Don't know where to begin...

[Artguy29]

Hi guys,

I have never attempted a miniature painting before, but looking at all of your beautiful work has inspired me. My problem is I just don't know where to begin. I can't even imagine trying to scale down a reference photo or simply painting so small, although I truly wish to work on some minis. Any tips for a new mini painter would be much appreciated....I work in acrylics and have some spare watercolor paper just waiting to be used.

Thanks!

Dave

[yoyita_yoyita]

If you have photoshop make the drawing large,then resize it in Photoshop, print in a normal paper, coat the back with graphite and transferit to the good paper. Use a kneaded erarser to an just leave a faint gosht image, then paint over it.

[Bertoni]

Dave:
I usually print out a large image and also a smaller one that's closest to the mini size I want to paint. Then sketch from them on whatever surface I choose, whether it be gessoed Luan plywood, illustration board or whatever. I do prefer a smooth surface, so lately I've been using hot press watercolor paper that I put a coat of acrylic mat gel medium on to before starting to paint.
I think your style of painting will lend itself well to miniatures!!!
Just jump in and start! It will all come about!!! :)

[Artguy29]

Many thanks, Yoyita and Bertoni! I guess the only way to learn is to put brush to paper :) .

Dave

[Artguy29]

I drew some mini guidelines on a 9"x12" piece of masonite (some 3x5's, 2x3's , 1x3's, etc.) and they're in the shop, just waiting to be cut! Looking forward to working on some minis today :clap: !
Thanks again for your advice,

Dave

[cryla]

Hi Dave
For the minis I did this weekend I just put paint to brush and sploshed on to my mini cards without drawing on the card first. I was aiming for a spontaneous Robert-H-Ross style "happy accident".
Acrylics are more forgiving than watercolours as you can paint over them once it's dry!

[Bertoni]

Hey Dave:
Go, go, go!!!! Awaiting your first minis!!! :clap: