Storm Serpents WIP Thread

[Nicili]

So, I have been removed from the hobby from some 4 years now and haven't really undertaken painting in quite a while. I picked everything back up a few weeks ago to practice and as of yesterday have officially started painting my renegades, the Storm Serpents.

 

These models are basically practice models. They are the first Storm Serpents I have painted (other than 2 test models painted some years ago) and I'm using many things I am unfamiliar with. I also don't have nearly all the tools I need (need a new pin vise) so thats why there is some paint rubbed off from handling, and a stray fingerprint here and there.

 

These models are very WIP. The black hasn't been touched yet except for the black base coat. Also I am well aware of the touch ups needed/paint spilling onto other parts. I am more concerned in the shading/layering of the green and some bone areas. I could use any comments/criticisms/aid in my techniques. I guess my biggest problem is paint consistency; I have been using a wet palette and can't quite get it right, its either too watery, and it acts like a wash, or two thick and I feel like I'm obscuring details (esp. in the Bone Areas). I am planning to oil wash these after they have been finished, but I don't have those supplies yet.

 

Some things I like: I think a lot of the green is turning out nicely, especially on the backpack. The skull on the shoulder pad seems to be looking good as well. I love using Vallejo Model Air for the metallics, and I think once cleaned up those will look great with a wash.

 

Some things I hate: The horns, and small skulls (especially on the flamer), the paint just seems to be clogging up all the details. I am also having major trouble with the eye lenses, I can't get the paint to behave in the way I want, so I can't shade the lenses to add depth; the end up coating the whole lens.

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-19-2012/20121219_213635_HDR_zps3fa208a2.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-19-2012/20121219_214350_HDR_zps7860b4e8.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-19-2012/20121219_214401_HDR_zps7741939e.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-19-2012/20121219_213706_HDR_zpsa6efa1ae.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-19-2012/20121219_213721_HDR_zpsa23b2ed2.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-19-2012/20121219_214313_HDR_zps6fb29ec9.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-19-2012/20121219_214014_zps3101eb7d.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-19-2012/20121219_214423_HDR_zps9a54645a.jpg

 

Here's a "Blood Angel" I painted a few weeks ago with Enamel *shudder*; mainly to get back to painting, but also as a nice comparison to my use of acrylics :P :

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-19-2012/20121219_214445_HDR_zps850e5474.jpg

[Brother Ambroz]

What ratio are you using for painting? The paint on the flamer looks pretty nice and clean whereas the blood angel looks very very thick. I use a 2:1 paint/water ratio when I paint.

[Nicili]

The Blood Angel was testors enamel; its not something I would ever do again.

 

I guess I have been using closer to a 1:1 ratio, so a 2:1 sounds better. I'm using a wet palette so maybe I should use more paint.

[Nicili]

New Update, finished the painting stage of the two models. I am noticing more touch ups I need to do, and I need to fix the lenses and perhaps the horns. I still need to get decals, oil washes, and varnish for the models, which won't happen for some time, but I am pretty content with the paint job.

 

I hate the hard lighting with the black. I hate the look of the grey on black, and in the future I will stick with a very subtle general highlight, which a lot of the areas already have (even if they aren't really noticeable in the pictures)

 

Looking for any C+C!

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-23-2012/20121222_215256_HDR_zps2d6df9f6.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-23-2012/20121222_214658_zpsbc3d2df0.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-23-2012/20121222_214735_zps65b1670b.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-23-2012/20121222_214720_zps63cf3d93.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/12-23-2012/20121222_215241_HDR_zps0b3fbf7c.jpg

 

Thanks for looking!

[Nicili]

New Update, I am currently working on some Berserkers, so I need to upload some Raptors that I worked on a few months ago.

 

Note: These were converted some years ago (2009?) and I just got around to painting them a few months ago.

 

I think I am still having trouble. The turquoise definitely needs some work, especially the highlight on the Plasma Pistol. I also think my paint consistency is still off. I have been using a wet pallette, but the amounts of paint I use, I end up with too thick or too watery, and can't seem to find that happy medium (I have been noticing this more with my current painting). As before, these still need touchups, and to be inked (which I have 0 expierence with so its kind of intimidating). I am really content/proud of the way the green has been turning out, and getting better with the bone. I also really like the bases, but the rest needs improvement. But overall, I think I'm pretty satisfied so far. Looking for any C+C!

 

(Lighting sucked, so thats why flash was used. In the future I will use better overhead lighting)

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/5-6-2013/20130307_203701_zps726b31f6.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/5-6-2013/20130307_203837_zpscd79a0e2.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/5-6-2013/20130307_203925_zpsb826bf3a.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/5-6-2013/20130307_204018_zpsa4541019.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/5-6-2013/20130307_204008_zps346662ea.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/5-6-2013/20130307_203957_zps77c05687.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/5-6-2013/20130307_203946_zps1c80ebab.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/5-6-2013/20130307_204029_zpsd76024af.jpg

 

http://i1250.photobucket.com/albums/hh538/StormSerpent/Storm%20Serpents/WIPs/5-6-2013/20130307_204045_zpsa7c0a443.jpg

[Tarok]

Nothing wrong with 1:1 thinning ratio, regardless of painting with acrylics or enamels. Simply apply more coats. You'd probably get a more even spread.

 

Re. the Storm Serpents, I really like the green, you seem to have a nice even coat. On the black, are you planning to highlight? Maybe just pick out the details with a grey or pale blue depending on your choice?

 

Re. the Blood Angel, I'd hazard a guess and say you painted directly from the pot? No thinning? I've seen some stunning figures painted using enamels so (no offence) it's not the medium ;)

[Nicili]

Yeah, I just need to get it to the right consistency. I think overall I'm having trouble getting the paint where I want it to go. (Either too thin and runny or too thick and globs up on the model) This is something I am noticing on the models I am working on now. I like the green, I feel like I'm getting the proper thinness to that color, just need more tweaking I guess.

On the black, I am still up in the air about. Again, one of two things occur when I try and highlight, the grey is too drastic and looks hard lit (which I am not a fan of) or its much too subtle (e.g the normal CSM is highlighted in this way on his legs, not feet, and his chest) to be noticable. I guess more tweaking here too

I think overall I just need more practice, and finding exactly what is best for me.

Thanks for your input! It really is appreciated.

P.S. I am regretting posting that enamel painted "Blood Angel". I think I was bored more than anything and had a SM lying around. I just have never been too wild about enamels, and I don't think I am going to sit down and learn to like them anytime soon .