg

 

This guy is 'special,' because he got a helmet from the sergeant in the old vanguard box.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070250_zpse75bf74a.jpg

[Marshal Mattias]

Slick work with the harnesses!

[CastellanDeMolay]

Chains = awesome. 

[Andhil]

Chains = awesome. 

QFT 

 

But seriously. AWESOME!

[tvih]

Very nice work so far! I love your highlights. I vowed my metal Sternguard models for the ETL too, though they're supposed to be painted as CF, while the new plastic ones will be BT goodness. Still, seeing your metallics as in BT colors does give me the itch to paint mine as such too, but still, I suppose the CF deserve some love too?

 

Oh, and yeah, the chains are definitely a nice touch! What's the "LPI" on those, they seem pretty much the perfect scale?

[Brother Christopher]

Thanks, I'm glad you like them!

 

@tvih

I hear you! I've been through something similar recently, I wanted to paint some IF allies. But, in the end I decided not to 'waste' models for any other chapter. Having said that, I must confess that at times I want to try my skills in painting something... colourful, something that's not all about highlights. The decision is yours of course. I'd paint them black , but if you have allies, and wanted to paint them as CF do that.

 

I don't know what "LPI" is, but if that's the 'size' of the chain links, this is what it says on the zipper bag: 1,35 x 1,65. And that's in millimetres.

[Andhil]

I believe LPI is links-per-inch.

[Brother Christopher]

A quick update. 2 more assault marines.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070266_zps1a785fc8.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070265_zps29493b09.jpg

 

So, 5 more assault initiates' bodies, a set of arms and backpacks and one dreadnought and the 1st vow's done.

 

The problem is that... I FORGOT ABOUT MY MARSHALL!! I made this conversion some time ago, and I were very excited to paint him, but I saved him for ETL... and when the time came... Duuh. Now I'm stuck painting those guys with the annoying itch to paint the Marshall.

[Marshal Mattias]

At least that gives you another vow lined up ;)

 

I'm eyeing-up the last box of space marine storm-wing in a local store...

[HLVW]

At least that gives you another vow lined up ;)

 

I'm eyeing-up the last box of space marine storm-wing in a local store...

At least that gives you another vow lined up ;)

I'm eyeing-up the last box of space marine storm-wing in a local store...

If you do it then I have no excuse to order the is carrion that I have my mouse button hovering over.

 

Awesome work there brother. Looking forward to seeing the marshal you have lined up.

Edited May 5, 2014 by HLVW

[Brother Christopher]

Real life matters, especially those related to my studies, slowed my ETL progress to a crawl. To keep something running, I've been working on the next 5 assault marines/sword borthers. Here are some WIP pictures. They are mostly done, what needs to be done are: purity seals, leather bits (pouches, holsters etc.), the face on the SB and final touch ups.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070354_zpsa48d2193.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070356_zpse4a479dc.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070357_zps723c39d4.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070360_zpse370f099.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070362_zps771df03a.jpg

 

And the rest of my vow:

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070363_zps483fd20c.jpg

 

By the way, is anyone interested in a 'tutorial' how I paint my Templars? I believe that my way is relatively easy, relatively cheap (I don't own that many colours and even though my range of paints became wider over the years, I still use a very limited and basic set), relatively fast (at lest the pace of progress is improved; I don't keep track of the time, but I estimate that I need now about 1,5h to finish one marine - and that's a HUGE improvement in my case) and relatively rewarding (from a 'gaming perspective' the minis look nice).

 

Well, who am I kidding... I'll probably post a tutorial-like post anyway, though I feel a bit shy about that with all the great, more skilled painters out there

[greggles]

Always share your techniques.  One thing I have learned from the world of blogging...there is always more to learn.  Tips to be had.  Techniques to master.  Everyone approaches painting differently, and with their own flare.

 

Don't ever follow the mindset that you wouldn't contribute to that vast engine of artists.  The very nature of art lends itself to sharing, and expressing each others unique method of creation.

[Brother Christopher]

Always share your techniques.  One thing I have learned from the world of blogging...there is always more to learn.  Tips to be had.  Techniques to master.  Everyone approaches painting differently, and with their own flare.

 

Don't ever follow the mindset that you wouldn't contribute to that vast engine of artists.  The very nature of art lends itself to sharing, and expressing each others unique method of creation.

 

Sir, this is an INSPIRING post.

[Acebaur]

Always share your techniques.  One thing I have learned from the world of blogging...there is always more to learn.  Tips to be had.  Techniques to master.  Everyone approaches painting differently, and with their own flare.

 

Don't ever follow the mindset that you wouldn't contribute to that vast engine of artists.  The very nature of art lends itself to sharing, and expressing each others unique method of creation.

 

This.  Always share, you never know what tips you might pick up because someone shared a technique they knew. A perfect example, someone here was talking about not liking resin because it warped. I mentioned all you have to do is heat it up and bend it back.  This was something I've known for a long time, but was new information for that person which changed their outlook on resin. 

 

I'm working on a new way to highlight black armor, which I will definitely share in case anyone wants to try it. (Though it's not like we paint a lot of black armor here or anything :lol:)

[Brother Christopher]

So, my ETL progress is none, because I have to treat my studies seriously. Still, that doesn't change the fact my heart is with the minis I should paint. That's why, I'm planning how to paint my Venerable Dreadnought. This is the model that I have:

 

http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Images/Product/DefaultFW/xlarge/mkIVvendread.jpg

 

I want to ask for your opinion, because I can't make my mind on the colours. Obviously, he's going to be black. The problem are those "panels" with rivets on them, and other detail - like the aquila. I'm torn between doing a 'classic' metal look, that is silver, or, preferably, gold; and experimenting and using non-metalic colour, red or grey. How would you paint this guy?

 

Just as an additional information, my other two dreads are black + gold detail.

[greggles]

I'd go with gold trim to match the other dreams.  Then of course, that's my personal bias, as all my high ranking stuff uses gold trim.  :)

[Arthanor]

I'd have to agree on this one, the trim seems like metallic ornamental work, of which gold is probably the most appropriate for a venerable dreadnought. Plus it fits with your other dreams dreads (;)) and continuity usually looks better on the tabletop.

[HLVW]

I am going to have to agree with the above comments, gold would be my choice. But to switch it up for you a smidgen, you could simply dry brush on warp lock bronze, Brass scorpion followed by rune fang steel with a light agrax earthshade wash which brings out all the colours, I tried it out with the power claw on my dread and liked the result.

[Brother Christopher]

Thanks for the feedback. That's probably what I wanted to hear, and it seems to be the most reasonable pick: because of the other Dreads and because gold is the most fancy of colours, stressing the Dread's status.

 

@HLVW - I might try your technique, but there's one problem. I were buying many models and I cut paint expenses. As a result, I still use old Citadel paints, and Shining Gold is my only gold (for lighter tones, I mix it with Mithril Silver). And I don't feel like buying new paints at the moment, because the old ones are still good and only half used.

 

But... situations like this remind me that it's time to get more paints. And up-to-date ones too, in fact.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Brother Cristopher

[Brother Christopher]

After posting yesterday, I figured that it won't hurt to at least finish the sternguards and castellan. I had to finish the backpacks and put the minis together - that can't be much work, can it?

 

Here are the finished models. Basing is officially postponed until further notice.

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070391_zpsb2cd2341.jpg http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070390_zps630b168e.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070393_zps656a0a5a.jpg http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070394_zps51c9c511.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070395_zps7413e801.jpg http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070396_zpse350cf25.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070397_zpsd8b3affc.jpg http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070398_zps0e002367.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070399_zpse2e15735.jpg http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070400_zps420efe65.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070401_zps3895359e.jpg http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070402_zpsed528ca9.jpg

 

http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k260/krj_38/ETL/P1070405_zps26d02ae5.jpg

 

How do you like them?

Edited May 16, 2014 by Brother Cristopher