hmmm . . . What size brush are you using? is it in good shape, keeps it\'s point?
I think the highlights (on the new dwarf in particular) just need to be applied a bit neater - such that it doesn\'t go in unintended places; sometimes a bad brush will spread stuff all over. Like in the hair - there is the highlight color in amongst the cracks between strands when really it should just be on the strands.
Also layer EVERYTHING not just the skin. And when you do layer there should be 4-5 different shades at minimum.
I wish there was a shortcut to good painting but there really isn\'t - it takes a long time to mix up and blend the requisite layers.
Also the shade difference between the lightest shade and the darkest shade on any one part should be greater. Like in the hair, on the dwarf, it looks like you have 2 shades - the color and one slightly lighter. AT MINIMUM three layers are best on any one thing. Mix up a new batch of those lightest shades you\'ve used by adding more of either white or yellow or a tan and on each piece apply the paint to increasingly LESS areas on the mini. Know what I\'m saying? it\'s very hard for me to describe without illustrating it.
Here\'s an example; let\'s see if it helps: Imagine a circle (not a sphere)- This circle is filled with your deepest shade color say 75 %Scab Red: 25% Black - start with that and let it dry.
Now, within that circle, paint a smaller concentric circle using JUST 100% scab red. Let that dry.
Now mix 75% Scab Red to 25% Blazing Orange - paint another smaller concentric circle with that mix. Let it dry.
Add a little Fiery Orange to the mix you just made up so that it is 50% scab red and 50% oranges. Make another smaller concentric circle on top of the others. See where I\'m going with this?
On a mini, these smaller areas are higher points on the mini - each raised area gets a slightly lighter color than the one underneath it so that at the tops (top of the mohawk points, front edge of the axe, tip of the spearpoint on the axe, top of the forefingers, knuckles and muscle tops) your colors are all very light compared to the deep creases and those areas in shadow.
Also, on this mini, I see there are still traces of where you didn\'t go back and fix things - it looks like the eyebrow at left bled some paint into the forehead, the brass charm bracelet bled into the silver wrist band, the silver ring bled into the gold one, the flesh on the lower hand bled into the ring, the black between the fingers comes out too high and should instead be closer to a brown. The green on the gems is only one color (no highlights) and bleeds into the gray of the axe, the axe handle isn\'t highlighted.
Heh, I don\'t mean to be harsh so please dont take it that way, I\'m really just trying to help you see how to improve. A mini is the sum of it\'s parts and all the little details should add up to a neat and tidy figure.
So, in summary, really focus on each detail of the mini especially it\'s outline and color seperation. Also be more cognizant of where light falls on a mini and highlight accordingly.
oh yeah - go look at the top 10 minis and really examine how the affects are achieved. Try to copy the style. experiment, practice, take the time . .
Most recently I\'ve been blown away by Cyril and Kuromaru - the latter especially. Look at their stuff in particular.
I hope I\'ve been constructive here so . . . good luck!
