Forgeworld Venerable Dreadnaught by Robert "Jester" Cruse

Description	:	This is a Forgeworld resin Venerable Dreadnaught. In itself it was quite an interesting challenge. Working with resin you must clean the resin first (soap and water), remove the flashing/mold lines, clean again, and then start looking for the holes in the casting. Resin work is really more about clean-up and preparation prior to commencing painting than that of a metal miniature. Once cleaned, I primed using Tamiya Fine Spray primer each part separately as the mini as a whole would not be easily painted as one mass. Most of the parts were on wire and cork to hold them while being painted. Once all parts were painted, then the final assembly to the cork base was accomplished. The paints used were primarily Vallejo Game and Model Colors. I used more transition layers in this piece and kept the paint thinner than I normally do as I was going for the smoothest work that I could. In the greens alone (Sick Green was the base green color) there were 8 color layers. Overall I was very satisfied in the scope of the project, and the final appearance.

Poll results:
Number 4 overall.
First Place: 6 votes
Second Place: one vote
Third Place: 6 votes

From:	Endre Majoros (endrem)	(Fri 18 Mar 2005 04:29:17 AM CST)
Very nice model, I like the color choice, the smooth transitions and NMM as well as the freehands. Great job. I would add, though, just to have something on the negative side too ;), that the flames IMHO do not fit very well into the scheme, but still nice.

From:	Michael Holzapfel (GunjiNoKanrei)	(Fri 18 Mar 2005 02:48:20 PM CST)
Endrem nicely sums up what I wanted to say about this miniature ;) Your blending is very smooth and executed masterfully. What is your receipe for the NMM gold? I really like the colors. As endrem already said, the flames somehow don't fit into the overall scheme. I can't put my finger on it but I think they are too 'cartoony' and would fit better if they were a little more 'evil' looking. Sorry, don't know how to say this better. Nontheless excellent work overall :)

From:	Jeremy Johnson (Oni)	(Fri 18 Mar 2005 11:18:56 PM CST)
Actually i think the flames don't fit because the background panels are black but the rest of the mini is green. I think green panels would have made the flames fit the mini better. However the NMM is just sweet, smooth and looks great. I just love the great freehand work, i only wish the pics were bigger so i could get a good look at all of that sweet freehand details. Amazing work.

From:	Robert Cruse (Jester)	(Mon 21 Mar 2005 07:54:46 AM CST)
There are a few more images, including the detail shots on the freehand at my website. http://jestersminiaturestudios.com/

From:	Bryan Wride (Tinweasel)	(Mon 21 Mar 2005 03:48:00 PM CST)
Excellent smoothing on very bold colors. I especially like the subtle light-to-dark on the green armor. Good NMM on the body, a very nice and subtle shade of gold there. Personally, though, I think the gold trim on the exterior arm looks too "chrome" for this guy, but hey... it's well-painted regardless. I don't the flames are necessarily bad, but I think it's because the coloration of the body is so bold that the flames, gems, purity seals, etc. look "out of place."

From:	jimbob1066e (jimbob1066e)	(Fri 01 Apr 2005 12:03:36 AM CST)
Howdy - this guy was a comission right? How do you let them go? lol. I am getting used to seeing your great paint - so I almost missed the claws. Great job! -peace