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