I feel like I’ve been working on this model for a year but really it’s been six weeks. Six weeks is far longer than I normally spend on a single model. I went into painting this model knowing it would be slow and using it as a platform to learn some new techniques and to just become a better painter.
You’d think after so long working on a model that it would be a work of art; it’s not.
Rarely is it that the first time you try new techniques that you nail it. However, I did learn a lot in working on the Helbrute, and regardless of the end result, that’s important for me.
So, while this is no masterpiece, it was a great learning experience, and ultimately that’s what I enjoy the most, learning.
A quick note on these shots. You’ll notice some glare, that’s the sealer – mostly noticeable on the last shot. Long story short, it’s not as dull as usual – my fault.
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I spent a few days debating whether or not to hit it up with Testor’s Dullcote, it was sealed with Krylon, but ultimately decided to let it go for fear of making matters worse.
One of the hardest things to learn sometimes is when to accept something for what it is and move on and when to tinker. I put a lot of time and effort into this model and it’s just time to move on and accept the flaws.
I do think going forward though that I’m going to use Testor’s Dullcote exclusively and not just as a fix for mistakes, as I use it now.
Helbrute Gallery
Painting Thoughts
All things considered, I’m happy with this model. I have mistakes in there, and things I could have done better, but I learned a lot. I think next time I want to learn some new techniques that I should choose a smaller model to do it and one that’s simpler in appearance.
I love painting miniatures and teaching people how to paint. I also really love blogging, so I've combined those two passions here.
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Very nice!
Since he took you six weeks to paint, you could name him Hexakis, Sextant of Twilight. Hexakis is just a Greek prefix for multiples of six, and Sextant is obviously a navigation and measuring device (named such because it is 1/6th of a full circle). Perhaps the Marine inside was once a leader or mystic who scryed the Warp to determine the direction of the warband and its actions.
Thanks!
Rob at 39,999 had a similar suggestion, though a bit more blatant with the name, same idea though. You guys may be on to something…
It looks Great Thor, but everybody knows that a model isn’t finished until you name it ;-)
Thank you.
I usually name my models after I play with them for a while and I get a sense of what they do, or there’s some notable performance in a game. Unfortunately this one hasn’t seen a ton of action, thus the lack of name. He’ll get one…soon…
Looks great Thor. I like the purple spot colour on the tentacles especially. Really draws the eye. I have enjoyed watching this model progress, and the end result is very cool.
I use testors dullcoat exclusively now. I used to matt varnish by hand, but I got so many varied results (some shiny, some very flat) that I migrated over to testors, and have not looked back since. I always gloss by hand and then go over with the dullcoat.
Thanks.
I wanted the tentacles to stand out, but not too much, and I think the purple was a good call there. It was a fun model to paint but I’m glad I’m done with it too.
Yeah, think it’s time to switch to Dullcote. I’ve had really good luck with Krylon and still recommend it. The glare I have on there now isn’t all that bad. These shots of course really make it stand out with so much light on it. However, if there’s a product with even less shine on the matte finish then why not use it?
Truely a showcase piece. I love the colors. The horns really draw the eye in, and just pop brilliantly because of the blue/black directly behind them. Really well done Thor!
Thank you!
The colors are fantastic! I Really like the contrast with the red skin and the bones. Well done.
Greatly appreciated. Fun models like this can be inspiring to paint. I’m glad I did it justice.
Great job, Thor! The color choices are good and I really like how the metallics came out. Another nice addition to your army!
Thanks.
I found the areas I did in metallics were more subtle in technique than I thought at first. There’s only a few areas where you can really notice the TMM technique, like the claw fingers. The other areas had smoother shifts in light that didn’t really justify hard transitions. Still, I learned a few things in doing it that will help out going forward.
I have to admit, I didn’t care for the red flesh choice with your black and blue color scheme at first. But it turned out fantastic!
Thank you.
Hell, I get skeptical too at times. You have a vision and know it will look good if only the painting can deliver on the vision; not always an easy task. For a while I wasn’t sure about it either but once it was all done it came together.
How do you do your horns. They don’t look hyper-complex but still look good and believable and my guys are friggin bristling with horns and spikes. Gah.
I just posted on your blog one method I use. This is a varied approach to that. What I did, step by step:
1) Paint bone color.
2) Heavy sepia wash.
3) Wet blend bone color starting at the points and working towards the base.
4) Wet blend white, again starting at the top and working down.
Also, by wet blending I don’t necessarily mean the all-time-consuming version either. For quick blends like that I just make sure my brush is still damp when I get paint on it. I ensure it’s not overloaded with paint and then start at the point I want the color the thickest, the points, and quickly brush it down towards the base where it will blend out. It looks good for tabletop but isn’t a perfect seamless blend either.
It takes some practice to get the right dampness on the brush and to work the color down but once you get it then it’s pretty quick and easy.
If I find my blends aren’t subtle enough then I’ll do a thin wash over it all and let the wash blend in the colors.
I’ll have to try it.