Longshot
When starting the Longshot BattleMech my intention was to use it as a miniature to try out some techniques and experiment a little. In the end the painting was so much fun, that I really regret not creating a more elaborate base or took the time to clean up the miniature more thoroughly …
Anyway, as mentioned I tried to experiment a bit and get more practice with some weathering techniques. Most notably I changed my painting order and created all the scratches not after finishing a part, but in between. As a result the damage looks much more varied – ranging from new scratches to chipped paint which is by now covered with dirt.
I have created a small project log documenting the painting process. While not really a step-by-step tutorial it still might be interesting for some of you. You can find the project log here.
(05/2009)
Hi, I tried to access your project log but the web is no more accessible. Would you mind uploading it again? Or upload it somwhere else? I would love to learn more about how you did this amazing paint!! Jan
Hi Jan, thank you for the kind words and your interest. Unfortunately the Project Log was lost when I updated the structure of my site. I am (slowly) working on bringing back some of the lost content and as a matter of fact the Longshot Project Log is next on my list. Hopefully I will find the time to do this next weekend. I will let you know when the log is available again. In the meantime if you have any specific questions feel free to ask via comment or mail
Michael
Hello Michael! Hope you can make it!
Mostly I am interested in the nicely done weathering. Also do you think wet blending is a way to go for such a small miniatures as battletech is? Jan
The weathering was for the most part done using two techniques: 1. washes — the purple and redish areas were slowly build up using successive washes, mostly GW colours like Terracotta, Dark Flesh or Imperial Purple. 2. sponge technique — all the scratches were first done with a piece of a blister sponge. I dabbed on dark brown paint using the sponge and then de- and refined the dots using a brush. The interior of bigger scratches received a dot of rusty brown paint and all scratches received a highlight at the bottom using white mixed with the respective highlight colour. This adds volume to the scratches and gives the impression of 3-dimensionality. I did all this before finishing the blue and tan parts. This means some of the scratches were glazed over when I painted the highlights and shades helping to add another dimension to the battle damage: old and new. The scratches I painted over seem much more subdued or like old damage while other scratches seem fresh and new.
As to your second question — wetblending is a useful technique, but I use it rarely. Lately I have been using wetblending while applying the basecoat blending in first shadows and highlights which then get further refined using different methods. You have to find out, if wetblending fits your painting style. Never discount a technique, but also never force it. Most of the time there are many ways to achieve a certain effect. Just find out what works best for you and your painting style. But yes, wetblending can definitely be used on Battletech miniatures.
Hello Michael!
Thanks for the comment! It brings a lot of insights and also new ideas for me! Thanks again~