Do's and Don't's of Miniature Painting



Another post for #whitebeltpainting that new painters should take into consideration, I know I certainly didn't think about some of these when I started again last year.

I actually thought I would end up with more don't's than do's but I have ended up with more positives which is good!

I will keep adding to the list as I think of things but these are what I've encountered so far, hopefully they will help you too.

Do:

  • Exercise! Our hobby is a sedentary activity (note the irony in that sentence...). Take breaks often and do some exercise, go for a walk, go to the gym, find something you enjoy. Your back and neck will thank you.
  • Use a wet palette as soon as you can. You do not need a super-duper swanky purpose made one. I have been using a Tupperware box, kitchen roll (you can use a sponge, I didn't get on with these) and baking paper for a year and it still works fine for me.
  • Get a colour wheel, either RYB or CMY or both!
  • Watch plenty of YouTube videos and read other artist's blogs, there is a lot of stuff out there for free!
  • Understand a little about colour theory it will help with your paint schemes
  • Use Pinterest and IG for inspiration 
  • Look after your brushes (get some brush soap) and regularly clean them even during a painting session. If paint starts to get into the ferrel (the bit where the metal meets the bristles) and dries you are going to end up with a splayed, dead, useless brush!
  • Paint stuff you want to. There is no joy in painting a mini you don't want to.
  • Photograph your work. This helps keep a record of what you have been doing and it is easier to see how you've improved over the months
  • Paint as often as you can. If painting for competitions is your goal, you will not improve just by painting once a week or a couple of times a month. 
  • Learn to master the basics before you think about attempting more advanced techniques
  • Keep a record of your painting recipes. You may want them for a future project or a current WiP may be put on hold.
  • Get to know your paints! (And don't overwhelm yourself by buying too many at the start). All paint has different consistency and they won't all require the same amount of thinning. Think Mephiston Red and Blood Angels Red contrast paint!
  • Enter your local GW's painting competitions as early as you can (if they do them, I know they don't all do this) if painting is your main hobby goal. The staff are helpful and will provide advice on improving your painting. You will learn a lot and meet some great people along the way!
  • Try different things and push yourself once you feel ready. And of course, have fun and experiment!
Do not: 
  • Compare yourself to other artists, you are not them, they are not you. You will find your own style, your own way of doing something and you will always be an inspiration to someone out there.
  • Believe that a follower count is important. I have a love/hate relationship with social media, which is why I limit myself to IG only. Use it to help you improve, build up your own mentor group, support the hobby community, be kind and just be yourself. 
  • Over do it with painting. Painting burnout is a thing and it isn't nice! Listen to your body and take a break.
  • Think you can produce a masterpiece from your first miniature. You will improve with every mini you paint, so don't fuss over one particular mini trying to get it perfect. Finish it and move on to the next one, it is the only way you will improve.

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