Who doesn't like gifts?

Like the title says... who doesn't like gifts?? Most certainly not me;] I love receiving them, especially if they're unexpected. And today I received one:D

2 lovely parcels from Painting Buddha, containing:

• DVD set (containing 6 DVDs, some leaflets, few badges, and even fridge magnet),
• T-shirt (my size:P),
• Angron (signed by Simon Egan),
• another metal box with 'Brad & Yanet'

I completely forgot about the giveaway I won on masterminis a while ago, so the parcels were a really nice surpise for me. And I must say... it made my day:)

Below you can see what was inside the big box, and of course you can expect proper review really soon. I just need to watch the DVD first, as I need to know what exactly I'm reviewing:D

Viking's base, phase one - building

This tutorial has been moved to Minichix Studio.

Read the full, updated version here:
Building a Woodland Scenic Base

One step closer

And again long break from posting. For some reason I struggle to write anything lately. I hope it's just a phase and will pass soon, but for now I'd like to show you what I've done lately with my two beautiful bust.

So here they are, my two boys: medieval Knight and ein Stein:D

Like you can see there is still lots to do, but I guess I'm going into the right direction. Orc bust is more or less ready, just few touch ups left to be done (teeth for example). Knight is a bit less advanced, more needs to be done, but I'm almost happy with the face, so rest should be easy. I might repaint his tunic though, as I'm still not totally convinced with the colour here.

cheers

'eM

Wetblending is girl's best friend

And now, after the 'theory' of workshop it's time for practice on some real pieces (those I'm gonna finish at some point in my life;p).
First photos of what I've done right after the workshop:

On my Einstein (ein Stein to be precise) I was working mostly on his shirt.
Of course the inscription on his back is far from being finished, but I'm quite happy how the orange turned out. But now, with my beloved Burgundy Wine back in stock I can finish his face:D

Here I decided to repaint the whole skin and start again using Apa's advice.

And that's the photo before the changes :

As you san probably see at this point the contrast is slightly lesser, part of that is caused by the different light. But truth to be told, I did decrease it on the 'muscle' level to get the chance to increase the general level of contrast. From this point I'll be working on every muscle separately to increase contrast of the individual parts of the body.
This is gonna be my first mini painted new way, so finger crossed I'll be able to pull it off.


cheers

'eM

Long time no see and the workshop in Cambridge

WOW, that was a long break in posting, few more days and it would be a month;p
But even thought I didn't post anything here, this time wasn't completely unproductive. I did some painting, some new reviews that gonna be published soon, planned few more pieces, and, what's most significant, took part in my first painting workshop. Full review of the weekend, written by Redrum-Jay from Warpaintstudios,you'll find in next issue of Figure Painter Magazine soon.

The workshop was organised by The Weekend Workshop and run in a nice little shop Inner Sanctum in Cambridge and run by a very talented painter Chris Octive (aka Apa).
From my point of view, I can say, that it was a great weekend indeed. I had a wonderful time with my friends (old and brand new), painted for 2 days straight and of course learned a great deal.
I was mostly focusing on wetblending and enchancing my contrast, so hopefully my next pieces will be even smoother and contrasty;]

Below you can see few photos from that weekend, taken by our host John Harrison (aka Darkmessiah), more you can find on the facebook page of TWW

Here are photos of the ogre I was working on taken at different stages of painting:

And here photo of the same miniature taken in more controlled condidtions:

I was focusing mostly on his back and left arm and chest and must say I'm pretty happy with the contrast. Judging by results of other painters my ogre was the least saturated, but I guess that's just my style;]

Great weekend indeed - FigureWorld 2013, Oundle

It was trully great weekend. Just the right combination of chatting with friends, and strangers, admiring beautifuly painted miniatures and spending hard earned money on new goodies.
I wish events like this could happen more often than just once a year, especially in such a beautiful little town like Oundle. But, considering the amount of work that is required to organize, I guess it's not gonna be possible...
So all that is left to do now is... say massive thanks to all those who dedicated their time and efforts to make it possible.

Of course as I predicted, I didn't manage to take any decent photos, but here you can find some photo galleries prepared by other participants
FigureWorld's gallery
Model Display Product's gallery
Ross Mahoney's gallery

cheers
'eM

Off we go:)

FigureWorld beware! Here I come:)

At the moment I'm in a train on my way to Oundle. I must say I'm pretty excited and can't wait to meet with friends, make some new one, and see all those miniature goodness. It's gonna be excellent weekend.

I'm planning on taking lots of photos to docut all, but... knowing me, it might proof difficult.

Anyway, I can only hope next two days will be even better than I expect.

cheers

'eM