A new direction
For the subject of this post I wanted to talk a little bit about this blog, how it's been going and my rough plan for the foreseeable future, so bear with me...
As regular followers will know, I've been writing this blog for nearly 6 months now. Although thats not very long at all compared to many of my esteemed peers in the blogosphere, 6 months seems like a good amount of time to step back, have a little review and evaluate what I can do to keep things fresh and interesting for readers (and me!).
When I ask myself what I've enjoyed about coming back to this hobby my answer tends to focus around the new things I've learned and the things that I want to learn about. Specifically I guess I've really enjoyed learning about airbrushing with all of the fun and frustration, in roughly equal measures, that aspect of painting has brought me.
I remember before I got my first airbrush it all seemed very technical and intimidating and although I've swept away most of that fear factor I still feel that there's loads more to explore and learn about on this subject. I don't think it's a coincidence that my posts concerning airbrushing at some level have also generated some of the highest page views this blog has received, so you guys obviously want to know more about it too.
Vehicles (mostly)
With that in mind I also asked myself what I really enjoyed painting and the answer to that is simple. It's the model vehicles. This is the area where I have the most fun and where I feel I have the most potential to get a great result. It also happens to be the niche in which I will get most practise with airbrushing beyond a simple basecoat or zenithal highlight.
So from this point onwards, the unrealistic artist blog, will focus primarily on war-games vehicles and larger (say, dreadnought sized) models. Although not as broad as miniature figures, there's a wealth of choice in 28mm, including 40K, Dust Warfare, and Bolt Action. Forge World alone could keep me very busy!
I'd also occasionally like to look at the smaller scales like Flames of War, Dystopian Wars and the forthcoming Dropzone Commander, as the models for all those game systems are very attractive.
Schedule
My primary aim is to post once a week with an updated WIP of whatever I'm working on. This will include a 'step-by-step' and plenty of photos. My secondary aim is to complete 2 models per month, although this may vary up or down, depending on the size and complexity of the project. As a kind of tertiary aim, or wild card, I'd also like to look at building dioramas as that's something I've wanted to do since I was a young'un!
So that's it! Decision made! I hope you'll stick with me as I explore this 'niche within a niche' and that you'll enjoy seeing the blog go from strength to strength. With the change of direction, I've also re-decorated the blog a bit so it feels a little fresher too! Please let me know what you think about the new course setting of the blog in the comments and I very much look forward to hearing from you.
Pictures of my latest project
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. I know it's probably not the most interesting thing, particularly if you're looking for interesting posts on wargaming and painting. However, I thought it was important to lay a bit of a foundation before I start the next iteration of my little corner of the t'interweb.
Anyway, enough talking! I'll leave you with some pics of my latest project, an Ork Bommer. More pics and a 'step-by-step' in my next post. See you next time.
the unrealistic artist
The pre-shading really does make a difference, particuarlly with the light colour of yellow! Looking good so far!
ReplyDeleteCan I ask if you just use "regular" masking tape or is it some special type stuff??
Cheers oink, good question. The masking tape is Tamiya tape, specifically designed for modelling so it doesn't tear off your paintwork!
DeleteI've never tried preshading. Looks great. Do you have to thin your base coat more to let the preshading come through?
ReplyDeleteHi Zab, thanks for your comments. That's a good question too. I do tend to thin my base coat and also go in at a lower pressure too. I end up doing more coats but hopefully achieving a smoother finish. Also in this case the yellow base coat 'really' showed up the pre-shading at first until I was able to get more coats on.
DeleteLooking good, mate! I'm a huge fan of the new Ork flyer kit - it's a lot of fun to build, as well as to paint. Looking forward to seeing it come together!
ReplyDeleteCheers Mordian, I totally agree, the kit is a joy to build. It all fit together so beautifully that it kind of re-instilled a bit of faith in GW for me, it was that good. On the painting side, you'll see in my next post, I've gone for a 'very' weathered look which has been great fun too.
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