Painting a Reaper Bones C'thulhu.

While I'm waiting to get the last of the Zombie Plague minis wrapped up I decided to get my painting chops back by tackling a Reaper Bones C'thlhu mini. I traded this with a buddy for the soon to arrive Riddick figure from Sedition Wars so I made out like a bandit. Now I just need to get Ol' Squid Head painted up.

First off I did some reading about how to paint Bones and as is often the case I got several different opinions about how best to handle it. Some said no priming was necessary, some said to prime with certain plastic friendly spray-paints, some said to only prime with acrylics etc. I decided to go with brush priming with acrylics since too many times aerosol enamels will make this type of vinyl tacky and never completely dry. I've had this problem while trying to repaint toys and wanted to avoid it at all costs, even if it meant brush priming. I washed to pieces thoroughly with Lestoil and let them dry overnight.

I hate brush priming. Even with two coats I kept getting small divots where the paint didn't want to adhere. But I finally got a solid base of black down and let this completely dry.

I decided to not be overly precious about how I painted Mr. C'thulhu and instead went with what seemed right at the time. I let myself quit worrying and just enjoyed myself. I think the paint job turned out better because I wasn't being overly fussy.

Painting was a few layers of drybrushing followed by copious layers of Citadel Washes. I used a 1" hog bristle brush to create mottled skin coloration, especially on the head and 
wings.

Black primer with a damp-brush of Scorched Brown.
Damp-brush of Orkhide Shade.
Dry-brush with Orkhide Shade lightened with Khaki and then White.
Washes of Thraka Green, Agrax Earthshade, Reikland Fleshshade, and Leviathan Purple. On the flat smooth areas this was stippled with a bristle brush to create a subtle patterning.
Otherwise I didn't highlight things to too many levels, maybe three maximum.
I tended to drybrush far too much and then knock it back with washes/glazes. This creates a depth that I like. I'm doing something like a dip method but just trying to control it more. It's fast, fun, and effective. 

Right out of the box.

All ready for color.

The base.

First few layers of washes.

Painting the head was easier with it separate.

More layers of washes and some detailing.

Final.

Comparison with Horror Clix Great Cthulhu, Reaper Eldritch God,  and Little Cthulhu.

Gypsy Danger, Pac Rim meets MST3K.

Photoshop can be a dangerous and stupid thing. This Jaeger really likes Richard Basehart. If the toys weren't so pricey I'd be making one of these.

Dead Sexy, Zombie Pin-up Girl.

New green of Dead Sexy. This is not only one of my favorite minis for Zombie Plague but one of my favorite minis EVER.

Mud & Gutz Bases for Zombie Plague

Just a quick post to show the new terrain bases for Zombie Plague. These will be sent out as part of the stretch goals from the ZP Kickstarter and will then be made available for general release. They will be cast in resin.

Trash Bash 2013 Final Results

It is with great pleasure that I announce the winners in this year's Trash Bash! As always the level of creativity and craft is astounding and every entry has some inspiration that can be taken from it. Thanks to all of the entrants, the judges (who helped me to make some very difficult decisions), and our generous sponsors. And congratulations to the winners!

First Place: Diego Diz~ ATHT (All Terrain Half Track)

Again the first place prizes go to Spanish modeler Diego Diz. His weird war vehicle gained points by clever use of the mouse and overall cohesion of design and excellent finish. Diego has a great ability to find the right bit for the job and his skill in scale modeling is formidable.

"...It was the one that showed the most innovative use of the parts and the end result is a striking vehicle with a primitive-tech character - nice."

"Very well done. Also nice paint work."

( Check out some more "behind the scenes" pictures here.)

Second Place: Thomas Kelley ~ Nu-Mars Colonial Militia LRPT

This is Thomas's first year participating in Trash Bash and he has made a great showing with this cool piece for 15mm. Besides the excellent finish of his models he's also done a huge amount of modeling to create the vehicle stowage and sensors. Lots of great ideas in this one.

" This model demonstrated a high degree of imagination, forethought, artistic talent, and craftsmanship. The attention to detail was considerable yet not overdone, and this model stands out all the more for it."

"I really like the fact I don't see a computer mouse when I see this vehicle."

Third Place: William Burke ~ Red Star Mining Security: ADNOH Hover Darter 

Trash Bash veteran William Burke delivers another fun entry for this year's contest. Judges liked the overall feel of this model, like something you'd see in a Gerry Anderson show.

"The model has a campy, retro 60s style to it, adding to its overall appeal in the context of the figures and terrain with which it was presented."

 "The little hover is a very pleasing design and I liked this a lot - it's so cute!"

Honorable Mentions:

It was exceedingly difficult to choose only three winners for this contest so I'd like to also recognize the other contestants and their entries. Every single one is inspirational in its use of trash bashing techniques and overall creativity. (The following are listed in no particular order.)

Clark Payne~ SCARAB Defense Pod

Alex Hoover~ Self-Contained Quantum/Underwater/Ionospheric Device (SQUID) 

Adam Smillie ~ General Engineering and National Technologies  G.E.N.T. Deep Strike Walker

James Holloway~ Scrapdevil

Duane Gilbert~ The Anuran Prospecting Mech

Trash Bash 2013 Contest Rules.

Trash Bash 2013 Contest Rules:

What is This?

In the spirit of Rick Priestley’s classic grav-attack build, this contest challenges converters, hobbyists, and scratchbuilders to create a model to be used for tabletop wargaming using random bits of stuff and a lot of creativity. Many of the skills of being a strong miniature hobbyist will be needed to do well in this contest, not only construction and painting but also photography, concept creation,miniature painting, and terrain set-up.

What to Enter:

Contestants will construct and paint a vehicle or structure that is primarily used for long range-deep strike purposes. It can be for military, scientific, or civil usage. Unlike the observation vehicles of last contest I'd like to see things made that can go deep into hostile territory for long periods, fight back hard when threatened, and still survive. Although this sounds like a purely military theme I think that there is plenty of room for things like hunting parties, scientific explorers, or caravans.

The required bit is a computer mouse. Any shape or type is valid but merely painting a mouse shaped like a vehicle will not gain you many points. Track balls are valid as well.

Sorry old boys, time to put you out to pasture.

Each entry must contain at least one computer mouse as part of the construction. All other parts can be from any model kits, toys, throw-away plastic items etc or scratchbuilt from other materials. Judges will be looking for clever repurposing of items and skill in making them unrecognizable on the final model.

Other materials such as plasticard, putty, wire, etc are acceptable but fully covered over and sculpted entries will not score well.

Any scale supported by existing miniature ranges is acceptable. This will be necessary for the final picture of your entry unless you wish to sculpt your own troops as well. 

I'll never need more computer than this!

Contest Requirements:

A 200 word or less description of your model should be included with each entry. Explain what type of vehicle or building you have constructed, where it is usually found, what its capabilities are, etc. The scale of your model should be given in this description.

A total of five images must be submitted to be eligible for judging:

• 3 pictures of the final painted vehicle or building on a neutral background showing the three views that best show the construction and finishing of the entry.

• 1 picture of the unpainted vehicle or building along with a list of what materials were used in the construction. If you don’t remember what a particular bit is don’t put it on the list.

• 1 picture of the final painted vehicle or building set in a gaming environment along with painted miniatures of the troops associated with it. This will be a showpiece image and a great chance to really sell your concept. Use of terrain and foliage is expected for this final shot.

No retouching or special effects other than basic photo correction will be allowed on submitted images. Any images showing added effects will be disqualified.

Good, clear photography is expected and will be considered in final judgement. Images should be high quality jpegs no larger than 1 MB per image. Each image should be titled as follows: your_name1.jpeg, your_name2.jpeg, etc. And anyone sending me files that are actually titled “your_name.jpg” will be an automatic ninny-hammer. Please include 200 word description and parts list with the same email.

Limit one entry per person. Only entries that have not appeared elsewhere will be accepted. Please wait to post "work in progress" articles until after the winners have been announced.

Our panel of judges will choose a first place, second place, and third place winner. All decisions of the judges are absolutely final.

How to Enter:

Send an email containing images, model description, your name and country to hellbox45@hotmail.com beginning May 1, 2013. Entries will be accepted until June 1, 2013. Winners will be announced on June 5, 2013.

Judges include:

Brian Roe of Roebeast’s Magical House of Sunshine, Gaming legend Rick Priestley, Illustrator and concept artist Des Hanley, Carlos Fernandez of The Game Preserve, Bryan Steele of Ravage Magazine, Jeff Wilhelm of Dragon Forge Design, Jeff Rodman of Fortress Figures, and Diabolical Super Genius of Kitbashing Leland Erickson of Metal Express.

Prizes:

Prizes will be given for First, Second, and Third places. 

We have prize support from Dragon Forge Design, Secret Weapon Miniatures, Cool Mini or Not, Kromlech, Blood and Skulls Industry, Ars Minima, Micro Art Studio, Metal Express, Forge of Ice, and Tobsen 77. 

Other prizes may be added through the course of the contest. Winners will be responsible for all shipping and handling costs unless otherwise stated by retailer.

This contest is put forth in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect. Any entries that contain offensive material will not be considered for entry. Be cool and creative but don’t build anything you wouldn’t show your mom. Any entry can be refused for any reason especially for not adhering to the basic spirit of fair play.

Please contact Brian Roe at hellbox45@hotmail.com for any further information.

Sponsors: