I painted the Tau XV95 Ghostkeel Battlesuit the same time as I painted the Stormsurge that I showed a few days ago.
I like to do this a lot if the models are very similar in scheme as it saves time from painting one model at a time. Again I went with a very 70’s sci-fi scheme. I’m a big fan of all those old 70’s sci-fi book cover paintings.
Next up I should be showing Blood Angels as I have a very large commission for them. So you will see a lot of red. How do you guys prefer to paint. Do you paint models individually or in groups?
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Awesome paint job. Have you got a tutorial for this style?
Third eye your work is truly inspiring and skill full. You are by far my favourite model artist and you seem incredibly helpful and loyal to your fans. Keep up the awesome work!!! And for the anonymous trolls that waste their time trying to falsely criticise inspiring artists can go to hell. Tim, third eye blends his models similar to his base because he paints his minis to look realistic. In real life (eg: soldiers fighting in war zones) they become weathered like the terrain they're fighting on. Also the base and the model is similar because it's a frigin stealth suit it's supposed to be like that.
I'm not a huge fan of the older scheme that TEN is using here – but I've never been a big fan of a very gritty scheme. Regardless, the skill and execution of the paint job are both excellent, and as someone who is still new to painting I can really admire the work, detail, and airbrush usage all around this and the previous Tau incarnations.
I am slowly coming to like this paint job. It has taken time to grow on me.
Have you done any step by steps on how you approach a model and paint in this style?
interesting topic. For me the model looks fine.. Used and abused. Not a motif covered glaringly painted item. I build model ships for clients and museums but like to have a break with some GW machines.
As for anon posters..They have spent years looking and watching but never picking up a brush.
For style and artistic flair..just look the abuse poured on the likes of J Turner or Picasso at the beginning of their careers.
Unkown, cheers dude. Comments like that mean a lot:)
I've always loved your style, though opinions can always go either way, i've always found it to be refreshing to see such a cool and realistic style of painting. Usually we get to see bright, vibrant and extremely highlighted pieces of art, were you put in models looking like they've been to hell and back in an actual war.
When it comes to commenting on a piece of art, it all comes downto opinion, sure you can give technical comments, and point out were details on a model have been given attention, or the perfectness of a line, however at the end of it all, all pieces of art are looked upon as a whole. Like it, or hate it, there is a lot of character, story and feel to thirdeyenuke's style and models, thus giving his pieces a story and feel of they're own, this is something i personally greatly enjoy when looking at a piece of art!
So thank you for being you, youre work is a true inspiration!
Michel
I really like what you have done. Its a stealth suit and I think you have captured it perfectly with all the grimness of the 40K universe. Nice work.
FWIW I absolutely love the blasted out look here.
At the end of the day, I'm more than happy with the work that I did on the Ghostkeel and would not change anything. I went with a theme and I fulfilled what I was trying to achieve. Others are entitled to their views via comments, good, bad and ugly. That's the beauty of being privileged to show work regularly on Tale of Painters. In that you are confident enough to be public with what you do and also to be on the same blog as some of what I would consider the best painters about. Cheers guys 🙂
That's a interesting response. Whilst I was at art school studying BA fine art I was always told that if I continued doing work in the way that I was I would have no hope of ever going forward to do a MA in fine art. I did not listen and continued doing work in a style that I thought was interesting, even though lecturers did not approve. I ended up applying to study MA fine art at Chelsea, Wimbledon and Central St. Martins. I was told from my course leader that I would not stand a chance, however I was taken by all three schools instantly. These schools are some of the hardest ones to get into in the world. No one else on my BA course was taken by any school that year. I was also told many times during the early years of my BA that I would have no chance of ever being taken by a gallery if I continued in my style, again I proved that wrong.
I think sometimes you have to look into your self artistically and follow what you think is right. Criticism is good to look at but I think you have to be careful that it does not consume you and change the work that you are. I have seen far to many people especially in art school become changed by criticism for the worse, then they lose their identity and become lost in what they are doing. I think its best for the individual artist to follow their own path and take and search for what they think will make them better.
TEN, I don't think its a question of either ignore all criticism and stay true to yourself, or accept criticism and change your style completely. I think there is a happy medium where you can tell the difference between criticism that is unconstructive, and criticism which might actually enhance your style and make it better.
I feel as though you're lumping all criticism into the category of being unhelpful, when that isn't the case.
For example, I noticed that on this model you've missed details. Now going back and fixing that, painting the hands, making sure the panel lines are outlined, etc, does not amount to selling out on your own style. IMO, it enhances your style.
Some criticism may be off-base, but you need to think about what is being said to know the difference. I feel like you brush off criticism too quickly, which only provokes people to make negative comments. Instead if I were you, I'd just respond like this, "Thanks for your comment, I'll take it into consideration." Done, nothing more beyond that is needed.
I'm always open to crit as I've stated numerous times in this post and others. I think you have to be in miniature painting as thats the only way you can progress. But I still belive that you should try as much as possible to stay true to yourself, but at the same time be aware of improvement.
I think it's funny we're not allowed to challenge criticism. Why is ok for people to criticise the artist's work and then they get upset when the artist challenges their opinion. Surely the artist is just as welcome to an opinion as the criticiser.
When I wrote an alternative positive review of Age of Sigmar, I got stick from people for challenging their opinion. When I replied to their negative posts (putting it in the politest way possible) to defend my opinion (wasn't being rude to them, because I try and treat people how I wish to be treated) they got even nastier.
I just don't like the whole "I'm entitled to a negative opinion, but you're not allowed to defend yourself" attitude from a lot of posters hiding behind an Anonymous name tag. They wouldn't say this stuff in real life.
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. If you want to challenge someone's painting make sure you offer helpful advice and be constructive, and remember they're entitled to disregard your advice and defend their work. Don't take it personally when they don't listen to you.
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Garfy, I think you're responding to an entirely different set of comments, but I think that you are allowed to challenge people's criticism, but that should be done internally, not to directly to one making the critique. It just isn't good form to reply with comments like "Hammer time" and calling people "haters" just because they provided criticism. It provokes arguments as you have experienced.
At the end of the day, you can try to change other people's behavior, but its very difficult and whats better is working to change your own behavior.
Most of the comments on TEN's work are legitimate and if taken to heart could really improve his/her (?) work. When people say things like "you're missing details" and "the glow effect is off" these are things that should really be taken into consideration IF TEN wants to improve. I don't think I have ever suggested that TEN completely change his/her style. Most of the time people are pointing out things that could improve on it.
Garfy, I fully get your point. When I first started showing minis on CMON I was bombarded with unwanted abuse. It does not feel that great, especially when you have just started painting. I tried to argue back in defence and got even more abuse. Sometimes you cant win.
Btw I like the Way the Tau model has been painted and fully understand why the painter would want to defend himself.
My phone has a mind of its own . . . I meant to say you don't have to like the work to realize a lot of work went into it. This isn't a spray from the top then bottom throw some wash on it job. It's precision work and you don't even have to look hard to see that, you just have to get past your own taste to appreciate it.
So…sure, hard work and effort should be praised, but that doesn't mean that you're immune to criticisms intended to help you improve.
But should you change because of a few who criticise the work or stay with those who appreciate it, or even still stay with what you feel personally is the best way to go and not listen to others at all?
IMO, feedback is very valuable in general. I think what one's thought process should be;
1) read and make sure you understand the criticism.
2) look back at the model, verify whether the criticism is real, or is off-target due to some poor translation into photograph.
3) Ask other people, whom you know and trust to be honest with you, about the specific criticism, whether there is any truth to it. Get their feedback.
4) Interpret the feedback and channel it into changes.
the thing is, if you're painting models because you make money doing something you love, and that is a sustainable business model, there really is no need to change, because the goal is running a business. One doesn't need feedback from anyone except paying customers.
But if you're doing it as an artist striving to produce the best work possible, then feedback should be actively sought out and absorbed.
In art school, were you shielded from criticism or were you exposed to it?
Obviously you were exposed to lots of criticism. This is because an artist who doesn't get criticism improves a lot slower than one who does get criticism.
Actually that's exactly what it is. Spray from the top, spray details black so you don't need to paint them, sponge on damage to obscure detail, random misplaced OSL, done. It's a step up from a dipped mini I guess.
Anonymous, register with a name and then I will take you seriously. Your input has no value.
I think people need to seperate their interest in the color theme selection from the execution of the technique. I think to say the above paint job is rushed or missed details is actually really unfair and insulting. If you look closely it's clear a lot of work went into this model and the details are there but not covered in what I would call a more traditional manner. I do notice the consistency between the base and the model but that makes sense with a stealth suit. It's clear from a survey of Thirdeye"s portfolio she favors a gritty, ultra realistic style. I don't always care for that look myself, but I always appreciate her work because it's executed at a high level and having viewed some videos of her work I know she has a solid technique I can learn from. If don't to like the paint job that doesn't mean it's poorly executed. I think it's clear she cares about work, that shouldn't be questioned.
Personally I feel the comments that are perceived as negative don't necessarily need to have a negative outcome. I feel that all the comments have given their own personal opinions but stated why so it's great. I think we're always learning and progressing so that's what gives the hobby longevity and vitality.
I gota say Thirdeyenuke! you've shown great sportsmanship mate =) I haven't seen anyone else with your unique style. Keep doing what your doing hahaha. I'm on the same page as Garfy from the comment above haha =D
Thanks Jiunn, I agree. Over the years though on reading comments I have the learnt the big difference between critical comments for the positive and critical comments just for the sake of just being negative. I always try to embrace all comments that have value. But some folks are just out to be down right unpleasent. Probably a lot to do with me being a commission painter. Almost makes me want to write a future post with listings of certain regular named negative posters with comments next to their names as well as all the anonymous's essays I have received. I think it would make quite a humorous and interesting read 🙂
I think the criticism you receive is similar to what John Blanche gets. He can't paint well either, but he's certainly artistic and really puts himself out there. Good on you for sticking with and developing that style.
I think comparing John Blanche and 3rd Eye is entirely appropriate. Both artists have those who love and hate them. I'm somewhere in between. At times I love JB's stuff, but not all of it. Same with 3rd Eye. Though in a flash of self-awareness, I think I am more vocal when its a piece I don't like. Have to give equal praise when there's something I like. 3rd Eye, sorry if I was harsh. I get criticisms on my blog as well and its hurts at first, then I process it, learn from it, adjust my work when I think the criticism is useful.
Love the hardened battle look. No one does dark and gritty as well as you.
Nah, I would no way say he's best, but he's close to being best. Jim
Any chance you could let me know what color you used for desert effect and how you did the metals?
Not certain why your getting negatives like the post above. I sure wouldnt want people writing about my work like this. Btw, I think it looks great as all the work you guys post on a regular basis. Keep it up and remember its far easier to be a keyboard warrior for a few negative seconds than it is for the amount of hours that you guys put into your work. Jen
Cheers Jen, showing work public in internet land can be a scary and daunting place. But satisfying also 🙂
I would say the person posting criticism has some valid points. I know it's for a customer and meant to be a quick paint job, but I'm not a fan of this whole spray gray from the top and spray random details black look.
I have to defend myself on this as a lot of work went into that model as with all my work. Nothing I do is ever quick or rushed as you can see on TOP and my worksite http://www.thirdeyenuke.com .Maybe comment using a proper account with a name than hiding yourself with your quickly typed negatives.
I think you did better on the Stormsurge. This one has a lot of detail that you didn't address, but that may have been at the client's request (or pay grade). I also feel that the base and the model are too similar, since they are kind of melding together. Best not to do that when you want people to focus on the model itself. Maybe that is your intention. If it is, I'd consider that a bad choice, but what do I know? Not an expert. I guess what it comes down to is if the client is willing to pay for this, then its great and does its job. But as a showcase piece, I feel you've done a lot better in the past.
"Hammer Time"
Hi Tim, the model was by no means painted quickly or rushed. Chris has spent a long time painting both Ghostkeel Battlesuit and Stormsurge, hence they have been finished just now, not straight after the releases. He tends to paint in a very subtle way and at times it looks so easy and quick to do, but actually the models always involve a lot of detail and layering and highlighting. I have painted models following Chris's instructions and realised what a mammoth work goes into each model he paints. We posted the models on tale of painted just to share what we do. Ksusha
Love this version. It's really creepy looking.
Well I'm a slow painter… just started eldar in fact. usually I take between 4-6 models and do the entire base coat so for me (blues and purple and grey weapons) Then take the next 5 and do the same until all of the unit or similar units are done. Hoping to finish my guardians this next week.Once all base coat is done I then move onto a single or fun model like a character or vehicle to keep my interest peaked. then go back and do the highlighting and detail 😉 Like i said I'm super slow haha This is all brush work too.
Chaos ghostkeel!