My first attempts at painting minis

[Tomkat364]

Since finding this site I've been stunned by some of the beautiful minis you guys have painted. I was inspired to start painting as well. So I'm posting my first attempts looking for some harsh but constructive criticism. I think I've progressed significantly and am looking forward to starting on my standard HQ minis soon.

My first mini... I think it looks better in real life (I know everyone says that) but the different blues didn't really pick up too well. Also, this figure has a deformed face, not sure if it was the sculpt or the Bones material, but she looks half inbred.


My second mini... Also has a meessed up face sculpt, and not entirely happy with this one. Need to find a true female barbarian mini...


My third mini... Getting better. This one is definitely better in real life as well, with less of a washed out face and more contrast between the greens. Still, happy with the result.


My latest mini... This is my favorite and I'm very proud of how she turned out. I like the color combinations and the facial sculpt is finally to my liking.


So, what do the experts think????

[StratosVX]

We'll I'm definitely not an expert but I think they look pretty good. Especially being the first ones you've done. Plenty of people here can give you tips to make them look even better.

[knightkrawler]

There is no need for harsh criticism at all.
You're making progress from mini to mini, and you see that yourself. Moreover, you can name the things you progress in, which a painter should be able to. The Dwarf is already at a standard I wouldn't change a thing about. It's at the very least the famed 'tabletop standard', but I would put it in my showcase. It's that special mini you're first really satisfied with and reminds you later where you came from- And because of your clean brushstroke and your color choice it looks very very good. The red tunic looks like real red leather. I don't know of course if you aimed for leather, but there you go.
And the eyes are incredible.

The third mini also looks very good. You don't have to hide behind anyone. Her hair could take some shades and highlights to really shine like light blonde. I wouldn't change anything about the rest of the mini. The skirt and shirt have some wonderful colors with just the right shading and highlighting, both very soft and thus suiting the mini in style.
The eyes might just be a little too light. If you re-work them, start with a black dot, make a white dot over it, leaving a tiny black rim. Might just be me interpreting too much into the actual photo.

The second mini can take two to three highlight layers on the armor (knightish, silverish in overall look), the green can use another highlight. I agree that the face sculpt is a botch, and it happens a lot with Reaper minis. That - among others - is one reason why you can hunt me with Reaper Bones human or elf figures.

The first mini already shows your fine and controlled brushstroke. Use that to your advantage. If you rework this one, use the cloth to practise highlighting and shading close together. I think this one will already improve if you just lighten up the browns considerably, because that contrast looks too stark with the hair and the dress both being cool-whiteish.

I hopw you can take my criticism, because I started only 9 months ago myself. I do however have taste and won't avoid sharing it, especially if I like painted figures.
Keep at it, you'Re definitely on your way. You're making very fast progress into the right direction.

[Sjeng]

you painted eyes! EYES! SO WELL!!! first attempt... I should stop painting. *cries in a corner*

[slev]

Very, very good for a beginner, and very quick progress in learning!

I'd suggest going back & re-painting the faces on the first three now you know what you are doing. These are the focal point of a mini, and is the face is well painted, it forgives a multitude of sins.

You have the basics down. Time to practice, practice, practice. Then you can start picking up more advanced methods and techniques.

[Ragnar IronFist]

Very nice! I've painted lots of minis. ...aaand I'm pretty sure yours are better!

[Count Von Bruno]

The last one (the female Dwarf) is really very good, no bull.

In general, painting eyebrows is a no no, and painting both top and bottom lips can get you into trouble too.

I think you're more than well on your way, practise makes perfect.