"Faux Metallics for Round Figures (without Metallic paint)"

[John Bowery]

Rocco, Many thanks for the great article. It is very stimulating and very interesting. Thanks for taking the time to post all three episodes. Cheers John

 

[Einion]

For those that don't know, this is what the mini community call NME - non-mettalic metals - which is now a well-established technique used by some miniature painters.

Personally, as I've talked to Greg about, I think the technique is very impressive when done well and looks great in photos, but the illusion falls down when viewing a round figure in the flesh as the highlights/reflections are fixed and don't move as your viewpoint does (this is when used for glossy metals); very similar thing to the catchlights question. Besides, it's hard

And if I could just add: this way or metallics though, shaded or not; anything but that nearly-black effect that's becoming all too popular recently. Since Troy?

Einion

 

[Roc]

John, posting Greg's article has been a great pleasure for me.
I've admired Greg's work for many years, I consider my self lucky to know him, he is a great guy.

Cheers
Roc

 

[bonehead]

I agree with Einion. Again, this is a two dimensional technique. It is definitely the way to go for painting flats which are, naturally, two dimensional.

To each their own. But I do not think that this is the way to go for "round" figures. It does not respond to ambient light falling on the figure, such as any time you look at the figure in anything other than a photo.

Mike

 

[pkess]

Mike and Einion,
I have to agree. Works well with flats, flat art and 25mm but it just doesn't achieve the realism necessary in larger scale. Plus, it is a very difficult technique to master.
Much like attempting to depict velvet and fur on a painted 3d figure. There are techniques that can be used on 2d surfaces but just never capture the look of velvet and real fur on a 3d figure.