Terminator Squad - Part VI (Showcase)

 

Astartes Firestarter

Having now finished the Terminators and had a chance to compare before/after photos of the final edge highlighting, I've realised that the difference doesn't really show up on photos. This actually confirms what I suspected: the finish of the paint matters just as much as the pigment, and the lighting conditions and camera sensors have a habit of washing out some of that. The paint is ever so slightly more satin than the matt varnish, which makes the largest difference in the final edge highlight stage. Good to know.

That smile....

Overall I'm not the most impressed with the armour shading. I've done a lot better. I did learn a thing or two about the new approach tried here at least, and that will definitely feed into the next squad. The contrast between highlights and shadows simply isn't enough, but I'm fairly certain I can fix that in future.

With that much armour, quite why a low, stable stance is needed isn't clear.

Edge highlighting at the end has some benefits: it can be seen how the overall model needs to be adjusting. Doing it too early can be a bit of a waste in attempting to show off every single edge. Most often I actually needed to define the bottom of the left pauldron and keep it more distinct from the rest of the arm.

"Space Hulk Stance"

The bases do add some height. It is noticeable compared to other models, but I think worth the effect in also making the Terminators seem slightly larger.

Unfortunately the weapon targeting lens is a bit of a mistake. Not in the colours or technical approach, but it sticks out and draws more attention than I'd like. I should have left them alone here, or made them much darker at the very least. Perhaps one of the darker metallics underneath the gel paint.

More targeting lenses!

One of the more wise decisions was not attempting to paint details in a multitude of colours. Keeping things simple is not only easier to paint, but doesn't clash with the rest of the model. There are a few special details on most models, but they're the exception that proves the rule: less is more. Don't try to make the model "busy", or it just ends up messy.

I bought a Terminator Chaplain (because that model really looks cool), so between these models and that purchase the count is now at 4.5. I'm almost certain to break the count for the upcoming Legions Imperialis, where it's hoped I can paint those things much, much more quickly. I don't go for speed painting, but neither do I intend to put quite as much detail into that smaller scale.

-- silly painter.