Lucky-Sixes Painting Update #5 - The Finale

Hallo there!

Ho Ho Ho and Mer... what I'm too late!? OK, Happy New Year? Good? OK, cool. Well... Yes... anyway. Ahem.

Right, drum roll please... we have reached the finale of my painting challenge! Thank you, thank you, you can all stop cheering now! As we reach the pinnacle and sad end of this feat, let us first remind ourselves of the previous models that have already been completed...

41x Zombies (Vampire Covenant)
10x Knights of Ryma (Highborn Elves)
10x Wraiths / Spectral Hunters (Vampire Covenant)
1x Frost Phoenix + Rider (Highborn Elves)
1x Elder Dragon Centaur (Warriors of the Dark Gods)
5x Elein Reavers (Highborn Elves)
5x Barrow Knights (Vampire Covenant)
5x Wasteland Knights (Warriors of the Dark Gods)
(1x Lionguard Standard)* - This is not included in total model count but thought I'd add it in for shizzles and giggles

Which is 79 (including the Frosty Rider and not counting the lion standard) for the most astute of you. And now, after several more painting sessions we can add 21 more models to that total and reach that all important 100 model count. YAY!

Before we crack on though, a quick update on some previously painted models. More specifically, the Elein Reavers...

Now, if you cast your minds back to my last post, you will remember me saying that I wasn't totally happy with these models. In fact, so much so, that I couldn't leave them in that state and half way through painting the final models on my list I picked up my Reavers and took my brush to them. And without further ado, here they are:

Effectively I started by giving them a final bit of detail and then stuck some dark wash on them. WOW! What a difference it made, turning these cartoon looking critters into something a lot more realistic. Now the only thing I noticed when I did this was that it actually went the other way in terms of brightness. Originally, they were very bright and you couldn't really see a lot of detail. Add some wash and the detail comes out - but they did go a bit dark. So, I went over the white cloth again to add a bit of contrast and there you have it. I am much more satisfied with them now and even though they aren't my finest piece of work, they have drastically improved from what they were so I am happy.

Anyway, back on to the main event - lets start with the 17x Sea Guard shall we...

So, as you may remember I have started to test out a new technique with the High Elves using a system of paint-wash-paint-wash (and so on). The results of this was seen on the Phoenix Rider and seemed to add definition to the model and give it a much more real feel (ironic I know). Now the only difference between this model and my Lothern was that I added a final stage of white dry-brush to make them a bit brighter to hopefully soften the gap between them and my older models. In hindsight I'm not sure that this was the correct thing to do. Don't get me wrong, I am happy with how they turned out and they would stake a claim for the best painted infantry unit in my High Elf collection, but I can't say I'm 100% satisfied. I think maybe it's because there is much more white on these models (shield/robes) than the character model who is mainly armour. Perhaps one thing I would like to do is learn how to soften the white with wash, etc. - rather than brighten up the rest of the model? However, that being said, I am at least 95% happy with them, and I definitely think they are my best Elven work to date so I shouldn't grumble. And besides, that takes the total to 96, nearly there...

Character models next and let's do a running count down shall we. So, coming in at number 97 & 98 respectively, we have our two fight-y Elven characters - The Noble/Prince & The Anointed of Asuryan!

Both of these came out in a similar fashion to my rider and suffice to say I could not be more pleased with the outcome. I tried to keep them looking as similar in colour scheme as possible with my previous models, and again I'm pretty happy with how they came out - especially the Anointed, who I do think looks like an on-foot version of my rider, which is very handy indeed! I made up the noble/prince with sword and shield, mainly because I think there are some good combos in the rulebook and likely to be the case moving forwards as well. Adding to that a lion cloak, thinking that his role in future could very much be in lists with a 'Chrace' Lord or fight-y character in it, and the sword could easily pass as a great weapon as it is quite big after all. With the anointed, I went with the good ol' fashioned Halberd - as it is the most likely weapon that a member of the 'Phoenix Guard' and/or leader of them would use. Maybe I could add a bit more detail in the faces of both, but I could say that for all my models really, so a learning point there - but overall, as I said, pretty happy with these ones.

Next up, at number 99, weighing in at... I dunno.. 1 pound or something??... and completing the Highborn characters... it's the Mage! Whom I have dubbed as "Zaos the Fire Mage" - for obvious reasons. Not the Zaos part, the Fire part. Anyway, here he is...

As I already had a mage with the same model, I used this as an opportunity to experiment with some different colours than my usual white and blue combo, and I chose to go down the fire route because I like the magic lore / path and the idea of a few fireballs flying out here and there at the enemy. Also it made sense with the swirling magic energy at the bottom of the model, that it could quite as easily be a small ember of fire blazing from beneath him. I really like how it has come out and think it is of a much higher quality than my previous mage, so this, to me, shows I am doing something right. I took a picture of him with my old model (below) to show how much of a difference (in my opinion) this new style has made and helps to show that I am improving as a painter which is nice.

And finally, the last model painted to complete the challenge, presenting to you, the nastiest, filthiest, most undead Necromancer around - Henrich Kemmler...

I do like this model but had a lot of clipping to do to get rid of those annoying bits of plastic that they come with, but overall, this model really didn't take that long to complete. A big spray of black, with a large dollop of black as a second coat, a few details and then a dry-brush of white to highlight and there ya go! Still fun to paint and a cool model/character to have in my army. Can always double up as a normal Necromancer if needed as well so I'm pretty happy to have him as a tool of Undead destruction in my arsenal.

So, with that final model complete, here is a picture of how all the models look together just for you! You lucky dogs...

And there ya have it folks! All done and dusted. Didn't quite make the end of 2017 but a few days over won't hurt, and there was a fair amount of repeat painting which took up some of my time. Also, cavalry models take aaaaaages to paint haha. Overall, I am happy with how my models have turned out and while I need a bit of a break from painting, I'm sure it wont be too long before I put my brush back to work! However, with the release of the 2.0 update and *SPOILER* us signing up to a tournament in February, I am going to be putting my efforts into making some HBE lists and trying them out - SUPER EXCITED!!! More to come on this, watch this space...

Now don't cry too much, as I can imagine this is not going to be the last painting challenge I ever do, especially as I haven't in any way finished my collection yet so please watch this space for more painting updates to come in the future. In the meantime, please feel free to put your hints, tips and comments for anything that you've seen above or even your own experiences with painting models, I certainly would love to hear what you all have to say!

Anyway, as always, thanks for supporting and hope you enjoyed!

Lucky-Sixes

Lucky-Sixes Painting Update #4

Hallo there!

Using this update to combine quite a few models together, as I've had about 4/5 more painting sessions since the last update - and a theme has emerged! So, I'm labelling this update as "The Cavalry Charge!"

Now I can hear what you're all saying - "STOP with these unbreakable riddles, and just tell us what that could possibly mean!?". Okay, okay I will put you all out of your misery - I have painted up my cavalry models! I know, what a shocker. Anyhooo...

However, before we get into the new, let's recap what has already been completed from the last 3 updates.

41x Zombies (Vampire Covenant)
10x Knights of Ryma (Highborn Elves)
10x Wraiths / Spectral Hunters (Vampire Covenant)
1x Frost Phoenix + Rider (Highborn Elves)
1x Elder Dragon Centaur (Warriors of the Dark Gods)
(1x Lionguard Standard)* - This is not included in total model count but thought I'd add it in for shizzles and giggles

So as you can see, I have done some little touch ups to my models, adding some greenery on the Knights of Ryma & Phoenix models. Amazing how much difference a little sprinkling of grass and shrubbery can do to make the model look better. Granted its not the most creative of bases but it works for me and my standard of painting so I'm happy!

I can now add cavalry for Highborn Elves, Vampires and Warriors - helping to bolster my non-proxy catalogue for these 3 armies; and more importantly knocking off 15 more models off my 100 model total taking it to 78/100 complete.

So without further ado, lets take a look at the end result. First up, the Elein Reavers...

To be honest, I am least happy about these models of everything so far. they still feel a bit like a work in progress. For example, the Quiver isn't finished - straight up. I need to add wash to the arrows and add some more colour to the design of the quiver itself so that to start. I also need to add wash to the body itself to make them look more realistic and add a bit more colour to the main of the horse for definition. Finally, I need to add grass to the models and hide that plain green base, even if it is just the same as the other Elven models previously. Add into that a few gems here and there and the little details and I've pretty much got a new model to paint.

On the positive side, I do like the blue/silver bits that are on there so far, and the white cloth has come up quite clean, and from a distance on the battlefield they do look finished - but you (and I!) know this is not the case...

On hindsight, I'm not sure why i have included them as 'finished' but it may be because I've spent a lot of time on these and got frustrated so just gave up lol. so consider this one a work in progress and I will update you on changes in the next post.

Moving on swiftly, we have the mighty Wasteland Knights, with Full command...

So far I have found Warriors of the Dark Gods models really fun to paint and actually not that difficult to add detail. To be fair the models themselves help out with this a lot, as there is so much detail on the moulds that after adding the gold trim, a simple dry brush technique really highlights all the different grooves and gives the models real definition. I tend to base them all black, add in the more intricate painting of silver and gold, and then finish off with dry brushing the whole model with silver to give it that metallic effect while also giving the models a bit of dynamism. I didn't use any wash on these which may be something I add in later to help give more definition to the gold parts and dull down the bright colour but I am happy with the outcome at this stage so no rush for that.

The only thing I would say with these is that it is quite hard to put them together in the unit because of the massive weapons that they hold. not massively but something to note for any future models, to think about how the models will affect each other. I must admit, this is something that I never think about when in the assembly phase for any of my models and something I will think about moving forward.

But anyway, to sum up - I really liked painting these and love the work that has gone into sculpting these models. Big fan! I like how they've come out, really giving the impression they are the elite cavalry that they should be.

NEXT! Some Undead (Barrow) Knights, again with Full command...

As with all Undead, first I made everything white, adding some detail on the armour/weapons and ending with a muddy wash. Sounds simple but similar to the zombies, the wash makes all the difference. The great thing about painting an Undead army is it doesn't have to look pristine, and can even look better muddy/dirt-ily painted and the wash (like the dry-brushing) brings out so much character to the model and best of all, you get such quick results when applying it. I have even added in 'rust' to the gold parts of the models (shields and horse armour) which I thought was cool. Finishing off with the simple basing I think they have come out pretty well. only trouble is, 5 black knights doesn't really do much on the battlefield meaning I'm gonna need at least another 5/10. but pretty easy to duplicate I think - minimal colours and dry-brush does most the work - so no worries there.

But wait that is not all! Oh no. Carrying on the on the Cavalry-theme (kind of) I have a Highborn to add to this update, and fittingly (again, kind of) it is the rider for a Highborn Elf mount - the Phoenix Rider! Okay so its not for Cavalry but I felt it was similar enough to include through this category so I've gone with... so there.

I am actually quite proud of this one. I used a slightly different technique with him, adding multiple washes as I go and then layering it with the different colours. I feel this has helped me to get that extra detail out of the models and (surprisingly actually) gives the model more of a crisp feel. It has certainly changed my opinion of how to paint Highborn Elves, and I would say that this is now one of my better quality painted models of my whole collection. I will certainly be painting my other characters and models using this technique moving forward. The only thing I would say is that it isn't as light as my other models. Meaning I may have to redo my older models or do something with them anyway. Although I have since noticed that I've missed the gem on his torso so I'll have to update that in the next few painting sessions but can't grumble too much to be fair.

That concludes my latest updates on the painting challenge and overall, I'm pretty please with all these new additions. Although, I still think there's more work to do on the Reavers. But then again, it may be because they were painted at the same time as the other cavalry which tend to be much quicker to finish, and so there may have been a bit of frustration that comes with painting the High Elves, as they need to be very clean and pristine (in my opinion anyway). But hey ho, there you go! That's for my next challenge I guess.

Anyway, to finish, here's a quick overall picture to sum up the work done so far...

So, with all that said and done, we have the following left to complete:

1x Henrich Kemmler (Vampire Covenant)
1x Mage/Archmage (Highborn Elves)
2x Commander/High Prince (Highborn Elves) - One of which was formerly Annointed of Asuryan
17x Lothern Sea Guard (Highborn Elves)

Not much more to go, with 79 / 100 now complete! See you next time folks.

As always, thanks for supporting and hope you enjoyed!
If you have any questions or want to leave any comments then please feel free to do so!

Lucky-Sixes

Lucky-Sixes Painting Update #3

Hallo there!

Another few sessions of painting gone and I have now completed the shambling horde!

Thats 41 bad-boy zombies completed and officially marks the half way stage of our challenge. Very exciting times :)

So, last time we spoke I left you with what I had finished already. Let's recap shall we...

10x Knights of Ryma (Highborn Elves)
10x Wraiths / Spectral Hunters (Vampire Covenant)

1x Frost Phoenix + Rider (Highborn Elves)
1x Elder Dragon Centaur (Warriors of the Dark Gods)

Now add to that 41 undead zombies that makes 63 / 100 models completed and we are well on our way with 3 weeks still to go!

Anyway, shall we get down to business? Let's take a look...
P.S. Bonus points goes to you if you can spot the deceased pop star that has come back from the dead - courtesy of my wife!

Lucky-Sixes Painting Update #2

Hallo there!

I managed to get another few painting sessions under my belt in the last week and so have completed some more of my long list of unfinished models. Not sure whether I'm making good progress or not, but I feel like I'm taking down the list quite well - at least quicker than I have done before.

Anyway, last time we spoke I had finished the Phoenix & Elder Dragon Centaur, and started on the cavalry models of the Knights of Ryma & Wraiths / Spectral Hunters. This is where we were at:

I have now indeed finished these cavalry units, meaning I have an extra 10 of each to play with in my future battles. So without further-a-do, let's go through the new models in my collection...

Lucky-Sixes' Proxy Painting Challenge

Hallo there!

Lucky-Sixes here, hoping you are all enjoying our blog so far...

The boys keep telling me I am a quick painter, so I wanted to set up a challenge to see if I could live up to this reputation. In the 2 weeks leading up to our first visits to Warhammer World I painted a Vampire Character, Necromancer Character, 10x Skellies and 3x Vampire Spawn - as well as putting 21x Zombies together (although as they weren't painted they don't count!). I was quite happy with this and I'm in the mood for more!

So, as of now I have the following units that I want painted before 2018 starts:

1x Necromancer (Vampire Covenant) - Formerly Henrich Kemmler Model
1x Mage/Archmage (Highborn Elves)
2x Commander/High Prince (Highborn Elves) - One of which formerly Annointed of Asuryan
17x Sea Guard (Highborn Elves)
41x Zombies (Vampire Covenant)
5x Elein Reavers (Highborn Elves)
5x Barrow Knights (Vampire Covenant)
5x Wasteland Knights (Warriors of the Dark Gods)
10x Knights of Ryma (Highborn Elves)
10x Wraiths / Spectral Hunters (Vampire Covenant)
1x Frost Phoenix + Rider (Highborn Elves)
1x Elder Dragon Centaur (Warriors of the Dark Gods)

                                     All the models I have left unfinished - a mountain of Warhammer!

That's 100 models (if you count the rider for the Phoenix lol) in less than 6 weeks!

More than 2 models per day! Having said that, as you can tell from the photo, these are not all from scratch. Most of the models are already assembled and some are half painted.

Looking ahead at painting these, I'm most worried about the cavalry models - I feel they can be a bit of a pain sometimes - especially those Knights of Ryma, which you can see I've already started, got angry because they're very 'pinickity', and then left them to paint something else!

I always enjoy doing characters and monsters, so can't see them taking me too much time, and infantry can be fun - although you sometimes feel like you're on a production line. I will try to post after every session I have, so you can all stay up-to-date with my progress. My honest prediction is that I won't do this, but I'm gonna give it a real good go! So stay posted PTG fans, for this epic adventure we are going on together!

Thanks for your support and hope you enjoy!
Lucky-Sixes

Lucky-Sixes Painting Update #1

Hallo there!
Quick update for the painting challenge...

From the first post I had a HUGE amount of models to paint and it was quite daunting if I'm honest.

So I've had about 3 sessions now for painting, mainly revolved around getting the Knights of Ryma up to a suitable standard (which has taken me FOREVER!) but for the most part I've made some quick progress.

To update you today, I have now completed the Elder Dragon Centaur and the Phoenix. Couldn't help myself with these as they were such good looking models I went straight for the centrepieces!
In the long run this may prove a hindrance as they would've been good to finish on, but ah well what can you do!

So here's the Elder Dragon Centaur in all its glory...

Like I said I really enjoyed painting him, and didn't realise the model's details before getting stuck in!
For example the little creatures on his head are brilliant - good fun, and fantastically moulded to be intertwined with his hair...
It didn't take me too long either, just a couple of coats for the lighter colours, and a single coat for the darker, followed by dry brushing the metal parts and hair then finishing off with some wash.
Pretty happy with how it came out so yeah, all in all a nice model to have!

The Phoenix up next...

An absolutely gorgeous model. I must admit, some of the Games Workshop stuff that's out there is fantastic. Again, another model that took a relatively short time to complete. 3 different blues on the feathers, followed by 2 lots of dry brushing (with a light blue, and a white) finishing off with a blue wash. Lovely! And a very useful tool on the battlefield...
I have not yet tackled the rider, but I may leave that to when I'm doing the characters all together.

Since these pictures, I have actually based up the Centaur and done little bits to my Phoenix base - although I'm still not 100% sure I like it - it feels a little plain. If you guys have any ideas on what I can do then let me know via comments below...

Finally, I have now got my 10x Knights of Ryma up to about 70% finished, and started to assemble my 10x Wraiths / Spectral Hunters so it's all go! They will probably be my next models, then I'll see what tickles my fancy.

Anyway, there we have it, my first update and two of the models down with hopefully my next post getting another 20 or so models finished! We'll see.
So the remaining items to finish before 2018 stands as:

1x Necromancer (Vampire Covenant) - Formerly Henrich Kemmler Model
1x Mage/Archmage (Highborn Elves)
1x Phoenix Rider (Highborn Elves)
2x Commander/High Prince (Highborn Elves) - One of which was formerly Annointed of Asuryan

17x Sea Guard (Highborn Elves)
41x Zombies (Vampire Covenant)

5x Elein Reavers (Highborn Elves)
5x Barrow Knights (Vampire Covenant)
5x Wasteland Knights (Warriors of the Dark Gods)
10x Knights of Ryma (Highborn Elves)
10x Wraiths / Spectral Hunters (Vampire Covenant)

Right that's all for now, so thanks for your support and hope you enjoyed! :)
Lucky-Sixes