12:37
Monkeyreado
Here we go, some work on bags, teeth, skulls and pistol. Still needs some tidying up and bits and bobs - sloowly does it....
Friday 20 August 2010
Thursday 19 August 2010
A little more done, but watch out for the cat...
Just so you know, I have done a little more on this Rune Priest figure. I played with the shading and highlights along with the colouring on the shoulder pads and pistol. Touched up the hair too. The changes are subtle but I did do some - honest. I did swear at the cat though because it knocked the figure over and the arm came off. Oh yes, I did swear.
Also 'on the table' are my fist ever completed unit (I'm ashamed to say). Theses were relatively quick and easy to do, although I kept missing bits and had to go back a number of times. For instance I only just noticed I hadn't painted the bags on the back of these little Goblin fellas. Anyways here you go - done and done.
Last thing to add, I made an impulse purchase last week - look an Iron Kingdoms figure! Bought for trying out painting techniques - also to see what Privateer Press models were like. This was only £3.18 or something silly. Must say though, that the quality is excellent - I am impressed !
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| And look a tray too! |
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| This lot next... |
Last thing to add, I made an impulse purchase last week - look an Iron Kingdoms figure! Bought for trying out painting techniques - also to see what Privateer Press models were like. This was only £3.18 or something silly. Must say though, that the quality is excellent - I am impressed !Valeria Alvaro, Ordic Pistoleer. Cool enough.
Monday 16 August 2010
From the archives.
Thought I'd post a few of my previous painting efforts - given that graphic novels have caused a bit of a 'go-slow' on the Rune Priest front. These represent me painting slowly too! I have obviously taken the pictures too close. All blemishes are writ large. However, at a distance these look OK. I know not all advanced painting techniques are represented - I'm not an advanced painter - but you get to a point where you have to stop painting and move on - so here we are. the Inquisitor Lorr and (original ) Cpt. Sicarius are special edition models I think, though Sicarius has been revamped since. I still think Lorr is a cool model. See what you think.
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| Cpt. Sicarius |
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| Inquisitor Lorr |
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| Ultramarine Jump Chaplain |
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| Ultramarine Sergeant |
Thursday 12 August 2010
More what I've done...
You'll be pleased to know that this week I have been mostly reading comics. Managed to get through BPRD volumes 9 to 13- which was was quite an effort, and then Hellboy volume 10. All of which were splendid. I like the way BPRD is staying away from too much Hellboy crossover. I am enjoying the march of the 'frogs', although if I am being completely honest, I found the the idea of Daimio's story a little odd. Nevertheless a great read and the art creates pace and atmosphere effectively.Have a look at the art in Volume 13 Ba and Moon's work is pretty cool I think. I could write something more intellectual - but all you need to know I guess is that they were well worth the money from Amazon.
Next up Hellboy volume10 - this drifted away from the Excalibur storyline (I'll try to avoid too many spoilers...) and into strange dreams! I thought the Fegrodo art was inspired. It seems distant from Mignola initially but you soon warm to the way a real sense of manic darkness is created.
I'm now embarking on readin' Mouseguard Autumn 1152 - I'll let you know...
Lastly , a bit of goblin progress ...
I've also done some work on my Space Wolves Rune Priest, but I think I ought to do some more work before I brag about any 'progress' there!
Next up Hellboy volume10 - this drifted away from the Excalibur storyline (I'll try to avoid too many spoilers...) and into strange dreams! I thought the Fegrodo art was inspired. It seems distant from Mignola initially but you soon warm to the way a real sense of manic darkness is created.
I'm now embarking on readin' Mouseguard Autumn 1152 - I'll let you know...
Lastly , a bit of goblin progress ...
Monday 2 August 2010
New additions.
Well, this week has seen the arrival of a few items on my doorstep. Mainly because I've got a little free time and I aim to use it! So, Lone Wolf and Cub v. 22 - 24, BPRD 7-10, Warhammer Invasion LCG and The Warhammer 8th ed. rule book. There's more to come, but one thing at a time - sort of.
I read the Lone Wolfs (wolves?) and the series is moving dramatically to its conclusion. The story is as gripping as ever. The son and father in their meifumado (look it up!) and the final battles against their mortal enemy. Consistently, well paced and thoughtfully drawn. Yes, there is adult content, it's not for kids - but for a discerning reader it has incredible qualities and you soon forget that you have been looking at the glossary. It has meticulous attention to detail ; there is a real sense of place and the community. Also, despite the way in which Ogami Itto embraces death and destruction there is a real humble humanity about him that ensures our sympathies. I suppose that is the real point. It is not simply a tale of revenge.
As a quick added point I have just played through the first few starter sessions of Battle for Skull Pass. I have to say that it was all nice and easy. I really like the range of figures. Great for the price. I do realise I will have to adapt what I have learnt with the new edition but there you go... Any way, it all went OK. You do need trays for the figures though - compared to my starter efforts at 40K, movement is a right royal pain without them. Overall, I kept having to look at the stats but my 12 year old got them straight away. Shows something I guess!!
I did wonder about the Flee rule - I felt it might mean that low Leadership troops would be forever running away -but it didn't work out like that- perhaps only because of favourable dice rolls though. We shall see.
Nevertheless will move on to full starter scenario - then the 3 Advanced Scenarios on the Games Workshop website and let you know how they go. At the moment it seems quite accessible and I like the way you can get into the game before knowing the more complex rules.
I think you all ought to know I took back Final Fantasy XIII - I loved the graphics and the gameplay but it was more than my mind could take in terms of intellectual /time investment. I am ashamed to admit this. I really didn't understand the weapons upgrade system and I couldn't work out how to get really good. I hang my head. So I'm going back to Elder Scrolls : Oblivion for RPG and have bought Uncharted 2 to shoot stuff.
Time black hole approaches.
I read the Lone Wolfs (wolves?) and the series is moving dramatically to its conclusion. The story is as gripping as ever. The son and father in their meifumado (look it up!) and the final battles against their mortal enemy. Consistently, well paced and thoughtfully drawn. Yes, there is adult content, it's not for kids - but for a discerning reader it has incredible qualities and you soon forget that you have been looking at the glossary. It has meticulous attention to detail ; there is a real sense of place and the community. Also, despite the way in which Ogami Itto embraces death and destruction there is a real humble humanity about him that ensures our sympathies. I suppose that is the real point. It is not simply a tale of revenge.
As a quick added point I have just played through the first few starter sessions of Battle for Skull Pass. I have to say that it was all nice and easy. I really like the range of figures. Great for the price. I do realise I will have to adapt what I have learnt with the new edition but there you go... Any way, it all went OK. You do need trays for the figures though - compared to my starter efforts at 40K, movement is a right royal pain without them. Overall, I kept having to look at the stats but my 12 year old got them straight away. Shows something I guess!!
I did wonder about the Flee rule - I felt it might mean that low Leadership troops would be forever running away -but it didn't work out like that- perhaps only because of favourable dice rolls though. We shall see.
Nevertheless will move on to full starter scenario - then the 3 Advanced Scenarios on the Games Workshop website and let you know how they go. At the moment it seems quite accessible and I like the way you can get into the game before knowing the more complex rules.
I think you all ought to know I took back Final Fantasy XIII - I loved the graphics and the gameplay but it was more than my mind could take in terms of intellectual /time investment. I am ashamed to admit this. I really didn't understand the weapons upgrade system and I couldn't work out how to get really good. I hang my head. So I'm going back to Elder Scrolls : Oblivion for RPG and have bought Uncharted 2 to shoot stuff.
Time black hole approaches.
Wednesday 28 July 2010
Warhammer Fantasy ahoy!
Thought I'd see what all the fuss is about by getting hold of Battle for Skull Pass -yeah, I know a new game set is out later this year, but I liked the figures in this one - so there!
Anyhoo, have painted up a few figures - and I know this gets me further away from my other projects, but sometimes you just can't help yourself...
Tried to ensure that painting speed was high - these were done in about 5 hours, but I think I can improve on that. I'll have to. A few bits and pieces to finish but they look ok considering.
Next thing to do is have a bash at the game - I will let you know how I get on. I'm a complete novice at all of this type stuff, although I have painted and browsed through army bboks and rule books over the years. here we go then...
Posted in: Warhammer Fantasy
Tuesday 25 May 2010
Next step on Rune Priest...
Got on a little with the project, although work and family commitments have slowed the process down somewhat. As you can see (just), on the power axe I have added a blue electric haze building up from regal blue, through to ice blue then white. A little blue ink to glaze too.
The face was troublesome. I hadn't painted one for a while and it took a lot of sorting out and I still don't quite think it's there yet. But better than it was though. White hair with shadow grey undercoat. Pelt built up from bestial brown through to vermin Brown and bleached bone. Ending with Gryphonne sepia and Devlan Mud Washes.
Photographs - to my eternal shame -still poor. Apologies to all who see these ones!
Next up retouch shading and power armour -adding highlights perhaps. Then shoulder and knee. Then weapons. Finish with the details. all seems logical, but time is the key as always.
Saturday 10 April 2010
And the next day.
Well,
I have just read the Hellboy 9 (The Wild Hunt) collection and I have to say that it is absolutely, absolutely, (and again ... absolutely) fantastic. Fegredo's illustrations are completely spot on and convey the mystery and mysticism superbly. The drawings make an effective use of light and shade for the eerie tones of the text and I think the drawings of Hellboy himself follow the Mignola ideals with excellence. Fabulous colours too. Well done guys! However, the best part really, is the use of ancient legend. King Arthur! Astonishing but not absurd. An imaginative and engaging concept - can't wait for number 10!
I have just read the Hellboy 9 (The Wild Hunt) collection and I have to say that it is absolutely, absolutely, (and again ... absolutely) fantastic. Fegredo's illustrations are completely spot on and convey the mystery and mysticism superbly. The drawings make an effective use of light and shade for the eerie tones of the text and I think the drawings of Hellboy himself follow the Mignola ideals with excellence. Fabulous colours too. Well done guys! However, the best part really, is the use of ancient legend. King Arthur! Astonishing but not absurd. An imaginative and engaging concept - can't wait for number 10!
Posted in: graphic novels
Friday 9 April 2010
New Avenues...
As I don't have time for anything, I have decided to see what else there is out there to not have time for. As you can imagine this takes time, organisation and a little effort. Plus some 'spare' cash.
First off - I was trawling the net looking at different gaming figures when I came across the Wyrd Miniatures and Privateer Press websites. Suddenly my eyes widened. I saw some fantastic figures for the Warmachine game and Malifaux - one of the other key plus points seems to be the fact that you don't need as many models as 40K to get going. So I ordered a couple of back issues of the magazine 'No quarter' (Warmachine) plus the Warmachine rule book. Just to see. Curious to know what else is 'out there'. I also had look at the online community for warmachine and Youtube and it all seems quite positive.
And then...some Magic TG cards tuned up (9th ed. core/starter) and I began playing with my son (only 11) but we got going pretty speedily. We had already had some experience with World Of Warcraft cards, and though we'll never be experts, we made a pretty good fist of starting off. He tends to win ... I tend to take his advice. It was a good starter pack - a DVD ROM, a script to follow and some basic cards for two players. I couldn't have asked for more for the princely sum of less than a tenner off of Amazon. No Planeswalkers but I don't think that our experience can take that quite yet anyway. I've got a few boosters so let's see how that goes.
I ought to note at this point, that my son and I had our first game of Space Hulk this week and yet again I lost -although apparently as Space Marines, this is pretty likely to be your fate! I'll review the game a bit more when I have played both sides.
Also when surfing I saw a couple of graphic novels -Hellboy 9 and BPRD 6. Some light reading , which I am really looking forward to.
Finally, I was intrigued by two more games -Warhammer:Invasion a card /board game (Living Card Game!) and Incursion a kind of space Hulk with Zombies and super soldiers. But I need more pocket money before I get them!
Having sorted the loft and back garden this week -I think I am owed some 'me time'. So, more later. I know what'll happen though. I'll never have enough time ...
First off - I was trawling the net looking at different gaming figures when I came across the Wyrd Miniatures and Privateer Press websites. Suddenly my eyes widened. I saw some fantastic figures for the Warmachine game and Malifaux - one of the other key plus points seems to be the fact that you don't need as many models as 40K to get going. So I ordered a couple of back issues of the magazine 'No quarter' (Warmachine) plus the Warmachine rule book. Just to see. Curious to know what else is 'out there'. I also had look at the online community for warmachine and Youtube and it all seems quite positive.
And then...some Magic TG cards tuned up (9th ed. core/starter) and I began playing with my son (only 11) but we got going pretty speedily. We had already had some experience with World Of Warcraft cards, and though we'll never be experts, we made a pretty good fist of starting off. He tends to win ... I tend to take his advice. It was a good starter pack - a DVD ROM, a script to follow and some basic cards for two players. I couldn't have asked for more for the princely sum of less than a tenner off of Amazon. No Planeswalkers but I don't think that our experience can take that quite yet anyway. I've got a few boosters so let's see how that goes.
I ought to note at this point, that my son and I had our first game of Space Hulk this week and yet again I lost -although apparently as Space Marines, this is pretty likely to be your fate! I'll review the game a bit more when I have played both sides.
Also when surfing I saw a couple of graphic novels -Hellboy 9 and BPRD 6. Some light reading , which I am really looking forward to.
Finally, I was intrigued by two more games -Warhammer:Invasion a card /board game (Living Card Game!) and Incursion a kind of space Hulk with Zombies and super soldiers. But I need more pocket money before I get them!
Having sorted the loft and back garden this week -I think I am owed some 'me time'. So, more later. I know what'll happen though. I'll never have enough time ...
Tuesday 30 March 2010
Easter Projects
I couldn't let a month by without shoving something on. I've been so busy at work that I've not really been able to do anything much, at all, even on any particular project. This Easter I aim to finish some Space Wolves, Space Hulk and Space Marines figures. However, over-ambitiousness is my middle name.
I did think about getting some Magic:The Gathering cards to muck about with - I'll see how it goes. One of my local cards/collectibles shops is closing down -Runik. So I may order online.
Got the new White Dwarf with all of the Blood Angels stuff in it. Like the models - lots of heroes, lots of sprues and options -I'm not sure they are as gritty and rugged as the Space Wolves though. They all look a bit scary and slightly psychopathic - but I guess that's the point really. Do like the Death Company though, they look like are hardcore 'cos they live hardcore.
Have watched some films though. Saw The Wolfman - useless- they had copied the 50's version in terms of costume, melodrama and looks then added modern gore and special effects. In the end it was well shot and staged but ultimately unengaging, which is probably one of the worst things you can say about a film.
Zombieland on the other hand was a bit of a hoot - a rag tag bag of characters, a bit rough around the edges and some nice humorous moments amongst the carnage. Nice touch the Bill Murray Zombie sequence -surreal - yet somehow totally apt.
Don't tell anyone but I am playing Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 at the Moment having just finished Bioshock 2. (The multiplayer experience wasn't enough to make me hold onto the game for longer.) I feel it's a bit of a guilty pleasure. The graphics are fantastic - generally, smooth and elaborate and breathtaking. The game play and fighting system is also quite friendly. Surprisingly. However, I am still lost in terms of weapons and character upgrading. I'll have to see what gives and take a sneak peek at some guide or other. They say there's 50 hours in it so I'll get my money's worth I guess.
So there you are - a quick review of what's been going on in my world. More in April!
I did think about getting some Magic:The Gathering cards to muck about with - I'll see how it goes. One of my local cards/collectibles shops is closing down -Runik. So I may order online.
Got the new White Dwarf with all of the Blood Angels stuff in it. Like the models - lots of heroes, lots of sprues and options -I'm not sure they are as gritty and rugged as the Space Wolves though. They all look a bit scary and slightly psychopathic - but I guess that's the point really. Do like the Death Company though, they look like are hardcore 'cos they live hardcore.
Have watched some films though. Saw The Wolfman - useless- they had copied the 50's version in terms of costume, melodrama and looks then added modern gore and special effects. In the end it was well shot and staged but ultimately unengaging, which is probably one of the worst things you can say about a film.
Zombieland on the other hand was a bit of a hoot - a rag tag bag of characters, a bit rough around the edges and some nice humorous moments amongst the carnage. Nice touch the Bill Murray Zombie sequence -surreal - yet somehow totally apt.
Don't tell anyone but I am playing Final Fantasy XIII on PS3 at the Moment having just finished Bioshock 2. (The multiplayer experience wasn't enough to make me hold onto the game for longer.) I feel it's a bit of a guilty pleasure. The graphics are fantastic - generally, smooth and elaborate and breathtaking. The game play and fighting system is also quite friendly. Surprisingly. However, I am still lost in terms of weapons and character upgrading. I'll have to see what gives and take a sneak peek at some guide or other. They say there's 50 hours in it so I'll get my money's worth I guess.
So there you are - a quick review of what's been going on in my world. More in April!
Saturday 27 February 2010
And the Space Hulk bit...
Ah! So, another reason Space Wolves have been slow going. Tinkering with the Space Hulk terminators. Haven't got very far and think perhaps the overall effect is too dark for Blood Angels - but I do like the effect. Mechrite Red base over Chaos Black. Blood Red overbrushing. Devlan Mud/Badab Black wash. Then drybrushes of Blood Red, some blazing orange added, then used on it's own for a bit of a highlight. Next time I'm going to go a little lighter on the wash...
Rune Priest and Blood Claw. Update!
It seems to have been an age since the last post. Computer and email problems - camera battery issues - and sheer laziness. Plus the fact that I have been reading a lot of Fables comics too.
So here goes with the progress ...
First off the Blood Claw model has had a little work done - Some armour plate highlighting (basically Space Wolves Grey) , ammo pouch, and a gem on each knee. Close up on these images it looks a bit rough, but from a little way off (!) it looks OK. I tried to sort the left eye out but the model was having none of it so I left it as is - fearing I'd spoil it completely if I messed about too much.
And then with the Rune Priest. In a similar way to the Blood Claw, I've essentially started with 50/50 SW grey and Shadow Grey mix. I'll add a Scorched Brown/Grey wash and then lighten the original armour colour slightly to paint the plates/ I saw an article on the net and in White Dwarf about power weapon painting. So I've experimented a bit and this is what I came up with.
Looks OK - now toying with the idea of a final, very thin blue ink(?) wash as a kind of 'glaze' I think they call it. But I could be wrong. I've also painted on the undercoats for fur and etc as you can see.
I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to have another bash at these... loft needs insulating don't you know.
Tuesday 26 January 2010
Aha Fables!
I've just read Fables 8, 9 and 10 and I have to say they were well worth the wait. I ordered at Forbidden Planet online just before Christmas, and although they only came last week - they were good value and shipping was only £3 for 3.
The covers alone are fantastic, beautifully drawn and coloured. The stories didn't disappoint either although I do think I need an evil twist right now as the 'goodies' are in the ascendancy. There were some thoughtful touches in the story of Fly, as Prince Ambrose - even if it did smack a little of Aragorn and the dead army in LOTR. Nevertheless, there is a real sense of character in each of the episodes and I suppose the key measure of their quality is that I'm eagerly anticipating the next installments.
The only other graphic novels I have been reading recently have been the Preacher series - a whole different world in terms of gore, foul language, drunkenness and violence. Hooray for that!
The covers alone are fantastic, beautifully drawn and coloured. The stories didn't disappoint either although I do think I need an evil twist right now as the 'goodies' are in the ascendancy. There were some thoughtful touches in the story of Fly, as Prince Ambrose - even if it did smack a little of Aragorn and the dead army in LOTR. Nevertheless, there is a real sense of character in each of the episodes and I suppose the key measure of their quality is that I'm eagerly anticipating the next installments.
The only other graphic novels I have been reading recently have been the Preacher series - a whole different world in terms of gore, foul language, drunkenness and violence. Hooray for that!
Posted in: graphic novels
Monday 11 January 2010
Lone Wolf, the gift that keeps on giving.
Got the next four installments of the Lone Wolf collected volumes for Christmas. Volumes 18 - 21 in effect. This is another labour of love of sorts, but it's a fantastic series and I've been absorbed by every one of the 100 (or so) chapters so far. The icy steel of Itto and the innocent, yet grim determination of Daigoro are enthralling. The artwork vividly describes the speed and precision of the characters' movements and the dialogue preserves the rigidly caste driven social system and intricate layers of manners and ritual. Truly a classic, and I think the covers by Sienkiewicz and Miller are, to coin a phrase, 'chuffin excellent'.
It's a snow day.
Here we go again, a day off for snow so I thought I'd add some grey rock and some snow. Got the snow flock from GW but was a bit disappointed with the first layer. Added a bit of watered down skull white then a second layer, looked a bit better but it's all trial and error init. Added grey base. Spose I'll do the gems next, extreme highlights and other details.
But then the new model arrived and you gotta make a start somewhere - cool Rune Priest even if I do Say so... I'd seen the figure a few times and so bought it along with the Space Wolves accessory sprue and shoulder pads for Grey Hunters. Still planning to see if I can get two squads out of one pack if I judiciously use the new sprue plus everyday marines bitz.
It does look a whole mess of details though so I reckon it'll be months of work.......ho hum.
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