I've finally gotten paints and minis to work with, and I've been looking for ways to up my game. Are there any tips or resources folks could give that will help me get my paint jobs to the next level?
Here's a couple I'm proud of :)
We got a mini painting community over at https://lemmy.world/c/tabletopminis
Those minis are a mile above my first steps that's for sure.
I learned mini painting mostly through YouTube. Main reason is that it helps immensely to see what is being done and his things should look.
Some channels I'd recommend include Miniac, Vince Ventruella, Goobertown Hobbies, Ninjon, Dana Howl among others. All have videos targeted at beginners, intermediate and advanced painters.
For you if recommend looking at paint consistency and how to thin paints properly. Brush loading and brush control. And maybe shading with a wash and dry brushing as some quick and easy beginner friendly techniques. Happy painting.
There's a long standing joke to "thin your paints!"
Check out this guy's post about it: https://ageofminiatures.com/thin-your-paints/ and you can see some of the changes that it offers.
It also doesn't look like you've applied a wash yet, and doing that is a really simple way to add an incredible amount of detail--or, I guess, it makes the details of the model really pop by adding shade to all the little nooks and crannies. Those two models both look like they will show huge benefits from a good wash.
The striping you did on that first one is really cool. If you've got the hand to paint those spots without blurry lines or your hand shaking everywhere, I think you're on a great path for painting minis.
Yes, thinning paints and applying a wash produces pretty good results for beginners and from there it's easy to add other techniques that are within your own capabilities.