Painting the 'Eavy Metal Way

Sam Garrod recently sent us an email telling us how he got on with the 'Eavy Metal Masterclass book, which was released before Christmas. So we thought we'd share his experiences with everyone as well. Sam's 'very understanding and supportive girlfriend' bought him the 'Eavy Metal Masterclass book for his birthday last month, and he's already begun to challenge his own painting skills by picking a few of the examples from the book to try and replicate. His first effort was Darren Latham's Ork Warboss:

Sam: After carrying out a sneaky bitz raid, I managed to gather everything I needed, bar the squig that rides atop of the original Warboss' shoulder. I was pretty gutted - I mean who doesn't love a squig? So I followed the construction guide and managed to get a respectable reproduction (sans squig) of the Warboss.
I quickly set to work with the painting. Before, I never truly appreciated just how much work goes into the 'Eavy Metal team's miniatures. My humble attempt to replicate what they do took me the best part of a week to get through! Nevertheless, the amount of work that goes into their miniatures only spurred me on further; I even had a stab at the freehand work and was quite pleased with the outcome.

I was originally feeling less than confident painting the yellow - it's one of those colours most hobbyists aren't that confident painting (along with white) - but the step-by-step guide really helped me. The techniques for shading using Dark Flesh, and painting on some battle-damage and weathering, really added life to the yellow.

I really can't recommend the 'Eavy Metal Masterclass enough - all the tips and tricks, not to mention the guides, means that there's something in there for everyone. I know it made me confident enough to challenge myself and, as the weeks go by, I'll keep trying the more difficult techniques presented. After all, the only way to get better is by practicing and challenging yourself. For anyone who really enjoys painting, this book is an invaluable addition to your reference library.

Mark: Thanks for sharing your painting experience, Sam. If this has inspired any of you at home to have a crack at this conversion, here are a few things you'll find useful. Don't forget to let us know how you get on.