Posts
How Miniature Painting Changed the Way I Think About Progress
Miniature painting has taught me that progress isn't measured by perfect results—it's built through consistency, experimentation, and the willingness to tackle challenges that feel just out of reach. In this post, I reflect on how the hobby has reshaped my mindset and why I've finally committed to painting one of the most intimidating models in my collection: the Balrog. Sometimes, the biggest step forward is simply picking up the brush.
Progress Doesn't Always Look Like Progress
Life doesn't always leave room for long painting sessions, but that doesn't mean progress has to stop. In this post, I reflect on balancing work and hobby time, why even a single brushstroke can move a project forward, and how thoughtful planning and consistency can be just as valuable as marathon painting sessions. Sometimes the biggest lesson is realising that small efforts really do add up.
When Good Enough Has to Be Finished
Takiyasha was a project filled with experimentation, deadlines, and a few hard-earned lessons. From exploring colourful shadows and textured highlights to discovering exactly why washes aren't always the answer, this competition piece pushed me outside my comfort zone. While not every technique worked as planned, the finished miniature is a reminder that progress often comes from the projects that don't go perfectly.
One Hour, Two Miniatures, Zero Successes
Can a miniature really be painted in just one hour? I put myself to the test with two Miniatures of the Month from Warhammer—a Darkoath Marauder and a Crypt Ghoul. Despite a muted timer, an unfinished base, and two technical failures, the challenge taught me valuable lessons about planning, speed painting, and focusing on what matters most when the clock is ticking.
The Miniature That Measured My Progress
How much can a painter improve in a few years? To find out, I revisited the very first miniature I ever painted and put my current skills to the test. From smoother blends and convincing non-metallic metal to better colour placement and brush control, this side-by-side comparison became a rewarding reminder of just how far consistent practice can take you.
Pumpkin Killer – A Return to Tradition
After months of pushing heavy Object Source Lighting across my Chaos Dwarfs, the Pumpkin Killer felt like a welcome return to a more traditional painting style. What began as a straightforward autumnal horror miniature became an opportunity to experiment with rust effects, subtle OSL, and even some non-metallic metal that ultimately disappeared beneath layers of weathering. The result is a miniature full of texture, decay, and character, reminding me that sometimes the sculpt itself can do most of the storytelling.
Chaos Dwarfs – Pushing OSL to Its Limits
What started as a simple attempt to learn Object Source Lighting quickly grew into one of the most challenging projects I've tackled. Through countless adjustments, repaints, and experiments, this Chaos Dwarf team taught me valuable lessons about light, contrast, planning, and restraint. The result may not be perfect, but the journey pushed my painting further than I expected and changed how I think about miniatures going forward.
Painting Your Way Why I’m Here
Welcome to Painting Your Way, a blog about miniature painting, Gunpla building, and the ongoing journey of improving one project at a time. What started as a way to work through a growing backlog has become an opportunity to share the successes, mistakes, and lessons learned along the way. Painting can often be a solitary part of the hobby, and this blog is my attempt to make it a little more social by opening up the process and inviting others along for the ride.