A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

Want tips? Have tips? Have pictures even? Well, post them here!

Moderators: The Heralds, The Loremasters

Post Reply
Message
Author
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#1 Post by Falsegods »

Howdy yall,

[Introduction/Soliloquy ]
After a hiatus imposed by college and moving, I am returning to the hobby. For the past five years I have toyed with the idea of returning to the hobby as a different army, specially a Bret army based on Medieval Serbian Cavalry (8th edition murdered that), but last night, after a frustrating interlude with some BFG models I opened my model case and pulled out my Elves. What I found shocked me; The models I which I had remembered painting with such dedication and brilliance, how seemed dull and crude. Now to be fair my High Elf collection is my oldest and most extensive. They were the first army I picked up, a decade ago, in the heady days of the fifth edition book, and the various paint schemes reflect my progression in both skill and maturity. However, I remembered with some fondness the dazzling appearance of my recent generation of my elves, a memory that I appeared to have imagined. While I had dropped the gaming part of the hobby I had continued painting models, mostly for dioramas and D&D miniatures, so I resolved to paint one of my primed but otherwise untouched spear elves and see what came out. Following is a stage by stage chronology of my work, any input, comments or suggestions are welcome.

[Project Spearman]
1. - Non Metallic Undercoats
Image

I started with base coating the model. I used Ratskin Flesh for the skin and Bestial Brown for the Cloth. Straight forward and simple.

2. - Metallic Undercoats
Image

I used Boltgun metal for the armor and spear with Vomit Brown being used to base-coat where gold would be added. Also I painted the spear shaft with the foundation Adeptus Battlegrey just to see what would happen.

3. - Washes
Image

The armor I washed with Asuramen Blue (seemed fitting), the cloth with Devlin Mud and the flesh Purple.

4. - Second Coat
Image

Mitiril Silver was applied to the army and weapons while I used some Graveyard Earth to lighten up the cloth. Then I used Kislev Flesh to lighten up the elf's complexion.

5. - Highlights
Image

I used Burnished Gold pick out the decorations and Desert Yellow to get the Cloth to the final tone.

6.&7. - Eyes, Detail and Trim
Image

I hate eyes, but I tried a trick I read about here and painted them using vertical lines, something that I found difficult to implement but work much better than my usual process. I used Regal Blue, Seafoam Green and Ice Blue for the gems and some bleached bone for the final touches on the cloth. The Shield I painted Regal Blue and then used layers of Bleached Bone and Skull White for the symbols. Then using progressively lighter blues I highlighted the negative space. I thought it came out rather well. The spear shaft was painted Scorched Brown and then dry brushed with Vomit Brown and Bestial Brown.

Finished Model
Image

I think he came out alright. Thanks for reading, I actually enjoyed the process of taking pictures and writing. I think it helped me with my process. I have some new plastic White Lions I should paint so maybe I'll do a write up on them.

Again thanks for reading.

-FG

Final Comparison
From Left to Right: The progression of my High Elves through the ages.
Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Griffon Prince
Posts: 538
Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2005 3:05 am

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#2 Post by Griffon Prince »

Excellent freehand work on the shields.
Eyes are actually simple to do after a few tries. I stayed away from doing them for years but after a few attempts, I mastered painting them and finished 20 spearmen in almost no time.
I'm looking forward to seeing your Lions, best of luck.
Morathi and Tyrion sittin' in a tree...ewwwwwww
User avatar
Elessehta of Yvresse
Well played Sir
Posts: 7811
Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2010 1:46 pm
Location: Queensland, Australia
Contact:

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#3 Post by Elessehta of Yvresse »

You've clearly gotten better, your freehand is simple, and so clean, it's nice.
[url=http://www.ulthuan.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=34506][i]Lord Elessehta Silverbough of Ar Yvrellion, Ruler of Athel Anarhain, Prince of the Yvressi.[/i][/url]
[quote="Narrin’Tim"]These may be the last days of the Asur, but if we are to leave this world let us do it as the heroes of old, sword raised against evil![/quote]
User avatar
Elithmar
Young Eataini Prince
Posts: 3669
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:41 pm

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#4 Post by Elithmar »

The freehand symbol does remind me quite strongly of a treble clef though. :lol:
"I say the Eatainii were cheating - again." -Aicanor
"Eatainian jerks…" -Headshot
"It was a little ungentlemanly." -Aicanor (on the Eatainii)
"What is it with Eataini being blamed for everything?" -Aicanor
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#5 Post by Falsegods »

Elithmar of Lothern wrote:The freehand symbol does remind me quite strongly of a treble clef though. :lol:
I think I got it from the 5th edition book, but yea it does, however, I think it still works.
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
User avatar
Elessehta of Yvresse
Well played Sir
Posts: 7811
Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2010 1:46 pm
Location: Queensland, Australia
Contact:

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#6 Post by Elessehta of Yvresse »

We are a very musical race...
[url=http://www.ulthuan.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=34506][i]Lord Elessehta Silverbough of Ar Yvrellion, Ruler of Athel Anarhain, Prince of the Yvressi.[/i][/url]
[quote="Narrin’Tim"]These may be the last days of the Asur, but if we are to leave this world let us do it as the heroes of old, sword raised against evil![/quote]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#7 Post by Falsegods »

Elessehta of Yvresse wrote:We are a very musical race...
Something like; "Enjoy the music of our Arms (Orc/Human/Durchii) for it will be the last sounds you hear."

Also I have got out my White Lion models and am in the process of Green-stuffing them. I hope to finish tonight after work and start painting sometime tomorrow or Thursday.
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#8 Post by Falsegods »

I painted another spear-elf along the same lines and added a wood grain pattern, a trick I picked up from poking around on this forum, and was pleased (mostly) with how they looked. After filling in the gaps with green-stuff, I primed my first plastic White Lion of Chrace and am aiming at painting him over the next three days. Here is a picture of my current projects so far, the Reaper mini is a D&D I got for Christmas.

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
User avatar
Elithmar
Young Eataini Prince
Posts: 3669
Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 7:41 pm

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#9 Post by Elithmar »

The wood grain looks good. Better than mine. ;)
"I say the Eatainii were cheating - again." -Aicanor
"Eatainian jerks…" -Headshot
"It was a little ungentlemanly." -Aicanor (on the Eatainii)
"What is it with Eataini being blamed for everything?" -Aicanor
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#10 Post by Falsegods »

Your old-school archers are where I first saw the idea, I just used layered Vomit Brown and Bleached Bone. I have found some primed archers on who I am going to try the effect once I paint my White Lion test model, maybe at the same time, depends on what my girlfriend decides to watch tonight.
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#11 Post by Falsegods »

So I only got the White Lion base-coated (well like 85%), here is he is next to an old metal model.

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#12 Post by Falsegods »

An update on my Lion White Model. I had planned on posting this yesterday but a marathon session of 'Only War' ate up a lot of my time yesterday. I am gona try and finish him and an archer over the next day or so.

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#13 Post by Falsegods »

Finished. Well except basing. I know the photos are crappy, sorry.

Image

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#14 Post by Falsegods »

Here are some good photos. I know it seem like a lot of attention to lavish on just a few models, but painting these guys has helped get me back into the swing of the modelling end of the hobby. Hopefully, some games next weekend will get me into the gaming end. Also I am planning on repainting the bulk of my army, does anyone have suggestions for stripping plastic models? I have used nail polish remover for metal models, but using that on plastics I feel would be unwise.

Cheers,

Image

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#15 Post by Falsegods »

Hello once more! After eighteen months of unabated distraction I have had the opportunity to come back to the hobby and update this thread.

My current project is expanding this unit of 21 painted spearmen into a unit of 36.
Image[/URL]

I have been aided by an old box of unassembled Spears and some old figures that supplied the parts for some conversions to break up the monotony of the unit.
Image

Image

A similar possess yielded five refurbished archers.
Image

Secondary projects including re-painting my Bolt Throwers and making a composite regiment of twenty White Lions with old metal and new plastic models.
Image

Image

Finally I have my finished BSB and mage.
Image

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#16 Post by Falsegods »

After repairing the damage caused by a rampaging feline, I have gotten around to painting the spears I had assembled. I took my time and enjoyed painting one of the front ranker models and started the base coats of some rank and files. However, the logistics of moving (again!) means that I will be unlikely to finish may more models over the next month or so.

Image

Image

Image

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Jimmy
Centurion
Posts: 3307
Joined: Mon Dec 27, 2004 12:55 am
Location: Brisbane, Australia

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#17 Post by Jimmy »

Nice job, very neat and tidy.
Nec Sorte Nec Fato - Neither By Chance Nor Fate

X-wing Blog
User avatar
Wilda Greenbough
Posts: 106
Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2014 2:34 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#18 Post by Wilda Greenbough »

You're making a good beginning with getting your Elves back in order again. I've just returned to WFB after being away for some years and I'm going through a similar process.
[url=http://ironwatch.wordpress.com/][img]https://dl.dropbox.com/u/27484619/Mantic/ironwatch%20signature%20small.png[/img][/url]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#19 Post by Falsegods »

So I had some more few time, and oddly expect some more, in which I was able to finish some models. Also thanks to Blue Table Painting's trade-stock program I have ordered the models to round out the basic army; twenty sword-masters, dragon princes, and classic shadow warriors, all of which should be a ton of fun.

On the painting side I finished the crew for one of my bolt throwers:
Image

Another front ranker for the spears. Since I have no Silver Helms, fluff wise I am considering them minor nobles who lead the levy from the front.
Image

An aerial shot of the massed spears, now forty strong.
Image

The Spear block and the finished Bolt Thrower.
Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Casazzo
Posts: 79
Joined: Thu Mar 20, 2014 1:35 pm

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#20 Post by Casazzo »

Use Isopropylic Alcohol 70% and a toothbrush for plastic miniatures. Works like a charm.

Use Acetone only on Metal-Minis and be aware, that i'll loosen up the glue as well.
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#21 Post by Falsegods »

So moved again. I couldn't bring all my elves with me so I have been working on my Aleph models for Infinity.

Image

Image

Image

The astute of you will have noticed that there are some sword-masters in the background, evidence that my randomly shifting life hasn't managed to end my High Elf project just yet. Here is the test model for my swordmasters unit, that will hopefully one day rejoin the bulk of my army.

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#22 Post by Falsegods »

I have been experimenting with wet-blends for with my sword masters, and I think the banner is shaping up pretty nicely. It would be easier if I could remove the banner from the model, but whoever assembled it was quiet serious about their model assembly...

Image

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#23 Post by Falsegods »

Another couple of WIP shots of the Banner, hopefully I'll finish him and some of his compatriots who I have started and get cracking on the rest of the command group.

Image

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Teledor
Posts: 800
Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2011 6:19 pm
Location: San Diego, CA

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#24 Post by Teledor »

=D> Looking good. The purple and the blending on the back of the banner! nice attention to details.
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#25 Post by Falsegods »

Current WIP Status

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#26 Post by Falsegods »

Finished Champion.
Image

Image

I know I am posting a lot, but I am trying to keep myself motivated to get at least a little work done each day.
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#27 Post by Falsegods »

Gang's all done for their test run before the tournament next week.

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#28 Post by Falsegods »

So after my travels I have managed to concentrate myself and the bulk of my elves (minus chariots and warmachines, ran out of room in the car) in the same state.

Image

Image
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Falsegods
Posts: 49
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2007 11:16 pm
Location: Zepherian

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#29 Post by Falsegods »

Back again, though this time I wasn't really absent this time. Partially from my return to gaming and partially from my exposure on this site I decided I wasn't satisfied with command of basic techniques and my over all painting skills. So I spent the last month or so learning; watching videos, experimenting, and reading guides, to improve my skill. I was essentially a self-taught painter with no artistic recourse or background and my 'technique', if it even merits the name, was at best hap-hazard. I essentially when back to zero and tried to relearn everything from color selection, how and when to thin paint, layering, and how to use washes. I think the results are evident enough, to make me wish that I learned the skills properly the first time.

Image

On the right is the exact same miniature, only I painted this one about six years when i had just 'learned' how to do washes. Neither model is mat-coated.
Image

Sorry for the kind-of crap image quality, I don't really have a space I can dedicate to photography and I have sneaking suspension that my phone's camera might actually be better than the digital camera I am using.
[img]http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k157/Falsegods824/SluggyBlade.jpg[/img]
Ferny
9th Age Moderator
Posts: 1906
Joined: Mon Apr 29, 2013 12:03 pm

Re: A Return to High Elves - Falsegods' Painting Thread

#30 Post by Ferny »

Just caught up on this thread - I especially like your swordmaster banner - lovely blending from top to bottom and the red sword works really well on it.
The 9th Age: Alumni

Former Roles: Advisory Board, HR, Moderator and Highborn Elves Army Support
Post Reply