Drybrushing

So, In my recent perusal of "scholarly articles" on miniature painting, I've come across the assertion that "drybrushing", as we often call it, is a beginner's technique, to be replaced at some point later by more advanced methodology.

I'd like to politely disagree.

While drybrushing is not the most complex technique out there, nor the most time consuming, it is a very valuable tool for any painter. However, there needs some clarification. Drybrushing and highlighting are two very different things that both achieve the same generic result -- a highlight. However, highlighting requires a bit more precision, while drybrushing can be done a bit more liberally to achieve a similar result.

So, you may ask, "why would one want to drybrush when they can achieve more precise results from simply painting a highlight?" There are a multitude of answers to this question, but one sticks out in particular (at least in this painter's mind).

Drybrushing creates a worn or dusty look, while highlighting makes things look a bit "flashier" or more pristine.

This makes all the difference when you have two figures to paint, one of which is a knight in polished armor, while the other is an ancient skeleton risen from the grave. Obviously that skeleton isn't going to be the shiniest thing in the world.

In conclusion, don't mock people for drybrushing. While it is a simple technique to learn, the artful application of it requires a bit more finesse than many are willing to admit. So, in your adventures in painting, don't hesitate to give it a shot when you want a miniature to look a little worse for wear! Until next time, Happy painting!



P.S. - I went to see Sherlock Holmes tonight in theaters. If you haven't seen it, please do. It was greatly entertaining, and well worth the ticket price.

--Nate

Thoughts on Warhammer Armies

So for Christmas, my lovely girlfriend got me a gift certificate to Grandiosity, my FLGS (Friendly Local Gaming Store, for all of you as bad with acronyms as I usually am =P), which I promptly used to purchase the Battle for Skull Pass Warhammer boxed starter set. Since then, I've assembled the models and played a few skirmishes between Dwarves and Gobbos, and found it to be quite enjoyable.So now I've come to a impasse -- I don't wanna play Greenskins or Dwarves!

So, for all the people that may eventually read this blog, I shall lay out my plan. Grandiosity is starting up a Warhammer Fantasy Campaign this month, and so I plan to assemble a Wood Elf army before then. Issue:

It ain't cheap.

 Regardless, the starting size for the Warhammer Fantasy campaign is 1000 Points, which I can do with a Wood Elf Battalion and a Spellslinger, so that's the plan. Wood Elves have an earthy feel, so I'm thinking mostly muted colors, but if anyone reading this has a suggestion, please put it in a comment! If I get enough responses, maybe I'll set up a poll for the final army colors.


For reference, Here's the link to the Wood Elf Main Page

And here's Grandiosity's website: Warweb. This is a great site in terms of the sheer amount of content available. There are some things that can ONLY be found here, as well as good prices on a lot of stuff from other companies. They've got Reaper, Games Workshop, and a ton of stuff from "lesser-known" companies, as well as supplies ranging from paints and brushes to basing kits. If you're ever in need of something, check these guys out, they'll make sure you get what you need. Until next time, happy gaming!

--Nate