Last weekend it was time for the third part of the workshop trilogy, as I attended a painting workshop given by Mathieu Fontaine, hosted by subcultures in Utrecht.
Before the workshop started I didn’t have a clear idea on what to expect but of course I was looking forward to another weekend of painting and learning!
Saturday
The workshop started on Saturday morning and we all gathered at the Dutch Game Garden in the city center of Utrecht (which is a lovely city in the center of The Netherlands). After a short introduction from Mathieu and our hosts, it was time to start the workshop.
After priming the miniature, Mathieu gave us a little evaluation on his favourite paint brands and ones he doesn’t like to use. And then it was time for a little theory in which he explained zenithal lighting. What I liked was that he explained where to place highlights and shadows on the figurine by demonstrating it using his own body. This was really helpful. Also he taught us to look at the different spheres in the miniature.
And then the real painting started and we had to paint the pants of a big GW ogre. Not my favourite miniature, but absolutely a great choice for the workshop as the large surface area means that the blends have to be smooth. And perfect blending was what this workshop was all about!
After a lovely dinner it was time for an extensive theory lesson. Mathieu explained us about contrasts, he talked about 5 different ones, and how to use them on miniatures by showing us examples of his own work. He taught us how to use the colour wheel and how to pick the colours for your miniature, and which colours you probably want to avoid 😉
He ended the evening by explaining how you can catch the attention of judges and viewers by using an effective composition.
Sunday
On Sunday it was time to start working on the skin of the ogre, using the blending techniques that Mathieu showed us the day before, and the theory on zenithal lighting.
As the day flew by we painted the eyes and special attention was given to the face, which is to be the focal point of the miniature.
And finally Mathieu demonstrated how he paints metal surfaces, which we all tried to copy on our miniature.
Impressions
This was a truly great workshop! The structure was very clear, and Mathieu is a very natural teacher. It was a good combination between theory and actual painting, and I really liked how everything was demonstrated. Mathieu was also very attentive, walking around the class checking the work we did and giving individual tips and tricks on how to improve. He was also very clear on his own style and what type of works of other painters he liked and didn’t like, and also how he looks at miniatures when judging a contest for example. This is nice, as it helps you think about how to improve your own pieces and get positive attention for them. He also gave me some advice on how to improve my painting, which I always really appreciate!
I think this workshop is great for painters starting to paint their first display pieces, for those trying to up their blending game and anyone (like me) who tends to be stuck in the ‘Eavy Metal style of highlighting. The atmosphere of the days was really great! And it was also nice to meet Mathieu, the organisers and the other contestants. So we do have painters in The Netherlands 🙂
I would like to thank Mathieu for an interesting and inspiring workshop! Also, many thanks to Tijn and the other guys from Subcultures for a great organisation and nice location. And thanks to all the other contestants for all the bad jokes and fun!
By the way, if you are ever in Utrecht, go and check out Subcultures! It’s a lovely store, great setting, with loads of miniature- and game related things to buy 🙂
And here are the results of the weekend:
4 comments
I like so much your painting class reports. There are wonderful – reports and classes. I think it`s cool that older painter give their experience for beginners.
And i`m so sad that in Russia we don`t have something like that. 🙁
It's strange how I can in fact recognize a bit of Mathieu in the paintjob 🙂 the blends are great, especially the shading. The final highlight on top of his neck is a bit harsh but indeed this is something different than you're used to. With all those workshops under your belt I'm really looking forward to seeing a miniature painted by you with all those new techniques you have learned!!!
Wow.. another workshop.. fantastic! And seems you have taken a lot from both and really put it to work on that Ogre..
Great job and hope to meet up with you at a future event again!
He Maartje,
Nice report. I attended his weathering workshop wednesday too, very inspirational. After the first workshop we talked about doing some more 'group painting'. As it is just very nice to watch and learn from each other. Still interested in those happy getting together things? Because then I shall contact Tijn to see if we can use the DGG for this purpose.
Perhaps I can finally find the time to start working on my new entries for the upcoming Lage Landen Competition…
Patrick