How to define different Materials

 Hey Folks, 

this time we are focusing on one of the most essential topics in miniature painting. 

Question I hear quite often is : "What is the most important thing I need to learn to become a better Painter"...

 and i thought  a lot about it.. there would be a lot to say and I guess my answer is the following: 

  1. You need to be able to blend a transition from Color A to Color B

 2. You need to be able to determine how long or short you want that transition to be.   

3. You need to be able to define different Materials   

4. You have to think of the Atmosphere you want to create and how that would be transported the most convincing way. 

5. The character you are creating with your paint job should needs to be believable. 6. Always go for something personal.. the more unique your model is the more it will stand out.. 

 And as point 1 and 2 are really a matter of practise, its important to invest some time yourself.. you can take a lot from Videos and step by Step guides but in the end the most useful thing is to just paint.   

Point 3 is a little different, for the first couple of years painting miniatures I did not invest a lot of thoughts on how different materials react to light and shadows and what makes them look how they look. 

Even if I did not paint everything in the very same manner, I did not really actively think about what makes the different material appear like they do.

 Painting and miniature painting has a lot to do with observation and studying the world that surrounds you.

I hope this Video will help you to spark the idea .. always keep in mind you start with a bare model.. everything is made from one material... and its up to you to define every single surface.. there is no flesh,no polished steel or fabric.. all theses little decisions can help you to create something special.  

Have fun and thanks for your Support