DnD Minis - Winter Dragon

By the end of July I hope to have another sneak peak of my large metal art piece that I'm working on....until then, here is another DnD mini!  My latest and last painted model, in fact!

Model by Reaper:  Fire Dragon.  Hand-painted by me (I don't have an airbrush so it's all done with tiny paintbrushes).  The base is a chunk of mica with "snow" added. 

I found the shadows particularly difficult in this model because I wanted him to look like snow, all white with blue shadows.....He also has rather stormy eyes with tones of gray, almost like he's blind....

Enjoy and Happy Creating,
PZ

DnD Minis: Fire Dragon

Since I'll be working on a commissioned piece for the month of July, and don't have any new jewelry  to show, I'm going back to my DnD Minis! 

Here is my 2nd dragon - a moderately sized pathfinder red dragon (by Reaper).  My goal was to break out of the mold a bit and bring in some other colors - I'm pretty happy with how that went!  He's mostly red with hints of orange and blue-ish teal highlights. 

He's so vicious!  Approximately 5" x 5" (tall and wide).

I think re-basing or changing the base really adds to the model, which is why I change my bases every time.  I LOVE how the basing turned out!  I cut out a giant head and inserted a polished quartz formation.  I managed to match the base pattern to the stone pretty well for a nice blended look.  Doesn't it look like he's protecting his treasure from some thief?!

As always, there is room for improvement.  This model was hand-painted because I still don't have or know how to use an airbrush.  I have another dragon in the works, then on to dwarf wizards and armored paladins!  Too bad we won't be playing with my characters anytime soon....summer is too busy to sit around playing indoors, I suppose....

Happy Creating!
PZ

DnD Mini - Large Earth Elemental

As I wait to reveal my BSBP creations, I will show off another Reaper Miniature that I painted.  I love how this Large Earth Elemental turned out!  Some of the details didn't come out in the photography, but enough did.  I hand painted both models, as I don't have an air brush.  Not too shabby, right?!

My 2 best minis to date!  Both models by Reaper.

The elemental's eyes are supposed to be glowing, and my paint job sort of worked, but I need some more practice there....What I really love about this model are the details!  The custom base with real amethyst crystals (set into a sandstone formation that I had in my rock collection), the crystals throughout his body, the fossil on his back (I didn't even notice it until I began painting!), and how I blended in the color on the base to the elemental's legs, further suggesting he emerged from the base he is now a part of.  All the little things make this my favorite to date, after my cleric character mini!

Details Details Details!  I love the dinosaur fossil and my base with real amethyst!

Next mini - a traditional dragon!  Unless I get sidetracked by my fire elemental - it's my last of the four main elements that I currently have, waiting in a box for some color....But I also hope to make some more jewelry that I can show before May 3rd! So the next post will be a mystery!  Wait, isn't it always?!

Happy Creating,
PZ

DnD Minis 2: Oriental Dragon

Since I can't show the jewelry I've been working on until May 3rd (wonder why?  read this post!), I've decided to show off another DnD miniature!  I haven't had much time to work on these little guys, either, so I only have 1 this time.

But he's a little larger, about 4 inches long, and more detailed.  I also spent more time putting the base together with rough sand, crystal formations, and epoxy clay - that's totally what clouds are made of, right?!  He's an oriental dragon turned air elemental - I think that comes across okay, but maybe I've been staring at him too long....

(click on the above image to zoom in)

His eyes were a dark bronze color, but I think the green shows up better.  I have a range of blues, purples, bronze, gold, and yellow on here.  There were many layers - I have to say that painting metal models is more difficult than the Bones figures.   The paint sticks better to the Bones figures - and I used a double coat of primer!  Thank goodness for sealants - I really hope that helps keep the paint in place because I don't want to repaint him any time soon....

I'll probably tackle another dragon next, but I have something really special planned for him....we'll see if I can make it work!  And I need more epoxy clay - that stuff is awesome for basing these models....oh, and for jewelry making!

Happy Creating,
PZ

Detour Ahead: DnD Miniatures!

I started my first DnD game last year, and also painted my first minis.  For Christmas I received a new little pile of minis, and I just have to share what I've done so far!  While they don't compare to the Reaper contest pieces (those are so amazing - details like patterns on fabric and facial scruff, oh my!), I'm still proud of them and my progress. 

My first 2 minis were painted for friends - A halfling rogue and an elf ranger:

Reaper Bones Mini - Hellakin Goregutter Model

Reaper Bones Mini - Callie, Rogue Model

My next 2 minis are for me - a sea lion (water elemental) and a human cleric (my character!):

Reaper Bones Mini - Sea Lion Model

Reaper Bones Mini - Kyra, Iconic Cleric Model

If you aren't familiar with anything that I'm saying, I'll try to put these minis in perspective!  The halfling rogue is about 1/2 inch tall; the sea lion is under 3 inches long! 

More minis are coming - I'll probably post again when I have several to show again, and after I've made some more progress on my metalworking for the new year!

If you want to try your hand at painting this fun tiny figures, fine brushes, model paint, and a magnifying glass are a must! 

Happy Creating,
PZ