Weekly Finds #113

There is time for one more Weekly Finds post for the year...

Conquer the Universe by The Damned Artificer from Bolter & Chainsword - We revisit these amazing Imperial Fists. Since we last saw them The Damned Artificer has completed his stunning Rogal Dorn conversion and has added some paint. To me this is what Dorn should look like. I'm also jealous of the latest armoured addition in the form of the Typhon Siege Tank. I participially like the unique approach to adding lightening bolts...

Making Leather Loincloth by Raffa from Massive Voodoo - A useful tutorial for Fantasy players... but would also work for Orks and Chaos Space Marines. If the rumoured Imperial Guard plastics are true this tutorial may even be used to add some flavour to Feudal/Medieval Regiments. Can get texture pattern fur plates over on Masquerade Miniatures.

Painting Yellow by Les Bursley from Awesome Paint Jobs - Another video tutorial by Les. This time a quick approach to painting table top standard yellow. No easy feat when you consider how much hobbyists bemoan the colour yellow. With some extra effort may be able to produce a crisper result by blending from the base colour up to white. There is also this video tutorial by Les for painting red using the same approach. The Badger Paint Range can be found here with some candy colours in the Imagine Air range. I'm not sure if this is the same range Les uses...

Showcase: Empire Dandy by Rev from Tale of Painters - After last week, the guys over on Tale of Painters have managed to produce yet another stunning red cloak. The contrast on this isn't as extreme. However, I suspect the result would be much easier to replicate as it uses washes, instead of blending.

Merry Christmas!!!

Weekly Finds #112

Christmas is almost upon us... a time of family, food and presents. I know there will be plastic crack under the tree for me this year. Does anybody else know what they're getting?

Blood & Gore by Les Bursley from Awesome Paint Job - I see bloody wounds on a regular bases at work... and it is amusing to see some of the blood splatter effect that hobbyists paint onto their miniatures. Few of them come close to realistic. This tutorial is great as it points out one of the common flaws. Just cause the paint is called Blood Red doesn't mean it looks like blood. Another realistic tutorial is this one by Mad Matt.

How to Paint Goblins from The Hobbit by Garfy from Tale of Painters - A quick and dirty approach. Despite being table top standard they still look great with lots of detail picked out using simple techniques.

Painted Shipping Containers by Cameron from Rust and the City - Been following Cameron's progress on these home-made shipping containers. He has been kind enough to compile all of the links into one article. A cheap approach to some characterful terrain pieces. Can see another DIY Shipping Container by Grey Death over on The Painting Corps... can see it painted here.

WIP Sisters of Battle St. Celestine by Sigur from Tale of Painters - One of my favourite miniatures from Games Workshop's range. Sigur has done it justice with his stunning red and metallics. I initially thought he had used a blue or purple wash to get such dark shadows. However, it was far more simple and straightforward. He has left the black base coat showing through. Look forward to see this completed.

Blood Angels Venerable Dreadnought by Maz from Winterdyne Commission Modelling - Almost two weeks ago I managed to get my hands on one of those OOP Venerable Dreadnoughts from Stillfrosty. It arrived last week and has spent the past few days in an acetone bath. It will need a second dip. However, this approach by Maz has me thinking of ways to paint my own. It'll be painted as an Imperial Fist, but the placement of white has interested me...

Leaked Dark Angels

Dark Angels have hit the interwebz... and the new miniatures have managed to create a clear divide in the online community. But to appreciate why let's take a look at these new miniatures...

It appears that Games Workshop is taking a new approach with their Codex artwork. Gone are the last stands or the charges into battle that previous editions have offered. Now we have a single individual produced using computer graphics. I don't dislike this new approach, just more a fan of the older styles. The shrine on the backpack is cool mind you.

Rumoured Warhammer 40K Release Schedule

The interwebz are always buzzing with rumours of what to expect next. Normally I ignore these unless there is some serious weight behind them. However, with the end of the year fast approach it wouldn't hurt to take a look at what we can expect for 2013...

JAN: Dark Angels
FEB: Daemons
MAR: Wave month (hobbit, warriors of chaos, 40k)
APR: High Elves
MAY: Tau
JUN: Summer wave (40k, supplement book for 40k)
JUL: Lizardmen
AUG: Mystery Box
SEP: Wave month
OCT: ???
NOV: Eldar
DEC: ???

Now, as usual, these things tend to get more speculative as you go outwards in time, but overall these line up with what we've been hearing from a variety of chatter.  We've been hearing for a while that the "Mystery Box" is a fully revamped Blood Bowl.

- By Larry Vella from Bell of Lost Souls (Originally seen in Apocalypse 40K)

The Dark Angels isn't that big of a surprise to anybody. There have been rumours popping up for them since before 6th Edition was dropped. First with the image on the White Dwarf Spine. And then we had the contents of the Sixth Edition Starter Set. I do find it disappointing that there is nothing in there for Sisters of Battle or Black Templars. It is an un-expectant surprise that we haven't heard any rumours for a new Space Marine codex. The last we heard was what I got from Jeremy Vetock at this years Oz Games Day.

It's early, but apparently has escaped Jes Godwin sketch the new imperial guard.

- By Terradas from Adeptus Forum (Originally seen in Apocalypse 40K)

If these pan out then we can expect a highly detailed plastic kit for Imperial Guard players. Something different to the hordes of Cadian Shock Troops... or the resin or metal regiments that Forge World and Games Workshop cater to. Without a date attached to the image hard to tell what sort of time frame we can expect... took the Hellbrute and Chaos Cultists about 12 months from sketch to release. And from what Mark Bedford said at the Forge World Seminar at this years Oz Games Day that is the normal time frame.

Weekly Finds #111

Lost to the Warp...

Weekly Finds #110

Two tutorials this week...

Escher Paint Recipes by Stahlys from Tale of Painters - I have little need for painting bright pink hair... although it would work great on Daemonettes or even Noise Marines. However, it is the dark and warm grey clothes that interest me. Power Armour is rather straight forward to approach... there is an established colour scheme. Neophytes don't have that same established scheme. So I've been stuck on how I'll approach their pants and sleeves. Those two recipes are both attractive for Imperial Fists and Black Templars...

How to Paint Dark Vengeance Chaos Chosen by Garfy from Tale of Painters - Another tutorial from the guys over at Tale of Painters. I'm a huge fan of how each of them approach their tutorials. They are easy to follow along. Something that other bloggers should take notice of. My imaginary friends should take notice to how Garfy painted his black. The use of edge highlighting is probably the easier way to paint Space Marines without resorting to the almost always ugly dry brushing.

White Dwarf - December 2012

We continue with linking to Tale of Painters review of White Dwarf. This month it is done by Stahly. Some of my own thoughts can be found after the break...

Music Monday - Hopeless Wanderer

Great combination of vocals and instruments...

...and from the Workbench of Massive Voodoo.

Weekly Finds #109

Wow! The blog has been dead for far too long. Not hard to imagine with work and the build up towards Christmas. My gaming has been as dead as Imaginary Life. Fortunately, my hobby time hasn't suffered. I've pulled out the airbrush and slowly gotten to work putting down layers of black and then grey even some red. As for paint brushes... hopefully next year will see some big changes.

Dark Vengeance Chaplain Painted by Ron from FTW - I'm a fan of how Ron paints his blacks... it has been interesting to watch him approach it. Also like how he has approached the smoke coming from the censors on the backpack. An approach I may copy.

Dark Eldar Coven Raider Conversion by Lucky No.5 from Eye of Error - This is a beautiful conversion... yes you read correctly. Beautiful. Actually, all of the new Dark Eldar sculpts are beautiful in their own ways. Lucky No.5 just has a way with enhancing that beauty.

Dark Eldar Harlequins by Lucky No.5 from Eye of Error - A unique approach to the Harlequin Troupe. I prefer the image that Games Workshop has with their resin set. However, the minor conversions to the Death Jester and Shadow Seer are nice and will help them fit into a Dark Eldar force.

Lamenters Death Company by Dave Taylor from Dave Taylor Miniatures - I love the miniature pictured below. It is an amazing yellow which has been highlighted very nicely with the chipping and blood splatter. This is what Space Marines should look like... fighting in the thickest battles. Taking heavy hits that would drop a mere mortal. Remember, they get hit just as easily as a Guardsmen by enemy shooting. The difference is their armour can handle it.

Weekly Finds #108

Lost to the Warp...

Music Monday - Ljósið

A pleasant discovery on Massive Voodoo. Is there any other kind?

Weekly Finds #107

Lost to the Warp...

Weekly Finds #106

Lost to the Warp...

White Dwarf - November 2012

This month we get a review by Garfy from the Tale of Painters team. As with last month my own thoughts can be seen after the jump...

Weekly Finds #105

Lost to the Warp...

Weekly Finds #104

Lost to the Warp...

Weekly Finds #103

Lost to the Warp...

Weekly Finds #102

The Fly by Guita Rasmus from The Bolter & Chainsword - I've sure it has been mentioned before on the blog, but Nurgle is my least favourite Chaos God. Just doesn't appeal to me like Slaanesh or Khorne. However, the the followers of Nurgle have produced some of the best conversions I've seen. This fly, which has been featured on Games Workshop, is just one example. And you can see more of Guita Rasmus' warband in his thread here.

Weathering Models with Two Easy Spray Paint Effects by Sandwyrm from The Back 40K - These are two great effects. The bounce-spraying is something I've never seen before. Interesting technique to consider when it comes to connecting a miniature to it's base from a visual perspective. The use of dusting to break up colours is something I've seen in Forge World's Model Masterclass books. A great series that is worth the cost. Both of these effects can be produced with an airbrush... but spray paints are a great alternative.

Step-by-Step Vehicle Squadron by Martin Klug from (T)Raumschmiede - An extremely detailed tutorial on speed painting some Leman Russ Battle Tanks. In truth these are leagues above Table Top standard, with many of the techniques used found in Forge World's Model Masterclass books. However, if these steps were done in an assembly line, then it would be a relatively quick method for stunning results. And the chassis only requires three colours...

Weekly Finds #101

This week has a focus on the Legiones Astartes. Which isn't a great surprise with the Horus Heresy source book being released. I'm still patiently waiting for mine...

New Lord Plaguebone by Morback from Le Blog de Kouzes - This is one hell of a detailed conversion. It has taken me several attempts to work out how the helmet was made... it's a normal Space Marine helmet but from the back. The manreaper looks ridiculously complex with all of the plasticard bits. Hate to think how time consuming it was to build. A stunning centre piece for bind blowing warband...

Creating Metal Effects with Washes by Ron from FTW - Not strictly about the Legiones Astartes. But the content can easily be applied to any army. Another example of using washes on metal can be seen here... shows how coloured washes can have a striking effect and compliment the rest of the palette.

Lamenters Update by Dave Taylor from Dave Taylor Miniatures - The detail to this kit bash is stunning. Both the combi-melta and the left hand involve some intricate detailing. Looking forward to seeing this miniature painted up in Dave Taylor's striking yellow and black scheme.

Ultramarines Sternguard Step-by-step by Arsies from Arsies Studio - This tutorial was including in Volomir's  monthly feature Do Not Miss. I'm not much of a fan of non-metallic metal on power armour. However, I am a fan of this example of non-metallic metal by Arsies.

Imperial Fists Terminators by Bully Boy from Dakka Dakka - Despite having boxes full of miniatures to build I'm always looking for ideas on how to convert miniatures. These terminators with their Maximus styled torsos are just one example. My interest in this relates closely with this Terminator torso by Brother Chaplain Kage. Another great Imperial Fists Terminator conversion is this one by Ice Angel.

Sons of Horus by Sheep from Bolter & Chainsword - Possibly the best Sons of Horus I've seen... most look plain in comparison. However, the conversion and painting are both inspirational. The Sergeant pictured below and this Contemptor Dreadnought are my two favourite elements from this project so far. I'll be keeping an eye on Sheep's work...

Conquer the Universe by The Damned Artificer from Bolter & Chainsword - I'm jealous of this Imperial Fist collection. It's full of unique conversions with bits from all over the place. He even has an old school Land Speeder conversion with a run down of the bits here.

Maximus Armour by Gawain Veteris from Bolter & Chainsword - This tutorial may be of interest to some of my imaginary friends. I know the work on the knee pads interest me. Keep an eye out for further tutorials by Gawain... they look to be promising.

White Dwarf - October 2012

This month sees the release of the relaunched White Dwarf. And with this new White Dwarf will end my breakdown on each issues content. Instead I'll be linking to Stahly's review over on Tale of Painters. I'll include my own thoughts on each issue after the break...

Weekly Finds #100

The 100th post of Weekly Finds. Hard to imagine it has been going on for almost two years now. Over that time the blog has fallen into neglect more than a few times. I've finished University with my first degree, started working full time in a crazy arse Emergency Department and have made my first real steps into adulthood with the purchase of a house. And top top it off, this time next year I'll either be getting married or be on honeymoon... but enough of me reflecting on life. Time to look at what things have caught my attention this week...

Nurgle Cultists Troop Conversion by Ron from FTW - The Forge World Cultists kits look great. And from talking with both Mark Bedford and Jes Goodwin at Games Day Oz it seems like there wasn't much planning in making the Dark Vengeance miniatures matching up... and yet they do. Which goes to show how well defined certain elements of Chaos are. I'm curious to see how Ron goes about building the rest of the squad. The Nurgle Lord from the Fantasy range would look great included in this squad... just need some minor alterations. The Chaos Cultists unit entry from the up coming codex can be found amongst these photos.

WIP Thunderhawk Gunship by Garfy from Tale of Painters - More on Forge World... this time with Garfy's Thunder Hawk. Some time ago he detailed the process of preparing the miniature. Including the rather ingenious use of coat hanger wire to reinforce pieces such as the wings. We now get to watch the process of this huge kit being painted. The use of the white is great at breaking up all of the blue... curious to see if he does some weathering.

Slaughterfiend by Vladvar the Destroyer from Bolter & Chainsword - With the addition of Daemon Engines to the forces of Chaos this conversion will fit in great. Vladvar the Destroyer's Slaughterfiend shares several elements with Forge World's own Slaughterer... especially their Impaler version.

Tutorial: Artscale Terminator by Lamenter from Master of the Forge - It is always enlightening to see how the redonkulously skilled go about working their magic... There is also this article on sculpting that was featured several weeks ago. The armour banding that Lamenter creates may be of interest to those that want to add some chaos styled bands to vehicles and troops. Can also take a look at the tutorial on Artscale Space Marines.

Weekly Finds #99

The interwebz is buzzing with rumours on the upcoming Chaos Space Marine release... after Dark Vengeance and the awesomeness that is Sixth Edition I can feel the excitement building. There were many that viewed Games Workshop inclusion of two power armed factions in the same box set as flawed. I can start to see their scheme trap behind it. Many players already have Loyalist Astartes... but between the awesome content of the box set and all of the new releases, I find it hard to imagine that there wont be a huge influx in Traitor Astartes especially with the allies rule.

Demetrius Katafalque's Company, Imperial Fists by Apologist from Bolter & Chainsword - Big fan of Apologist's true scale miniatures. Doubly true for this amazing looking Imperial Fist. The tutorial on how to paint the well weathered yellow can be found in this post. I'm curious as to how easy it would be to combine Tyler Mengel's method of painting yellow with this... may produce a quick, weathered yellow. Or it might be a little too bright... also learnt a new word in the form of trompe l'oeil.

Leaked Chaos Space Marine Pictures by Loken from Apocalypse 40K - I got my White Dwarf today. So I've seen these pictures in the flesh. Being able to see multiple pictures of these miniatures has helped cement some of my feelings. I like the Aspiring Champion and the Finecast Characters. I'm not a fan of the daemon engines. They just fall flat when compared to what Forge World has been offering. Although the Heldrake and Maulerfiend are still nice. Pre-release details on kits can be found here. A lot of the info and images have been compiled over on Faeit 212.

Leaked Chaos Space Marine Rules by Old School Terminator from Dark Future Games - Can get some ideas on what the new Codex offers by looking at the White Dwarf. Specifically the battle report... I suspect the Warsmith will be a popular addition with his ability to repair vehicles and hopefully daemon engines.

How to Paint The Flawless Host by Ron from FTW - With Sonic Weapons ignoring Cover Saves there will be a fair few Noise Marine armies... so this tutorial is great. It has some similarities to Tyler Mengel's tutorial on painting yellow. Using a light base coat and applying glazes to add the colour. Ron's suggestion on using reds to add depth is something I'd like to try. Note that Ron is actually talking about glazing...

Weekly Finds #98

I've had the past week off work. Would think there would be a pile of built and possibly painted miniatures to show for it. Unsurprisingly that isn't the case...

Games Day Australia 2012 by Gotthammer from Collegia Titanica - This years was my first time attending Games Day. It didn't meet the expectations I've developed over the years from reading White Dwarf and then the interwebz. Mainly as there wasn't any sneak peeks or previews. Would have been very easy for Games Workshop to have done the pre-announcements for Forge World's Horus Heresy book and the reborn White Dwarf on the day. I also missed out on getting tickets to the seminars. They may be hiring a bigger room for next year. Fortunately, Gotthammer managed to attended all of the seminars and wrote up a summary. I've added some of my own points in the comments section... including things that Gotthammer didn't mention regarding the Forge World seminar. They had some standing room in the back. Bell of Lost Souls has used some of my comments and credited them with Gotthammer... once again they demonstrate the finer points of yellow journalism.

LXII Legion Auxilia by 1000heathens from The Bolter & Chainsword - These guys may not match Tyler Mengel's Astral Claws in paint job quality. However, 1000heathens has an amazing skill at converting miniatures. His Marines Malevolent are a great example of this skill. I particularly like the miniature pictured below. Curious what 1000heathens used for the rivets...

How to Paint Dark Vengeance Deathwing Armour by LilLoser from LilLegend Studio - This is part one of what looks to be a promising series. The guys over at Massive Voodoo achieved a similiar result using hair spray and salt. They posted a video tutorial on YouTube. This style of weathering is not limited to those with an airbrush. There is an abundance of coloured spray cans, such as Army Painter, that offer a simplified approach.

How to Paint Dark Angels Hard and Fast by Ron from FTW - This is far from 'Eavy Metal standards. However, it fits into something that Mark Bedford talked about at Games Day last weekend... develop a paint style that produces miniatures in a short period of time. The 'Eavy Metal team spend 7 hours a day painting Studio miniatures. They have the luxury to paint a single squad or regiment in two weeks. For the rest of us that would be soul destroying as Mark Bedford put it.