Serleran's Miniature -- Mock and Help

[serleran]

Ok, so I have taken some pictures of the only miniature I have ever painted, and would like to get some feedback as to what I can do to make it better, should I ever paint another. I decided to not customize the figure (that is, chop stuff out) because I did not feel skilled enough. So, without ado further, please mock and give advice. If you've got any questions as to what I used, well... honestly, I can't tell you. All I know is the paint and primer (black) was from Reaper and I mixed some colors together, and I used a #000 brush.

Thanks!

[Arioch]

Looks nice to me, and I really like th detail on the base. As for modifying miniatures, the only cure for a fear of a lack of skill is practice, practice, practice. The same with painting them with each miniature you will often find it get easier, and you will pick up little trick to make it look better.

Ken
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[PeelSeel2]

Looks good to me. I have painted about 10 miniatures in my life and never came close to that quality.
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[Tadhg]

Looks real good. The metal shines, so to me, I think you've got it!
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[Combat_Kyle]

Looks pretty good to me, the only suggestion I might make is to add a wash. I.E. mix about 2 parts water to one part paint (typically a brown color). Brush this mixture over your whole mini and the liquid will sink into the crevices, when it dries it will leave small paint depositis in the creases and such giving the mini a ruddy and 3D pait job. It helps most minis with a dark color sceme like yours stand out more. Also for durability I would get some kind of clear coat spray like Testors Dull Coate that will keep paint from chipping off if the mini falls over and such.
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[Catweazle]

It's a good paint job, much better than my first attempt. All I think it needs is a bit of shading.

A wash will bring out the crevices and folds in the miniature and really animate it. A general wash in aneutral dark colour is one way to do it, but if you're OK for time try to use individual shading washes for different regions. A black wash will really make mail look the part, and a dark brown wash will make it look a bit rusty. For cloth, leather, flesh, fur and the like, be sure to use deeper rather than darker tones, to keep the vibrancy of the original colours.

Of course, this will darken the miniature overall, so try out a few highlights. Honestly, they're not scary at all. Some people like "drybrushing", where you take a lighter shade, wipe off the brush with a dry tissue or cloth, and then with crosswise motions brush over the raised areas. A little pigment is still in the brush, and this will create a highlight. However, it's absolute murder on brushes. I like to take a brush with a good fine tip, and just paint gently over the highlight. Good grip and steady hand are a must for this bit, so rest your elbows on the table or similar and you'll be fine.

I started wityh enamels, Humbrol ones, but acrylics are definitely easier on the sinuses and the brushes. Metallics should be built up with two or more layers over a black base coat to really bring them out; enamels are still by far the best for metallics, but acrylics are getting there slowly.

I generally use just a 0 brush for a 25mm figure, with a 00 for things like eyes and picking out little buckles and such. Keep a good point on your brush, rinse it well after every use and always store it bristles-up (try to keep the little plastic cover if you can, it'll help), and it's all you need.
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[angelius]

I would suggest sticking that mini to a circular inch base in order to be able to base it better. Other than that its not bad at all.
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