Solith's painting log of eternal distractions

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solith
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Re: Solith's painting log

#91 Post by solith »

Yes that made a lot of sense, thank you. :) Tilting the entire model back a little bit does help. I think I managed to find a particularly unflattering camera angle but it's the only one I could manage that would show how the model looks/is made up. Once it's painted (place your bets, will that happen in a matter of weeks or months?) I'll be able to take a decent picture from another angle.
I've also noticed that tilting her back too much turns her pose into a rather exaggerated way of falling over backwards.

I will tilt her back a bit, once I've decided on the best way to physically manage it. There is a pin running from the bottom of the base all the way up to her mid shin/knee, and cutting through that is not an option. Oh it'd be easy enough to do but then she'd be way too fragile. Hmm...
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Re: Solith's painting log

#92 Post by solith »

Who likes completing projects? Who likes the satisfaction of being able to say 'I'm finished'?

Apparently not me.

First, I built a lightbox!
Image
Every 'how to make a lightbox for cheap' guide I read online was basically: get a cardboard box -> cut holes in it -> cover the holes with tissue paper. Well... I didn't have a box handy. So I made my own :lol: It works fairly well but best of all it lets me get consistent pictures, day or night they look pretty much the same.

I've also started work on my foot noble/bsb dude...
ImageImage
... with magnets! Here you can see 'bsb + great weapon' and 'halberd and (Reaver) bow', and there's also the sword from the prince/noble kit which can work as a hand weapon or great weapon (imo).
I had to build a hoop/circle on the base for the bottom of the bsb pole to fit into, partly because it was too long to fit otherwise but mainly to hold the heavy standard in place. Without that the flag would sometimes spin round and hit the floor, but now it's strong enough that I can pick up the entire model by the flag and it'll stick on just fine. :)
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Re: Solith's painting log

#93 Post by solith »

Minor update.

There's currently a heatwave on that's rendering all day-time painting impossible for me as the paints dry at astronomical speeds, but I can still assemble models so I bought some Glade Riders to be my Reavers. Why use Glade Riders over the IoB Reaver models? Firstly so that they fit in with my Glade Guard archers - it makes sense for the Averlorn militia to become archers/reavers rather than archers/spearmen. I imagine massed ranked units are of limited use when in a forest. Secondly, it frees up the IoB Reaver models to eventually become Silver Helm conversions - they already have barding on the horses and almost enough armor on the elves so I'd have to give them lances + shields, take away the bows + spears and perform some extensive re-positioning but I think they'll look great.

Here's my first WiP:
Image

I like the idea of having one unit attacking/shooting at people behind them as it'll really emphasise the bait and flee aspect of fast cavalry. Time will tell if I can come up with enough poses to make it work. I'm also going to have to figure out a reasonable way of re-posing the horses as there's no way I'm going to have just two poses across all these Reavers.
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Aicanor
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Re: Solith's painting log

#94 Post by Aicanor »

The glade reaver conversion looks very good. I also like the models - great for conversions and they are more dynamic than most HE ones. Well, I am now looking forward to see the whole unit.
The BSB with a choice of equipment is also a nice touch. And of course, great lightbox. What did you use for the construction? Cardboard or something else?
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Re: Solith's painting log

#95 Post by Il Maestro »

Nice start to the conversion, I like the idea of using the reaver models as silver helms, they definitely fit the bill. And these reavers fit more with the army that you're making so far, I think they're a great idea to be honest!

Also definitely a fan of putting the arrows in - I think that, along with bowstrings, completes any archer model :D

Keep it up!
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Re: Solith's painting log

#96 Post by solith »

@Aicanor
Thank you!
The lightbox is indeed cardboard. The stuff with foam in the middle.

@Il Maestro
Thank you!

I agree with the arrows/bowstrings. It is completely unnecessary effort for a minor change, but once I tried it I knew I'd have to do it for every bow in my army. They just don't seem right without them anymore. (Except for the Sisters of Averlorn that is: no quiver, no bowstring - because magic)
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Re: Solith's painting log

#97 Post by Elithmar »

Really dynamic reaver. I love the glade rider models but they're perhaps too wood elfy for my Eatainii. I might see if I can do something about that because they're wonderful and IoB reavers are so hard to get.

What are you using for arrows and bowstrings?
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Re: Solith's painting log

#98 Post by solith »

@Elithmar
Thank you!
I've found that the quivers from the Shadow Warriors kit almost completely covers the hole in the back of the Glade Riders' torsos. It's an easy enough way to remove the cloaks which imo makes them slightly less Wood Elfy. That plus a headswap might be enough, add in random accessories and you have a green-stuff free conversion. :)
The arrows are sewing pins (clipped down to size and with the points filed to relative bluntness) and the bowstrings are sewing thread. I don't know the details of how thin the string is or what kind of needles they are specifically. I've found the needles are really good because they're decently thin but strong enough that they won't bend or snap, unlike plastic arrows. This does mean there's no fletching or arrowheads but I'm willing to live with that.


I actually bought 2 Glade Rider boxes, and I only recently found out that between them I have a total of 5 of horse a and 11 of horse b, which means there's an even larger need to re-pose at least some of them.

I wanted to wait untill this one was fully painted up to show it off but I'm too happy with it to keep it a secret. Pre green-stuff proof that horses can be re-posed: :D
ImageImage

Today I also learnt that horses spines do not run along the back of the neck like I expected. They look weird.
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Re: Solith's painting log

#99 Post by tinman »

these are super cool conversions. =D> ..
How much wood can a woodchuck chuck??..
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Re: Solith's painting log

#100 Post by solith »

Thank you.

I've nearly finished building the first 5. They're all attacking someone behind them to one degree or another. I just finished the final batch of green-stuffing (I hope) - patching up a few small details and filling in the gaps in the last horses - and now I have a massive headache. Once the green stuff cures I can attach the quivers and one trumpet to the riders and they'll be ready for painting. I'm using the Shadow Warrior quivers as they look much better than the full cloak+quiver the models originally came with.
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Re: Solith's painting log

#101 Post by solith »

Now that I'm ready to start painting these Reavers, I thought I'd give an example of one and go through just what I've done to change them.

Image
This picture shows off the Shadow Warrior quiver that I'm using across all of the Reavers. While it almost exactly covers up the hole left in the Glade Rider backs I filled in the hole and clipped off the 'pin' on the quiver to give me more freedom in where exactly to place it. This means that on some of the models the quiver is slanting suprisingly close to the horizontal compared to what you're used to, but it looks cool that way. :D
You can also see that I've used the hands and weapons from the Shadow Warrior kit. I needed a right hand bow for this model and the Shadow Warrior kit is one of the few that does have one. I had to shorten the glove to make it feel right, which meant that I had to do the same for the left hand to create a matching glove.
Of course, I had to add string to the bow. It's so much easier to do that on the Shadow Warrior bows than the Glade Guard/Rider bows.

Image
This picture best shows the work on the horse. It's turning and so the horse is leaning over. To make this work I had to detach the horse from the slots on the base, trim them into an angle and finally pin the horse back onto the base. There are pins in two legs, which should be enough. (I hope)
To further emphasise the turning visual of the horse the neck and tail were both slightly twisted to follow the curve.

Image
Lastly a picture showing just what the rider is up to: hitting someone behind with her sword. It's not too clear from these pictures but the rider's torso is twisted to the side quite a lot and is bent to the left (relative to the legs) which gives more motion and 'stress' to the model. I think that putting models into more twisted and less balanced poses really helps to emphasise the whole 'fighting for your life' thing. However it's very important to make sure these are poses you can make without breaking your back, so I often end up trying out poses myself to see how feasible they are. :lol: These models are fantastic for posing like this because they all have a large band of belts around the waist. This really helps because it makes the twisting/stretching of the abdomen easy to cover: each belt twists as much as the body underneath twists - much like a series of circular hinges etc.
Finally the head. The position of the head makes or breaks any pose, it tells you where the focus of the model is and it really holds it all together. In this case I had to bend the neck to make the head pointing slightly down, and it is twisted round even further to move the focus of the model to behind rather than the side. I'm going to try to paint the eyes looking even further around and further down to really emphasise the focus and the motion of the model. As an added touch I've tried to match heads to poses so that loose hair is flowing in a direction that roughly follows the motion of the horse.



I'd love to hear any ideas you have. Should I give them more equipment/weapons? Should I try to make them more High Elfy? Any other ideas?
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Re: Solith's painting log

#102 Post by solith »

Minor update: I've finished the first three horses, and the next two are on their way.

Image
The highlights are more pronounced in real life, but you can think of this as a low quality teaser for when they're (eventually) done. :)
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Re: Solith's painting log

#103 Post by Turion Rilyaloce »

Those are some very characterful poses on the Reavers, models like your that each have a little touch end up making such unique armies. Love the horse archer firing side saddle!!
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Re: Solith's painting log

#104 Post by Tzineris »

Very cinematic! Well directed! Can wait to see them painted!!
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Re: Solith's painting log

#105 Post by Rowena »

I love your conversions! So dynamic and Glade Riders are great models. =D>
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Re: Solith's painting log

#106 Post by solith »

@Turion Rilyaloce
Thank you!
That one is my favourite as well. There's something slightly frantic about the model/pose that I like. :)

@Tzineris
Thank you!
Maybe there should be an Oscar for 'best warhammer pose' :lol:

@Rowena
Thank you!
I chose the Glade Riders and Glade Guard models for my army because they're such good models. Not only do they look good they're much easier to convert than the White Lions for example because of all the extra arms and weapons etc.


Today was my local GW's birthday, so there was cake!
There was also another monthly painting competition and I half-heartedly entered my Dragon Prince unit due to me being unable to finish my foot BSB, but I still somehow ended up winning. :o
We also had a fun Battle Royale each using a single unit up to 300 points. Not having any better options I entered the same Dragon Princes. (155 points :) ) After spending three turns successively dodging and fleeing from an Ancient Stegadon I eventually connected a charge against it with my last 2 Dragon Princes. After neither of us caused any wounds I broke and ran the beast down. And then was promptly chopped into bits by a traitorous Loremaster of Hoeth. Good fun!
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Re: Solith's painting log

#107 Post by solith »

Image

WHY did I not paint every horse as a dappled grey horse? It's not even particularly difficult to paint a horse like this. :roll:
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Re: Solith's painting log

#108 Post by Aicanor »

Looking good. Looking forward to see this unit done. On the dappled horse - try to add some groups of smaller dots (or tiny horseshoe shaped lines) in between those you already painted, it will look even better. :wink:

(edit: wording - can't get it right :lol:)
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Re: Solith's painting log

#109 Post by solith »

I tried adding more, but when I compared the added bits to how I had it before I prefered the before version, so I undid the extra work and took it back to the picture above. (If that sentence even makes sense :? )

Now I have, painted, the most feared unit in all of Warhammer: five riderless horses. :lol:
Image

Image


I still need to finish the bases: give the long grass/reeds a darker wash (they're a lot lighter than the picture shows) and add grass/leaves. After that I get to varnish them and finish the riders. I'm going to varnish them separately because it'll be more simple and because it'll hopefully protect the paint on the flanks of the horses as the riders feet scrape down them when I'm gluing the riders on.
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Re: Solith's painting log

#110 Post by solith »

A non painting update today.

I had my first proper game of Warhammer today. It was a 1500 point game against Wood Elves, we played watchtower and I won!
Highlights included:
- My Sisters of Avelorn being shot to death before my turn 1
- My Noble BSB and Dragon Princes charging a Treeman Ancient, winning combat and running him down before being shot off their horses by Waywatchers.
- My Archmage found the Book of Hoeth to be useless (I kept re-rolling to the same number or simply getting irresistible force) and I completely forgot about the Ring of Fury, (which would have been so useful) but between Soul Quench and Tempest she accounted for at least a full third of my kills. As an added bonus the stacking ward save and some good rolls kept my garrisoned Sword Masters almost untouched through 3 turns of shooting. :D


Once again I feel I can legitimately say that my Reavers are almost done. The horses are completely finished, 3 riders are 90% done and the last 2 riders are 50% done. I could probably manage to finish them in a single evening, then wait for a non-humid evening to varnish them and finally be done.... but knowing me it'll take at least a week. Don't hold your breath. :lol:
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Re: Solith's painting log

#111 Post by Elithmar »

I was using riderless horses for quite a large chunk of the beginners' course at my local GW store as I tried to finish off the riders. :D
"I say the Eatainii were cheating - again." -Aicanor
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Re: Solith's painting log

#112 Post by solith »

Well who wants to wait for everything to be finished before you're even able to use it? :lol:
______________________________

Well I think it's about time for a proper update, don't you? In related news, my first five Reavers are completely finished, and I'm very happy with the end result!

Image

Image
Because of the crazy backwards poses they all have they don't photograph together all that well. So here's some individual pictures.

Image
Modeling wise this one is quite straightforwards - the torso is leaning forwards and the shoulder joints had to be slightly adjusted.

Image
The horse's head was lowered and I cut away a horn/trumpet which is hiding on the other side of the rider.

Image
I like the expression on this one: focused anger.

Image
The most ambitious one, modeling wise. I can't decide if he's stabbing at an enemy or simply fending them off with his spear. Either way I think it really worked in the end.

Image
Lastly my favourite. The right upper arm and the right hand are sculpted, but the effort was really worth it. It's a fairly simple change, raising the right hand from collarbone to cheek but it improves the model a lot. Combine that with how far she's twisted around (the left arm is pointing almost directly behind her. It's a bit of a stretch bit it is physically possible to pose like this) and it really emphasises the speed and feigned flight thingy that fast cavalry are all about.

Posting up these pictures has made me realise I completely missed out painting the eyebrows. Do you think I should add them or would it make them look weird? I'd appreciate input. :D


Edit: Are the individual pics too big? I can re-size them smaller if they are.
Last edited by solith on Mon Aug 19, 2013 6:40 pm, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: Solith's painting log

#113 Post by Galharen »

solith wrote: Edit: Are the individual pics too big? I can re-size them smaller if they are.

A bit :mrgreen:
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Re: Solith's painting log

#114 Post by Turion Rilyaloce »

This great unit is an example to me of your defining characteristic as a hobbyist. Individual models painted to a high standard, after thoughtful conversion, which adds up to a unique and characterful unit. Inspiring!
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Re: Solith's painting log

#115 Post by solith »

Thank you! Great words to hear. :D


Pictures have been reduced to a more manageable size. :lol:
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Re: Solith's painting log

#116 Post by solith »

Don't you just hate it when you lose a part and then you see it right before you push the vacuum cleaner over the top of it? #-o
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Re: Solith's painting log

#117 Post by Nyeave »

I Have a boy... Many are the times I have emptied a vacuum cleaner onto the floor to find a lost thingymobob :)
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Re: Solith's painting log

#118 Post by Aicanor »

The unit turned out great! The grasses that support horse legs in the last picture are a bit off as they point in opposite directions, but there is nothing for it I guess. These are real reavers. =D>
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Re: Solith's painting log

#119 Post by solith »

Thank you!
Maybe the horse has kicked the grass like that. :lol: I thought about cutting those bits of grass off but I thought the model might be too fragile if I did that.
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Re: Solith's painting log

#120 Post by solith »

I came up with an awesome idea, but I made myself finish the Reavers before starting. I already have too much stuff that's ~90% finished without creating more. :lol:

WiP pics of the Loremaster of Avelorn. :D
Image

Image

It's a fairly simple conversion: the quiver on her back was replaced with green-stuff and a sword from the Dragon Prince's set. The spear was removed and is being replaced with a swirly fire thingy.
The copper rod will have fire sculpted on it. I think the top bit needs to be twisted slightly, but overall it'll stay similar to this. It was somewhat accidental, but I really like that the copper rod is in a rough candle-flame shape.
I may add a book (of Hoeth) to her. If I do it'll be hanging from her belt, somewhere around her left thigh.
I also have the option of giving her a headswap, perhaps to a head from the Sisters of Avelorn box. I'm not too keen on that idea but it is a possibility.


I was also imspired to write a fluff introduction to her.


Solith allowed a rare smile to grace his features as he glided through the glade. Today was his day. He stopped often to exchange pleasantries and greetings with the crowd of nobles, favoured retainers and sycophants that were gathered, but he did not linger long in one place. He could not. Today was his day, and he was restless for it to begin. The wine in his crystal goblet was exquisite, but he had allowed himself only a few sips. More would invite carelessness, and today that could not be permitted.

“My ladies, my lords, The Everqueen wishes to speak with you all,” the herald called out, her voice ringing.

Finally, it was time.

The crowd stilled and turned to face the living throne of The Everqueen herself. Alarielle had remained seated throughout the evening, choosing to remain separate. It was a nice custom, Solith thought. Any Asur could approach and talk with Alarielle, but only when she was not on her throne. Then you could approach by invitation only. A useful reminder that The Everqueen was both one with her people, and forever separated.

“My ladies, my lords.” Alarielle’s voice was soft music. A murmur could have drowned it out but her voice carried to everyone in the glade. “Today we honour Prince Androso’Lithain of Avelorn.” She beckoned forwards, and Solith walked into a clear space before her throne. “For your courage and valour of the field of battle, for your grace and charm at court and above all for exemplifying what it is to be Asur, I honour you Prince Androso’Lithain of Avelorn.”

Solith bowed his head, hiding his eagerness. Decades of bloody campaigns and manoeuvring the intrigues of the courts of Ulthuan were finally paying off.

“To reward your tireless sacrifices for the people of Ulthuan, I am sending my Hand with you. To aid you on your travels and to show all the regard I hold for you.”

Solith looked up, trying to hide his surprise. The Handmaiden on Alarielle’s right had stepped forwards and was looking at him. No, not a Handmaiden. This must be
the Hand. The Right Hand of The Everqueen was her chief attendant, her emissary and at times, her voice. The Hand rarely left Alarielle’s side and to be sent to join any Prince was an incredible honour, almost unheard of. Solith bowed deeply.

“Everqueen, you honour me too greatly, but I will accept your gracious reward to me.” There was no choice, of course. To refuse a gift from The Everqueen was to invite exile, in practice if not in name. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”

Alarielle stood, and it was finished. So much effort for such a short moment, but worth every minute and more. The Hand approached him and Solith bowed to her. He didn’t have to, he outranked her after all, but for a formal meeting under these circumstances it was advisable.

“My lady Hand, your presence warms me.”

“I thank you, Prince Androso’Lithain.” Her voice was cool and precise, at odds to the fire in her eyes.

“Please my lady Hand, if we are to be travelling companions you must call me Solith.”

“Then you must call me Alane. Make your farewells, Prince, we must depart. You look surprised, I suppose you never considered which Hand I am.”

Solith was stunned. The
Left Hand? There were rumours whispered in secret of The Everqueen’s other Hand. Alarielle’s personal agent, sent where even the Handmaidens were not sufficient to do what they could not. While the Right Hand was the public sign of Alarielle’s approval, the Left Hand was the hidden tool of her disapproval. To have such a thing revealed to him was overwhelming, and she was staring right at him.

“The Everqueen has orders. We have much work to do.”




If I write more fluff than just once in a blue moon I'll make a thread in the story telling section, but I think this is fine here.

Please, give me your thoughts, criticisms and ideas for the Loremaster! (Loremistress?)
[url=http://www.ulthuan.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=44644]My painting log[/url]
[url=http://www.ulthuan.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=51340]My battle reports[/url]
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