Painting Blanchitsu is secretly easy!

In this video I show you that painting your minis in the popular Blanchitsu style really isn't that difficult!
With a couple of good brushes, a load of GW Paints, Washes and Technicals and a couple of grassy tufts I think we get a pretty good result!
Please check out our Instagram and twitter pages and if you want to tag us in your completed Blanchitsu models then please feel free!
sprayblackstudios
sprayblackrich

[@xenocide1307]

This seems like it was mostly 'Eavy Metal techniques with a non-zorn limited palette. The John Blanche hallmarks of the Zorn specific palette, the use of negative space for highlights, and using the flow of color to convey action/movement are not really present here. Definitely a nice mini, but I feel it would be much more appropriate to call it Grim Dark as opposed to Blanchitsu.

[@heathenbastard9964]

Yep I agree 200%, that isn't Blanchitsu at all, but a simple way to achieve a "grim" looking mini, however, that's a nice tutorial but I think it could be confusing for people who don't know what really is a "Blanchitsu" approache, it could be better to fix the video title to be more accurate

[@kevbrown3760]

Agreed. Definitely Eavy Metal style. Blanchitsu does have a but of the "to me its..." to it as its not tightly defined. There are hallmarks to it that are strictly defined like the limited palette, he doesn't use any of these these elements. But this was definitely in the realm of the clearly defined Eavy Metal style. I wouldn't call this Grimdark either, as he did do a better job later of imitating the grimdark style.

[@TheImmersiveWorldCrafter]

Hey Rich, nice video. This was good to see your approach to painting something in a grimdark style. I am not convinced it is a Blanchitsu style or method though. I have chatted with John at WHW over lunch in Bugman's. Back in the height of his miniature painting career he was painting using enamels and oils. Less so now, prefering the contrast and acrylics now his eyesight isn't how it used to be. The enamels leave a very different finish to the acrylics and washes used here. He is also renowned for a limited palette, with plenty of yellow through orange to red alongside shades of white and black. To add texture and ground the miniature within its environment, dry pigment powders are applied to add a dusty finish to the base and lower parts of the body or clothing that kick up the ground.

[@TheImmersiveWorldCrafter]

I should add too that John takes huge inspiration from Renaissance art that uses the hues of colour he prefers in his painting. The grimdark edginess derives from the Baroque art movement.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thanks bud, to be fair I should have been a lot clearer in the video. This was intended to be an easy approximation of the style that is achieveable without the use of advanced techniques and products. That's why I intentionally didn't use any Enamels, Oils, Pigments etc as the usage of these requires techniques and work that are outside the capabilities of a lot of painters. I may well do a more advanced tutorial in the future with Oils etc but there are plenty of them available already.

[@Scipionyxsam]

The result is not necessarily bad, but it's not blanchitsu at all. Just a slightly darker pallet.

[@JustAlex96]

I see this is still a very young channel but the overall production quality is very good and I think you definitely have the potential to grow. So I thought I'd just mention that I found the music to be too aggressive. I think no music would be absolutely ok, especially when you talk at the same time. Or something quieter, less intrusive, maybe. Anyway, just something that stood out to me. Cheers :)

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thankyou for the feedback! I have tried to dial down the volume on the music in my more recent videos as it was definitely a bit on the loud side in this one! Always happy to hear things I can do to improve though so thankyou!

[@ChillingWargamers]

So glad I've just seen this video on KZbin dude. Great video and looking forward to more.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thankyou! Plenty more being planned over the next few weeks!

[@OPGuitarandGames]

Very nice video ! I am in the middle of paint my Corvus Cabal and you just inspired me to reprime in black and go your way.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

I'm glad to have helped! I'd love to see them when you've finished. Tag me in them on Instagram or Twitter!

[@NYIKAZENO]

Solid tutorial! thank you for sharing! Cheers!!

[@SprayBlackStudios]

You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rayhensel3697]

Have only painted grey knights before and I did (or attempted) a very clean job. About to paint my 23rd iron root brigade for T28 and can’t wait to try this style out.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Awesome stuff! I'd be very interested to see them!

[@rayhensel3697]

@@SprayBlackStudios I’ll send a pic when I get em done! :)

[@SprayBlackStudios]

@@rayhensel3697 awesome stuff! 👌

[@crangon78]

Great Video Richard. Looking forward to seeing more

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thanks for watching bud!

[@blackraptor311]

Nice job. I went more basic when I painted my Corvus Cabal but they work.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thankyou!

[@rjarcadio4054]

This is some great content! Thank you for this!

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thanks bud!

[@jesterwebz]

Great video!! Really inspires to do something similar to my Corvus Cabal! One quick question, did you wash the entire modal with Nuln Oil ? You mention that you applied it to all the materials, is that the whole modal or only the clothes/armor/metal?

[@ndubzzz1]

Great video, has given me some ideas, about to start the CC warband

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Awesome stuff! Enjoy!

[@joakimandersson7769]

Not Blanchitsu, but funnily enough this might be called Frazetta, which was cool to see and new to me at least. Nice work dude!

[@andrewharper1609]

I feel like you missed the point. John rarely kept models as stock most were converted to create something unique. An example was an Imperial model he added a 2nd Ed WH40k Ork dreadnought claw to create a tech adept. So psychologically you're falling at the first hurdle. He Also would use unusual items like space marine shoulder pads to fill gaps. Also the Citadel paint range at the time was much more limited (I know because I used it). I honestly think if you undercoated in black, drybrushed white over the top then over coated a bone colour on top and used a red/brown/yellow glaze and then highlighted you would get closer to his style.

[@princesaaidyohannes6925]

I am really glad I found this video. I have been wanting to add some grimdark to researching my own style. The issue is everyone uses oil paints and washes. This is the first video that does not give hope that you can pull this look off without them.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

thanks for watching! yeah I'll admit the "grimdark" scene can be a little elitist with their techniques! it's definitely something perfectly achievable with just Citadel stuff, just need to find the right stuff!

[@princesaaidyohannes6925]

@@SprayBlackStudios I have an idea of how I want to add it to my own paint style. The big reason for adding it is because I do not like edge highlighting. I like to paint. Thanks for making this video and I hope you look perfect doing this style with only acrylic paints. It would be nice to have it in the community.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

@@princesaaidyohannes6925 I can definitely agree with the edge highlighting comment! My Flesh Tearers and Crimson Fists videos came about from exactly this thought!

[@princesaaidyohannes6925]

@@SprayBlackStudios Awesome surely going to watch more of your vids. Glad you are part of the community for sure!

[@SprayBlackStudios]

@@princesaaidyohannes6925 thankyou! Glad to have you onboard!

[@iratustestudo3727]

Genuinely, thank you for this tutorial. I have been struggling to think of a scheme for my black templars and annoyingly they have been somewhat painted and not painted for over a year. Ironically, I was initially sort of doing this style at the start (mainly the heavy drybrush for texture) and got second thoughts mainly because I was so new and couldn't see something good in my painting. Seeing how you have done it has helped me understand that it is the way I should have continued to do it. It gives the look that I think would suit my Grimdark Crusaders best. long winded post aside thank you.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

You are more than welcome, Thankyou for the kind words! I actually have a video of me doing a Grimdark Black Templar on the channel if that gives you any more ideas?

[@iratustestudo3727]

I feel so bad I didn't see this reply for so long. I have been using your Black Templar video for painting pauldrons and This video os for the rest of the mini. Thank you again.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

@@iratustestudo3727 you are more than welcome bud!

[@williampetrinczyk9274]

Awesome video with great techniques Need more close up shots of the finished mini to truly get the scope of your finer details.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thanks for watching William! This is something I've tried to do with my later videos, I'm sure I'll touch on this again soon

[@YuanMekong]

That was really interesting, cheers dude! :)

[@SprayBlackStudios]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@princesaaidyohannes6925]

what were the three colors you used to do your first dry brush and highlights?

[@SprayBlackStudios]

I used Dawnstone, Celestra Grey and then a very light drybrush with Ulthuan Grey. All citadel paints.

[@MordiansBumole]

you look like you have just gone for a 10 mile run in this video bro lol

[@aaroneddy1538]

is the 3rd grey ulthuan grey for the drybrush?

[@SprayBlackStudios]

It was indeed! Only a very light drybrushing though!

[@MegaSpektre]

Great vid buddy. I might be teaching to suck eggs but if you want your red grass palette paper to stop wrinkling up then after you initially put it down and let it do its thing turn it over and flatten it then turn it back over and use some kitchen roll to smooth it out and take off excess water. Works a treat!

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thanks for watching bud! I definitely didn't know this and will definitely give it a go!

[@Evo1veTT]

Great video, definitely going to give some of these techniques a go on my CSM. Only comment would be that for the last shot of the mini on the turn table, it could have been a bit tighter so we could have a better look at what looks to be a really good looking mini... Either that or I should just watch on my PC rather than on my phone! 😅

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thanks bud! That's definitely been the most common comment I've received so I have already remedied it for my next upload! Thanks for watching 👍

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thankyou for watching!

[@heathenbastard9964]

Definitly not a blanchitsu mini (wether it be technically speaking or in the final result), but nice tutorial to get that warband done easely. I think you're a bit confusing when calling that "Blanchitsu" and it may be helpfull for those who aren't really aware of what it mean if you change the title of the video cause it is a misleading naming !

[@MordiansBumole]

CLONING A MAN OUT OUF A PIZZA BAG

[@michaelguimond7664]

nice paintjob . my opinion : less/no music . thank you for the video .

[@theezekarion164]

Bold statement there fellow man. Let's see what ya mean?

[@morganblack7004]

Great paint job and some new tricks to try out. Music is a bit distracting when trying to listen to you

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thankyou! I shall turn the music down a bit in further videos, just didn't want you all getting bored of my voice! haha

[@morganblack7004]

@@SprayBlackStudios 😆 believe me your voice is not a problem, keep up the good work 👍

[@SprayBlackStudios]

@@morganblack7004 Thanks bud!

[@primozimo3041]

I recently heard of Turnip 28 and Blandchitsu, little did i know my style of painting.???? Well i thought it looked to like shit turns out i was painting Blandchitsu style the whole time. Now i dont feel so bad, ty

[@guillermodelnoche]

Excellent job on the painting! Your video production would be improved by lowering the music a bit. It makes it difficult to hear you speak plus it is just too loud by production standards. Cheers!

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Thankyou! this was actually the first video that I uploaded so I have made several improvements since!

[@shauntaylor9251]

Nice video but lose the music in the background it's annoying

[@myafed2900]

I dont think this is blanchitsu....

[@12345questions]

Please god reupload without the zoomer xd music, can’t wait to never hear that “filler” music again haha. Other than that, great build!

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Haha I guess it's not for everyone!

[@anderssenecabang4501]

Sorry to say, but the music was too loud and too intrusive. I finished watching after a minute after it started. I tried to jump forward in the video but it doesn't seem like you showcase the finished model. Too bad as I would have like to watch it.

[@SprayBlackStudios]

I'm sorry to hear that! This was the first video I uploaded so I had a fair few things that I needed to learn (such as the music!) If you head over to my instagram page (sprayblackstudios) there are photos of this and my other Corvus Cabal painted in the same style.

[@sabelkowalk558]

The video is nice, good content but the music is annoying :(

[@SprayBlackStudios]

thanks for the feedback Sabel, I am trying to improve those bits of my videos so will take note of your suggestion!

[@sabelkowalk558]

@@SprayBlackStudios I didn't mean to be rude, so sorry for that. Maybe you could use atmospheric music? Some horror-themend music in the background for these models for example?

[@SprayBlackStudios]

@@sabelkowalk558 Didn't come across as rude at all buddy, always happy to hear feedback and suggestions as to how I can improve! Still only a young channel afterall

[@AshBlat]

milk in your brew before you've mashed ya tea bag.........................no

[@SprayBlackStudios]

haha I love that this is the most divisive part of the video! When living in a super hard water area this is the best way to avoid all that stupid limescale that floats on top of the tea if you let it stew.

[@AshBlat]

@@SprayBlackStudios i was so sad mate! amazing video otherwise haha How the F do you not have more subs man? was great content......cept that tea bit ha

[@SprayBlackStudios]

@@AshBlat Haha sorry bud! I will make sure to film me making tea your way in the future if it helps? Well I am certainly trying to increase those subscribers, You are more than welcome to share to some friends if you want to help!

[@yanceyboyz]

Blandchitsu ..... Blanchitsu should be heavy custom model and a different pallete tone

[@lain4231]

Cant see shit in these videos

[@SprayBlackStudios]

Hi Iain, what is it you are unable to see? If it is the end shot this is something I have tried to rectify in later videos.

[@lain4231]

@@SprayBlackStudios the camera is too far away during the painting process. I think most people that watch tutorials would benefit from being able to see whats happening while youre painting.