First Marines

[Xarboth]

It annoys me that on your 4th marine you're getting crisper, more consistent line-highlighting than I do! Really good job - you can tell that you're taking your time and putting a lot of care and attention into these guys (maybe I've painted too many marines in my time so don't take enough care over each individual marine?).

I have a number of people whose blogs I look out for and get excited about any new updates to see what they've been upto. (I'm sure many of us on the forums are the same, although with the variety of people on the forums I imagine those lists change for each of us.) 4 models posted, and you're already on my list.

They look great. Really good job.

[Michael]

Wow!

Xarboth is totally right, you rarely see someone make such a big improvement from one mini to the next.
Everything is crisper, tidier and smoother than on your third marine, awesome work.

I can't wait to see how this thread will evolve!

[Omega1907]

That's just ...
...
That's just not fair. Not fair at all!
I can't say more then Xarboth and Michael, fantastic work which feeds the jealousy

[Xpiotouopoc]

Thanks guys, I thinned my paint right down for this model which made a real difference to the smoothness. There's still quite a few improvements I know I'm looking to achieve on my next model. The chest eagle is certainly a part I will take a different approach too, as it seems to be my Achilles heel at the moment! I attempted some blending right at the start which went horribly wrong and I decided to go over it. I then tried a different approach literally on the last bit I painted which was the right trigger hand where I tried to blend into the highlight which was a start and will try it a bit more on the next one.

[Xpiotouopoc]

Well it's the been well over a month since I last posted an update, unfortunately I've been only able to squeeze in the odd hour here n there. I've not quite finished the last Marine as there's still a little bit of highlighting to do. But since I've nearly got there thought I would post the near finished version. Once I've finished I'll post another update and hopefully on a slightly brighter day as the pics are a bit dark!



And the 5 man squad starting left to right 1-5 in order of painting.

[Xhukari]

You got some lovely models mate xD
Nice work! :>

[Michael]

Great work!

Really nice and crisp colours and I love how you did the skull on the backpack. Keep it up!

[edmundblack]

A very sound and tidy squad indeed. Very nice.

[Xpiotouopoc]

Thanks, I'm not really sure where to go with them next other than to just practice painting more and refine the details. So any suggestions appreciated.

On a separate note I was thinking... if I ever get round to it, I want to put characters on 40mm bases in order to make them stand out that bit more. I guess this wouldn't be an issue from a rules point of view unless I wanted to ever play in a tournament or something?

Also as I'm basing this on the 4th Company Ultramarines - One of the sergeants has a converted suit of terminator armour due to his size and therefore was thinking of dabbling in a bit of conversion work somewhere down the line. And again wondered if there would be any issues with rules.. (was thinking of perhaps using a pair of terminator legs to start with and see where I go from there).

[Tyler Stevens]

I used a pair of Termie legs on a Power Armor Sorceror of mine, and it made him stand a good bit taller than his comrades, so I wouldn't recommend it on a sergeant. On the 40mm, you can use any base that is same-size or larger than the models normal base. What do you mean by "go with them"? Like what units to add?

[6^]

Nice job, they remind me of Ricky Changs UltraMarines. I hope to see a whole blog as your army unfolds just like his!

[Xpiotouopoc]

Thought I would upload pics of my 5th Marine completely finished and with some better daylight!



In terms of where I go with them, I meant in what could I do to improve the quality of the painting. And thanks for the answer on the bases.

I think my next few models will be finishing off the 10 man squad which will give me a little bit of variety at least by adding the special weapon, heavy weapon and sergeant...

[Beeva]

Really good! Can see your progress already from these few marines. Your highlights are looking much more natural.

Your raw talent is enviable!

[D00BY]

very nice and clean, but there ultramarines....