Reply To: What Painting Method do you Use and Why?

[seldon9 12954xp 1]

TL:DR
Zenithal prime + tint for fast, good looking results.
When batch painting, maybe pick a feature or two to try out a new technique.
Choose one miniature from your force to put most effort into. Try out new techniques on this figure.

This is a difficult question to answer. Normally when I’m painting a force I pick a technique or two I’d like to practice and find a way to work that into the miniatures. For the rest of the details I’ll cut as many corners as I can.

For batch painting I’d agree that Sorastro provides a really good guide to getting minis painted fast but to a good standard. I followed his method to paint up a Star Wars Legion Clone Wars core box. I didn’t particularly like painting those minis and saw no point in trying harder.

Generally I zenithal prime with an airbrush. Then contrast paint or wash the bits I don’t consider features. I’ll pick one or two details I’ll try to make stand out, usually with a view to trying out a technique. It depends on the minis and what I think will work (and what I’ve been watching on youtube / OTT). For example, I painted an Anglo Dane warband and contrast painted most parts of the figures. I put the time into painting their faces and tried out freehanding the shields. See here.

It’s hard to find a balance of improving as a painter (if that’s what you want to do) and not taking too long to complete a force. So I like to pick a figure or two I’m going to put more effort into. Usually the leader. How much effort depends on the time I have. I think it’s a good idea to get a mini that really inspires you to try something new. Minis you’re not bothered about are a chore.

This all really adds up to zenithal prime + tint for fast, good looking results and then keep trying new things. It’s hard to say with which methods you’ll be able to best express your ideas. I know people who’ve painted for years but refuse to drybrush. I don’t find it that hard. On the right figure I find overbrushing lets me get a result very quickly. I used it for terrain but found I can get a results I’m happy with pretty quickly. A couple of examples: golems and warlord base. You have to experiment to find what works for you.