Battleground Games Forum

Battleground Games & Hobbies => Painting & Modeling => Topic started by: JakeM on May 31, 2013, 01:32:51 PM

Title: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on May 31, 2013, 01:32:51 PM: I'm making a high elf army. My goal is to win best painted at a GT. Im a good painter, but I tend to rush things. This time I'm going to take my time and make every detail perfect. That's why I picked High elves. Lots of detail not a lot of models. I would like some creative input from anyone who is interested. I'm still in the idea phase.

This is my first idea
Theme: Guardians of that place that frost phoenix go to die... I don't know what its called.
Bases: The bases would have snow, rocks and the frozen remains of anyone who was foolish enough to go there.
Colors: Black (to contrast all the snow on the bases) and Blue
Conversions: Elves riding Thunder Wolfs ,without cybernetics obviously, for Chariots. Lots of Frozen Ice statues. Something for my cavalry core...
Display Board: Frost spires with frozen phoenixes and stuff like that.

Army List:
Core Cavalry
units of chariots (wolves)
2 Frost Phoenixes
ect.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 02, 2013, 09:46:48 AM: First test base for guys frozen in ice. Still in the experimenting phase. Need to add some snow and icicles.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130602_083553_zps5ab72760.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130602_083553_zps5ab72760.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130602_083424_zpsf0aee26f.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130602_083424_zpsf0aee26f.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: Imp on June 02, 2013, 11:44:08 AM: Pet shops/Fish stores sell glass (clear & frosted) glass chunks that would make perfect ice spikes and chunks
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 02, 2013, 12:37:00 PM: sounds cool, I'll look into it. I've seen hot glue tutorials for ice. I'm going to try that soon.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: Chase on June 02, 2013, 10:21:10 PM: I like where this is going.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 02, 2013, 11:37:19 PM: Working on the ork general, frozen in ice, this is going to be the base for my phoenix.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130602_223143_zpsecd1b973.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130602_223143_zpsecd1b973.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 02, 2013, 11:38:56 PM: The frozen giant, still a little work to do.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130602_223036_zps0b7999f3.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130602_223036_zps0b7999f3.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130602_223108_zpsc766911d.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130602_223108_zpsc766911d.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 03, 2013, 09:58:02 AM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130603_085429_zps68194164.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130603_085429_zps68194164.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130603_085508_zps8f9b9ae1.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130603_085508_zps8f9b9ae1.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 03, 2013, 10:00:01 AM: I'm not as happy with how the wyvern is coming out. I feel like I need some color to break up the white and blue.

The Phoenix will be perched on the orcs axe.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: Rhys on June 03, 2013, 10:08:51 PM: Maybe try doing the extreme highlights on the ice in a warm color. You'll keep the blue, frozen feel but you'll get a bit more depth and energy I think. Especially if you incorporate the phoenix as a source of light.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 04, 2013, 09:53:00 AM: i think you mean make a reflection of light on the ice. That sounds pretty cool, and hard. Ill try.

First try to make Icicles using hot glue and superglue.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130604_082203_zpseb5010e9.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130604_082203_zpseb5010e9.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130604_082318_zpscf0bf41a.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130604_082318_zpscf0bf41a.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: Rhys on June 04, 2013, 10:47:09 AM: Quote from: JakeM on June 04, 2013, 09:53:00 AM
i think you mean make a reflection of light on the ice. That sounds pretty cool, and hard. Ill try.
I've found that warmer colors really come forward off of cool ones, so I don't think you should necessarily try to paint a reflection per se. Mixing a tiny bit of a light (but not bright) orange in with the extreme highlights will give you a tiny bit of color contrast while still looking really cold. Think mountaintops in fellowship of the ring.

Quote from: JakeM on June 04, 2013, 09:53:00 AM
First try to make Icicles using hot glue and superglue.
These look AMAZING
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 04, 2013, 11:48:38 AM: Thanks Rhys. Ill give it a try.

This is what the first unit of "chariots" is going to look like

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130604_082542_zps3983799b.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130604_082542_zps3983799b.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 04, 2013, 11:50:02 AM: and WIP on the frozen giants

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130604_104553_zps8708ee88.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130604_104553_zps8708ee88.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 05, 2013, 11:07:51 AM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130605_100249_zpsec253424.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130605_100249_zpsec253424.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 06, 2013, 12:09:12 PM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130606_110636_zps620574c7.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130606_110636_zps620574c7.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 06, 2013, 12:13:37 PM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130606_111239_zps8941c0e2.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130606_111239_zps8941c0e2.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: NateT on June 06, 2013, 03:05:46 PM: Awesome as always, Jake! Great theme, and fantastic execution. Can't wait to see the troops! Are you going to use any "unit filler" bases/decorations? Seems like you could put some other great frozen foes in there.

I do shudder a little... or maybe that's a shiver! All those OOP classics!

But you will have a fantastic show army when done, so it'll be worth it!
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 06, 2013, 03:32:31 PM: Thanks Nate. I'm still not sure what's going to be in the army. If I use any infantry then I will have unit filters. it's a great chance to use all the old oop minis that I have sitting around. I've got some old dog of war stuff that might show up...
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: jesterofthedark on June 06, 2013, 11:48:13 PM: Amazing job, I love the theme and how the whole thing is coming together. Just my two cents but a good way to add some color might be to shade in the clothing on the frozen models. The ice would coat it over but I could see some faded browns showing through. That might help break it up enough to not seem to mono-colored.

Just an opinion though, I think its awesome the way it is and can't wait to see the finished product. When you do the display are you going to include any kind of fortification? Something this detachment may use as a base of operations or a gate guarding entry to the phoenix graveyard?
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 07, 2013, 11:47:24 AM: thanks jester. I was thinking about adding some color to the frozen guys, it's just a lot of work... I might try that on one and see how it comes out.

not sure what I'm going to do for the display. I'm definitely open to ideas. an ice wall, like game of thrones, could be cool. maybe with frozen body's in it.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 07, 2013, 11:51:04 AM: Would it look stupid if i painted the elves wearing reds and oranges? Because they are guardians of phoenix?
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: keithb on June 07, 2013, 05:02:18 PM: I think black and red/orange works well. You could even have goldish armor.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 07, 2013, 05:18:17 PM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130607_161330_zpsa3f658fd.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130607_161330_zpsa3f658fd.jpg.html)

started frosty

I started with the bottom of the wing because no one is really going to see it. So its a good place to perfect the style of blending that I want. I think the feather part is going to be black with a little blue. So it looks like a giant crow. Right now its just washed with blue and black inks.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: NateT on June 07, 2013, 10:10:33 PM: Looking good! I second the notion of a bit of orange or red.

"Stay frosty my friends!"
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 10, 2013, 12:50:02 PM: White lion conversion

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130610_114623_zps74f3c570.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130610_114623_zps74f3c570.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: keithb on June 10, 2013, 02:44:30 PM: I have more of those axe/halberd heads if you need them.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 11, 2013, 10:46:31 PM: Did the bottom of the other wing and started painting the feathers on the right side of the picture
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/53bae922-445b-4fc8-86f5-83f1c1b61aa6_zps46fc1a8f.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/53bae922-445b-4fc8-86f5-83f1c1b61aa6_zps46fc1a8f.jpg.html)

close up of the painted feather section
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130611_214122_zps51adacfc.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130611_214122_zps51adacfc.jpg.html)

Constructive criticism is very welcomed! Looking to improve on this a little before I do the part that people will see.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: Chase on June 12, 2013, 02:28:01 AM: Just keep posting pictures of the progress.

Looking good!
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: NateT on June 12, 2013, 10:34:52 AM: Awesome Phoenix, Jake... Now I want to buy one! I love the shadow warrior conversion too, but with the halberd, any concern people will see them as Phoenix Guard instead?

I was thinking you could put some furs (possibly wolf pelts? from the space wolves, or something) on them, more like the white lions.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 12, 2013, 11:40:32 PM: one side finished

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130612_115031_zps22676410.jpg)

Nate, they do look like Phoenix gaurd. I'm not planning on playing both units so it shouldn't be an issue and if I decide to play them instead then I'm all set!

I was thinking they look a lot like dark elf executioners. maybe I should do a whole shadow warrior theme.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 19, 2013, 11:01:09 AM: Took a break from frosty to start painting the White lions / Phoenix Guard

Test model
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130619_095516_zpsb0e1e7d6.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130619_095516_zpsb0e1e7d6.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 19, 2013, 11:01:46 AM: Front rank
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130619_095604_zps9b8de684.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130619_095604_zps9b8de684.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 19, 2013, 11:03:07 AM: Banner
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130619_095723_zps4e8697fc.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130619_095723_zps4e8697fc.jpg.html)

Bottom of the banner
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130619_095747_zps3f57db25.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130619_095747_zps3f57db25.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on June 21, 2013, 09:14:36 AM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130621_081326_zpse998a026.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130621_081326_zpse998a026.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: keithb on June 21, 2013, 02:43:23 PM: I like it so far, but I feel like the cloth parts of the models need something more.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on July 01, 2013, 06:41:26 AM: Started working on some heroes.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130701_053515_zpsfece83d8.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130701_053515_zpsfece83d8.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130701_053754_zps76a99723.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130701_053754_zps76a99723.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on July 01, 2013, 06:45:13 AM: Made bases for the unit. They might need a little bit more snow.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130701_054242_zps440e70d4.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130701_054242_zps440e70d4.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on July 03, 2013, 11:58:55 PM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130702_234659_zpsbe44c878.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130702_234659_zpsbe44c878.jpg.html)

Fire Phoenix made from a great eagle. I like it so much I think I need to find a way to fit it into an army list.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on July 05, 2013, 02:28:18 PM: Both are unfinished still, but you get the idea.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130705_132504_zps1bdd8828.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130705_132504_zps1bdd8828.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130705_132519_zps82ec64ac.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130705_132519_zps82ec64ac.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130705_132535_zps6a913b28.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130705_132535_zps6a913b28.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: Rhys on July 05, 2013, 03:03:30 PM: Dude, those are stupid awesome
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on July 10, 2013, 05:16:46 PM: Almost... finished...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130710_161219_zps19561576.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130710_161219_zps19561576.jpg.html)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130710_161309_zps09783d45.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130710_161309_zps09783d45.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: NateT on July 10, 2013, 06:39:17 PM: You are outdoing yourself this time, Jake! Truly awesome work. I love the black-ice colored head on the frost phoenix. I also love the flame phoenix conversion, really cool green stuffing! What great eagle is that based on?
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on July 10, 2013, 08:20:17 PM: Thanks Nate. The head actually wasn't finished. This is both of them finished!

Well if I can find a brighter yellow paint I might go over the fire phoenix one more time. Also considering some lighting effects on the base from the fire.
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on July 10, 2013, 08:20:55 PM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130710_190451_zps1ed69e6d.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130710_190451_zps1ed69e6d.jpg.html)
Title: Re: The greatest High Elf army Ever!
Post by: JakeM on July 10, 2013, 08:21:43 PM: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v655/Defcon004/20130710_190505_zps112ba94b.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Defcon004/media/20130710_190505_zps112ba94b.jpg.html)