Painting Warhammer Classics - How to paint 4th Edition Old World High Elves

Let's paint up some classic High Elf miniatures.
Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio.
Check out Juan Hildago Minatures!

[@maxweichelt7543]

Seeing identical model sculpts painted identically is actually ridiculously satisfying

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

I couldn’t agree more 🤝

[@ThomasGallinari]

It was even more satisfying to see them identically aligned on their movement tray. Typical elf discipline!

[@Ethnarches]

Monopose definitely works in fantasy for the more disciplined armies like High Elves. Personally I love the 5th to 6th ed fantasy plastic kits where you had separate torsos, kegs, arms & heads which made it possible to pose them exactly as you wanted.

[@ThomasGallinari]

The perfectly aligned spears is what made me pick this army when I was a kid

[@MonolithSlasher]

If you're like me and you routinely knock over your pots of shade and wash paints, something I've been doing that's helped a ton has been to stick a little bit of glue tac down and push your paint pot down on top of it. This has helped me immensely

[@rexanael243]

This was my first ever Warhammer purchase, from a Toy Kingdom! I was a kid and - GD - I found painting these hard. The damn trim and faces ha

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Nice! Not a bad first purchase mate 🙌 haha yeah it was a bit of a struggle 😆

[@thierryturnover3443]

Great job mate

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks dude! 🍻

[@brionl4741]

I've got a really old High Elves army box set and I'm pretty sure it has those exact same guys in it, along with mono-pose Silver Helms, Dragon Knights, etc.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

You’ve got some gold mate!

[@jonnykeeling4414]

My first commission painting job was to paint 50 Spearman and archers. I knew nothing about washes. They took ages but I really have a soft spot for them. Thanks for showing them off!

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

That's awesome dude! and 50!? That's a big task. No worries at all, glad you like them

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

100% agree! Classic Chorfs are it

[@TheSirSpence]

I wish I still had these archers. The best HE archer minis ever made.

[@SvartElric9]

Man, seeing the final result brings me so much joy!

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you liked the finished result 🙌

[@ryanofottawa]

It's crazy to me that everyone is doing Leviathan boxes and yet when these guys came out there was literally ZERO youtube coverage, smh. Lovely job on these! There is something about the monopose sculpts that's hard to beat.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Haha I know right?! 😂 these guys deserve some spotlight. Thanks dude! 🍻

[@ThomasGallinari]

Yes please! My first minis 🥹

[@brett3366]

I just got a bag of 30 of these spearmen this weekend. I love the sculpts, and they'll fill out my ranks nicely

[@Blutpolka]

DUDE !!! I tried to paint them 20 years ago -big flashback.thanks for your work !!

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Hell yeah man! Thanks so much! 🙌🍻

[@ironbomb6753]

Those figures are so worthy of any tabletop. Magnificent! For a shallow sculpt, this is as good as they get. 👍❤️

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks so much mate! Really happy you like them 🍻🙌

[@50Stone]

Monopose minis were great for depicting the uniformity you'd expect in stricter armies like the elves and dwarves but not so much the rabble type groups such as the skaven and beastmen.

[@Edwoodb3]

Those are absolutely awesome my man. I was just getting in WH at the end of 4th and beginning of 5th edition. Favorite 4th edition model will always be the Chaos Warrior, the very one you'd get in the Citadel Start Paint box along with the Space Marine.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks dude! 🙌🍻 That Chaos Warrior is an icon haha lovely mini 🤌

[@SC-rh4lq]

I got back into Warhammer after 20 something years but struggled to feel excited like before until i found all the old school minis that i couldn't afford when i was young. Just dropped money in some really old school stuff. Original Bretonnians Pegasus hero, original Gorthor the Beastlord and an old metal high elf bolt thrower. The more i watch this channel the more money i drop. The Cursed Company is on the way too for a Dog's of War army.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

I know the feeling mate! Nothing really scratches the itch like the old stuff. I did buy some AOS in the beginning but it wasn’t the same. It’s all sitting in boxes unpainted and unassembled 😂 Nice little collection you have going 🤌 I’m glad the channel is giving you some nostalgia 🙌

[@SC-rh4lq]

@@anvilofdoomminiatures The channel is sending me poor! Haha

[@eaviererday]

Glorious! Love the scheme and your channel. Your every video is utterly enjoyable.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos 🍻

[@pISSUMTREE]

This brings back some great memories of old school warhammer..sniffles...lol I was a Orc & goblin player so I basicly batch painted everything for many years. It made painting units fast and easy to put together table ready armies.

[@brionl4741]

I almost always batch paint minis. I can't stand painting one at a time.

[@thefireonthehill]

As someone who had these as a kid it drove me mad that the slots in the bases for Warhammer Fantasy were on the diagonal.

[@Panzerbjrn]

They look really good. I have a the same box sitting on my shelf waiting for paint ^_^

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! 🍻🙌 Nice, you’ll have to get some paint on them soon 👍

[@liamroche1295]

Looks great! Sounded like it was chore to do. I always chuck on an audiobook when batch painting monos.

[@mykediemart]

I have these minis! and unpainted. I found them packed away and Im now getting back into mini gamming. So I will probably bookmark and use this video as a guide.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Nice! Good luck mate! I hope they turn out well 🍻🙌

[@The_Captain40k]

They look good, worth the pain.

[@josephwalukonis9934]

Very nice painting!

[@divafever9754]

Good work, mate

[@kevinmuhamad2246]

Thank you for bringing back the classic minis, indeed they are so lovely.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

No worries at all! They really are 🙌

[@praetorfriskywhisky7078]

Moaaaare please ^^ wish I could like this vid twice

[@HeresyProducktionz]

I have a bunch of these to paint at one point so this was great. Subbed 😀

[@youtubevanced4900]

I painted mine with mithril silver and then used a blue wash over the scales back in 94 or 95 when I collected high elves. My guys looked next level because of that blue wash. Lol.

[@Bodkin_Ye_Pointy]

You understand the mono pose complimented the playing style of the game at the time it was released right? The old rank and flank troops moved in movement trays where advantage was gained from the depth of the ranks and the ability of archers to shoot over the spearmen.

[@DrLangas]

As a kid I loved it when mono pose units got a multipart release. Now I wish there was more mono pose models around 😂

[@adamherring9803]

I really like the monopose for this sort of unit, it works great for high elves particularly. I like to turn these guys the other way on the base though, I feel the spears look better as a unit facing straight on. The archers not so much as you can then barely see them, plus you have to stagger them on the bases to make the unit work!

[@Akwantik]

I would love to see some old school dark elves ! I've an old army in a box somwhere, I could help me find the motivation to paint them all. Love your channel BTW, thanks !

[@PioneerFly]

Nice work! Really liking you’re videos. Keep it up

[@s2korpionic]

Basecoat with grey, dry brush white, start layering with colours. Warm white and deep blue, with silver trimmings feels nice.

[@juusovuolle8251]

the metal and the white really pops on the screen. Absolutely fantastic looking minis. High Elves were my first army back in the day.

[@eriksolie511]

Wow these look nice! Back in the day I had over 100 of these buggers, but never got any of them painted up😢

[@lonestarminis]

Another banger!

[@TLP0RT]

Ha-hah! The blood-sacrifices are ready! They look stunning! I really like your choice of colours, they look very regal as High Elves should. Who needs shields when your polished armour will blind the enemy? Hashut will be sated with this worthy offering, I'm sure. As for what to paint next; I'm sure you can guess what my vote is for!

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Haha Thanks dude! I have a feeling I know what you want me to paint next 😆

[@willpenn966]

Lovely elves, and I say that as a bearded grumbler! Would greatly enjoy seeing you paint some classic Empire or Tomb Kings stuff, just as a change of pace.

[@5thHammer]

Great job with these! As you mention, these models are a bit trickier than they appear at first glance. I like how you did your own color scheme, but still kept the Herohammer vibe about them. 👏👍

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! I’m glad you like them 🙌🤝

[@richardbradley2335]

Gorgeous. So well done and deep looking.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks so much mate! Glad you like them 🙌

[@AdeptusMinistrom]

The faces turned out great! I love how uniform the monos are, you have inspired me to paint a classic WFB unit.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! 🍻🙌

[@russellede]

I’m glad I’m not alone in finding the 4E kits satisfying lined up. Two of my Skaven Clanrat units in my AoS army are made up of them (well one the Advanced Heroquest ones, then the other 4E ones) and even new players love seeing them

[@russellede]

Also, mould lines just hide. You can spend a hour getting them all and as soon as you start priming another just drops it’s cloaking device

[@gbirdnonsense1084]

Amazing vid man. I appreciate the honestly re: the pain of batch painting lol

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks dude! Haha yeah it can be a bit of a pain 🥲

[@JesseCuster]

Great video and end result. I love your honesty with the text comments.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! I appreciate it! 🙌

[@ImaginerImagines]

You did these up great.. Batch painting can be a pain for sure. I generally have a bunch of miniatures next to my batch paint group. When I get tired of batching, I pick up one of the others and noodle on it while the batch painted ones are drying. Going back and forth like that really keeps my energy up. Before this I'd get halfway through a batch group and find myself not painting.

[@watts18269]

Great comment. I’ve been doing this too for years. Really helps when the other model is something completely different. Breaking up the monotony of imperial fists with some wood elves was a blessing 😂

[@holmsey555]

Good job and yes this does take me back to the good old days of hero hammer

[@user-jn4dn3gk2s]

Hell yeah brother this is awesome 👏 This is a master in his element Well done Dietz 🤙

[@illyplantsman]

Beautiful work! Your channel brought me out of my miniature painting dark age, thank you so much. Kev Adams Orc's primed and ready to go... Keep up the really inspiring work.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! 🍻 No worries at all, Get into it and have some fun! 🙌🤝

[@DirgeDesigns]

I always disliked the monopose models, but IMO it works with High Elves because I imagine them shooting together in formation at the exact same time and the spearmen being stoic and ready.

[@dancoles2235]

They look fantastic! Nice work. A few questions for you: 1) Do you think you could achieve the same quality or better with less steps? 2) ... actually I'll do separate comments to help your channel...

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thank mate! 🍻🙌 I would usually do more steps and do some more sharper edge highlighting. And possibly take some more time because I feel like I was a little messy with this one 🥲😂

[@tethys17]

I would love a new version of Beorg the bearstruck.. you know, one that doesn't look like a partially shaven skaven.

[@dancoles2235]

2) What do you think these guys would be carrying in the pouches (fanny packs)?

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

I think they might have some speed dealer sunglasses and maybe a packet of ciggies?! Haha 😆 nah maybe some elvish bread or rations.

[@OldPaw]

Turned out very nice.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! 🍻

[@mostly_harmless3789]

Another great video! You have amazing patience to batch paint to such a high quality.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks so much mate! I don’t know if I have that much patience 😆 I do shed a few tears in frustration haha

[@hammerthebacklog]

Monopose minis are the best minis!

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

You’re not wrong! 🙌

[@nickxx9729]

so i have my recipe for painting the trim easy way - I prime minis grey, give them a good white drybrush and throw blue speedpaint over the trim, and any mistakes I've made will later be covered by metallic paint, then glaze their clothes with blue speedpaint mixed with a lot of water and a drop of white paint and call it done

[@tomtricity]

I have about 20 of each to paint up from the 90s.

[@SomeDudeOnYouTube]

Favourite mono pose mini? 2nd edition 40k gretchins/gobbos/grots with the blunderbuss like gun.

[@grlmgor]

The plastic ones from the starter box had autoguns.

[@GoatTheGoat]

I love classic WHFB unipose models. But not plastic. I prefer the metal versions of the same units. The metal Jes Goodwin High Elf spearmen and archers cannot be beat.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Metal is definitely superior!

[@daviddryden7668]

Looks great! :D

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! 🍻😊

[@ryanmoore8003]

Very nicely done my dude....I'm still a little unclear on how you feel about batch painting though 😜 keep up the good work, cracking vids.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks man! haha it really grinds my gears 😆

[@theyorkshirepudding2656]

So. Satisfying. 🥺

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Glad you like it! 😊

[@konstantineKein]

nice channel! Total Sub

[@Filippo5]

They look great mate! I really love the 4th and 5th edition high elves minis: maybe it is just nostalgia, but I think they are far superior to the 6th edtion sculpts.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks dude! 🙌🍻 Yeah I feel like the 4th edition mini’s definitely hit different. When they are all stacked up they look better to me as well 👍

[@floflotantan]

Waou !

[@AndersRamm]

❤

[@Swindondruid2]

Great looking models. The shame is the diagonal bases - you end up with elves always shooting to the left and spearmen not looking forwards. I have recently been painting up some of these models and by trimming the bottom of the bit that goes into the slotta base you can get them onto bases facing frontwards.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! Yeah I know what you mean. I’ll eventually give them a bit of a rebase and get them facing forward 👍

[@benjaminpowers609]

Aww yeah fuck yeah that's the stuff

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Nothing but the best 👌😎

[@blastvader]

They look tight. But the pain of painting them is why my army still has my shitty childhood paint job on them. I play 6th mostly, but have about 3k points in that edition (probably something like 5-6k in 4th or 5th) that are sitting in a couple of cases waiting to be stripped and repainted (with goblin green bases of course) - but every time I pull them out I just go 'nah' and put them away again.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! Haha I know the feeling. It’s a massive slog and I have so many more to paint. It is a great feeling when they are done though 🙌

[@EasyCheezy1337]

Love all your stuff :) May I ask which brushes you use? Especially for fine details?

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thank you! 🙌 I use an army painter fine detail brush for the tricky stuff and just some generic fine brushes from a craft store (size 0, 000) Nothing special!

[@komma8203]

Do you have some of the old metal dark elves, if so, paint some of those

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

I’ve been looking around for some recently!

[@titogalleguillos4360]

Looking great man 👌👌 have you thought about basing on 25 mm or are you faithfully sticking to 20?

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! 🍻🙌 Yeah I was thinking about it but I might stick to the 20’s and get that movement tray they were talking about.

[@dancoles2235]

3) Please share your thoughts or anything you know about color scheme for High Elves. Does a tome somewhere describe lore-appropriate colors for High Elves? I'm big on allegory and thinking about batch painting a unit of spearmen as lost-Israelite-descended Byzantine infantry. I think Israelites were big on white and blue associated with priesthood colors, but not sure.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

I’m a big fan of the classic blue and white colour scheme but I always try to sneak in some pink and purple to give it that pop of difference. I’ll have to have bit of a read of my army book soon and give you an update on the lore appropriate colour schemes. It might actually make a good video! 🙌

[@dancoles2235]

@@anvilofdoomminiatures thank you very much. I'll keep an eye out. Considering GW is very familiar with history, including references to knightly orders and the name Belisarius, it doesn't seem far fetched that they might have modelled a faction on Byzantines.

[@hamzahsajjad7952]

"Uniforms and heraldry of the high elves" is a book that details each of the elven nations, their colours, and heraldic patterns, it's easily available with a Google search for it

[@ikerzabala466]

Hi Max, did you do videos painting white lions and sword master? If you have the videos, please put in your channel, regards from Spanish

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Hi mate, sorry I don’t have any painting tutorials for those units just yet but I will do a video of painting swordmasters in the future! Thanks for watching! 🍻🙌

[@ikerzabala466]

@@anvilofdoomminiatures thank you, I will try with some ideas of your tutorial, easy and efective

[@drakeushellblade1786]

how would you give the chainmail that blue tint it has on the box art?

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

I’d probably have a play around with some blue washes but water them down a fair bit and build them up slowly.

[@KoW4LsKy]

I have whole monopose Imperial Fists army :D

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Nice! I’m about to start painting my first monopose spacemarine 👍 iconic sculpts! Wish me luck haha

[@kwest9747]

I found these guys to be waaaay too fiddly detailed for introductory models. The goblin counterparts hit the spot better. Your elves look fab!

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Yeah I couldn’t imagine jumping on these straight out of the gate! Goblins would have to be the funnest minis to paint. Thanks so much mate! 🙌🍻

[@stevencatt4026]

Hey - reason for watered down black for the gems instead of nuln oil?

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Hi mate, yeah I find that I can adjust the level of darkness with the black wash better than applying multiple layers of Nuln oil to build up that darker shade I’m after. I hope that explains it dude 🍻🙌

[@maxbrandt6]

Missing mold lines and tiny details, get you a pair or two of 2.5 mag reading glasses.

[@eiszapfenkobold]

Where is all the art from? Do you have an art instagram one can look at?

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

It’s all my own art 🤗 (apart from the framed cactus print, the artist for that is Mulga) sorry, I don’t have an instagram for it anymore!

[@Strawfoot]

rad. levia... nope. lol to funny.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

😉😆

[@Bodkin_Ye_Pointy]

Is it any wonder that spearman had a scowl on his face. You didn't colour his lips.

[@RobertStyx]

Pro tip: invest in a pop filter

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

I definitely will be! Sorry about the popping noise 🥲

[@timreeves]

They came out looking really cool, but i had to silence the video as the popping on "p" noises from your microphone was really, really irritating, put on a pop shield, put the mic a bit further away, and make sure you're talking into it from the best direction.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Thanks mate! Sorry about that. I’ll definitely be grabbing a pop filter soon 👍

[@brendanarmstrong7802]

Visual quality of the video is on point, but the audio is distracting. Clean up the echoiness and the plosives and I think you'll see viewer retention skyrocket.

[@anvilofdoomminiatures]

Sorry about that mate! I'm still learning the ins and out of it all. Definitely investing in a pop filter soon though. Thanks for watching!

[@tethys17]

I just watched the video and you made a tonne of spelling mistakes on the pop up text, just something to watch out for