So, I suppose that I can just pretend like I have not been gone for almost a year... Will anyone notice if I just pick up where I left off?
Sorry guys! I have been busy this year though. I got married, am having my first baby, and switched to a new job. That is no excuse, I know! I have still painted a little... not nearly as much as I should have.
Also, I am really upset with Games Workshop... I don't really care what they do with the game style but if you recall, I base all of my paintings on the story and world that they had created! Now they have completely destroyed that world. So, if it is perfectly fine with you all, I will stay in the world that was!
That being said, I do like that they divide the armies into force types now (sort of like the old alignment system), so when I do my WIP updates I will do them in the following five categories:
Neutral - Lizards, Dwarfs, Wood Elves
Order - Empire, Bretonnia, High Elves
Chaos - Beasts, Demons, Warriors of Chaos
Death - Tomb Kings, Vampire Counts, Dark Elves
Destruction - Orcs and Goblins, Ogres, Skaven
I don't think that I forgot anyone, but if I did than I will add them into the appropriate category.
So, to kick it off again, we will hit up a Neutral update. Mostly, I have been working on Dwarfs. Lots of Dwarfs. I finished a catapult and some reinforcements for the hand gunners, so I will post those updates against the Dwarf Army thread in the near future. I also finished a little work on the treeman, who will be the initial center piece of the wood elf army and a good way to get them started. Other than the original skink, I haven't really dabbled with the Lizards, but I need to get something start that I am motivated to finish soon.
Started these old GW miniatures, originally dubbed as Bugmans Rangers. I have 17 of them total, so I will have to dig through my Reaper bits to find some appropriately sized companions to round us out to 20. The first is pretty much done, need to add snow and do another blue highlight. The second is close, have to finish his shield (not in the picture), the leather bits, and the metal parts. Of course the third only has a base of blue on it, and the fourth has a layer of primer that was applied almost 10 years ago.
The next is the forge. This was a repaint, from long ago. I have worked up the wheels on one side, the warriors in the front. Lots more to do on this one. It is in a few pieces right now, which is why some of it may look tilted (the carriage, the anvil, the two warriors, and the hero on top.
Also started this Hero. Have to work the metal, a bit more on the blue cape I think (it seems like it needs some sort of flair, suggestions??), and some pouches and other little things.
Then we have some Dwarfs from the Mantic range. I think they are going to fit in well. Side by side they are less robust and a little taller (especially against classic GW and some Reaper minis), but as a unit they will be fine.
And I have a unit of 10 pig riders from the Dwarf Wars range by Westfall Miniatures. I have wanted to paint these for quite some time, but since there was no room for them in the armies of old Warhammer I waited. Thanks again GW for giving me complete artistic freedom to change the old world into whatever I want! The blue and white on the cheeks and the striped pants were afterthoughts, so I am still working them up. Need to finish the blue highlights on these, plus the metal bits, wood bits, and leather bits.
Finally, the treeman for the Wood Elf army. I have, for the most part, finished his back side. Started on the front, but if you see the back that is how the front will end up. Debating on adding foliage or not...
I have done work on a bunch of other things, but I will update them in the perspective week. For me, the story is as important as the painting, it really gives life to my miniatures as I add color to them.
If anyone is interested as to why these three races will be neutral: The Dwarfs will fight for gold, but for the most part prefer to stay within the mountain holds and not involve themselves in mankinds business. Lizards, although the Slann are majestic creatures, I feel govern much the same way - sticking to themselves. And Wood Elves, unlike the High Elves, retreated to the forests to get away from the world. So, to me, these three races represent the races who, if left to their own devices, would not bother the world one bit but if pulled into conflict will fight to the bitter end.
Anyway, next week we will update the armies of Order! Until then my friends, and I am happy to be back!
MK