Getting back on the painting wagon

The last month or so of my life has been largely consumed with moving house and renovations. The process is still not complete, but at least it's getting close. This also means that I have finally located most of my modelling stuff, and am actually able to sit down at my painting table and do something productive from a toy soldier perspective.

I've jumped on board a less-than-ambitious thread on the Warhammer Empire forums where people are committing to paint an Empire model a month (or maybe a fortnight for the more ambitious among us). It's not a high level of output to sign up for, but I figure it might be enough to get me moving again and give a bit of purpose to my painting efforts. I think it will take me a while to build up some momentum and make real modelling progress anyway, so this sort of fits the bill.

My choice of model was largely dictated by what I could find that was ready to paint. I undercoated a Kislev Boyar years ago, and this was apparently the opportunity he had been waiting for as he surfaced in a bits bag.

One Kislev Boyar, dredged from the piles of models waiting for paint.

I really didn't know where I was going with this model colour-wise. I think I've done just enough to ensure he'll work with my other Kislev models whilst standing out as a character.

He comes prepared with many weapons.

He has a fair few gems too.

His face is a bit of a mess. I really couldn't find his eyes. I don't know if it's the model with his beetling brows or a problem with my new light setup. Anyway, he'll do. As usual the camera shows things the naked eye has trouble picking up.

In other news, we now have a cat in the family. She is very cute and friendly, but seems to think that any lap is specifically designed for cuddles. This makes it hard to move around and be productive. I have already been ambushed at the painting table a couple of times. I will have to work out a system where this sort of thing doesn't stop me from painting. 

My model waits patiently for paint whilst the ambush takes place.

We are also going to have to have some discussions around how inedible my models are. The painted ones stored safely behind glass were no doubt watching in horror as battles raged over the fate of some of the less painted (and less protected) comrades. Models are friends, not food.