The Saturnine 16th

[GomezAddams]

PETAY - Thanks bud. The Blanche thing is one of those odd bits. When I first saw BTB's Saturnine I instantly thought of Blanche but I don't particularly like his work although I'm not particularly a fan. The fact that people are drawing the same comparisons between what I'm trying to do and Blanche means I'm hitting the right note with everything so far, which has to be a good thing. When painting the chick below I tried to keep the paint thick and mix wet rather then fretting over fine lines, meaning it all came together really quickly.

And especially for BTB (who should check his PM's shortly)...





Once I have everything finished, which will probably be another hour or so tomorrow, then I'll varnish it and start the real work of shading the armour and the horse. The back banner will be left till I get the rest done as I really need to get on with those, seeing as its page two and I've only painted a single figure...

I want to work in some more free hand here and there, so suggestions of what and where would be appreciated.

[Rhaivaen]

Which is the colour you used for the armour bits? cheers.

[Chem-Dog]

Bloody hell, she's lovely! (*has a little bit of a thing for girls with white hair, bright Blue, or Red....*)

I want to work in some more free hand here and there, so suggestions of what and where would be appreciated.

What about a little bit of detail to break up the block of white that is the horse? The usual suspects would all in various places, tattoos of serial number/barcode/army badge/Aquilla, a "tribal" warpaint motif, devotional script/regimental motto, kill marks and whatnot.

[ArcticWolf]

What about a little bit of detail to break up the block of white that is the horse? The usual suspects would all in various places, tattoos of serial number/barcode/army badge/Aquilla, a "tribal" warpaint motif, devotional script/regimental motto, kill marks and whatnot.

This sounds like a GREAT idea. Loving that gal's face btw - it's very subtle and looks very realistic.

[BeatTheBeat]

Looking gooooooood! This is a Circle member, no? Really like how she's shaping up. The horse needs some more "umph" as the others say, right now it looks just undercoated, but I'm sure you've got some more stuff to add to it. I find that some thinned out washes (reds, blues and purples especially) added to areas where the skin is thin or wrinkled adds a great organic feel to any such skin areas. Otherwise some grey spots on the fur, or even (as Chem-Dog said) some tattoos or stuff?

Cheers,
BTB

[GomezAddams]

Which is the colour you used for the armour bits?

I mentioned a few pages back, its from Vallejo's liquid gold range, specifically copper - do some reading on it before buying though as its potentially quite lethal. It is however, chuffing lovely

Bloody hell, she's lovely! (*has a little bit of a thing for girls with white hair, bright Blue, or Red....*)

I'm more of a purple man myself, so expect that at some point. Next chicks Isabella Von Carstein though so I'm planning to keep her simple.

Loving that gal's face btw - it's very subtle and looks very realistic.

Thanks bud, I've been working on my flesh painting for awhile now and I think shes easily one of my best. Probably second to my Malifaux grannie.

Looking gooooooood! This is a Circle member, no? Really like how she's shaping up. The horse needs some more "umph" as the others say, right now it looks just undercoated, but I'm sure you've got some more stuff to add to it. I find that some thinned out washes (reds, blues and purples especially) added to areas where the skin is thin or wrinkled adds a great organic feel to any such skin areas. Otherwise some grey spots on the fur, or even (as Chem-Dog said) some tattoos or stuff?

Yup shes circle, so I'm fairly confident I could get away with something more over the top for the horse, but there definately needs to be some purples and reds in there to make it a bit more wasted. Luckily this will be the only white horse in the entire army, everything else will be a lot darker. Any suggestions tattoo wise? Anything you think would fit in? The only thing I can think of is a barcode (which I think they'll all have), a QR code for Saturnine (using transfer paper and all that jazz) or some kind of Raven.
Also, think I might have found a perfect mounted psyker...


Anyway, after building Father Machine the creative juices got fired. I promptly spent some of my holiday pay early at GW HQ and ended up with the below.







I'm picking up the rest of my purchases tomorrow - one will be making its way to the frozen north whilst the other.. well.. you'll just have to wait and see..

[constant_ones]

Both your rider and the banshee conversion are fantastic, seeing great ideas like these really make me want to dive into those elements in my own force... Man tempting, thanks for the inspiration!

[baphomael]

Have to say, that banshee conversion is pretty ace. I was considering picking one up for a daemonhost conversion.

Anyways, I'm loving everything about these saturnine plogs. It all has a very John Blanche kinda feel... that quirky, baroque, look that is distinctively 40k.


Oh, and as to the winged hussar banner... this is 40k dammit, everything is over the top and ostentatious.



Also, kudos for having the stones to carve up those lovely FW minis. I nearly crapped a brick doing a headswap on the krieg officer and commissar.

[GomezAddams]

Both your rider and the banshee conversion are fantastic, seeing great ideas like these really make me want to dive into those elements in my own force... Man tempting, thanks for the inspiration!

Go for it bud - both of the tech priests cost around a tenner max. I think Mother was more expensive as I have to buy the brass cog but otherwise there relatively cheap conversions for a HQ choice.

Anyways, I'm loving everything about these saturnine plogs. It all has a very John Blanche kinda feel... that quirky, baroque, look that is distinctively 40k.

Yup, thats what I loved about BTB's original conversions. Having said that, I really don't like John Blanches art. I find it too over worked and too quirky and bizarre without thought as to the practicality. Then again when your doing an art of some of the crazier elements of 40k I don't suppose practicality enters into it

Another tiny update today, and not painting related as I can't decide if I'[m happy with the red on the captain. It just doesn't fit right for some reason and its nagging at me. I'm tempted to switch it to a nice emerald green which I think I discussed with BTB originally, so some feedback on the color scheme would be helpful here guys!

Anyway, what have I been building?



Possibly an Inquisitor with bodyguard, or something else, not entirely sure yet. I'm sure she's pointing at something very Interesting though

one more thing - I'm collecting a gorgon crew set on friday to begin chewing through the infatry but I have a distinct lack of heads - if anyone has any spare there willing to donate I'd he very very greatful

[Chem-Dog]

I'm more of a purple man myself, so expect that at some point. Next chicks Isabella Von Carstein though so I'm planning to keep her simple.

What can I say? I'm easily distracted by bright colours....
I've been looking for an excuse to get Isabella since I first saw her, such a nice clevage sculpt.

Any suggestions tattoo wise? Anything you think would fit in? The only thing I can think of is a barcode (which I think they'll all have), a QR code for Saturnine (using transfer paper and all that jazz) or some kind of Raven.

As the rider is a member of the elite Circle, it might be cool to reflect that on her steed?
A raven in flight would look pretty cool on the Horse's flank, in silhouette and maybe trailing a few feathers (possibly representing kills,or some other honour).
If you wanted to drive home the Imperium aspect, A Raven perched with a bicephalic eagle behind it could look groovy.
The Rider's name maybe? Finola.

[GomezAddams]

As the rider is a member of the elite Circle, it might be cool to reflect that on her steed?
A raven in flight would look pretty cool on the Horse's flank, in silhouette and maybe trailing a few feathers (possibly representing kills,or some other honour).
If you wanted to drive home the Imperium aspect, A Raven perched with a bicephalic eagle behind it could look groovy.

That would be awesome, however it misses one small detail... I'm cack handed with anything more then some fancy swirls. I also have a feeling your going to be disappointed about the hair....





Why is there a litany tattoed on her horse asked Mrs Addams - because its a science fiction horse I replied, and thats all the justification a tattooed horse needs It will look better once its been blended in, which I can now do because everything else is finished - just need to find a decent base set...

Also, I'm hoping to pick up my new dog on Friday with all my holiday pay... a small grey one... from Nottingham...

[BeatTheBeat]

Also, I'm hoping to pick up my new dog on Friday with all my holiday pay... a small grey one... from Nottingham...

HOT DAMN!

This update really put a smile on my lips. Apart from the obvious awesomeness level of a Warhound titan (correct?), the Captain is really shaping up. I know these are basecolour stages, but I think that the scarf green can go a bit darker while the uniform green can go a bit brighter/more grey-ish. Not too much though, the colours already combine in quite a nice way.

And the tattoos... Woaaah. Love at first sight. Oh, and the heraldic shield: Hot. This is going to be damn good when finished!

Cheers,
BTB

[Apologist]

While the colour scheme on the Captain has moved away from the 'Blancheian' scheme (which I liked a lot), I think the emerald green works beautifully – it's still got a sort of Napoleonic, archaic feel, but the green goes very nicely with the brass armour. I'd be tempted to change the steed's eyes, though – as they're the only hot spot on the model now, the eye gets drawn there.

I am sorry to see the Captain lose her white hair, though – I thought that was a great touch that tied her into the horse and gave a nice narrative touch. The yellow is very vibrant at the mo; perhaps you might give it a light wash of diluted Khemri Brown, and a drybrush of Dheneb Stone for a more natural blonde?

That small criticism aside, I really like the addition of the gear honorific, and the litany tattooes on the horse are very cool indeed.

Yup shes circle, so I'm fairly confident I could get away with something more over the top for the horse, but there definately needs to be some purples and reds in there to make it a bit more wasted. Luckily this will be the only white horse in the entire army, everything else will be a lot darker. Any suggestions tattoo wise? Anything you think would fit in?

Looking at the second picture, I mistook the hose leading from the tank at the back for a whip, which I thought was a cool concept that'd fit in nicely with the Saturnine background. Electro- or Power-whips are mentioned very occasionally in the background as Imperial weapons (commonly used by Commissars), but they're unusual enough to be distinctive. How does that tie into tattooes for the horse? Well, if the whip became the symbol for the Circle – since it can be coiled into a circle or spiral itself, as well as being both a tool of admonition and contrition – the addition of one to officers and circle members (either as a weapon or a symbol) might be a cool way to enrich the background and give some more Blanche-style oddness.

Either way, the models are looking fantastic – I particularly like the Mechanicus-banshee, Mother. Great idea!

[Chem-Dog]

Noeessssss!!! The white hair......*sob*

Anyway. I love the litanies, they are amazing. Don't take this the wrong way, but are they transfers? I feel like, with better eyes, I might actually be able to read them. If they are transfers, kudos, no discernible "halo of shininess" that even catches the 'Eavy Metal lot out sometimes and if they aren't, you've obviously invented a shrinking ray....

Looking at the second picture, I mistook the hose leading from the tank at the back for a whip, which I thought was a cool concept that'd fit in nicely with the Saturnine background. Electro- or Power-whips are mentioned very occasionally in the background as Imperial weapons (commonly used by Commissars), but they're unusual enough to be distinctive. How does that tie into tattooes for the horse? Well, if the whip became the symbol for the Circle – since it can be coiled into a circle or spiral itself, as well as being both a tool of admonition and contrition – the addition of one to officers and circle members (either as a weapon or a symbol) might be a cool way to enrich the background and give some more Blanche-style oddness.

I like this. A whip could be a subtle hint at a link with the Ravenguard too, if you were so inclined.

[GomezAddams]

This bloody heat is awful - honestly, I can't wait to be back in the frozen north.

HOT DAMN!

Hot damn indeed *nods approvingly*

I know these are basecolour stages, but I think that the scarf green can go a bit darker while the uniform green can go a bit brighter/more grey-ish. Not too much though, the colours already combine in quite a nice way.

I'll give it a go but I don't want the brush work to be too fine. With my Malifaux bits I work at them with lots and lots of layers to get the effect I want, with the Saturnine I want them to still have the broad brush strokes and bold color use I always associate with Blanche, which should go well with the truely blanchian Mechanicus cult. Its a fine line between hitting the right style and making it look sloppy, although I am enjoying tackling a figure more as an artistic piece (why yes, I am wearing my pretentious artist hat, how did you know? :P) then a gaming piece.

I am sorry to see the Captain lose her white hair, though – I thought that was a great touch that tied her into the horse and gave a nice narrative touch. The yellow is very vibrant at the mo; perhaps you might give it a light wash of diluted Khemri Brown, and a drybrush of Dheneb Stone for a more natural blonde?

I tend to agree. I went for yellow as I felt it looked a bit too similar color wise and found it a little jarring. I'll go with your advice and bleach it a little (I can almost hear the cries of joy from Chem-dog)

I'll have a word - once my ******* internet is fixed - to BTB about the whip idea. I like it, but the regiments his baby and I'm merely riding his coat tails

Anyway. I love the litanies, they are amazing. Don't take this the wrong way, but are they transfers? I feel like, with better eyes, I might actually be able to read them. If they are transfers, kudos, no discernible "halo of shininess" that even catches the 'Eavy Metal lot out sometimes and if they aren't, you've obviously invented a shrinking ray....

They are transfers from an old sisters of battle transfer sheet I had lying around. I honestly wanted an aquilla but after searching through some forty odd transfer sheets I couldn't find a single useable one. My technique is to apply microsol liberally over the top - what it does is melt the transfer slightly so it blends in better and works around curves easier. I'll apply another coat of micrsol before the shading begins just to be on the safe side, and then it'll get matt varnish on top so there should be no shine whatsoever.


I'm glad everyones digging the work so far - Infantry should be coming next week once my last cheque comes in from work, and then its full steam ahead. I'm hoping to get the rest of the riders at least base coated this week; some of the conversions proved a little tricky hence the delay.

I do however, still need heads. LOTS AND LOTS OF HEADS!

Also, puppy purchasing has been advanced to tomorrow. I'm rather excited about it all, and plan to have a pint to celebrate

[Chem-Dog]

(I can almost hear the cries of joy from Chem-dog)

You....could hear that?

They are transfers from an old sisters of battle transfer sheet I had lying around. I honestly wanted an aquilla but after searching through some forty odd transfer sheets I couldn't find a single useable one.

I have most of the transfer sheets I've ever got floating about somewhere, including the ones witch came with the original release of the first Leman Russ, I might still have my big old sheet of Forgeworld stuff too, I'll have a rummage, see what I can find. There's got to be one or two viable options.

still need heads. LOTS AND LOTS OF HEADS!

State you're preferences and I'll raid my bitsbox(es). I'm presuming the usual collection of un-helmeted human bonces is preferable?

Also, puppy purchasing has been advanced to tomorrow. I'm rather excited about it all, and plan to have a pint to celebrate

As you're wilting in the heat, make it a pimms

[GomezAddams]

CHEM-DOG - I'll send you a PM shortly buddy.

So say hello to my new dog








Only joking, thats my mums - heres mine...



28 miscast pieces, a personal best from forge world but there all being replaced so I don't care too much. I did however celebrate with a pint of bugmans and smiling like a fat kid in a sweet shop for most of the day. I'll be waiting for the miscast parts to come in before I crack on, just to be on the safe side.

[BeatTheBeat]

Woah, we are certainly raising the stakes here (and - cookie for correct guess? )! You have to make detailed step by step accounts of the warhound's progress, as I really want to get one of my own some day but am a little put off by working with resin on such a huge (and expensive) scale.

Cheers,
BTB

[GomezAddams]

BTB - Full details all the way on this one, so its going to turn into a bit of a mammoth log, especially now that I've answered the age old question of 'whats better then a warhound titan'



Two warhound titans



So no one thinks I'm having a break down and splurging all my savings at warhammer world...

The first titan I got had a fair few miscasts (as mentioned above). Last Friday I phoned them and asked what the status was on replacement parts. FW said they'd be at warhammer world by the end of next week (so, yesterday). I phoned again yesterday and they confirmed they were ready and waiting for me at warhammer world. I get there and... no parts. The parcels vanished and no one quite knows where - solution?

'Okay I've spoken to forge world, they don't know whats happened, so they've said there going to send you a whole new warhound which should give you enough parts to build at least one full one, or we can get the replacement parts sent out its entirely up to you'

You can guess which option I chose So today I sat in warhammer world, going through a new titan which was in equally bad state - having said that, all I'm missing now is two shin pads (I was planning to magnetise them) and two head rests. One staffer has suggests I attempt a repair job on one but I'll see how I get on as the miscast parts were fairly vital and not easily replicated. Worse case scenario it'll make some interesting terrain :P

[Chem-Dog]

It's got that one almost hopes for a few critical miscasts. I am a wee bit jealous though (green faced smileys--> ).

As a fallback plan, if you can't salvage two whole 'hounds out of the jumble, you can always make the boss of the mother of all wrecked vehicle markers. It could also double as a pretty awesome terrain piece when not playing titan friendly games.