Painting Update: Long Fangs Commission Finished

Lately my painting table has been consumed by a couple commissions from clients and friends. This is my latest completed commission, 2 units of Space Wolves Long Fangs, all armed with missile launchers (do they ever have anything else?). I painted 14 models at once and really surprised myself at the level of quality I was able to maintain across all the models. Normally when I take on large chunks like that the quality suffers but in this case, I had done models like this before and I was methodical in my approach and still managed to get some flourishes like squad markings and a colorful banner.

Since I ran out of Space Wolves bits and the client did not provide more, I dug through my bits box to find alternate pieces to complete the models so you will see a mix of Dark Angels parts, Scout bits and regular Marine Tactical squad parts.

I always try to include a few models in alternate and original poses in my work and this center Long Fang typifies that. Any Space Wolf worth his salt would be ready for close combat of course!

Here you can see the Ragnar's Army Badge, as requested by the client and squad markings. This helps differentiate the squads when unpacking your minis and during the game, when like models can often get confuses with others. 

This squad was armed with Scout missile launchers that the client provided. They aren't so bad in the end. If you're short on Space Marine missile launchers, Scout missile launchers are a cheaper and decent substitute. The only problem becomes that scout arms don't really match Space Marine heads that well so I used Scout heads for some of those models. You'll have to sculpt necks on them if you want to do this too though!

While this leader is not actually armed with a shield, I think squads need little embellishments like this to individualize them and make them stand out. 

I'm starting to really like Scout heads on marines, but preparing them is a pain. You have to stick them on a pin, sculpt on a neck - eyeballing it - then when it comes time to attach to the model, you have to trim the neck down so it fits. 

Right now, I am booked for commissions for a couple months. Ahead of me is completing the Alpha Legion vehicles, a display piece for a friend and then I'll be free for some of my own stuff. Unfortunately due to this commission and other, I probably won't be submitting anything to Crystal Brush this year...perhaps. 

MUST - SEE Article.

Apparently there is sleeper cell of female 40k players. Read this link: 

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/arts-&-entertainment/girls-celebrate-anniversary-of-warhammer-40,000-201203145006/ 

Infinity Tiger Soldier

My latest Infinity model, the Tiger Soldier. He was finished a couple weeks ago in fact, but I haven't had the time to post him here.

I've started to use inks again. Lately I have been unsatisfied with the results I've been getting from GW washes, and although, I used them here, I've found that ink provide for a more intense and controllable shading technique. 

This miniature is probably the least favorite in my Infinity collection, but I wanted to paint him because he is very valuable to me in the game. He's got a high Ballistic Skill and mimetism which helps keep him alive. With Airborne Deployment Level 3, he's a master of the ambush, dropping from the skies to flank units, or attack isolated targets. 

Enjoy!

Tau Rumors...I was right. They were all fake.

This afternoon I drove out to deliver the Alpha Legion tanks I had painted over the last 3 weeks. As we looked over the models I had done for him, the client and I briefly chatted about what is upcoming for 40k. He told me it would be Black Templars and then Tau, so don't worry...and that Chaos Space Marines would be after the Tau. I replied that if that part were true, then he'll be waiting a long time for Chaos Space Marines, because Tau are never getting a new book. I was joking of course, or so I thought.

About 15 minutes ago, I checked Faeit 212 and saw these rumors at this link. It states that we're not going to see Tau in 2012, and rather Dark Angels, Chaos Space Marines and 6th Edition will dominate the year of 40k. It's a much more plausible scenario- more Marines. Not only is it more plausible, but it makes more business sense. GW knows it can sell marines. GW also knows that making marines is easier for them and cheaper. So it is less of a commitment and more money in return. The Tau Codex...too risky...too much invested into this little blue-skinned army.

So all those gob-smackingly delicious Tau rumors....all fake.

The Ubersuit...fake.

The Demiurg...fake.

Sniper Suit...fake.

What isn't fake? Another year of waiting.

Maybe another 2 years, who the hell knows? Maybe there will never be another Tau Codex.

I am sorry but I am just too bored with the current codex. It ain't about power, it ain't about competitiveness, it ain't about anything other than just being bored with my Tau options.

So 2012 will be another year without 40k for me. For the rest of you, it'll be another year of Marinehammer with some Necron and Dark Eldar sprinkled on top for giggles.

Did we seriously think that GW would waste its 25th Anniversary of 40k on Tau?!?!

Tau Gue'Vesa

I was just sketching one day and I then I went pretty far with this guy and decided to add some color. I used watered down acrylic paints (not GW's but actually art store acrylics), pencil and water-proof ink pens. I really like how he came out and I want to do more. Notice the katana, yep definitely an Infinity influence there. 

Enjoy!

Commission: Alpha Legion Rhino Horde

Work is wrapping up on the first set of vehicles for the Alpha Legion army. If you are going to Adepticon, you'll be able to see this army in person, as I believe it will be part of the team tournament. Next block of vehicles includes 2 more rhino chassis, 3 Chimeras and 2 land raiders. Maybe someday I'll be able to paint my own figs again...

Question to the community, does anyone have access to or suggestions on where I can find Alpha Legion transfer sets? These tanks are begging for some markings. 

The Tau Codex Welcome Center

First you must watch this video...

Welcome To Planet Earth from Mikey Livingston on Vimeo.

Like the gentleman is this video, I man the Tau Codex Welcome Center. I've built my space ship (Tau army) and I am now just waiting for the aliens (the codex) to drop from the skies. We're ready for them.