The Army of the Feuerbach Family

[Cela Shyish]

Okay, so finally got a decent camera sorted out and so I'm starting my first ever Plog, please don't be too harsh on your judging, I'm not too good and a bit lazy with some of my painting and yes I know I go a bit heavy on washes. So here goes

First I'm starting with my Mourngal

Next we have Sylph

Undine

Efreet

And Gnome

Points to anyone who can get the reference XD but I do intend to base these guys soon and do a lil more to them but I'm at the stage of getting everything to table-top standard so I can field a painted army

And now my Sepulchral Stalkers who really make me laugh which is why I form them up like this

They just make me laugh so much because it looks like the one on the left just accidentally hit the middle guy in the face and he's just like "Why? Why did you do that?" teehee it just makes me laugh more than it should

Here is the base to the one I've based which I actually quite like, because I'm going for a dark grassy terrain

And finally my Ushabti

These were soooo awkward to paint, I absolutely hate painting and building finecast >.< But please let me know what you guys think, I don't really know what to say since this is my first plog but I can feel you judging me already so please don't be too harsh T^T

 

[ObliviJohn]

Very nice job on the pinkish armor on the stalkers and ushabti. Nice with the elemental essences for the hosts. My guess for reference is seiken densetsu (Secret of Mana). I think you should remove the date stamp in the settings of the camera. I'm a little uncertain about the red eyes, but it could look really cool on the table. Looking forward to seeing more.

 

[Cela Shyish]

@ObliviJohn Sorry about the Date stamps, I'm half-way through taking pics of some of my infantry and stuff but I only just figured out how to remove the date stamp, really sorry about that. I've never used a real digital camera before so its a learning experience. Also the reference is actually to the "Tales of" series of games, like Tales of Eternia, Tales of Xilia, etc. (Tales of Graces is my fave but actually doesn't feature this reference) They are the four great spirits which govern the four elements fire, water, air and earth. The red eyes were inspired by Kagerou Project if you've heard of it. I liked the red eyes, but I think I probably should have left it at the blood for the blood got, since the bloodletter glaze isn't really good in there.

 

[Tawg]

I can't quite tell, do you go back and put the base coat back on the edges as highlights? Or just the washes and done? The first Ushabti you posted looks like it on the leathery skin in his abdomen, but I can't quite tell if I'm being crazy.

Also that poor Ushabti with a curved arrow. I hope he's not trying to join that assassin guild led by Morgan Freeman just so he can curve his shots. If fine cast has any bends like that you can warm them to bend it back gently, like with warm/hot water. Kind of a hassle, but if it needs to be done.

Beyond that: Yep washes look like your thing. The spirit host look well enough, I actually really like the look of the Sylph. Not terribly much to say, depending on if you want to have people suggest techniques for you to try. I'm not the biggest fan of the wash and done method, but if it gets you to where you want to be, then it's perfect.

 

[Cela Shyish]

Now for the second set of posts not all of these will have date stamps, so again sorry about that.

My Dire Wolves first...yes WOLVES...

One of my Cairn wraiths (The other needs repainting like a lot of the stuff I did a long time ago)

My first Banshee

My Vampire Lord Alicia, still need to do a light dry brush over the skin and bone to brighten it up a bit

My main Necromancer, once again I plan to brighten up the skin a lil, but I keep getting distracted.

Now my Grave Guard which are actually some of my favourite models.

Unfortunately I just noticed the lighting is very inconsistent on these so its making them appear a lot weirder than I'd hoped

And yes @Tawg I would really appreciate suggestions and I dislike the Wash-done method, which is why I often apply dry brushes or occasionally do highlights. But bear in mind that so far these are all just to get them on table-top, I intend to revisit all of my models to top them up when I've got most of my stuff painted. And occasionally I do put highlights on the models if I think it makes them look nicer, other times its just the way the light has caught the models. Oh and as for the finecast I know, two of those Ushabti were fresh out of a cup of hot water when I took the pics because I was trying to bend them back to shape but that's the best I could manage :\

 

[Adam_Barrow]

These are really great! The Ghosts are awesome, and I really dig your snakes. The rose armor is gunna be really cool if you take it across the army.

 

[Cela Shyish]

These are really great! The Ghosts are awesome, and I really dig your snakes. The rose armor is gunna be really cool if you take it across the army.

What do you mean by rose armour? ^^" and thank you, I'm glad someone likes my painting ^_^

 

[Adam_Barrow]

Meaning the red end of the spectrum.

 

[Cela Shyish]

Meaning the red end of the spectrum.

I might try it, although if you're referring to the stalkers and ushabti that was actually I think it was balthasaar gold with a leviathan purple wash

 

[Tawg]

It took me a second to get what that curved white thing on the banner was, but it's a wraith with scythe isn't it? The lighting of the camera angle mostly made it difficult to see, but I like it.

As for changing up how you paint, if that is an intention of yours, I suggest picking techniques and trying them out/asking for specific advice so people know what they could comment or help you with. Your models are obviously fine as table top, and as you've stated the method you used to get there isn't unclear. What would be unclear is what you want as far as progress or changes to the style. Anyone could suggest a number of things to "improve" a painted model, but if it's not what you're looking for, it's hardly an improvement.

The spiders are cool though, did you pick them up eBay without riders? Or just ignore the goblins until a later time?

 

[Cela Shyish]

It took me a second to get what that curved white thing on the banner was, but it's a wraith with scythe isn't it? The lighting of the camera angle mostly made it difficult to see, but I like it.

As for changing up how you paint, if that is an intention of yours, I suggest picking techniques and trying them out/asking for specific advice so people know what they could comment or help you with. Your models are obviously fine as table top, and as you've stated the method you used to get there isn't unclear. What would be unclear is what you want as far as progress or changes to the style. Anyone could suggest a number of things to "improve" a painted model, but if it's not what you're looking for, it's hardly an improvement.

The spiders are cool though, did you pick them up eBay without riders? Or just ignore the goblins until a later time?

I bought them entirely for the spiders and just ignored the goblin riders. As for preferences in suggestions, its really ideas for varying my style, I like it as is, but I do get a lot of comments on being sub-par from more experienced painters so I'm curious for other ideas.

P.s. yes that is a wraith with scythe, surrounded by bats beneathe the moon

 

[Count Raffael]

everything looks awesome! The only thing would be to oxidize the armour maybe, especially on the Sepulchral Stalkers, but hey, it your models do as you please

 

[Cela Shyish]

@Count Raffael I've never actually been sure how to oxidise my models, so if you wanted to explain the technique I'd be more than happy to give it a try on the equipment ^.^ Thank you for the compliment btw

 

[Tawg]

Well, there are plenty of ways. For starters understanding what you're going for is fairly important, look at this, or this if you are imagining the armor was once gold, which actually isn't too far from what you have. It really looks like gold just gets a bit duller, though of course, any spots you expect would be pressed/rubbed against would have more of the original glint as the surface is constantly buffed. Of course, what people call Oxidized is often more closely related to the single notion of Verdigris, or the oxidization of copper. Most people are quite enamored with the color (Teal is quite nice), and it is by far the most tell tale image of oxidization in many peoples minds. Which you could apply to anything, if you just want to bring the colors into the model, but if you're not trying to stretch that aspect into the fantasy then anything that would have not started as brass/copper would really not need it. It is quite attractive looking though in many peoples minds/eyes, myself included.

It's a little crazy, but personally I like to try and imagine where I want the model to end up afterwards rather than just trying to apply techniques or colors. Like, to consider the palate of the miniature before I go for everything. Which is to say, I try not to throw colors around superfluously. Of course, I spend far much more time thinking about painting than I do painting, so my opinions may be a bunch of hog-wash. But it's possible that you want to create harmony in your choices, and the "verdigris" is great looking, but your palate is mostly warm right now, and it would add in a very different element to much of your models. Of course the four spirit host have their own palates each, but much of your other stuff is rather warm in color. Even the purple isn't terribly cool, or at least not enough to swing the "mood" of the models, the Grave Guard still look rather "warm" despite the purple.

So I dunno. But if you do want to apply it, This is a simple video. You are going with purple as an main color, besides red. Teal could be a good accent. Just depends on where you want to end up.

 

[Mad 'At]

This is quite nice. I really like the spirit hosts, do you think we could get a group shot of them?

The Sepulchral Stalkers are cool too, and you are definitely right about their poses, he really looks disappointed in his pall who hit him in the face :rofl2:

I quite like your character conversion, very effective. What pieces did you use on the mounted vampire? I'm guessing the horse from a high elf mage.

Really like the dual wielding Grave Guard, his pose is awesome.

 

[Count Raffael]

@Count Raffael I've never actually been sure how to oxidise my models, so if you wanted to explain the technique I'd be more than happy to give it a try on the equipment ^.^ Thank you for the compliment btw

Like what Tawg said, there are many different ways to oxidize, but I generally use nihilakh oxide

 

[Cela Shyish]

@Tawg I'll give them a look when I get home, I think some accents would add a lot to my army as I kinda feel its a bit bland right now. Although can you elaborate on what you mean by warm and cool? I don't understand o.o

@Mad 'At I'm glad you like them ^.^ it means a lot and I'll tryyyy to take a group photo when I get home and will likely list the parts on my vamp on the way home as I'm on break atm which is ending in 1min take care everyone thanks for feedback!

 

[Tawg]

Here's a lovely article about it. Not terribly long either.

It's just a tone thing, and it also involves evoking responses in people's mind? Bright vibrant miniatures can present themselves as lively or active, dull or dark shades seem more grim, that sort of thing?

It's just a psychological thing about how people perceive color and view what is painted. People tend to paint rooms in their home warmer colors because they are "Inviting" or feel "comforting" and cool colors often give people "relaxing" type notions. But it's not nearly so narrow in scope, I'm just trying to explain the concept. It's about the feeling of what you present, ya know?

And I like that article I posted because it helps highlight the fact that even though Yellow, for instance, may be a "warm color" there are "cool" and "Warm" yellows. So if you have a very green/blue model or such, putting a very warm yellow-y orange on it might throw the sense of the model, or the theme, into a bit of disarray. But it depends on what you want the model to look like. Because sometimes contrast like that present striking imagery that could be the goal.

In all honesty it's probably not something you need to worry about. A more basic sense of "I think this looks great!" usually is guided by similar principals and you won't be too far off. It'd really be something to think about if you noticed you didn't like something about your model and you couldn't quite place your finger on it, like why a certain color doesn't seem to fit.

 

[Cela Shyish]

Oky @Mad 'At the Vampire was made from horse and legs from mounted high elf mage, torso of a sister of the thorn (I think that's what they were called) from wood elves, Sister of Averlorn head, the left arm is a lil out of proportion because it came from a wildwood ranger I or something like that, I really can't remember with that one, the shield is obviously grave guard and the right forearm was grave guard, cut just behind the torn fabric to make a bit of contrast where it turns bony. Also the Stalkers were a happy accident

@Tawg I actually tried to go for a darker theme with that in mind to be honest, but I guess I must have gone a bit too vibrant somehow :\ I like how they look though so I don't think it matters too much.

 

[Tawg]

@Tawg I actually tried to go for a darker theme with that in mind to be honest, but I guess I must have gone a bit too vibrant somehow :\ I like how they look though so I don't think it matters too much.

I never said it was bright. Just warm. It's the reason people were calling the armor "rose" color, the models look warm, so they were impressed of the notion that the metal was in the red spectrum. It's not on the dark/light (Shade or Tint) that I was commenting on, they are very clearly dark.

The darkness is just fairly warm, it feels red (Hue).

 

[Cela Shyish]

I never said it was bright. Just warm. It's the reason people were calling the armor "rose" color, the models look warm, so they were impressed of the notion that the metal was in the red spectrum. It's not on the dark/light (Shade or Tint) that I was commenting on, they are very clearly dark.

The darkness is just fairly warm, it feels red (Hue).

I'm still having a bit of trouble separating them but I kinda get what you mean. But I think it would probably take too much work for me to change that nature to my painting. I like it as it is, I just want to find ways of improving my style if that makes sense. Sorry I'm being really awkward with my explanations now

 

[wheeljack]

Some cool characters in your army, will really be looking forward to see how you bring them all together, I haven't seen any basing on most of your models yet. the inked armour looks good very grungy, I would maybe go back and drybrush/highlight some of the clothing on the grave guard, the banshee is my favourite you did a good job on blending it

 

[Borgnine]

Very fine collection! I very much like the worn and dirty feel many of them give and the dark colors. Especially Tomb Kings units, with this dark bronze and not gold and blue - came out outstanding! The skirt of the Banshee and the elemental spirit hosts are also awesome. The only thing I personally find a little distracting are the various colors of the Grave Guard armbands But generally I like your use and choice of color here

 

[Cela Shyish]

Oky on the request of @Mad 'At these are the group pics of the spirit hosts (unfortunately they aren't great pictures and had to be taken in my kitchen because the lighting in my house is so awkward >.<

Also while I had them out my WIP (finally found out what that means ) Skin Wolves which are being used as Varghulfs, note they aren't even close to being finished, but they have been started so I might as well take a few pics

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/Alicia_Von_Feuerbach/DSCF0062_zpsmkxcfutg.jpg

@wheeljack I actually really like basing models, but I always seem to put it off, I have no idea why. So I do fully intend to get to it, like I intend to go over the skeletons and bits of scenery on the spirit host bases but I have sooooo much to do I keep getting distracted, which is why I started the plog, to encourage me! XD As I did mention before I do intend to go and dry brush over the models the bring out a few of the features. Thank you for the compliments and feedback though ^.^

@Borgnine Thank you and I'm glad you like the aesthetic. This was obviously inspired by undead legions. I wanted to bring the tomb kings into the vampire aesthetic as opposed to using them for tomb kings alone. Which is why I chose the colours and basing method I did, the Stalker was the main tester for how I will base my entire army. I have no idea what others will think but I like it XP As for the GG armbands...They were all supposed to be purple but when I started batch painting them I kept forgetting to paint the armbands...I think I will make that a priority. Also gonna start on my Coven throne tonight, its based in Corax white but no idea what colour to make the host at the base. What does everyone think I should use as their main colour?

 

[Farmer7574]

@Crystal Nice variety of minis you've used throughout your army and great job on that mounted empire gunner being ripped apart. Your Ushabti with the bendy arrow looks like he needs to be set into place though.

Keep up the good work.