Desert Malcador With Battle Cannon

I needed something to kickstart my painting again, so rather than paint this tank for one of my forces, I decided to paint it as a stand alone piece. As far as tanks go, this one has seen better days. It is painted as a beat up desert vehicle with oil leaking everywhere. I was tempted to add sharp irregular pale blue camo to this, but resisted. In hind sight, the blue would have worked really well. I haven't quite regained my painting mojo, but this was fun.

Crushed Glass Snow Effect on Winter War Germans

To give these guys a proper winter war effect, I grabbed some SWM crushed glass, which was last used years ago on a NOVA Open charity model. I mixed it with water effects, and tried to dab it onto the bases as realistically as I could. One thing the snow does, is make it hard to see the miniature on top. I'm wondering if maybe I need to add more snow and just cover up all the leaves and rocks I added during the first basing step. These guys looks like a total mess from three feet, but rather nice up close. That is an effect I am not too keen on. It is one of the reasons I rarely paint camouflage. When camo works, it ruins the model.

So, where are we with the army? I have one more squad to add snow to, and I then I need to decide what to do with the remaining vehicles. I love how they look pre white washing, so it is hard to jump in and cover all that careful work up with sloppy white.

Does anyone else field winter armies?

Another Winter White Wash Snow Camo Attempt

I wasn't thrill with my first attempt, so I air brushed on some more white wash, and set about chipping the paint. I followed up with winter streaking grime from AK-Interactive, and a lot of mud. I haven't added crushed glass to the model yet, but that will stand in for snow mixed in with the mud on the road wheels. This looks better, but is definitely outside my wheelhouse. How does this attempt stack up to the last one?

Experimenting With Washable White Winter Camo

I'm in the process of painting a winter war german force, and figured it was time to experiment with Mig's washable white camo. I decided to grab an old panther from the shelf and test it out. After a few minutes scrubbing the white off with a wet brush, here is the result. I'm not sure about it. It doesn't resonate with me. Do I need to remove more of the white? Where am I going wrong?

Basing With Dirt

It surprises me that more folks painting miniatures don't base with dirt. When I want a dirt like texture, the best way to achieve that is to just use dirt. Nothing complex here at all. I just wander into the median near my home a grab a few spoonfuls of dirt. I use elmers white glue to affix the dirt, and a soft brush to clean off the models afterwards.

Sometimes I don't even paint the dirt.

Dirt: The ultimate weathering powder.

OOP Metal Scouts & This Weird Ultramarines Captain

I painted these yesterday during a rainy day. These models are old metal space marine scouts, as well as a very iffy space marine captain from the dark days of GW past . I think he looks fit to lead these guys into combat.

Is it time to paint something modern? I'm not sure. My desire to paint old stuff that has lingered for years is still strong.

Calgar & Honor Guard

Back from vacation, and needing a little painting time, I completed my old school metal Ultramarines. I love the older sculpts, and am having a blast creating a retro force. The down side, is that metal models chip like crazy. I think I dropped the banner bearer at least a dozen times while painting him.

Ultramarines Banner WIP

I've had this metal miniature for ages, and while I may not have enjoyed painting it when I first bought it, It is quite enjoyable now. I think the trick has been to have no expectations. This miniature is being painted in the same carefree way as the rest of the squad, and I think these early photos are starting to show the advantages of that. Like before, this guy was airbrushed and then wet-blended and glazed. I'm looking forward to having the united completed so I can see it all together and compare my regular style to it.