Dark Runes

Dark Sword figures provide an excellent "canvas" for various tutorials, and this one was no exception!  There were a few things I wanted to try out, as I have been doing a lot of NMM on all the Song of Ice and Fire minis.

The home made wet palette made another appearance as well, as the fans keep drying out paints like crazy during the lessons!

Here's an example of what I was trying to replicate... some metal effects done on a Sandor Clegane figure from the Song of Ice and Fire range.

For those who are able to watch the tutorial, they will see how I take the reference images and carry over those effects onto the figure, especially all the reflections.  Once I started using armor cosplayers images as references as opposed to pictures of armor in museums, I began to get a better idea of what armor looks like in an "environment".

The other major goal of the lesson was to demonstrate how to integrate freehand designs more spontaneously, and have them match the basing.

You can see that in this image, where I used the Green Stuff World Celtic theme texture roller to create an ancient stone temple base.  During the video, I show a few simple steps to replicating those patterns on the cloak.  This is Episode 16 of Painting Dark Sword.  

In each video, I try to show a few different elements... sometimes that is a specific color, or a range of colors.  It can also involve a certain technique, or how to combine various techniques.

I even switch up the materials, as some are painted in oils.

All of these are part of the Painting Dark Sword pledge level on the Patreon Page.

The Dark Sword pledge level is $10 per month, and also provides access to other "stand alone" tutorials which are done each month. You can check that out here:  www.patreon.com/JamesWappel

Warrior Sons

The most complicated and challenging Army Painting tutorial series is now complete!  I am uploading the 5th and final episode of a 13.5 hour epic.

It all began with basing, of course, with a technique very similar to what was used on the Pyromancer bases: https://wappellious.blogspot.com/2019/05/world-in-flames.html

Balancing the rainbow cloak effects with the shimmering armor and swords meant "building" each effect evenly, since so much of it was reflected on many surfaces!

Managing that over 12 figures all at once can seem like a daunting task, but if you step back in think things through, it can be broken down into more easily managed chunks.

I also kept the amount of paint colors used to an absolute minimum, even though we really do have every color of the rainbow.

Seeing units like this on the battlefield is a real joy, and the satisfaction of knowing how many effects that I put into creating it will surely come through on the upcoming battle reports.  yes, that's right... battle reports!

Here you can see how the basing works hand in hand with the miniatures.  In some cases, you can see a bit of color on the worn, broken stones.  Not just areas of red and yellow paint, but even some cut leaves in a similar color as well.

Using the Reaper Miniatures Pearl White allowed me to get an extra bit of texture on the robes, in effect resembling the semi shiny fabric such as silk.  I had never tried anything like this before, so it was certainly interesting.

While the Army Painting series are the most unique part of the patreon offerings, I have dozens of other tutorials, such as the Dark Sword miniature series, Creature Caster, Big Child Creatives and countless "one off" videos like this:  https://youtu.be/1mMsq-Ktru0

I am working my way through all of the various Song of Ice and fire armies... Lannister in this case, but also Free Folk, Starks, Night's Watch and Boltons.  Here's another video focused on Ghost, which is an example of the "one off" tutorials: https://youtu.be/dB4qtag5r9g

Be sure to check out the Patreon Page, where you can get in on the Army Painting pledge level.  Keep in mind that when you sign up, all the previous series (plus the other videos beyond the Army Painting tutorials) are yours to access!!  Here's a link: www.patreon.com/JamesWappel

True Sons

As most of you know, the key part of every army is your Color Test figure.  This is where you establish not just the color scheme for your army as a whole, but where you can figure out what is viable in terms of effects with the time you have to complete the project.

Episode two of Army Painting Series 8 is up on the Patreon Page now, and it includes one more Color Test figure.  I think this one is even more critical, given the nature of the Warriors Sons, and those crazy Rainbow cloaks!

I try to keep things as simple as possible, using a few basic Reaper colors, such as the clear and liner paints. The one specialty item is the Peal White, which you have seen me use in previous YouTube tutorials: https://youtu.be/6aj98FOCJPA

As I work through this color test figure, I try to keep track of how much time something takes.  While this time will be shortened in the process of assembly line painting the rest of the unit, it can still let me know if the look I am trying to get will take an exorbitant amount of time.

I think this is a major factor in the partially painted army syndrome.  The project begins with anticipation, excitement, and expectations.  When those are not met, or when the realization hits that those effects could take a REALLY long time to create, the project grinds to a halt.

My goal with each Army Painting series is to avoid this problem, giving you the tools to get those effects you want in a reasonable time, but even help you to figure out if you want to try those in the first place.

In each series, I conduct a discussion on these points.  It is hard to believe that this is Series 8, especially when you consider that each series is 5 episodes, and usually 12 hours running time.  All of the other tutorials that I do each month also feed into the Army Painting series, where I can isolate one particular technique or color.

I feel very comfortable in saying that there are very few, if any sources that can get you almost 100 different videos the instant you sign up for a pledge.

You can sign up on the Patreon Page now at the Army Painting level and get all the previous series as well as other tutorials!!  Here's a link: www.patreon.com/JamesWappel

Shiny Lannisters!

While I always anticipate having fun making the latest set of tutorial videos for my Army Painter series, this Lannister unit was going to be a particular treat for me!

I had painted a few Empire units with Sky-Earth Non Metallic Metal, but that was several years ago.  As soon as I saw the Lannister miniatures, I knew that this would be my chance to do something like this on an entire army!!

The five part series begins with basing of course, where I demonstrate how to incorporate tree bark and other materials on the individual bases and the movement tray as well.

The next few episodes cover the Shaded Basecoat, followed by the glazing and work in the Mid Tone areas.  Episode four really dives into the Sky-Earth effect on the helmets and weapons.

The final episode covers the completion of the Sky-Earth effect, along with freehand designs.

While it might seem incredibly difficult to create this look on an entire unit, it is possible!  The key is to set up the effect in those early stages, where the Shaded Basecoat happens.

I am working on a very interesting video for the Lannister cavalry units right now.  Extensive freehand on cloaks and the barding of the horses in addition to plenty of gold and steel NMM will be featured!

Here's a peek at the final segment of the series, where grass tufts and snow are applied to the bases and movement tray.  The entire series of 5 episodes is about 12+ hours long, and it covers all aspects of painting this Lannister Halberd unit.

I will be covering many more Song of Ice and Fire units and heroes in video tutorial form for the Patrons of my Patreon page.  Not only the rest of the Lannisters, but Starks, Knight's Watch and Free Folk!

The previous 3 Army Painter series have covered Age of Sigmar, Lord of the Rings, and Bolt Action.  I demonstrate many different effects, and various mediums. For instance, some of the Stark units will be done using oil paints.

All five episodes from the series have been posted for the Patrons... they are available on the Army Painter pledge level for $15.  Here's a link to the page:

www.patreon.com/JamesWappel

Get to the Point: Part Two

Calling all Lannisters!  Army Painting video Series Four continues with the second episode, the Color Test figure.  Every army needs one, as it not only sets the look and feel of the unit/army, but it will also let you know just how much time this is going to require!

This is the challenge of every army, and that is the limited "currency" of time.  We all want to do amazing effects on our units, but none of us has unlimited time.  Or even a semi-limited time.  Over the years I have learned a number of ways to get effects which normally would be impossible on entire units and armies, such as this Sky-Earth NMM technique.

I have already had to do this on dozens of figures at a time in the past, but this is the first time that I am able to film the process!

All of my Lannister units for Song of Ice and Fire will have this look, which should be very much in tune with the story of Game of Thrones.

As usual, this will be a 5 part series, which takes you all the way through the basing and painting process.  Part one tackled basing the figures and meshing that basing with the rest of the movement tray.  This is the Color Test figure as I mentioned earlier.  Subsequent episodes will take you through the entire unit in various stages.

In all, it will be roughly 11-12 hours of tutorials!  That is the usual time frame for each of the Army Painter series, available on the Patreon Page.

If you are interested in seeing this series of videos, plus the previous 3 series, you can join in on the Patreon Page at the $15 Army Painter level.  Once you are signed up, I will send you links to all the videos so that you can check them out!

Here's a link for you:

www.patreon.com/JamesWappel

Get to the Point!

I am getting more and more excited about painting the Song of Ice and Fire miniatures the more I work on them!  I have been painting several of the character figures for tutorial videos, and now I am getting ready to film the first Unit Painting video.  This will feature the Lannister Halberds.

The first episode will focus on basing and integrating the movement tray into the basing... similar to this:

https://wappellious.blogspot.com/2018/10/ground-attack.html

I have a few tutorial videos on Sky Earth Non Metallic Metals already available through the Patreon Page, but this will be the first time I try it on an entire unit!  

Should you be more interested in seeing how to do this with metallics, never fear, as I will be making another series showing how to do that as well!  There are 2 units of swordsmen in the starter box, so I will be painting one in each style, to maximize options for you.

Filming has started for this new series, and I am very excited!  It is part of the Army Painter pledge level, which is $15.  A series is usually 4-5 episodes, and 10-13 hours of tutorials!

You can check that out on the Patreon Page:

www.patreon.com/JamesWappel