First viking elements painted. Colours to bright ?

[Markus Steffen]

Hello,

I have painted my first elements of 15 mm Essex vikings.
I think, they look a little bit to colourfull and bright (looking at them from a historical point of view). What do you think ?

Vikings (http://de.geocities.com/mkus69/vikings.html)

Markus

[ January 22, 2006, 03:07: Message edited by: Markus Steffen ]

[Timurilank]

Markus,

Nice page and photos. The brightness you describe can easily be solved with a thin (watered down)wash of Gamesworkshop Flesh Wash for the face and arms. I also drybrush the clothing and shields lightly with Bleached Bone and later treat the folds in the clothing and belts with a thin wash of Brown ink.

Other Fanatici have more suggestions so you may wish to wait.

cheers,

[Bob. (and his dog)]

or keep in mind that these look great for toy soldiers!

[Chris Brantley]

I like'm. The colors are bright, but not inappropriate.

If you wanted to tone them down a bit, one easy solution is the Miracle Dip (see Tips and Guides for an essay) followed by a spray of Dull-Kote (or similar flat sealant) to take off any sheen or gloss. A black wash (black acrylic paint diluted in water) followed by a sealing spray would have a similar "dirtying" effect. I have also occasionally used a Tamikya (?) product called "Smoke", which is sold to weather plastic model kits.

[Terry37]

Markus, I like them too. I would not be too concerned about the colors being too bright for several reasons. First, when you get them on the table top the colors tend to fade a little, so I like the colors to show up. I know many who prefer the dark gothic look to their guys and they do look good, so don't get me wrong. But I like some color. Also I have a print of a Viking Bondi wearing a long sleeve dark green shirt type tunic with a short sleeve ligth blue tunic over the top, with the cuffs and hem edged in a yellow-buff based embroidery. And he is also wearing a purple cape,and steel metal helmet and armed with a spear. If I knew how to post pictures I would show you some of my guys. But if you'll give me your e-mail address I will be happy to send some pictures off line. Terry

[Bardolph]

I think they look fine. From what I have read (I did Viking age reenactment for many years) Vikings loved color, and brightly colored fabrics were highly prized.

Here are some of mine:
http://img4.picsplace.to/img4/12/vikings.png

[Cambria]

I would second Chris's recommendation for 'miracle dip'; it's how I finished my Dark Age miniatures after simple block painting & I'm very pleased with the result. The final look is far better than would otherwise be expected considering the (low) level of skill with which I paint.

http://www.fanaticus.org/DBA/armiesofthefanatici/RichardSpeedman/Vikings/index.html

I think you will find that this technique will suitably darken the colours & give a bit of depth & life to your figures.

[Snowcat]

I would target that grass green colour you've used first. Darken it (with a wash if you like) and that will go a long way to solving the bright colours problem. IMO that green is the worst offender of the lot.

[Paul Potter]

They look good. I think that folks are always more critical of their own paint jobs. I generally put on a coat of water red brown wash to cut down on brightness. -Paul

[Ted Galacci]

In my opinion, I don't think you should worry too much about making your figures too bright. Most venues for DBA tournaments are not as well lighted as your work bench and most DBA players are well past the prime years of life. An eagle eyed bunch we're not. When I first walked through the Lampheter Ballroom in Lancaster years ago, it was so dark many figures looked like lumps of shadow.

Ted in PA.

[Nick Pavlovski]

Markus, they are fine!

I have to agree with Brandolph - I have been doing excessive research into the Rus (and also looked at the Vikings, since there was much exchange). Indeed, bright, vivid colours were preferred.

I also agree with Ted Galacci's post - in fact, lighting at our wargames club is an ongoing issue. The larger hall is moderately lit - but again, you have to pick the element up sometimes to really see some paintjobs.

I'd stick with what you've done, and be proud.

[Adrian Williams]

I think they look great. I am learning to come into the light after years of painting figures too drably

Adrian