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PAINTING LEVELS

PAINTING LEVELS

I have grouped painting methods adequate to achieve a certain painting effects into seven groups called LEVELS.

Some things are impossible to define in set frames. Sometimes these levels overlap each other. Sometimes I use advanced tricks or cheap Wow! Effect to pump the overall impression of a miniature. Please note that these are only indicative examples and does not cover all features used at different painting levels. The best way to make sure that your models will look exactly as you want is to contact me so we can talk it through.


SPECIAL:

These levels are reserved for large, low budget projects.


 

LEVEL 1: “Apprentice”


No glory in that. This is a fast low-level paint job done by an apprentice. I design a color scheme, help to start, supervise then add finishing touches so that everything clicks into place. Quality is low but so does the budget necessary for such a project. The army presents itself legit on the gaming board.
One Primary color made of two layers, Base Colors, Wash Finish with most of the details being skipped. Simple texture covered, Drybrushed bases.


FEATURES:

 

BASING & PREPARATION:

Basic Undercoat,

LAYERS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Primary Colors, (1)

Base Colors,

FINISH & EXTRAS:

Wash/Dip Finish,

 

LEVEL 2: “Cannon Fodder”


This level is reserved for board games and large units of simple miniatures. The colors will have a bit of juice but to put opponents in state of jealousy on a grand event should not be expected. The army will look battle-ready and earn some Tournament points for visual coherency, while a board game will definitely allow you and your friends to have an immersive gaming experience.
Up to two Primary Colors made of two layers each, Base Colors, Base Higlights, Wash Finish with some of the details being skipped. Standard texture covered, Drybrushed bases with some additions (stones, static grass etc.).
Extra features and higher level detail possible depending on budget.


FEATURES:

 

BASING & PREPARATION:

Model Preparation,
(not for Board Games),

Basic Undercoat,

LAYERS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Primary Colors (2)

Basic Highlights, (1 layer)

FINISH & EXTRAS:

Wash/Dip Finish,

STANDARD:

These are my standard painting levels for miniatures wargames.


 

LEVEL 3: “Fast & Furious”

Fully painted and battle ready. Especially effective with line models in large armies. All details are in place, colors have enough juice and there’s a Wow! Effect when you stand above the game board and look at your units altogether.
Two to three Primary Colors, two to three layers of Highlights including Washes. Key points of a miniature are being extra cared for. Standard sand covered, Drybrushed bases with some additions (stones, static grass etc.).


FEATURES:

 

BASING & PREPARATION:

Model Preparation,

Allows Standard Basing,

Standard Undercoat, (GW spray / Airbrush)

LAYERS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Simple Color Scheme,

Primary Colors, (2-3)

Medium Highlights, (2-3 layers)

FINISH & EXTRAS:

Wash Finish,

Cheap Wow! Effect

 

LEVEL 4 “Chrome & Shiny”

Good for champions, veteran units and line models for Skirmish Games. Each individual model is worth stealing a glance or two. Colors are strong, highlights smooth and there’s additional lined contrast. Here and there you can see some Object Source Lighting.
At least three Primary Colors, two to four layers of Highlights including Washes, one or two layers of Lining. No details being skipped. Key points of a miniature are being extra cared for. Basic Object Source Lighting. If possible, the miniature pose and arrangement is dynamic and anatomically correct. Advanced bases with different layers of height and visually appealing additions (large stones, gear fragments, snow, etc.).


FEATURES:

 

BASING & PREPARATION:

Model Preparation,

Allows Dynamic Pose,

Allows Advanced Basing,

Standard Undercoat, (GW Primer / Airbrush)

LAYERS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Primary Colors, (3+)

Advanced Highlights, (2-4 layers)

Basic Lining, (1-2 layers)

FINISH & EXTRAS:

Basic OSL,

Wow! Effect,

 

LEVEL 5 “Witness Me!”

Recommended for army generals and important models for Skirmish Games. Each individual model will tempt to take a closer look at the paint job.
At least three Primary Colors, three or more layers of Highlights including Washes, two or more layers of Lining. No details being skipped. Key points of a miniature are being EXTRA cared for. Advanced Object Source Lighting. Basic Freehands. If possible, the miniature pose and arrangement is dynamic and anatomically correct. Advanced bases with different layers of height and visually appealing additions (large stones, gear fragments, snow, etc.).


FEATURES:

 

BASING & PREPARATION:

Model Preparation,

Allows Dynamic Pose,

Allows Advanced Basing,

Standard Undercoat, (GW Primer / Airbrush)

LAYERS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Primary Colors, (3+)

Advanced Highlights, (3+ layers)

Advanced Lining, (2+ layers)

Points of Focus,

FINISH & EXTRAS:

Advanced OSL,

Basic Freehands,

Stands Out! Effect,

SPECIAL:

These levels are reserved for high end projects, display pieces and custom centerpieces.


 

 

LEVEL 6: “Nerf This!”

Level 6 ‘Nerf This!” is where all visual tricks are allowed. This level is designed to please the eye, regardless of the environment the miniature occupies, be it on a gaming board or in the confines of a showcase.
On top of all colors being treated as Primary Colors, which includes all the options from previous level, all main points on a miniature are being EXTRA cared for. While Blending smothers transitions between layers, Recess Lining ensures that important details are nicely underlined. If possible, the miniature pose and arrangement is dynamic and anatomically correct. Advanced bases with different layers of height and visually appealing additions (large stones, gear fragments, snow, etc.).


FEATURES:

 

– More Work in Progress pictures and consultations,

BASING & PREPARATION:

Model Preparation,

Allows Dynamic & Epic Pose,

Allows Advanced Basing or Diorama,

Standard Undercoat, (GW Primer / Airbrush)

LAYERS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Primary Colors, (all)

Advanced Highlights, (3+ layers)

Advanced Lining, (3+ layers)

Recess Lining,

Blending,

Points of Focus,

FINISH & EXTRAS:

Advanced OSL,

Freehands,

NMM, (Non Metallic Metal)

Stands Out! Effect,

 

LEVEL 7: “The Endgame”

I unleash my full potential and give your miniature true love it deserves. Will reserve sufficient time just for that particular miniature. The goal of this level is to aim high and use a variety of techniques regardless of how challenging they are. In some cases I will paint step-by-step with advanced tutorials and consult other painters for the effect to be epic.


FEATURES:


– A lot of Work in Progress pictures and consultations, (as much as you like)
– Literally anything I am capable of,

BASING & PREPARATION:

Model Preparation,

Allows Dynamic & Epic Pose,

Allows Advanced Basing or Diorama,

Standard Undercoat, (GW Primer / Airbrush)

LAYERS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Primary Colors, (all)

Advanced Highlights, (as much as required)

Advanced Lining, (as much as required)

Recess Lining,

Advanced Blending,

Points of Focus,

FINISH & EXTRAS:

Weathering,

Advanced OSL,

Freehands,

NMM, (Non Metallic Metal)

Stands Out! Effect,