How to Underpaint Miniatures: A Beginner's Guide to Sketch Style

[@DanaHowl]

I really appreciate all the kind words and feedback on this first video! It's super encouraging and I've already started working on the next one! Thanks for watching and leaving such nice comments!!!!

[@KannuksPrayAndpray]

Keep up the good work!!

[@Declan-pg8cg]

Nice comments? Bah, humbug. Very nice technique and beautifully crisp paintwork. I've only recently started doing mini sculpture on commissioned work and had to brush up (pun intended) on my micro painting. Your videos are ideal. Although war gaming miniatures are pretty popular here in Ireland I'd still rather do scales a bit bigger.

[@jeremyhaeuptle7924]

Cool video..

[@BillyBobDingo1971]

Man, miniature paintings have come along way from when I used to paint many moons ago. Your work looks awesome.

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

@@Declan-pg8cg - This is the reason for the continuing popularity of the 1/35th scale models, including tanks and other military stuff. There are more of the vehicles than figures, but they are LOTS easier to paint and to augment the accessories like straps and uniforms, and there's often books full of photos that make superior detailing possible.

[@GoobertownHobbies]

I seriously love how well-preserved all of your old toys and cards and packaging are. Exquisite.

[@DanaHowl]

Thanks Brent! Yeah I find it very satisfying tooooo! Part of the reason is that some of the stuff here is stuff I bought as an adult (some of the pokemon games for example, I only had 2 as a kid) I didn't have many toys when I was young but I've always had a "collector" mindset and a strong need to preserve and categorize things

[@rogerolle4906]

Brant cats are cute

[@kosachilles2504]

You two should do a video together! Maybe painting a start collecting age of Sigmar box

[@CrazyLikeATiger]

how come I cant RELIKE this EVERY TIME I REWATCH IT?!? I mean, honestly...🤔🤗😅❤‍🔥❤‍🔥👌👌

[@Sammy213]

Pale sand is to Dana Howl as Titanium White is to Bob Ross

[@chunkylover108]

The way I do my nuln oil is just like you, except I also knock the pot over with my hand during the application phase and spill it all over the table and probably also the carpet... love your channel, only just found it!

[@ralex3697]

Franz Ferdinand You and a million others spilling those pots, it’s a given

[@ggkfdidi6538]

@@ralex3697 yep agreed

[@spejic1]

Nuln oil is excellent for creating contrast between the top of the carpet and the roots.

[@ggkfdidi6538]

@@spejic1 yes and the yellow seat of my $1200 office chair!

[@danielgrosvenor3854]

Seriously, the Citadel pot holder was the best £6 I ever spent.

[@yungmythologist]

listen. this might be a more important painting tutorial video to me than anything Duncan has ever given me, which is about the highest praise I think I can give to anything.

[@grdhog]

I'm nearly ready to pull the trigger on miniature painting attempt #3. I have a restart every couple of years. I've been watching all the popular channels - miniac, ninjon, rob honest, the Czech guy etc... I rate you the BEST out of all them at explaining miniature painting techniques with the right amount of detail and clarity. You are a brilliant instructor Dana! Thank you

[@Dr.G555]

Ms. Howl, when I first watched this video, I thought, "that looks cool". Today I tried it, and it really worked. I dry-brushed with my daughter's old make up brush, did a wash with nuln oil, and then dry-brushed again. Then I painted a thin layer of base colors and it really made things flow well. I still have a bit of work to do but with a very thin layer of base color , it really works. You have permanently changed my approach. Thanks.

[@RATFather]

EXCELLENT TUTORIAL MA'AM!! What I *REALLY* appreciate is that you took the time and effort to explain certain minutiae that other tutorials would simply gloss over or miss why the detail is important for us to know. A perfect example is how you explained to add the thinner into your airbrush before you add the actual paint to “prevent clogging.” The fact is, I have not heard that mentioned by anyone before - you are literally the first one I have seen to have the consciousness to inform us of this detail. Additionally, your speech is methodical, precise, and yet not too monotone. First, I *HONESTLY* thank you for this tutorial. Second, I respectfully ask that you create more in the same style and narrative technique. Within 5 minutes of this video I am a subscriber and will be haunting your channel like a gaping mouthed toddler. I look VERY FORWARD to learning more from you ma’am. Thank you SO MUCH!

[@Declan-pg8cg]

Your seemingly ad hoc approach is great and serious intent not to take yourself too seriously style of humour is spot on.

[@lexlewis9149]

I've learned so freaking much from your videos. After going over them again tonight I've come to the conclusion that your painting is some of the best.... Dare I say why???..... I'm 99% sure you're an android or robot. Mechanical or not thanks so much for all the tutorials! I'm beyond grateful!

[@jamesquinan8495]

I follow a few Mini painters, but you’re the only one that makes me laugh out loud while I’m watching. Love your work, keep it up. Cheers from Oz.

[@dicebreaker]

This video rocks, thank you so much for making it! It's thorough, it explains 'why' as well as 'how', and the production values are great (although the background hum is a little distracting). The unscripted asides and little touches of humour in the edit are brilliant, too - I don't have an airbrush but I didn't wanna skip ahead in case I missed the next joke. Can't wait to see more, we talk about your painting a lot at Dicebreaker. Thanks again! (Johnny)

[@DanaHowl]

Thanks so much!!! The background hum is definitely a pet peeve of mine too!! I accidentally left a fan on in the background and I did my best to mask it, but there was gonna be some background noise either way! A good lesson learned for my next vid!

[@ALYOUTUBERZ]

Agree the hum

[@SwankeyMonkey]

@@DanaHowl Wait, I thought that that hum was intended with the themed production style of your video-- i.e. the 80's glow fonts, the quick breaks from segues, the low tonal speech and edit cuts, and the audio hum... I was so into the theme, I was also hoping for some occasional VHS video pops and crackle to give it that Blockbuster Training Video flavor to your tutorial. I loved it! There are so many bland tutorials out there, and I thought you were trying to spice things up with some synthwave artistic stylings, taking us back to a better time. Subbed and looking forward to more.

[@cole445]

Thats so cool, I came to this video after watching the Dicebreaker Warcry painting stream where Johnny was showing off his underpainted minis. I had to look it up and here I am. Great stream and great tutorial! x

[@deleterinserepeat2079]

Johnny from Dicebreaker! From Oxventure? From Dungeonbreaker? Also watching Dana Howl?? This is chocolate and peanut butter for me. Awesome. Both of you.

[@Krankitopia]

This video is such a mellow affair. It's super calming. Definitely has that Bob Ross feel. Then the dry humor just slowly ramps up the longer you watch. I wish there were more than three videos to binge. New favorite. Great work.

[@craigcotter7476]

It's nothing like Bob Ross. What is with this modern obsession with Bob Ross?

[@Krankitopia]

@@craigcotter7476 Hey, you spend less of your limited time on this earth complaining and let people like stuff. It's better for everyone involved.

[@MexicanNinja007]

I watched the glaze tutorial first, so I back-tracked to this vid. Very easy tutorial to follow. Music is EPIC!!!

[@chickenchad9814]

Top tier video for a top tier strat. Thank you for helping me enjoy the hobby more!

[@kevingillard3583]

You are a treasure. Great idea with the dry brushing and nuln oil. Got yourself another fan. Keep up the great videos!

[@RyanClarky]

I've been watching your work for a year now. I keep coming back for all of your how-to videos. I decided today to go ALL the way back and watch from the beginning. Thank you for all your hard work and contributions to our community! 😁🤗

[@JoeBeddoe1]

I've been a longtime fan of Vince Venturella's Hobby Cheating series since it was on like...episode 4. I have to say you're nailing it -- your instructions are clear and concise and your presentation is great. I love the smash cuts/transitions and the humor asides, almost like in-jokes with a wink and a nod. Good stuff! I look forward to your next one!

[@DanaHowl]

Thanks so much!!! Making these videos is a lot of fun glad you enjoyed it!

[@rmorris4598]

In art the gray scale underpainting (called the Grisaille) goes back centuries. It was used by Flemish painters (Jan van Eyck and his crowd) in the 15th century. For some reason we're all just now catching up. I've been doing an underpainting in oil (with a brush) on miniatures for many years. When dried I glaze or drybrush transparent oils over it. Then I add any needed highlights. It's a very effective technique that creates amazing effects. I happy to see it's being picked up by so many miniature artists.

[@cannon0wood]

This is the first of your videos I've watched. Your cadence and side by side visual instruction are wonderful. Pair that with your humor and style of video making and I think you have a great combo.

[@darksandman66]

I have been watching painting videos since they started the Interwebs. You rock. Love the dry humor!

[@rabsrabble5415]

I have to say thanks for linking Vince Venurella's channel. It has been immensely helpful to watch his hobby cheats vids. Going from that to your vids also adds another another layer of insight and appreciation for what you're doing.

[@PAINTMONKEY]

I don't know if it's deliberate or not, but the sudden edit 'title theme music' cuts are truly brilliant.

[@davidseim4106]

Your sense of humor is absolutely the best. Count me in for more videos! I must master glazing if it kills me.

[@radovanslavkovsky2778]

"I am not actually looking at the picture right now so .." Legendary! :D

[@osianrapier4021]

I laughed

[@MrMaldingo]

Great information! I'm returning to the hobby after 20 years and this was perfect for introducing me to the underpainting technique. Can't wait to check out your other videos.

[@Cheatah]

Thanks for this video. I use almost the same steps for my sketching, but I do one step differently for speed reasons: I use a Nuln Oil Gloss wash all over the model (taking care not to leave any pooling on smooth surfaces) and I do this wash BEFORE the drybrush step. The Gloss version of Nuln Oil sticks better in the recesses of the model without staining the raised details. The drybrush step afterwards then catches all of the edges. I'm mostly an army painter, so this method saves me loads of time in the long run.

[@reginald1001001]

Fantastic! After hours of watching videos...this is the single biggest inspiration...thank you!

[@duality8468]

You have a funny sense of humor, very likable personality

[@reubenmccallum3350]

"but I'm going to suggest" Gets me, every time.

[@daggrethdanyal9816]

OMG. This is by far the best tutorial video i have come across. Cannot wait to watch the rest. You explain things so clearly, while being detailed, using basic terminology so us common folk understood what you were talking about without losing any credibility to your professionalism. Thank you. i feel like i learnt an extremely valuable technique in minutes.

[@usernamedkjahstill5003]

I love the same informational energy that reminds me of Tabletop Minions.

[@paullachance6113]

Fantastic tutorial. I like the extra step of edging before color. Will do that next time.Thanks!

[@jamesn2830]

I’ve gone back to watch a lot of your videos and I’m learning a lot thanks for sharing

[@rowenadangersign]

*googles nearest hobby shop and quietly thanks Dana for inspiring me to start something new I've been kinda wanting to do for years

[@smashbother5684]

A no-nonsense tutorial that focuses on teaching and not pandering to the search algorithm, AND the information is actually not mere generic knowledge? The world needs more people like you.

[@DanaHowl]

Thank you!!!! The inspiration for this video was to answer as many questions as I could for my twitter followers, who keep asking how I paint, so I tried to pack in as much info as possible!

[@peterlageri4177]

Dear Dana Howl and Vince Venturella. Watching both Vince's video 34 - Preparing for your best Paint Job and video 255 - Understanding Thinning Paint Layers, Glazes & Filters and combining with Dana's How to Underpaint Miniatures and How to Glaze Miniature's I believe I am finally making very good progress in my painting skills. I've been used to blocking in colours and 100% coverage not giving transparency much of a chance. I begin to see the light now (pun intended) Thank you so much both. Best Regards Peter Rasch Lageri Denmark

[@Baatosanabe]

Your video has very thorough explanation on how to do these techniques. I loved it and I learned so much from it as I am preparing to paint an elf army. I am going to put all this into practice. Thank you.

[@lateo74]

Great videos - informative and entertaining - especially the dry humour! More please!

[@JohnSmith-zh1vp]

Wow . I have learnt so much watching this video. Can't wait to watch more and try it out on my painting.

[@philippedenevers6789]

Keep making vidéos! You help me understand crystal clear lots of things i haven't yet realise while watching other tutorials on KZbin ! Thank you

[@GarethNewtonWilliams]

Maybe the first time watching a video about miniature painting felt like a bona fide art class. Subscribed.

[@graywind5166]

I've been working for years with other painting methods and this is a phenomenal introduction that has me excited to try out under-painting with glazing! Maybe even make the leap to airbrushing. Thank you so much!

[@LukeSteichen]

Watching your videos through for a second time, and there are always more great tips to be found! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and skills!!

[@Mu5hman]

Very informative and super witty in a dry way. The little subheader skits remind me of The life aquatic with steve zissou. Nice work & thanks.

[@jimothy1967]

Brilliant tuition tips and definitely going to be trying the techniques shown in the two videos. The minis look amazing.....

[@Alamodem]

Just started watching you. An eye opener when you see a master at work. Thank you. Like the sence of humor too.🙂

[@GrungefolkBoy2010]

Midwinter minis sent me here,but subbed because of great content!👍

[@brunoarambulagomez1838]

Great tutorial, quite informative and also entertaining! Congratulations on starting your KZbin channel, I wish you all the best and I hope your channel grows fast.

[@kylemccormick8311]

I really dig your style! Looking forward to seeing more of your painting.

[@kosterix123]

Okay well structured and great explanation of why nuln oil. I don’t like painting but I had to do it because Zerywia didn’t come with standees. So just like you suggested, might as well do all unpainted minis together. I learned two things: 1. Put in the eyes before you paint anything else. Any overflow you can paint over anyway. 2. If you want fluorescent arteries to pop out of stone put these on first. Then you again can correct any overflow with a metallic paint. I’ll try your brush trick today.

[@mikerobertson3729]

I only recently started using zenithal priming under contrast paints, and adding the dry brush/shading steps is going to really make them pop. Thank you!

[@DanaHowl]

Glad to help!

[@nicolasbassano3697]

pfff..........great presentation and production value. Waiting for my airbrush to arrive to get on with these techniques. Thanks for sharing!

[@krisspics6418]

Super Video Dana. I want to see all of your technique.And hope to try them myself. Thank you

[@janthoma7262]

Thank you so much for posting this video, it is really a game-changing technique. I'm a real beginner with miniature painting and so far I used the method of giving miniatures a basecoat and then a wash and then doing a bit of highlights and tidying. This gave me results I was pretty happy with. Now I tried a few miniatures with this technique plus the glazing one from your other video and the difference is really night and day. Not only does the result look a lot nicer with a lot smoother blends between highlights and shadows but it actually also makes coloring a lot easier. I used to prime my minis black and always had trouble with light colors getting sufficient coverage over the black background. Now with this approach this is a total non-issue. Where there is dark background now there is supposed to be shadow and you don't need to do 5 or 6 coats to get an opaque cover - in fact you don't want an opaque cover. So you need to invest 30 minutes per model in the underpaint (I also batched them and did 5 in about 2.5 hours) but then the actual coloring step becomes much easier and overall the results are fantastic. Thanks again!

[@diamend85]

wow really great video! extremely well and especially exactly with every neccesary step. while also talking to the listener like a fully grown adult! i like it a lot!

[@1commenter2comenters]

This changed my life in real time. And the glazing video .. omg so good,

[@fundip533]

Best debut video I’ve ever seen. Nailed it in one!

[@meganecro]

Congrats on launching this channel Dana! Looking forward to more.

[@normanbayona4636]

I like this, even if you're "biased". If it's something you actually have success with using and you vouch for it, there's no real problem. And it's not a bad thing to keep in your main channel, just in a separate "playlist" is fine.

[@woodlandking]

Great video. It’s good to see a technique broken down into simple steps. I look forward to your video on adding colour.

[@Gogsnik]

Literally never heard of this technique before, really, really interesting!! A very informative video.

[@x7ogforever]

I've been so happy painting since learning this. Thank you Dana. I've seen so many painting tutorials in my time but none have impacted me as much as you have! Yay

[@tabletopadept6995]

Loved your presentation style. Funny and informative.

[@OursGroumy]

Super cool. This is very well structured. I like what you do.

[@dovinvespa9646]

I'm a brand new painter (im up to 1 skitarii ranger, one Tech priest, and 5/8ths of an onager from 40k) and this is the best video I've found on lighting and excited to try this.

[@13Robzilla]

Really great video. When I was taught something similar they called it discovery, because it helps you discover all the tiny details you can miss with a single color or even just a zenithal prime. The only difference was they did the order slightly different than you in that they zenithal prime, then wash, then drybrush; where you drybrush before washing.

[@blacktemplar5828]

WHAT A BEAUTY. And thanks for this Underpainting Info. I will try it out.

[@lardidar-lewismoorby2702]

Great video Dana! Can't wait to see what you do next.

[@HorridCross571]

A newer painter here. Your tutorial is amazing and easy to digest!

[@Strugly_P]

I keep coming back to this, thanks Dana.

[@yogsothothery]

One of the most useful videos on the topic I have seen. Thanks!

[@webmastershake3]

These are great for getting back into the hobby of painting miniatures. Thanks so much!

[@mathewdelafontaine7945]

Ok this video just changed my hobby life

[@bartdevuyst]

Great video, I love the deadpan style and humor.

[@johnnycooper7019]

Dear Dana, A very inspirational tutorial and very informative! Looking forward to watching the series. Kind Regards Johnny

[@kagyto]

I appreciate how informative you are. I also appreciate you holding back on details. I very much look forward to more of your videos. You got an immediate subscriber of me!

[@tra779]

I’d heard the term underpainting but thanks for explaining it in such a clear and entertaining way I’ll definitely be trying it

[@piedpiper1172]

Love this video. Literally rolled into my local store with it open to buy the supply list

[@justsomedude7583]

Familiar with zenithal and the concept of underpainting, but had no idea that you could...go through all these extra steps and have them show through and really be worth it.

[@brotherjonathan3099]

Your channel is worth 1M sund! Thank you so much for your content ❤️

[@timjones4146]

Good job explaining and demonstrating your process. I found a referral to your channel from Midwinter Minis. And their "23 FREE ways to get better at painting models" video popped up in my random KZbin referrals list.. So two new-to-me channels in less than an hour - what a great way to start the new year! Already subbed and looking forward to watching more of your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@rocketpiggames839]

Thank you for the video, Dana! I watched it and took notes...I’ve never picked up an airbrush before but this gives me hope! Wish me luck. I’m hoping to be able to paint my minis for our next Kickstarter!

[@JamesKeller]

MOAR! This was a great video and I encourage to keep sharing your perspective on the various 'tricks'. We're in an explosion of content sharing, learning, & teaching online... I would have loved to have had access to the vast communities of hobbyists back when I was a kid. Never too late to learn something new! :)

[@traitorjoe8778]

What useful information, and so well presented. Clearly you have a lot of art education under your belt! As one of my best sculpture teachers said "Sculpture is about control of light"

[@querldox9300]

Very nicely explained, one of the better tutorials I've seen.

[@waynegoldpig2220]

I am so glad I found your channel at it's beginning, because I am right at the very beginning of my painting hobby and have yet to decide on which methodology to use. I have acquired, "off the back of a lorry" a full Citadel Ultimate Paint set and because the major costs to this hobby have actually cost me nothing I have bought a starter set of Primaris Astartes and Plague Marines to experiment with. I have also been gifted an airbrush and compressor. I look forward with great interest to your next videos.

[@aaronreynolds8587]

Thank you for this, Dana. The humor, the great info, the funky style of vid, the 8bit music. I think you might be my new favorite youtuber!

[@stevenrussell8820]

Brilliant thanks I’ve never tried this but I will now. Love your painting good channel congratulations

[@notluthera]

Informative and adorable. Great overview of your full technique with concise, detailed instructions. And I love the jump cuts. Great humor laced in there. Well done.

[@MDL-780]

I love the neon graveyard! Also, that is one slick looking skeleton mini.

[@xaeromancer]

Neon Graveyard would be such a good band name. Also, yeah, power-claw skellie is great. I think I need to find one of them.

[@grzegorzantczak3775]

That skely is a scrap thrall from PP. Should be plenty of them on the secondary market ;-)

[@MDL-780]

@@grzegorzantczak3775 Wicked. Thanks!

[@nathanstaker6325]

Underpainting.... awesome technique! Thanks for all the great info. I never liked layering technique to highlight. But since I have changed to glazes and now this ... so satisfied.... thanks.

[@cpncreepo]

Great. Now I HAVE to commit to an airbrush. Thanks a lot! Also great videos, I love the neon aesthetic you have going on with your minis!

[@bernhardberkheij2661]

Your videos are amazing. They are really helping me (a total noob) to get started!

[@paralipsis]

Just... wow. The way this video is put together was just pitch perfect. I love the counterpoint between the deadpan delivery and the snarky overlayed commentary. Your didactic method is peerless. Great advice combined with great production. I can hardly believe that this is your first KZbin video. I hit subscribe within the first couple of minutes, and I can hardly wait for more videos.

[@V081WLBlue]

I know it's couple of years ago now but... First video!!! Wow, well done. Brilliantly presented and concise and preside info. Also I just love your style. I'll be watching more!

[@els1f]

I have no desire to paint a miniature at all, and I'm not sure why the algorithm threw this video at me... But I'm glad it did. I loved watching it! I definitely got something useful out of..😄

[@rasthavas8275]

These are the best painting vids I have ever seen. Hope you dont get bored of making them. And uh let’s of course hear your thoughts of Citadel Contrast.

[@ryanhager7985]

Midwinter minis sent me over here! And now I’m a fan! Great tips! Keep it up! Now I have to go thank Penny and Guy for sending me to you!