Yodrin:
Cool model and very nicely painted, as always;)
Khaas:
First big blog post of the year, and it’s a doozie! Thanks to Hinge, Ashicus, and Tremendous for the input on this one…
http://srsgamer.blogspot.com/2014/01/group-chat-sins-on-tabletop.html
Khaas:
Today’s update comes to you in true Chaos ADHD fashion, as there’s more than a little to talk about and it covers more than one game system/army. First, I’d like to introduce you to my new friend, the Masterson Rinse Well…
Once upon a time I did comic books and other graphic design projects, I had one of these for a long time that was given to me as a gift years and years ago. I used it only a little as my interest in art at the time was waning. However, it occured to me that this thing would be perfect for my water wash painting style, I found it on Amazon and it looks like they’ve made some improvements (larger bottle, etc). Basically though, it’s still the same. You press the blue button and water drains from the reservoir and fresh water refills it. This way you always have fresh water for your brushes on hand, it’s the same basic principle as those simple water dishes for pets. I actually keep it on the right side of my desk now, along with my watercolor palette, brush soap, and a clean shop towel.
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Having said that, I decided today to pay a little attention to a somewhat overlooked model in my tournament army, my BSB. The model itself I’m happy with, but I’ve never been happy with the banner. I also realized that though there is freehand on my army, it’s not always obvious. And since the tournament I’m getting ready to attend has a painting rubric that features a section for freehand painting I thought why not grab a couple of easy Soft Score Points and make a more suitable banner? I grabbed a banner from my bits box (I think this one is from Beastmen), there’s also a banner pole from the Ogre Kingdoms, a bit of toothpick, and a Nurgle icon from the Plaguebearers.
I went with my usual black and white primer, then layered on some Vallejo Air Yellow for the actual banner. I then added patches of white to give it a worn, almost moth eaten look. For the freehand I sketched a simple design with a pencil, then began tracing and embellishing with a very fine brush. 
With the outline finished, I then colored in the surrounding banner using Secret Weapon Sewer Water, Army Painter Strong Tone, then Army Painter Dark Tone for final shading with varying degrees of water along the way. Afterward it was a simple matter of painting the remaining Icon, Pole, and Skulls. From start to finish this thing probably took something like 8 minutes, it feels like cheating to call it free hand honestly, but that is infact what it is.
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As I said earlier, this really didn’t take a lot of time and armed with my new tool and a press of a button and I was ready to begin working on the Trollbloods again. So, I started working on batch painting them today. I started earlier today adding the initial flesh and cloth colors, I’ll be painting the remainder of this project in batches of 10. My current estimate is that I should finish each batch in 2 days, meaning I should have the entire thing finished in approximately 2 weeks (half the time originally quote to the client). I’ll have pictures of the guys I worked on today a bit later, they’re drying right now and not really suitable to handling at the moment. Included here are some of the more interesting figures that I really wanted to spend some time with, I’ll probably have some individual shots up tomorrow.
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A Word on Commissions
I have received some great feedback and a flood of new clients, the first quarter is already filled with exciting projects. Having said that, I’m still more than happy to take on more commission projects provided new clients understand there’s a line. I’m burning through the que as quickly as possible, but as I said there’s a surprising amount of interest lately both from locals, people on the forums, and people from the internet in general. Below I’ve provided a list of all of the projects currently on the big board (yes I have a dry erase board with a list on it, these are all on there currently, though if this pace keeps up I’ll be going digital).
THE COMMISSION LIST:
Listed in order of precedence…
1. Chaos Dwarf Lords & Heroes for a client in Norway. I’m currently waiting parts from the client and several distributors in different parts of Europe.
2. Trollbloods (120 models, more have been added to the lot with added incentive), this is for a local client with a baby on the way - so I’m trying to get it out of the way quick.
3. Dwarfs, for a semi local client. We’re waiting on the new book’s release to finalize the deal.
4. Lizardmen, local client who’s working out what he wants. This one is almost certainly going to be a 2500 point army with display board and turn counter.
5. Wood Elfs, another local client who like the Dwarf player is waiting for his new book (so probably after Spring at the earliest). We’ve already agreed on general terms and price however, 3000 points, board, counter, and 3 Citadel Woods. Best part on this one is I don’t even have to leave the house, the guy lives about 10 minutes from me so I gave him a deal if he was willing to do the foot work for me.
6. Display Boards, Turn Counters, and other Miscellaneous gear for Adepticon, several locals are planning to attend and want something other than plastic dinner trays to put their armies on.
7. Several smaller jobs, a unit here a monster there (local client).
8. Super Dungeon Explore, localish client wants the base set done now and expansions done later. Depending on how things move higher on the list, I will likely knock this one out ahead of schedule.
9. Man Cave Project, wants a custom table with a set of terrain to match his two armies, still don’t have the particulars worked out on it but it sounds like a fun project. Sadly, he lives a couple hours away so it’s going to be a pain.
10. The Mega Display Board Project, this one is for a special client on the coast who wants a board for each of his armies. So I’m basically make a gaming table worth of display boards for his stuff. Still some details to work out, but it should be fun. Shipping is going to be beastly though…
So, as you can see I’ve got a lot going on right now so if you’re interested in getting a commission done don’t hesitate to ask, just please understand there’s probably several people who’ve been waiting a while already for their own. So, unless it’s something small like a monster or an individual piece I might not be able to get to it for a few months.
Yodrin:
The banner looks awesome!!
Khaas:
It’s been a few days since I’ve had any updates, and honestly my work has been “spotty” this week to say the least. My son is teething, and my wife is back in school teaching after nearly a month home. So, basically Saran Wrap could take a lesson from the little Ogre.
Anyhow, I have been managing to sneak off for a little paint here and there. With Shiloh happening next weekend I realized I didn’t have any Spawn on hand for those inevitable whifs on the Eye of the Gods chart. Thankfully, I have a profoundly well stocked Bits Bin (or the Twin Towers of Bits as I like to call it). So I could reasonably assemble ten Chaos Spawn at a moments notice with just the crap I have on hand.
I mostly went standard (if there really is such a thing) with mine, using bits from the Spawn sprue and a few other random pieces, most notably the heads from the VC Crypt Horror sprue. They fit, and give that plague ridden hulking mutant human look quite nicely. I also used some ball bearings and some 40mm Scibor Squalid Ground bases for them. Here’s how they looked before the primer…
Here they are with the basic flesh tones applied…
I started painting them this morning, and should have them completely finished after lunch. If my luck holds I’ll have a couple of more Trollbloods finished as well, since I started working on a couple of the bigger models today.
Speaking of the Trollbloods, the project has expanded slightly and is right around 130 models. I figure I’ll be finished with it a week or two after Shiloh, here’s what I’ve painted of them recently (there are about 20 others not pictured that are just basic bros with great swords and hand weapon/shield).
I’ve got a few more of the unique guys that I’ll be taking some time on, but mostly it’s just batch painting masses of dudes at this point. Plus the stuff that’s just being added to the pile. So, I’m pretty happy with the progress thus far. I’m glad he’s not wanting too much detail / anything really special on these guys because frankly it’s going to be a grind…
IN OTHER NEWS!
I just placed an order for a new airbrush, compressor, and a gas mask. With the enclosed space I paint in, and my previous respiratory/health problems it only makes sense that I do something to protect myself. I don’t work with any oils, but still that overspray can play absolute hell with your sinuses when in an enclosed space. I was originally going to run an airbrush booth, but space is at a premium right now, at least until we’re in a new house. So, this is the best solution for the time being. The big board has officially been demoted, as I’ve gotten a fair number of commissions very quickly, so I’ve moved everything to a spreadsheet (saved to Dropbox for backup). I’m happy with this, especially since I can access the master project list from my phone, tablet, or PC. Yes, I’m that anal about keeping track of things. But I’ve also got 26 projects pending after the Trollbloods, not including the 2400 list I plan to paint before BITS in June. So yeah, I kinda have to be anal about tracking the stuff.
I also got a new project yesterday that I’m pretty excited about, it’s another International order. This time for several Khorne pieces and an Orcs and Goblins piece (FW Bloodthirster, Spined Chaos Beast, Colossal Squig, Hellcannon, Khorne DP, Chimera, and Turn Counter). I like this kind of stuff, because generally I’d never have a chance to paint it otherwise, and I’ve always loved these specific forgeworld models. With other orders still pending as far as parts and payment are concerned, I may actually start on it next. The Chaos Dwarf commission is held up for the moment as there are parts from multiple sources involved. Either way, both are my immediate concerns after the Trollbloods.
After that, it’s a toss up. I’m waiting on several local clients to produce the necessary models/supplies to work on their projects, or the funds. I have however started some conceptual work on the Wood Elf project, I don’t expect it to happen before Spring/Summer, but I like having the ground work figured out now so I can work on the display board between now and then as time permits.
Here’s the rough idea for the display, client’s already given an enthusiastic thumbs up. The idea is to have a large tree stump in the back with wood elf structures built in, possibly some lighting involved. There will be roots reaching out randomly across the open surface of the board, but mostly it will be autumn leaves with a few rocks, ruins, and fallen Beastmen here and there. The name of this project is the Court of All Seasons, a reference to the Black Company novels for those interested. 
This is going to be a HUGE departure from what I normally do, in that I usually don’t paint good guys. And I definitely don’t paint such vibrant splashes of color as this army is likely to have. So, definitely anxious to get on this one. Now, back to work I go!
Hashut’s Blessing:
Beautiful as ever, very pleased to read of your popularity too!
Also, i like how the Wood Elves are expected to come out in spring/summer 
Khaas:
And an update!
Spawns are finished…
I tried a new rust technique on the axe, really happy with it. And super simple. I just hit it with a liberal amount of the GW Corrosion paint, then drybrushed it with Vallejo Rust. The metal shows in random places, and has a nice texture from the technical paint for the Rust paint to grab on to.
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While I was on the subject of my army for Shiloh, I also added a final “finishing” layer of water effects to the board and decided to redo the bases for my Chariots. The ones I did previously were really rushed, and don’t tie in with the rest of the army at all. So, I put these together…
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And finally there’s a little more work done on the Trollbloods, I’m working a little more on the blue cloth look for the upcoming Dwarf and High Elf commissions I’ve got going. I’m just about halfway finished with the 100 or so models I have on hand, I’ll be picking up the last batch of stuff tomorrow and assembling the remainder Monday. Then time for mass priming and more assembly line painting.
Enjoy and have a great weekend, I’m looking forward to a little tourney prep gaming tomorrow. I’m starting to get twitchy…
Kera foehunter:
I love your work keep it up :cheers
Khaas:
Thanks Kera, I’m not sure how much I’ll get accomplished this week as I’m getting my final preparations for next weekends tournament out of the way. This year we’ve almost doubled in size, we’re drawing people from far afield this time and I’m really excited. Then it’s back to the grind, working on my army for Blood in the Sun and the commission projects I’ve got lined up.
On that note, I should have something to show for Yodrin’s project sometime next week. And then some BIG Forgeworld beasties will be hitting the table, all of the Greater Daemons and a Goblin Colossal Squig.
Yodrin:
Yay...:cheers :hat off
On that note, I should have something to show for Yodrin's project sometime next week. And then some BIG Forgeworld beasties will be hitting the table, all of the Greater Daemons and a Goblin Colossal Squig.
Khaas
Khaas:
So, I’ve hired a babysitter. I’ve got a lot of work to do and she’s going to help me get caught up. She started today, and I got to go out and get a few things accomplished that I’ve been putting off (most importantly getting my car fixed). So, hobby time today was at a premium. Still, I managed to do something fun. Since my Gorebeast Chariots Rot and Ruin have both earned names, I thought it was time they got some appropriate bases. The snow ones I had been using before were just too simple for models of their stature. This was also a great opportunity to try some ideas for etching plaster.
Here’s how the bases turned out after a fresh coat of paint…
And here are the Chariots on their new bases, with a touch more weathering added. A little Typhus Corrosion worked well with what I had already done, though I doubt it shows very well in these pics.
That’s all for today, but tomorrow I plan to knock out a chunk of models from my que. So see you then!
Khaas:
I started a turn counter for Yodrin to break things up a little bit. I’m expecting his stuff to arrive fairly soon, my hope is to have his order packed and out the door a day or two after I receive the miniatures. This turn counter is a bit like the one I did for Tremendous a while back, however for this one I’m bringing the heat (literally).
There are several broken pieces of masonry floating on lava for this one, with a metal disk hovering in the center. This will have a Chaos Dwarf figure on top (one of the pieces I’m waiting for). I switched the way I attach the center piece on this one, using a washer on the floating base, and a magnet on the wooden base. This seems to work better than the previous arrangement, and is how I’ll be doing this in the future. Expect to see more of these, as several people have already expressed interest…
Here’s how the counter looked before paint, I spent some time etching the masonry, adding a rune of Hashut for example and plenty of cracks/fissures. I used a hot glue gun to build up the lava flow…
And here’s how it turned out after paint, really happy with the glow on this - though it took me a little longer than I’d have liked to dial it in.
I’ve got a few minor touch ups (mainly to the run off on the side), then pending client approval I’ll attach the felt and pin the base so I can add the figure once it arrives.
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Now, back to the Trollbloods. With the tournament coming up this weekend, I’ve been busy with a lot of other things lately. So I really haven’t had a lot of time to devote to these, today however I’ve returned my attention to the neglected Hordes models. So far, I’ve knocked out two of the heavy hitters. They’re drying right now, I’ll be adding some OSL to the double barreled troll (little guy is carrying a torch). I’ve also got to touch up the fur trim on the smaller one. And a little touch on the bases, all in all maybe 10 minutes of work left for them to be packed in the foam.
Next, I’ll finish the swordsmen and go back to some of the previously finished models for a little attention. I’ve decided to remove the weathering on these. It takes too long and honestly just doesn’t look right on these guys. I may go back at the end and add some again (but I doubt it). I want to knock out some bulk minis now, this is the best way to do it. And I think they’ll look better in the end. So, that’s it for the morning update, check back this afternoon for more. Should be another 10 Trollbloods ready by then.
Khaas:
Started working on a Terrain Project today, something to get the old gears a moving after the tournament. I’ve got 4 Arcane Fulcrums, several houses and hills to do. Here’s the first house and hill, with more coming soon. Both of these are still very much WIP.
I’m not sure about the extended area. I’m seriously considering cutting it off and making this just a square house. We’ll see. It helps that I’m short on materials to make this a “solid” house.
And here’s the hill, still some shaping and random debris to be added. But it’s definitely taking shape. And definitely one of mine, I’ll be adding a set of more “jagged” peaks as well, and some other types of hills. I’ve even got a Dangerous Terrain piece I’ll be showing off very soon. So stay tuned, I’ll have a lot of terrain up on my eBay Store soon.
Khaas:
Here’s the Cabin in the Woods, I’ve got some debris I’ll be adding around the base of the house. That’s why I didn’t add too much stone work/brick work. I also added the entrance to the cellar. I’ll be doing a non ruined version of this a bit later for a scenario I’m working on for my home setup. But yes, the house go boom - basically.
The base for the house is a 6 inch round from the hobby shop, I buy a bunch of these at a time for terrain. The base of the house is 4 inches, using half inch thick blue foam. The stone work is carved out of foam board, and the plastic I use for the metal piece (cellar door) is actually a Yard Sale sign I picked up for cheap at the hardware store (4 for $1). The wood sticks are crafting sticks from Wal Mart, the narrow ones (about half the width of popsickle sticks).
Khaas:
A small update. I’ve started working on a Hero on a Daemonic Mount, I was inspired by others here. This is also a bit of a test for my upcoming unit(s) of Plague Drones for my DoC army. Here’s how he looks so far, enjoy!
Admiral:
Now that looks cool. Nice terrain as well.
Khaas:
I put some more touches on the mounted Hero, there’s a story here. And two more to follow (a BSB and Sorcerer) who will be accompanied by 12 Knights of Nurgle. Yeah, it’s time to get serious…
Yodrin:
Very very nice!!! That thing is gonna look awesome when its finnished!!
Bloodbeard:
Great stuff - as allways. That’s a fitting model for a daemonic mount - you often come a cross some that’s way too small.
What model is the bug?
On a different note. Are you selling your chaos dwarf army? Thought I saw that on the forum.
What’s that gonna mean for the large 10k of chaos project? Was looking forward to seeing that finished - and read some battle reports!
Khaas:
@Bloodbeard - Thanks a lot for the kind words, the model is a slightly modified Plague Drone of Nurgle from the Daemons of Chaos. I use the torsos as Beasts of Nurgle too, which is nice as I can get the torsos 3 for $10 online, or I can spend $30 for a single Beast of Nurgle from GW.
As for the Chaos Dwarfs, yes I’m selling the army I’ve been working on for so long. I may in fact have a buyer (locally), I’ll be seeing him about it tomorrow. Since he owns the local game store, I’m sure he’ll be able to get it if he wants it.
I have about 10k in just Warriors, most of that is Nurgle specifically. I also have 5k of Daemons of Chaos, all Nurgle. So, my 10k Great Host is just Warriors and Daemons of Nurgle using the rules in the Tamurkhan book. If I find someone crazy enough, I can probably put about 30k of Chaos on the table using Warriors, Daemons, and Ogres. I plan to revisit the Chaos Dwarfs in the future when time permits, I’ll be painting them with a different color scheme that will be more fitting alongside all of the Nurgle models I typically run with. I’ll also be limiting myself to a unit at a time for them, so I don’t feel overwhelmed (in the bank account, or in the painting que). I’ll be using the Chaos Dwarfs primarily as a “reward” when hitting particular goals with my own armies and between commissions.
But yeah, I’m hoping to have my 10k Great Host painted this year, along with 2500 points of Ogres. That’s the goal anyway. Next year, who knows. I know I do plan to add Beastmen and Skaven to the mix too, and hopefully by the time I run out of stuff to paint in my bins, they’ll have new books.
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Here’s some shots of the mounted Hero in progress, one piece of the base broke off, which is fine it was sticking out at a funny angle. I’ve still got grass and snow to add to the base anyway. I’ve got a lot of highlighting and some layering to do. I’m also deciding how specifically I want to do the weapon, since this guy’s always got a Magic Weapon (dude’s got a name and a backstory already, so yes he’s always got a Magic Weapon). I’m considering giving him some OSL from the weapon, or just making it a decrepit looking, rusted poker. I keep going back and forth, we’ll see. Lots of weathering to do on the rider too.
I’ve got a 3 game tournament tomorrow, and my wife’s finishing up a project for her Masters Degree, so it’ll be Monday before I can really get back to this guy. I’ll let you guys know how that goes.