Pushing through the doubt and uncertainty

For the past year or so I have felt as though my painting skills have plateaued. For some reason I could never get the paint flow right, the paint was too thick, or I just was not satisfied with the colors I had chosen. They were either dull, lifeless colors or just did not fit well with the other colors chosen.

It was not untill going to Origins and seeing many proffesionally painted models, mostly Privateer Press, that I began to realize what my figures were lacking. I was afraid to take my highlights higher, trying my best to keep them so gradual, that it was actually not highlighting at all. Seeing the vibrant colors also motivated me to try more glazes out, using them on the last two models I painted has shown me how effective they can be.

Metals have also been a large problem for me in the past. I could never settle on something that satisfied me. Recently I pegged a technique for gold that I am extremely pleased with. The main thing that was holding me back, lack of a wash and glaze. Gun metal is still a little tricky for me, but I believe I'm moving forward to something I will be pleased with.

I know the more I paint and the more I get used to these new techniques that I will fianlly get to a place where I am happy with my figures. My infamous habbit for throwing models in the stripper may be a thing of the past very soon.