Introduction



Thanks for visiting my page. To help with navigation, here is a list of popular pages all about Marching in Colour

* The History of Marching In Colour - who is the man behind the words and service, how did it all come about

* Commissioning Models for Painting - how the process works, start to finish, and what you can expect

* Gallery of Artists Work - with over 20 years experience, here is a small sample of finished commissions

* ITEMS FOR SALE - as well as painting models, I also sell pre-painted models and assorted loose models and scenery on Etsy and Ebay. Links here!

* Trade in your old models for Painting Credit * click here for details

* To see details of all current commissions booked-in and estimated completion dates - click here

SCENERY and TERRAIN - for pre-made, handcrafted items of scenery and terrain, please click here

For TUTORIALS please follow this link - click here


Wednesday 14 September 2016

A look at 'STANDARDS'


To accommodate all budgets and requirements I offer multiple levels of painting, called 'Standards'.

The Standards act as a rough guide to keep me on track. I paint in waves and work on multiple models at once, kind of like a production line. The Standards are broken down into steps, and on my little production line I complete all of one step, on all of the models, before moving onto the next.

Working in such a way - to specific steps - allows me to add, or cut out steps, which in turn reduce the time (or increase the time) it takes to complete the models.

As I work and charge to an hourly rate, skipping or adding entire steps better allows me to price a commission. It also allows a client a more broader range of styles to choose from, and ensures we both understand just exactly what to expect from the commission.

Below is the 'Standards' chart I work to -


The first three steps are always the same regardless of Standard. All models are cleaned and prepped, given a white or black undercoat, then work begins with the base coasts. Fairly self-explanatory.

At 'E' Standard, the model is given a second base coat. This is usually a lighter shade of the original  base coat, and the first step at adding a level of shade.

I work with both paints and inks, and given the very high standard of most models these days, a light wash of assorted ink can really bring out the detail. Standard A is quick and easy, designed to get lots of troops painted fast, so doesn't get a wash. B gets a mix of wash or layered highlights, whichever better suits the model. C,D, and E, all receive full, and sometimes multiple washes.

Highlights by paint are regular from Standard C and upwards. with D and E each receiving an additional level of highlighting.

With the addition of the extra shading from the second base coat, Standard E, finishes with a more blended look that Standard D.
THE PHOTOS

Nothing shows Standard better than an actual photo! Please find below a series of photos to better visualise the differences in Standard. Clicking on an image should produce a larger image.

D to E - the difference of the second base coat is probably best seen in the body armour and helmet on the REAR (second) shot of models.




STANDARD A

The painting is always crisp and clear. A good example is the neck of this model, and the face/helmet/chin strap.

Any smudges or mistakes, slips of the brush, or running of colours etc are cleaned up so the paint is always and only where it should be.
STANDARD B

This standard receives either a light wash, or a shad of layering to produce shading. Often a mix of the two, sometimes just one or the other. Whichever better suits or is requested by the client.

Here we can see the armour has received an ink wash, and the uniform on the arms, a layer of lighter green.
 STANDARD C

Every part of the model receives an ink wash before highlighting begins.

This produces two to three levels of shading/highlighting - the base colour, the stain, and the painted highlight.
 STANDARD D

A second highlight provides an additional level of depth. This is best seen on the pocket and kneecap in this photo.
 STANDARD E

With two coats of paint prior to a wash, an extra levl of depth is created. This model's helmet and face (especially around the cheek), and also the neck, help to demonstrate the difference between D and E

Sunday 11 September 2016

Marching In Colour hits FACEBOOK!

Howdy folks,

It has been a long time coming, but.... MiC is finally on Facebook!

You can visit and follow (and hopefully like and share) the page here -

MiC's FACEBOOK Page

The idea is to keep this blog for in-depth articles, stories and features, and to use the Facebook page as an almost daily update source.

Here for - reviews, and write ups, full photos etc
Facebook for - hourly/daily updates, whats on the workbench, sneaky photos of the work as the day progress etc


I can also better cross promote on Facebook, share other companies promotions, sales and announcements and so on. What I hope to do in the near future is combine promotions with MiC's service. For instance when a manufacturer runs a sale, or releases new models, I can run a joint promotion of painting those models. That way you can order new releases and have them painted straight away!

As always, feedback and suggestions on the idea are always welcomed and appreciated.

Email - Project_Vehemence@yahoo.co.uk

thanks
Chris

Saturday 10 September 2016

September Update!

Howdy folks,

Its been a while! I hope you are all doing well.

For those of you who are not on my small mailing list (drop me an email at Project_Vehemence@yahoo.co.uk and I'll add you to it), I thought it was about time I posted a little update on why this site has been so quiet lately.

Firstly I am still painting, and will be taking new commissions again real soon.

The reason for my absence was down to illness. I haven't been well, and still arent, though I am far better than I was. I am currently awaiting a hospital appointment for tests. As soon as I know anything further, I'll post a fresh update.

This bought of ill health left me unable to paint, and with a fairly large backlog of commissions booked in. Now I am back painting, I have cleared many of them, and priority is on finishing the rest. Aside from the need to complete promised commissions the other reason why I haven't taken any new commissions is, and I am happy to say, due to the coming revamp of Marching In Colour!


I have been painting, on and off taking commissions, since the late 90's and I have learnt a lot during the years. Getting back on my feet after being ill has spurred me back in to action and I have a ton of new ideas for MiC and the commission service.

The first of which is a brand new overhaul of the prices. Big changes include -

 * Going back to a multiple level of standard. Those of you who can remember the old 'Rank and File' painting option will be pleased to see the return of something similar, with prices now from £2.00 per 28mm model!

 * Better balanced service, and fairer prices overall. Prices have been balanced to better reflect time taken. This means a slight increase across the board for more detailed work, but a better shift overall for easier models to paint.

With the old system I worked to a broad 'average'. The time and money I lost undercharging for detailed Marlburian uniforms with lace and trim and turns, collars, cuffs and reverse musicians was   made up for slightly by using the same pricing model for naked celt warriors - both types at £3.00 each, but the time taken differed by a fair whack. This will be no longer the case, the new pricing model better balances cost vs time taken.

The new pricing page has been finished and you can check it out here - NEW PRICING STRUCTURE   I would love to hear your thoughts on this new structure. Please email any comments to Project_Vehemence@yahoo.co.uk  so I can be sure to read them.


I have a number of other revisions and updates that I am working on, and will roll them out in due course. A new buy/sell page, a better schedule, a daily/hourly update system, and a social media presence  (argh! Facebook!) are all in the works and coming soon.

Its good to be back.

Open for new commissions real soon.

thanks
Chris