Friday, May 8, 2015

Reapercon 2016: A clear future?


Working from my experience of last year's Reapercon, I learned that I could use the time before and after classes in the Main Hall to supplement what was done during those classes.

Time is always too short, and it seemed like continuing the lessons downstairs would give folks a way to apply what they had just been taught in a more controlled and supervised environment.


A number of "spot demos" and other learning events took place in the tables spread out through the Main Hall.  Since Reaper works so hard to have power at each of those tables, it makes this prospect even easier!!

In this example, we tried to examine a new take on the fire giantess, exploring the advantages of the Shaded Basecoat.


We grabbed a few paint colors from the rack, and set about turning our semi Shaded Basecoated figures into "Baberogs"... creatures made of lava.  Like a Balrog.


It didn't take long to reverse course and start adding very light colors.  These would be the base of the hottest areas.


A new Wappellian (and fellow baseball fan), does some very nifty brushwork on his giantess, which you will get a better look at later on.


While we didn't have the fluorescent paints, the Reaper clear colors helped us to create some nice translucent heat effects.

This would plant some seeds for future possibilities.


Work continues on both the base and the figure, getting darker each time.


Side by side!  The hair, lava and weapon are really taking shape!


Mine, on the left, is going to get a number of glazes.  We felt that leaving the other giantess with its existing cooler colors on the armor on other areas would be a neat experiment.


Check this out!  I was amazed to see the Giantess reappear the next day with this spectacular cracked lava skin tones!  Incredible idea.

Notice how the chunks of lava vary in size and intesity, and how they were made to look a bit like tribal tattoos.  That touch was simply pure genius!

This is why I tell every class that I learn as much from you, and why I love these post-class soirees!!


During the Glazing class, we experimented with a few of the Reaper clear colors.  I had only seen the Red clear, which I had used in blood effects.

Just a few moments of testing the clears made me think that much more exploration was required.  I asked the folks in the class if they would like to have a class based on these very interesting pigments.

The vote was unanimous, so I am hoping to put together some neat elements for a class in 2016!!

The class also joined me in my quest to have a new liner paint created.  We all made the sad puppy faces at Anne the paint alchemist, and she agreed to take a look.

It turned out to be a very fun challenge for her, and thus a new liner will be joining the other amazing pigments.  Yay!!!


14 comments:

  1. I never quite understood what the Clear colors in the MSP line were for. Are they glazes?

    Which new liner are they planning? I have the Grey, Brown, and Blue. Wasn't there a Green at one point that went out of production? I use my Grey as a base for Raven Guard armor, and the Brown is great for hair.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The new liner is sepia. We even managed to convince Anne to bring back the old red and green liners! :-)

      Delete
  2. Hey James, I have a somewhat off topic question for you is there a way I can contact you directly?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can reach me on facebook via James Wappel...

      Delete
    2. Hey James, and if I'm not on Facebook?
      I admire your work and wanted to ask if you wanted to a commision for me.

      Delete
    3. Since this reaches so many folks, I don't put my e-mail address out here (way too many crazy things in the past).

      What kind of piece did you have in mind?

      Delete
    4. Hey James,

      Thank you for the quick reply!

      I can totally understand why you don't throw out your email address like that.
      I had some bad experiences with that in the past as well.

      As part of a kickstarter pledge, I had the opportunity to work with the creator of the game to create a new character for World of Twilight.

      I like your style so much I would like to see your version of her.
      It's meant as a display piece and I won't hold you back.
      Here's the studio job: https://www.facebook.com/Anyaral/photos/pb.411716842224695.-2207520000.1431193429./944054018990972/?type=1&theater

      I received a master cast, meaning she is a finer resin cast than the regular ones and really deserves a better job than I can do on her.

      Delete
    5. I will try to check out those links tomorrow! Thanks :-)

      Delete
  3. Good stuff! Love my Reaper clear paint! (Also very happy with Golden High Flow acrylics, tho the finish can be a bit shiny/unpredictable)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the kind words! It will be very fun to explore!

      Delete
  4. Great to see you at ReaperCon-- apologies for talking your ear off after the Awards Ceremony. I was having too much fun! After enjoying your Glazing class in 2014, I've been an avid follower of your prolific blogginess. I also dabbled with the Reaper Clear colors experimenting with tinting & glazing and I look forward to see what you come up with for 2016. Take care & see you around the interwebs! Until next year :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello! It was great to get some time to talk with you! A rare chance to interact in person, instead of the usual 'virtual' connection. That's what makes Reapercon soooo much fun! :-)

      I'm hoping that the google hangout version might at least grant a semblance of 'in person' interaction...

      Delete
  5. Hello! I was the lady with the purple kitty hat at ReaperCon! :)

    I just wanted to say thank you again for the impromptu marble painting demo you gave for me and my friend, it was a pleasure to watch you work and listen to your expounding on why you were doing things the way you were. I find your painting techniques and philosophy very intriguing, and I've been trying to loosen up and have fun more when I've been painting. I also plan to pick up some "big" brushes when I go shopping next, and having fun with them! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sitting in and listening to the madness! :-) Reapercon is soooo much fun! As you see, I have already been coming up with uses for those clear paints. Lots of fun in 2016!

      Delete