Nolzurs Paint Kit box
crazmadsci Miniatures, Review

Boneclaw Paint Kit: Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures Review

Two weeks ago I did something in my miniature hobby I’ve never done before. I painted in a public setting, more specifically in my friendly local game store. I decided to join in the festivities of a paint night by painting the Boneclaw from Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures paint kit. These paint kits were made as a way to get the models before they go to mass retail and encourage people to gather show excitement and give people reasons to support their in person stores. Or rather that is at least what i’ve been told. What makes them special is that for $20 you receive a model, two wizkids paint brushes, and 12 paint samples from the Vallejo paint line.

Nolzurs Paint Kit box
Nolzurs Paint Kit box

However due to the last year many of these kits were unused and have been sitting around. So although this model is available for purchase my store just reently had theirpaint night. Slowly the painting nights have been happening and I really needed a night out and opportunity to meet new people. Over the course of the last decade I have known the tabletop gaming community I can count on one hand how many times I’ve spent a substantial amount of time in a store so this was a really big step for me. I still haven’t played in a store in over 10 years, but perhaps this is the year that changes. To put it lightly I was pretty nervous.

The Prep

When preparing for this paint night I had no idea what to expect and if I should come prepared. Would it look ridiculous if I brought my own wet pallet? What about brushes? I did not know if this was a class, an open paint night, or what really to expect. So I actually packed some things in my backpack to pull out what I needed without hopefully looking ridiculous after gauging the room around me. This turned out to be a great plan and know that next time I shouldn’t be so concerned.

What Comes in the Paint Kit?

So what does the kit comes with?

  • A Nolzur’s Marvelous Miniatures & Base
  • 12 paint samples of Vallejo paints. (Mostly using Vallejo model color)
    • Two paints I believe are washes
  • A paint water cup
  • Two wizkids paint brushes
Nolzurs Paint Kit box opened with contents displayed
Nolzurs Paint Kit box contents
Nolzurs Paint Kit paint colors in paint journal
Nolzurs Paint Kit paint colors

For the price this is an incredible way to see if you were interested in miniature painting and wanted a night to see if they were interested in painting or wanted to try a few paints out. The cost of the Nolzurs Paint Brushes ($10.99 via Miniature Market) and the miniature Boneclaw ($8.99 via Miniature Market) alone cost the same as the entire kit. The only thing missing from the Nolzurs Paint brushes is the dry brush. So having extra paint and more than you need on one model is a great deal.

Nolzurs Paint Brush set
Nolzurs Paint Brush set
Nolzurs Miniatures Boneclaw Miniature
Nolzurs Boneclaw Miniature

Overall the only primary thing I felt like I was missing was some of my mediums or a dropper bottle to help thin down my paint. Also most importantly I wish I had a paint handle to hold the miniature while I paint. I can’t believe how much paint I got on my hand while trying to paint this model. I really loved having my wet palette and was glad I was not the only one who brought some extra tools to paint night.

The Experience

Sitting at my table I got to meet a wide variety of hobbyists. I loved how we significantly ranged in age and experience from two high school siblings painting their first model. Older cosplayers including one who forgot his glasses so chatted instead. And of course someone who 3D prints as well! It was great to share experiences and feelings like everyone at the table was on an equal playing field. I did not get to meet and talk to everyone at the other tables as there were about 3 full tables and a 4th that was there for part of the time.

I realized quickly that I am not a speed painter and paint extremely slowly. That along the fact that I appeared to have chosen two of the worst paints in the collection; Violet and Skin Wash. Violet was not labeled as a wash but is definitely a wash which you can see was a choice for a good portion of the robes and took too long for coverage and in hindsight I should have abandoned the task and picked another color. After painting some of the skin I used the skin wash in attempt to just have a bit in the recesses darkened but instead turned my all of the skin on the model orange. Between attempting to clean up the violet that kept spreading like a plague around my hands and table and attempting to build my ghostly pale skin back up from the poor orange spray tan it received I did not get anywhere close to where I wanted to be with the model. I was also distracted trying to make connections with people and feeling out the community in hopes to find people to play games with in the future. After about two and a half hours I gave up for the night and just enjoyed the company chatting.

I have every “intention” to going back and finishing this model to my personal standard in the future but alas I have too many projects going on. Make sure you follow along the blog to see if I ever get to updating it.

Final paint job of Boneclaw after paint night
“Final Paint” job after paint night.

What Would I do Differently?

There were definitely paints in the paint kit that did not age well in their sample pots and separated pretty significantly. Perhaps if I drop some mixing balls it could give me a better life in the paints provided. I think I will try that next time and bring some to drop in. If I know the model ahead of time I also want to prep with an image or two to gauge what paint scheme I should go with. Trying to decide how I want to paint the model is a pretty slow process to me.

As for the paint kit I definitely think that it is now one of my favorites to suggest as a way to get into the hobby and feel it out. While the paint range would be substantially limited to the colors directed towards the model getting a miniature and two paint brushes is worth the $20 alone.

I also fell in love with two colors from this kit and am currently using it for my Snotlings Bloodbowl team. Once I run out of these samples I absolutely plan on purchasing full bottles of them. Those colors are Dark Prussian Blue and Luftwaffe Unif. WWII. I appreciate the fact that the samples also include the product numbers for easier finding.

Boneclaw Paint kit favorite paints
Boneclaw Paint kit favorite paints

Conclusion

Would I do this again? Absolutely. I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to get to know my local game store more. Plus I was surrounded by a bunch of people who are a bad influence and encouraged me to not only buy a second Blood Bowl team but also a start collecting box from Age of Sigmar. I am so excited and definitely plan on trying to play a few games at the store.

Next in line for paint night in March is the Chimera Model! Have you ever used these paint kids what did you think?

Product image of Nolzurs Chimera miniature figure
Chimera Product Image

Past Writings

Pile of miniature figures in pieces
crazmadsci 3D Printing, Miniatures, Tools & Organization

The Shattering Reality of my Miniature Collection

Disaster Strikes

Last weekend a disaster struck. A massive majority of my miniature collection has come crashing to the ground thanks to the adventuresome behavior of my cat, Turtle. You see at the moment my miniatures are being housed in an old bedroom TV cabinet as I am working on “figuring out” an improved method of widespread storage. In reality I have been continuously making it worse by stacking an increasing number of boxes and containers on top of each other just waiting for the day something shakes the whole tower down.

Well that day happened. On Saturday I heard a large CRASH and was terrified it was my curious toddler. I go running and immediately feel two emotions. First I am absolutely relieved to find that no child or animal was hurt. Secondly I felt my heart sink to my stomach as I saw the devastation the laid before me.

Miniatures lay in pieces scattered over the floor as hundreds of models crashed on top of each other, into other boxes or just spread out. The largest damage of which is my painted miniatures of 2021. Over half of all models painted in the last year lay in pieces. 

Pile of miniature figures in pieces
Some batch of models in pieces.
Black cat named Turtle
The culprit! Turtle the Cat

Trying to Piece it Back Together

I then proceeded to spend a large portion of my time to see if I can glue as much of the minis together. While I was trying to piece much of my hardwork of 2021 I had an inner dialogue of problems and perhaps ways I can fix them and should focus on for 2022.

Cutting mat with broken miniatures and superglue to repair the models
The surgical field, to glue models back together.
Frostgrave necromancer model in 6 pieces
Haggatha the Necromancer
Lizardmen miniature in pieces
Lizardman, Lost Adventures Vol 1
Hill giant model in pieces
Hill Giant, Lost Adventures Vol 1

Trying to Solve the Problems

Actually Utilizing My Storage Solutions

“Carrie, why in the world did you wait this long to try to organize your models?”

Voice in my head

You see this is actually ironic because last year I spent a long post series on organizing my collection & hobby space: Storage Wars. I even went as far to develop a new storage tray system for my models (Storage Wars: Part 3 Miniature Storage Trays). Yet in my haste towards the end of the year I did not fully utilize system. The biggest issues that I have is that I have no way to display or store models I’m using that are completed.

Solution: Actually utilize my storage solutions! Take the time to put models away. Find a way to store finished models safely or on display.

Experiment with New Materials

The harsh reality of it is that resin from 3D printing can be extremely brittle. Depending on the material used, duration of cure times, or even staying in storage exposed to UV light can increase this brittleness in your resin models & terrain. Towards the second half of last year I began to use harder resins which are more impact resistant making them more likely to just break rather than shatter. This was definitely noticeable in my Dwarven Frostgrave army printed mostly in 2020 rather than my husband’s necromancer undead army printed later 2021. When the newer models broke I could find most of them to try and glue back together. However some of the original resins used that were basic resins without additives such as ABS-Like or Hard were more likely to shatter rather than break. Let this be a testament on more durable resins being valuable! However in truth and with all the benefits of 3D printing the brittleness of the models definitely is a very strong negative about the 3D printing hobby. I had no reaper bone model damage, metal model damage and very little hard plastic model damage. 

Solution: Prime all printed models to prevent more curing from storage & investigate and start a series of experiments with flexible resin additives to give models more give and capabilities to stay intact.

Begin Cataloging My Collection Again

Last year I started a database of my miniature collection as well as a visual catalog. While it is still a long way to go it is a start. One major downside to this is that in December I sold off a large portion of my collection and did not update my spreadsheet or visual. I need to go back through the list and update the data before I can continue to grow again.

Solution: Update the Spreadsheet, visual catalog and actually track the known vs unknown.

Conclusion

I recognize that finding better systems to account for ever curious toddlers and adventuresome creatures is a much needed thing. I wish I could have shelves to hold the things I love and have spent time on but just do not have the space for it in our home. If you have a precarious pile of models this is my warning to you to make it safer.

How do you keep your hard purchased or crafted items for your tabletop games safe? I keep telling myself that this is the moment where I learn my lesson, but only time will tell.

Happy Hobbying!

Carrie aka crazmadsci the Crazy Mad Scientist

Past Writings

2021 Benchmark Model Showcase Featured Image
crazmadsci Miniatures, Retrospective, Skills

How To Gauge Growth in Miniature Painting

2021 Benchmark Model Dwarf final paint job
2021 Benchmark Model: dwarf final paint job


2021 Benchmark Model Comparison

When working on improving any skill or hobby, oftentimes it is hard to gauge personal growth. You can become so deeply focused in your task that having the capability to step back and gain a larger perspective is difficult. Or in some cases the improvement may be so small or subjective it is hard to determine any improvement at all. This can lead to frustration, lack of motivation or even burn out.

How can you to solve this problem?

Last January I set out to try to solve this issue. I painted a benchmark miniature figure so that I may judge my improvement over the course of one calendar year. This benchmark was at that time the very best I could do in painting a miniature. I set no time limit and poured myself into it. The primary goal was to test if I could see a before and after of how far I developed as a miniature painter. 

So what is a benchmark?

Something that can be used as a way to judge the quality or level of other, similar things.

Merriam Webster Dictionary

So in this situation I used the same model painted a year apart to test their different quality levels.

Setting the Baseline

Here is an image of the model painted January 2021. If you want to read more about my thoughts about it at the time and painting read the 2021 Benchmark Model.

Painted dwarf miniature figure. Final collage of painted 2021 Benchmark Model
2021 Benchmark Model: Dwarf

So the million dollar question, have I improved a year later?

Have Others Give Their Opinions

Front view 2021 Benchmark Model first painted January 2021, left. Right benchmark model painted January 2022 to see personal growth in hobby.
Left 2021 Benchmark, Right 2022 Benchmark
Backview of 2021 Benchmark Model first painted January 2021, left. Right benchmark model painted January 2022 to see personal growth in hobby.
Left 2021 Benchmark, Right 2022 Benchmark

When I finished painting this model last week I will admit to feeling a bit deflated. I attempted to focus on painting the new model using a similar paint scheme in hopes that the comparison should not be influenced over preferred color. However when I placed the paint brush down at the end I was not Wowed. I felt no immediate pride or even noticed any significance in difference of my model. In my mind I could only envision where I wanted to go with the model and yet didn’t have the skill (seeing only the flaws not the victories). I couldn’t step back and admire what I could accomplish in the today.

So I decided to ask for help to take a photo to my friends, family, and fellow members of the painting community. The question was simple. “Which model is the newer one and why?” Could people see my improvement where I could not? Could people actually see the areas in the hobby I desired to improve upon in that year?

The conclusion was simple. Every single person who guessed my old model vs my new model was correct. No matter their background or skill set there was not a single person who guessed was wrong. Even non-painters saw growth.

Here are some of the various pieces of feedback and comments I received from different platforms:

Basing is fancier, the skin is smoother. In general fewer visible brush strokes.

The metal looks more like metal, than “gray”. The skin looks more natural, and less glossy. The basework is more complex. The eyes look more natural too. Overall, just appears to be a higher quality paint job.

Both are better than my painting. They look great, but skin on the right looks way better.

Looks like smoother coats. The eyes are better. Cleaner paint work on the rims of the pauldrons. Just all around more attention to detail on it. Some blending on the cheek bones it looks like

The Consensus

Significant areas of improvement were the base of the model which was vocalized as was fancier, more adventurous, and more complex.

It was also noticeable on my improvement with skin & eyes. The skin did not have a glossy appearance (Nuln Oil has a gloss version by the way). Also the layering of my skin was better. My work at setting a baseline with skin using the Hill Giant last year really paid off here.

Lastly my metallics appeared to be better. Did not appear as a basic gray but had sharper lines and better brush control with edge highlighting.

However there was also a repeated opinion that it appears that I am also making a stylistic change. Moving away from washes in the beard and cloth perhaps took away from the contrast and did not push the highlights as much as I did a year ago. Check out the comments.

I feel like the right one has sharper lines and colors so my instinct is to go with that one being the more recent one, but it almost feels a bit like a stylistic choice between the rougher more blended palette and the sharper more distinct style

This comment also gave some feedback on potential improvements with washes which I absolutely agree with.

Looks to me like the one on the right is the more recent one. The one on the left you used more washes, the one on the right more highlighting. There are things about both that I like. With the washing, I’d say try and go a little less wet, you have a lot of the ‘coffee stains’ where your wash dried to the edges and makes your ‘creases’ a bit of a mess. Less paint on the brush. BTW, a wash that is dabbed on a paper towel till mostly dry is essentially a glaze technique which looks like you did on the right guys face, looks great! One thing I like about the wash is you maintained a lot of contrast. To tighten up your highlights, thin the paint, dab from brush, and do multiple passes if you have to. Overall, I like the composition and I think with just a few tweaks you’ll have some new things to explore.

My husband even agrees that the beard in particular he prefers on the old model than the new one. This is something that I need to go back and work on for sure.

More Detailed Comparision

One thing I absolutely forgot I did when I wrote the 2021 Benchmark write up is I included specific areas of desired growth. Listed below. Lets go through and see which ones I succeeded in.


Aspects of Desired Growth

  • Fur: Can I learn to paint fur better that it could even dictate the type of animal it comes from? Potential area to improve skills and knowledge in drybrushing?
Benchmark comparison of personal growth for painting fur from 2021 to 2022
Left 2022 fur, Right 2021 Fur

No Change. This aspect I consider no growth. They were essentially the same with contrast paint used on the newer model and more drybrushing and colors used on the older model. None scream as a better approach but rather just different approaches.

  • Armor: Methods and ways of painting True Metallics in miniature figures. Can I make armor shine? What are the different types of metals?
1 year growth comparison of painting metal armor on miniature figures 2021 to 2022
Left 2022 metal painting, Right 2021 Metal Painting

Success! This area was commented numerous times as significant areas of improvement. Use off better metallics along with selective use of washes and significant improvements on brush control & edge highlighting shine here.

  • Weapons: How do I make metallics & weapons look more battle worn and dinged?
1 year growth comparison of painting swords on miniature figures 2021 to 2022
Top 2021 sword, Bottom 2022 sword

Fail? (Just Different) I personally think that the weapons look less battle damaged in the new model vs the old. The use of the wash on the sword really helped give more of an aged aesthetic.

  • Skin: Starting completely from scratch. Largest desire is to have growth and variety in skin tone for my miniature collection.
  • Hair: Much like skin I have not put much effort into growing or researching this area in miniature painting.
Side by side comparison of painting faces on miniature figures from 2021 to 2022
Left painted face 2022, Right painted face 2021

Success and Fail. In this aspect my skin and eye are significantly improved but the contrast off the beard was preferred on the old model. I am proud of where I started with skin but want to research hair more.

  • Cloak: Layering and contrast. Can I improve my layering? Make smoother transitions in blending the layers? What methods & techniques work best for me?
Painted cloak comparison of Benchmark 2021 model. Left 2022 cloak and Right 2021 cloak
Left painted cloak 2022, Right painted cloak 2021

Success. Improved blending was definitely an area off focus here. I worked quite a bit last year on glazing and next year hope to grow in wet blending. Also work towards improving those highlights.

Technical aspects I seek to improve upon

  • Improving Brush Control. Success
  • Zenethial Highlighting & Source Lighting, Success
  • Basing. Can I make the miniature tell a story, Success
2021 Benchmark Model standing on slate rock, shield and sword being based before priming.
Model appearance after basing
Picture of 2021 benchmark model sitting in airbrush booth
2021 Benchmark Model Take 2 Primed via Airbrush
picture of finish model look after airbrushing
Airbrushed Primed 2021 Benchmark Model

Adjacent Goals

  • Improve my miniature photography, Success

3D Printing the Figure

  • Can I improve the state of the print itself? Success
  • Methods to improve post process clean up, Success
  • Note I did break a hand/weapon joint and had to use green stuff to clean it up again. Success no breaks

Of all the other areas I wish to grow I definitely feel like I hit improvements on each single one. This is a really good feeling.

Final Photographs

Right side view 2021 Benchmark Model first painted January 2021, right. Left benchmark model painted January 2022 to see personal growth in hobby.
Left 2022 Benchmark, Right 2021 Benchmark
Back view 2021 Benchmark Model first painted January 2021, right. Left benchmark model painted January 2022 to see personal growth in hobby.
Left 2022 Benchmark, Right 2021 Benchmark
Side view 2021 Benchmark Model first painted January 2021, right. Left benchmark model painted January 2022 to see personal growth in hobby.
Left 2022 Benchmark, Right 2021 Benchmark
Front view 2021 Benchmark Model first painted January 2021, right. Left benchmark model painted January 2022 to see personal growth in hobby.
Left 2022 Benchmark, Right 2021 Benchmark

Paints Used

Not only did I improve in some painting skills, I also am happy that I have started a paint journal to keep track of paints used, notes, and thoughts during a project. Sometimes those notes are simple such as here.

Paint Journal for Benchmark Model Cloth and Skin
Benchmark Model Paint Journal
Paint Journal for Benchmark Model Fur, Pouch, Pants, Armor and Weapons
Paint Journal for Benchmark Model Page 2

Conclusion

I am super glad that I took the time to paint this model and do a benchmark test. Although I was disappointed the moment of completing the figure looking back only a few days I am excited about my growth in the hobby. This write up has also been immensely helpful to show me that I am indeed getting better.

One thing I definitely take for granted and need to articulate is the fact that along with improving my painting skill, I have sped up tremendously. While the original model was painted over 5 painting sessions this one was over 2. This is also an area of hobby growth.

I highly recommend a benchmark model if you ever feel like you are stagnant in your hobby or skill growth. This was a fun experiment and I am definitely going to be doing another one for this year and perhaps make it an annual thing. If you want a sneak peak as to what I’m working on make sure you follow me on Instagram.

Have you ever painted a benchmark? Can you see a difference? What should I focus on for the next year?

Thank you for sharing this journey with me. As always happy hobby.

Carrie, crazmadsci the crazy mad scientist.

2021 Benchmark MoDel

Past Writings

crazmadsci Miniatures

2021 Benchmark Model

For 2021, I decided to paint a “Benchmark” of my skill growth for the year. The goal is to see the before and after of how I have developed as a painter. This year I decided to paint a model from the Hold my Dwarf kickstarter set. This duel wielding swordsman, from the Solider Set 5 collection, contains several aspects on what I really want to focus and improve upon on for the year. The areas of desired growth and questions I ask myself are listed below.

At the end of the year I will print another version of the model and paint a new model and talk about my personal growth. I am interested and excited to see where this experiment goes.


Aspects of Desired Growth

  • Fur: Can I learn to paint fur better that it could even dictate the type of animal it comes from? Potential area to improve skills and knowledge in drybrushing?
  • Armor: Methods and ways of painting True Metallics in miniature figures. Can I make armor shine? What are the different types of metals?
  • Weapons: How do I make metallics & weapons look more battle worn and dinged?
  • Skin: Starting completely from scratch. Largest desire is to have growth and variety in skin tone for my miniature collection.
  • Hair: Much like skin I have not put much effort into growing or researching this area in miniature painting.
  • Clock: Layering and contrast. Can I improve my layering? Make smoother transitions in blending the layers? What methods & techniques work best for me?

Technical aspects I seek to improve upon

  • Improving Brush Control
  • Zenethial Highlighting & Source LIghting
  • Basing. Can I make the miniature tell a story

Adjacent Goals

  • Improve my miniature photography.

3D Printing the Figure

  • Can I improve the state of the print itself?
  • Methods to improve post process clean up
  • Note I did break a hand/weapon joint and had to use green stuff to clean it up again

Progress Photographs

Final Photographs

Overall I am happy and satisfied with the display of my skill for this model. I have several things that I am frustrated on such as lack of choice in hair color and knowledge to create better more defined skin. I also would like to learn how to do gems/crystals for the sword hilt. I am really happy with the little detail in the green pouch and have received several comments about the swords being a key point of enjoyment.

One interesting comment which I think could lead to a great study or discussion on personal preference was the feeling of the figure being too “clean” as in not adventure worn enough. Adding dirt and grime to the model could give this dwarf a more warrior feel.

Paints Used

Also apparently as a goal for the year I am going to improve my formatting on documentation of paints used. I mean this is a thread on improvement right?

Continue reading to see how I grew in miniature painting a year later!

2021 Benchmark Model Final Comparison
crazmadsci Miniatures

Painted Purple Worm: Dragonlock Miniatures

So guys I painted a thing! My very first model of 2021 has been completed. Although I started it at the end of 2020 I am counting this in the 2021 model count. I printed and painted the Purple worm from Fat Dragon Games. I absolutely fell in love with the model and really wanted to try my hand at glazing as a paint technique. I still have a ton to learn but overall am really happy with the result. This model I also thought would be a great model to practice on improving my layering as there is so much surface area of the same color to really try to hone my skill in that area. I did not have to worry about accidently bumping paint into fine details due to its simplicity.

Notable Achievements/Proud Moments of painting this model:

  • Largest model ever painted to date and not terrain. All previous models have been medium to large monsters.
  • First model painted to completion in 2021
  • First model where I attempted to glaze
  • First model using Vallejo Earth Ground texture.

    Unlike other models I did put a lot of thought and research into the model. For more information on the mentality and evolution I took to paint this model follow along below. Otherwise check out the final product. Let me know what you think.

Printing the Figure


This model I 3D printed on my Prusa mk3s of which you can find the print log here. It is labeled as a “Giant Worm” as the Purple Worm name is a license and unique copyright to Wizards of the Coast Dungeon and Dragons.

Above is the graphical images of concept art of the Purple Worm from all 5 monster manuals going from most recent to oldest left to right, top to bottom. Image credit goes to the WOTC Monster Manuals.

Price Comparison of Printed vs Purchased Models

Overall there are 2 primary and most popular models that I could find of a Purple Worm on the market. One created by D&D Icons of the Realm: Fangs and Talons – Purple Worm (~$50) and the other Reaper Miniatures- Bones Goremaw ($29.99). Since the Icons of the Realm figures are found with collectible boxes and not guaranteed the price of that model is around $50 (found on Miniature Market). Due to its higher price Purple Worms are commonly crafted by hand as there are plenty of guides online.

However if I were to buy the STL from Dragonlock Miniatures ($2.49) and 3D print today ($1.94) for material cost. Total personal cost of this miniature is approximately $4.43. This makes this model cost 85.3% cheaper than the cheapest competitor, the Goremaw model, not including shipping. Overall i’d say 3d printing is amazing.

Monster Research


When attempting to figure out my goals in painting this project I set out and did some home work reading up on the model and most notably listening to YouTube video for Purple Worm lore. This was fascinating and gave me so many ideas that I applied while painting this model.

My favorite video was “What They Don’t Tell You About Purple Worms – D&D” by MrRhexx

Based on the description of the monster. The Purple Worm is of course purple in color with a pale yellow underbelly. Its sides have hard crests and actually has a paralytic stinger in its tail (not shown in model). It is thought that the worm darkens as it ages making the deepest of purple marking an extremely old and terrifying creature to encounter. The worm is actually a relative of an aquatic monster and has a slimly skin giving it a shine. Part of the reason why the worm is purple is due to the valuable purple blood that courses though its body.

Painting Research

Also as a beginner painter I was curious how or what methods were utilized in painting Purple Worm models. Although at the time I found a picture of the model painted on the Dragonlock & Dragonbite 3D Printers facebook group I wanted inspiration. Overall I found 3 youtube videos that I found interested and gleaned various pieces of information from each. The largest downside is that due to the size of the model a lot of the painting is done by airbrush which I don’t have

Progress Shots and Mentality

Giant Worm

Picture of printed Purple Worm/Giant Worm model from Fat Dragon Games

My poor attempt at zenithal highlighting. The idea was that since the monster was an underground creature the light source would most likely occur from a poor adventurer holding a torch. So instead of the highlight of color being from the top down i’d come from the bottom up. It is a great idea that I really enjoyed but do not feel like I captured that mentality enough.

Colors Added:

  • Base coat Daemonette Hide Citadel.
  • Base coated Battlefield Brown for base.
  • Worm Spikes are Vallejo Game Color Earth

1st attempt at Glazing using Liquitex Glazing medium and starting ratio around 4:1 glaze to paint. Integrating advice from Miniac’s youtube on glazing and Vince Venturella’s on glazing.

Starting a glaze of Heavy Violet on top of Daemonette Hide left a noticeable glossy texture to figure which in the case of this model works fine but is concerning for the future.

Continuing the glazing attempt I added Hexed Lichen from Vallejo Game Color to place on the top portion of the scales. Along with a top coat of Oozing purple from Army painter. The focus was to lighten the effect from the bottom of the plate having less paint moving upwards.

Adding a few dots of Pink Horror also added some extra pop around the spikes.

I proceeded to go back and forth adding darker and lighter in attempt to smooth out the noticeable layers to make an easier transition.

The mouth started with Rhinox Hide mixed with Scarlet Red to give a dark color of the mouth. Proceeded by a layer of scarlet red and pink horror as a top layer.

Using a combination of experimentation of several colors and layers helped build up the multi layered process of the belly. So much so I do not have an accurate color order of the belly. The overall goal was to leave the recesses of the model with the purple underbelly to indicate that you could see the blood veins of the model to match the lore.

Using my favorite process of painting bones I used that for the teeth, spikes and tips of the belly spikes.

I even experimented with the thought process of having rocks “fly” or explode out of the base as you can see from my tack and hot glue testing. Overall I did not fall in love with the method and opted to just do a plain ground base.

Future experimentation on the exploding base is coming soon!

Conclusion

This was a long project and overall I am very pleased with my result. I learned a lot and testing many different things. I think this definitely marks a turning point for myself in how I am thinking more deeply and purposefully in my painting.

Overall I think I have the promise of great growth for 2021 and can’t wait to see where I go.