Mousekillers Works in Progress

[Mousekiller]

This is the thread I will keep all of my various works in progress at! Please critique!







Link to MOUSEKILLER ARMIES:

Works in Progress

ARMIES OF DEATH:
Vampire Counts

NEUTRAL ARMIES:
Dwarven Throng

ARMIES OF CHAOS:
Mortals of Chaos
Daemons of Chaos

ARMIES OF DESTRUCTION:
Orcs and Goblins
Ogre Kingdoms

ARMIES OF ORDER:
Empire

[Amboadine]

Great treeman. Have always liked that model.

[Mousekiller]

So, this past week (ok ok, TWO weeks), I have been working up Dwarfs again. The first that need to get done are the shooters, so the front three are pretty close (still need the leather bits, metal bits, and accessories done), and the back three are just base coated. These 6 will round out the unit to 16, which is a pretty nice number to balance the 16 crossbows that I already have. Also, Kragg the Grimm got some love. I thought I was getting close with his beard, but from the picture it looks like it needs a lot more contrast. Other than that, the entire model still has a LONG way to go. The stone thrower and crew got a base and a primer coat, as did the Chaos Dwarf Bull Centaur.






Any thoughts or comments welcome!

Up next:

Beasts
Orcs and Goblins
Ogres/Bretonnia
Warriors/Demons
Skavens/Lizards
Empire
Tomb Kings/Vamps
Elves

Amboadine: Definitely one of my favorite treeman models, besides mossbeard from Reaper miniatures!

[Amboadine]

Classic Dwarfs, I remember painting them when they first came out.

[T.D.]

The shooty guys and the Anvil are still looking excellent, even after all these years!

Nice paintjob on classic minis

[Mousekiller]

So, I suppose that I can just pretend like I have not been gone for almost a year... Will anyone notice if I just pick up where I left off?

Sorry guys! I have been busy this year though. I got married, am having my first baby, and switched to a new job. That is no excuse, I know! I have still painted a little... not nearly as much as I should have.

Also, I am really upset with Games Workshop... I don't really care what they do with the game style but if you recall, I base all of my paintings on the story and world that they had created! Now they have completely destroyed that world. So, if it is perfectly fine with you all, I will stay in the world that was!

That being said, I do like that they divide the armies into force types now (sort of like the old alignment system), so when I do my WIP updates I will do them in the following five categories:

Neutral - Lizards, Dwarfs, Wood Elves
Order - Empire, Bretonnia, High Elves
Chaos - Beasts, Demons, Warriors of Chaos
Death - Tomb Kings, Vampire Counts, Dark Elves
Destruction - Orcs and Goblins, Ogres, Skaven

I don't think that I forgot anyone, but if I did than I will add them into the appropriate category.

So, to kick it off again, we will hit up a Neutral update. Mostly, I have been working on Dwarfs. Lots of Dwarfs. I finished a catapult and some reinforcements for the hand gunners, so I will post those updates against the Dwarf Army thread in the near future. I also finished a little work on the treeman, who will be the initial center piece of the wood elf army and a good way to get them started. Other than the original skink, I haven't really dabbled with the Lizards, but I need to get something start that I am motivated to finish soon.

Started these old GW miniatures, originally dubbed as Bugmans Rangers. I have 17 of them total, so I will have to dig through my Reaper bits to find some appropriately sized companions to round us out to 20. The first is pretty much done, need to add snow and do another blue highlight. The second is close, have to finish his shield (not in the picture), the leather bits, and the metal parts. Of course the third only has a base of blue on it, and the fourth has a layer of primer that was applied almost 10 years ago.



The next is the forge. This was a repaint, from long ago. I have worked up the wheels on one side, the warriors in the front. Lots more to do on this one. It is in a few pieces right now, which is why some of it may look tilted (the carriage, the anvil, the two warriors, and the hero on top.



Also started this Hero. Have to work the metal, a bit more on the blue cape I think (it seems like it needs some sort of flair, suggestions??), and some pouches and other little things.




Then we have some Dwarfs from the Mantic range. I think they are going to fit in well. Side by side they are less robust and a little taller (especially against classic GW and some Reaper minis), but as a unit they will be fine.



And I have a unit of 10 pig riders from the Dwarf Wars range by Westfall Miniatures. I have wanted to paint these for quite some time, but since there was no room for them in the armies of old Warhammer I waited. Thanks again GW for giving me complete artistic freedom to change the old world into whatever I want! The blue and white on the cheeks and the striped pants were afterthoughts, so I am still working them up. Need to finish the blue highlights on these, plus the metal bits, wood bits, and leather bits.




Finally, the treeman for the Wood Elf army. I have, for the most part, finished his back side. Started on the front, but if you see the back that is how the front will end up. Debating on adding foliage or not...




I have done work on a bunch of other things, but I will update them in the perspective week. For me, the story is as important as the painting, it really gives life to my miniatures as I add color to them.

If anyone is interested as to why these three races will be neutral: The Dwarfs will fight for gold, but for the most part prefer to stay within the mountain holds and not involve themselves in mankinds business. Lizards, although the Slann are majestic creatures, I feel govern much the same way - sticking to themselves. And Wood Elves, unlike the High Elves, retreated to the forests to get away from the world. So, to me, these three races represent the races who, if left to their own devices, would not bother the world one bit but if pulled into conflict will fight to the bitter end.

Anyway, next week we will update the armies of Order! Until then my friends, and I am happy to be back!

MK

[Amboadine]

Nice to see the Plog back up and running and congratulations on a busy year.

Some nice models, haven't seen the war pigs before. Looking forward to hopefully more regular updates

[Sabious]

Welcome back! Great pics!

[Mousekiller]

This week brings us to:

Order - Empire, Bretonnia, High Elves

And up next:

Chaos - Beasts, Demons, Warriors of Chaos, Chaos Dwarfs
Death - Tomb Kings, Vampire Counts, Dark Elves
Destruction - Orcs and Goblins, Ogres, Skaven
Neutral - Lizards, Dwarfs, Wood Elves


So, this week I pulled out the old WIPs from the Order armies and started working. First up, we have Prince Imrik and his faithful dragon. This will be the first dragon I have ever painted. So far, he is pretty much covered in basecoat to define the color direction I want to go in, with the exception that I worked the red up just a little bit. Does anyone know a company that still sells larger square bases? I would like to put him on a 60mm by 100mm. I will have to sink the base he is on now into the new base scenery somehow, because he is solidly connected! I tried prying him off and the feet broke in three places.



Next up, I am still not quite happy with my High Elf test model. Would red be a better color than blue for the sash? Also, I changed the tint of the white from a gray to a more blue undertone. Need to bring the greens out some. Other thoughts? I want to have this test model done before the next order update.



On to the Empire! The forces of Sigmar are getting lots of reinforcements. First, the Warrior Priest I have been working on for a while. I added a twin tailed comet to his shirt, need to work that up. Thinking of adding a black one to the underside of the cape as well. Have to add some script to the open pages of the book, then everything needs more highlights! This is a Reaper Warlord model, anyone remember the name of it?



Wizards! I have two from about two years ago that never got finished. They are not far off, except a few things I want to change now. On the Heaven wizard, he just needs some shading and highlighting all around. I am pretty happy with the colors unless you have suggestions. The fire wizard though... I think that his pants and shirt need to be darker, like black and the outer robes need to be a darker red color. Right now he is just too bright! The flames will be bright, his clothes shouldn't be glowing. Thoughts?



The Mortar. This is really close to done. Worked up the metal bits, but I just need to finish the little details on the crew and highlight the red a little more, then do something fancy to the base. I should have this wrapped up before the next Order update. Suggestions?



The Knights Panther. Worked on knight 4. Did the hatch work of the blue and highlighted the armour a bit. Need to finish the cape, base, and some small details and we will have four of these guys done. Oh, and fish out a shield for him. Then only 5 more to go, should have them all done in no less than 5 or 6 years.



Flagellants. These are new old editions to the paint table. I had painted two as test models a long time ago (like 10 years or so), back when I still used gloss coat to protect them! Anyway, they are getting a redo. Worked up the robes, still needs a wash and some highlighting on them. The plan with the robes is to paint them all with the same brown tones, but vary the wash color between browns and reds to give them a uniform yet varied look. All the rest is just base coat so far. Thoughts?



And finally, the forces of the Lady. These knights... I feel like the knights themselves should come across as bright (which is not the way I normally paint), so that is what I am going for with the colors. I need to do something completely different with the shield emblems... maybe use horizontal stripes?



Well, time to pull out the forces of Chaos for next weeks update, see you then.

MK


Amboadine: Thanks, we are very excited to have our first! I am now 2 for 2 weeks, so its a good start.

Sabious: Thanks!

[Amboadine]

Great update again. A nice mix of minis there.

[Mousekiller]

Across the horizon the combine armies of the Empire stared, into the face of absolute evil. The forces of Chaos were on the march once more, a massed horde of corruption the likes of which had never been seen. Chaos reigns again...

And so, this week brings us to the forces of Chaos. Also, take a look at the pics, I changed the background to a blue from the grey I was using, trying to get clearer pictures. What do you guys think?

So, I finally finished the third rank of Marauders. These took way too long, hopefully the final rank doesn't take nearly as long! Any comments on them? Once I find where I stashed the last five I will get them primed and ready to go.



Ogres of Chaos! This guy is getting close to being done. I rusted him up a little, but the areas that still need to be done is: the second ogre head neck... completely missed it when I painted the skin. Leather bits need to be done. Bone bits need to be worked up. That should just about do it besides a final highlight on the metal bits, and some scarring on the mace.



Demons! This guy is coming along nicely I think. I want to be able to do more to bring out his face though, any suggestions? It should still come off as red but something to help distinguish it?



Beasts of Chaos! Worked up two more beasts, and they are not far from done. I need to separate the skull staff from the horns and hair a little... maybe a blood rune or something. I think the reaper beasts will fit right in with the unit as well! Thoughts?



Started this guy from scratch this week, trying to work out exactly what type of skin color I want. I did the belly and soft spots in normal skin tones, and the back and rougher spots in browns, but I think I want a more reddish skin tone in the middle, and a darker skin tone on the back? The metal bits are just a base coat.



Chaos Dwarfs! I love where Mantic is going with there models, but the models themselves still have a lot to be desired compared to the detail that you get with newer models today. That being said, painting them reminds me of painting older Reaper and GW models, so its a bit nostalgic. The detail in the armour is just hard to make out. Right now I am just trying to flesh out a color scheme for this guy... I am thinking golds, silvers, red outlines, and a darker color for the boar body? What do you guys think?



Next week will bring us to the forces of Death!


Amboadine: 3 for 3 now! We are on a roll!

[Amboadine]

4 for 4 then next

Chaos minis look great, especially the beasts.
That is the first time I have seen a close up picture of the Mantic Abyssal Dwarf centaur models.
You are right, the detail is a little lacking, I was painting another companies models yesterday and having the same issue. (Pictures on my plog shortly). Darker body should work though, although I think the whole scheme should look quite muted.

[Mousekiller]

In the heat of the desert, a warm wind blows across the sands. A place that reeks of ancient empire, and carries the silence of death with it...

This week brings us to the armies of death, the Tomb Kings, Vampire Counts, and Dark Elves. I had considered the Dark Elves for the armies of Chaos, but I think that their sacrificial activities aligns them closer to death and bathing in the blood of the defeated.

TOMB KINGS:
This is Reaper Miniatures Warlord Model 14236 Neb'nesew Nefsokar Warlord. An absolutely beautiful model that will represent the start of the Tomb King army well. Sculpted by Tim Prow. He still has quite a ways to go until completion, but I like the colors so far. No significant questions right now, but any comments or suggestions are always useful!





This miniature is from Reaper Miniatures Dark Heaven Legends model 02911: Colossal Skeleton sculpted by Jason Wiebe. I considered pushing through and just finishing him, but on my second thought I wanted to get some advice first. The glow effect to me is not completely convincing... from the eyes, mouth, and undercarriage of the ribs. How can I make this look better? Any tips would be helpful. For the desert base, I am going to highlight up to a nice sand color, but I am thinking red toned rocks? I also have to paint the ropes that are wrapped around the upper arm. What else do you think can be done to help bring this mini to another level?





These are models from the 6th edition Games Workshop Tomb Kings. Not sure who sculpted them, if anyone knows please let me know. So far they just have a basecoat on the bones and the blue bits done up. Not sure on the shields... obviously I haven't weathered them yet, but I am thinking of making them red instead?



VAMPIRE COUNTS:

This is Reaper Dark Heavens 02449 Callus Darklore, Necromancer. What do you think of the colors? Are they working together? Do the runes on the front of the robe pop enough? I need to add some script to the scroll. What else would you do to make him pop more?





These are 8th edition (I think) or maybe 7th Games Workshop Skeleton Warriors. If anyone can confirm this, and who sculpted them? I threw the box away a while ago. The first three are pretty close to done, need to bring the red out a little more and another highlight on the bone, some more rust work. The last two just have some base coloring on the bones.



DARK ELVES:

This is the Games Workshop Dark Elf Sorceress, fairly certain she is 5th edition, maybe 6th. Again, if anyone knows the sculptor or can verify the edition? Still working out the colors on her, I think I like the gold trim, and the purple, and the red... but I think I need to give up one of the colors to incorporate Green into the model. I plan to have some of that really nice looking green marble that I have seen done in other armies. I could always do the skull in green, but I would need to accentuate the green in other parts of the model to make it work. Maybe replace the red armor bits with green? Is that too many colors? Also, I need to work up some make up on her face, if anyone has good experiences with this?



I also primed some DE Crossbows as well, but didn't think some them worth the picture without any paint on them at all. Next update I will start working them up.

Till next week! Destruction will reign with Orcs and Goblins, Ogres, and Skaven!!!


Amboadine: 4 for 4 it is! With Mantic, it is more than just the Chaos Dwarf models, the Dwarf ones I am painting have similar issues. But I have heard people say that they are getting better, so we will see. Either way, compared to GW prices they are a steal.

[Amboadine]

Yep, the newer Mantic models are a lot better. Still not as sharp as some manufacturers but a good step forward in quality.

[Mousekiller]

Across the fractured mountains they came, and from the darkest caverns and deepest tunnels! It was carnage and death to step in the path of the hordes of destruction...

So, this week brings us to the Forces of Destruction: Orcs and Goblins, Ogres, and Skaven.

First up, Orcs and Goblins:

I started this guy quite some time ago, and have never really been happy with how he is turning out. I didn't do a lot to him this week, but I went back through and started to re-evaluate the skin, adding some more tones and highlights to it. In addition, I blackened out some tattoos that I think will be appropriate. Probably need one more on his upper back as well. Please be very critical with him... areas I am particularly not happy with are the face, the scales on his arm, and a few other spots.

Manufacturer: Games Workshop 7th edition
Sculptor: Brian Nelson



Now that I am introducing Orcs to the predominantly goblin army, they will need a suitable leader. Thus I bring you, Borgut Facebeater. Who better than Grimgors Ironhides second in command for this?
Thus far, have really just base coated him, but you should be able to see the direction I am planning to go with him! Never too early for suggestions.

Manufacturer: Games Workshop 6th Edition
Sculptor: Colin Grayson



These guys are pretty run of the mill orcs, each carrying two separate hand weapons. I am going to have to lop of the hands and arms and replace a lot of the weapons to get rid of how uniform they are going to look if I don't (I have about 30 of them). But, with a little converting I think we should get some proper disorganization. Anyway, you can see by these three I am still trying to work out how I want them to look. The highlights all need to come up some, but the one with the checkers is the closest to finished and the one I am leaning towards using as a guide for the rest. Big question is do I change the colors of the tops/pants as you can see with these three? Are the checkers working? I added some to his back also, just feel like they are too clean for an Orc.

Manufactured: Games Workshop 6th edition
Sculptor: Unknown. If anyone knows let me know, thanks. These were the ones that came in one of the WH kickstarter sets (maybe the one for 6th edition).



This one is nearly complete, just a bit of highlighting and small details to go to call him done. Last minute critiques? Be very critical please. Also, I don't remember who manufactured or sculpted him, so any help with that would be great.

Manufacturer: Unknown
Sculptor: Unknown



I have to say, I am very happy with this one. Mostly because it is the first miniature, in a long time, that I have completely started and finished in less than a week. And he was a lot of fun to paint! Anyway, we have 9 more to go (2o, but I plan to convert the other 10 into night goblin spider riders). If you have any critiques please let me know! Also, if there is interest in me doing a tutorial on painting him start to finish I would be happy to do that, just let me know if there is interest.

Manufacturer: Games workshop 7th edition
Sculptor: Brian Nelson and Dave Thomas




SKAVEN:

I love this model, but there is just soooooo much going on with it. First, after the last three moves since I started painting him, the base that I created started to crumble. It was made with standard air dry clay... so, I went in with some elmers glue and to help keep it together. Hopefully this works. Anyway, painting wise, I am still not happy with my "blood and gore" effect. I feel like I am missing a critical color that would really set it off, just can't put my finger on it.

Manufacturer: Forge World
Sculptor: Unknown.



Ok, I think I finally figured out how I want to do these guys. Please be very critical with comments since I am calling him done but still have the rest of the unit to paint!



OGRE KINGDOMS:

Ok, these are the first two of about 8 of these. Still working the weathering and basing, and lots of little details. Really want to get them finished so I can work on something with a bit more character... not that these don't have character, but they are the same sculpt over and over again. Bring on the critiques!

Manufacturer: Games Workshop 6th edition
Sculptor: Alex Hedstrom




So, this ends this week. Overall I think it was pretty productive. Next week we will be back to the Neutral armies!

Amboadine: I will have to invest in some of there newer stuff!

[Amboadine]

Some good looking spiders there.

[cultofkhaine]

Yes nice spiders.

You seem to get through these fairly quickly - how long does it take to paint a typical mini? how many hours a day are you painting?

[Mousekiller]

Amboadine: Thanks, I was pretty happy with this guy, and it is not that often where I am able to say that!

CultofKhaine: Lately, I have had much more time than I normally do. A lot of these projects are pick ups from where I left off last year, but I would say that I spend about an hour or two in the evenings, roughly four days a week. A little more time on the weekend, so maybe 12 or so hours per week total.