"Do You Know Someone Who Needs a Painting Intervention?" Topic

Do you know a gamer whose dire painting is in need of action by his fellow hobbyists?

Ahhh, but would intervention destroy the bud before it can bloom?
A less than delicate approach to something like this could very well stamp out whatever will there was to have a go and slowly improve with time and effort.

Yah. I know someone who can't see anymore to paint their figures. But he still keeps buying minis with no intent of sending them to a painting service. Ugh!

Some paint and on the table. Better than my lead mountain, not to mention the plastic hillock

John

Are you talking about a bad painter or someone who paints slowly/not at all?

What about me??? Someone who needs help to STOP painting! *twitch, twitch*

Gentle encouragement and some positive hints are the best way to proceed.

Harsh. Does that someone actually want help. Are they happy with how they paint figures, even if they don't meet the standards set by others.

Seems a bit elitist to me. Of course there are people who want and ask for help and advice. Or those who through some physical disability who need help and assistance.

But my advice is wait until a person asks rather than offer it unsolicited.

The only advantage that I have noticed with getting older is that my eyes are not so sharp and as a consequence my painted figures look better on the table ………. but only to me!

I am of course remind about my 'wargamer standard' painting when I photograph the little blighters, as digital photography has the unfortunate property of making things sharp and mistakes stand out.

I am always hopeful that someone 'well meaning' does not offer advice about my painting standard :-)

Snyde comments have been made about my painting at conventions when I have been running a game. It was not from any players, just some folks on the sidelines watching. I do an okay game quality figure.

I stepped up my game and really tried to do a small diorama for a painting competition at Historicon about 3 years ago. I won 3 rd place. Only 3 people entered that catagory.

So to give an answer to the original question, no intervention is needed. And if you do wish to intervene, then do it with positive reinforcement. Something along the lines of, "Hey, that cloak turned out pretty cool. I bet a lighter shade on just the high parts would really make it stand out. I can show you what I mean if you like."

It is all in the way you approach it.

Matthew

You know somebody that not only buys figures, but actually paints them, and you think there is a problem?

Seems harsh. In my experience if you game with a group of guys who have rising painting standards everyone steps up some. There will probably be someone who spends too much time making their stuff look too good, and someone who is satisfied with a little less quality, but overall figs will tend to get better and look good together on the table. That's been my experience at least.

Without naming names, I have a friend who took a decade or more to finish a model kit. It looks very nice. In fairness – he painted a lot of other stuff in that time and is a very good figure painter.

I've been slowly working through the backlog and try to tell myself to not buy more until the current pile is done. But…you know. There is so much cool stuff out there!

I just wish my painting rate was anything near my purchasing rate

I just wish my painting rate was anything near my purchasing rate

+1 HistoryPhD

"Do you know a gamer whose dire painting is in need of action by his fellow hobbyists?"

He's never admitted to being color blind, and we haven't let on that we know (mainly to see what brain-vomiting color scheme he comes up with next… ;-)

I have known several, many years ago. They were adults who should know better. I had enough units for us. So never used them. Now if it was a kid striking out for the first time, I would find a way to get them in the game. Then give some tips to improve his painting.

I see

If it a case where some one has just sprayed (badly) some figs just to say there painted or if it someone who afraid to paint then sure. Otherwise your just going to hurt there feelings.

Maybe they will be happy someone cared enough to intervene?

I belong to a wargames club that never, ever judges anyone's miniatures. I think we're just happy that members care enough to purchase the figures and do their best to paint and base them.

My only judgement is on the use of unpainted figures (and based vehicles, they are the Devil's work :) ).

By all means paint away, no matter your skill level and if you think you need some help in the art o' painting; then by all means ask.
I have known some very good to excellent painters and they have always been willing to share tips and techniques.

Thanks,

Pat