Six Questions for Pro Painters

[@_Loken]

Love how there is so much disagreement between them.

[@maksymilianlewinski8619]

Yeah and in the end it confirms what they all kinda say from time to time: There is no right way, gotta find your own. Great Vid Uncle!

[@andrewkloiber4925]

especially with regard to brushes. they were divided straight down the middle, and that's good to see. Obviously, don't buy $1 sets of 5 brushes at the dollar store, but you don't need $20 brushes either. I look at it like photography: as a beginning, buying a $5000 camera and lens kit is not going to make you a good photographer. *You* make good photos, not your camera: likewise, *you* paint high quality miniatures, not your brush.

[@_Loken]

Andrew Kloiber I can't paint nearly as well with a cheap brush as with a good sable brush personally.

[@dannyscott14]

Same here. I have tried both (beacuse I'd love it if the cheap ones were as good) but I have found my work is significantly worse with a cheap brush.

[@Nero187Bianco]

but they all have valid opinions and make sense.

[@VersionsZ]

I'll say this: You're one of the few miniature youtubers that hit the holy trinity. Interesting content matter, no poop quality/seven year long intros, and a voice that doesn't remind me of rapidly and repeatedly shoving a screwdriver wired to a car battery into my ear. Keep making this stuff, and I'll keep watching it!

[@tabletopminions]

I'm going to take that as high praise. Thanks for watching!

[@lukemclellan2141]

Would you say Wargamer Fritz falls into that category too? He does for me. Also, if you have any suggestions I'd be delighted to hear them.

[@MatthewFritzOnline]

Couldn't agree more!

[@Anjohl]

100%. I make Atom's content destination viewing, and I am NOT in the habit of regularly viewing *anyone* on youtube.

[@Yoshy144]

hahaha, word!

[@tylerbailey9984]

The main thing I learned in this video: Sam absorbs his painting skills through drinking his brush cleaning water.

[@tabletopminions]

I'm not sure that's factual. Thanks for watching!

[@imperialrule6652]

Gotta lick the brush

[@needfoolthings]

I'm glad I watched this to the end. "I didn't look like this when I started painting." Priceless!

[@tabletopminions]

Sam's a funny guy. Thanks for watching!

[@vividknightmare4026]

Sams answer made the entire video worth the wait, it was a great video anyway, but that answer was awesome. I've only seen one other video with him, but for whatever reason I totally expected him to say he drinks paint water on purpose, he strikes me as very "Metal!!!", those types are always thinking of the stupid stuff they can do.

[@cngo1995]

"Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own." - Bruce Lee

[@JorisVDC]

Very good advice.

[@DanielDavissynthman]

As far as quality of materials goes, I have a little saying. The difference in quality between a 50 cent pen and a five dollar pen is far, far greater than the difference between a five dollar pen and a $150 pen. So always buy the five-dollar-pen version of what you need.

[@tabletopminions]

Good advice. Thanks for watching!

[@carbon1255]

Yes, there is a strong bell curve. The top of it varies hugely depending on what it is too.

[@DanielSan1776]

Daniel Davis That’s a good name I approve

[@IanCaine4728]

It's like an exponential decay curve. For every unit of dollar more spent, you get less and less improvement. I used to be into road racing bicycles, and the same rule absolutely applies. That last few grams saved on your new handlebar set cost you a couple grand each.

[@Anjohl]

Agreed. I found a great set of Army Painter brushes, that are just amazing. however, I do own the Sable brush by GW that is allegedly made by W&N, and boy is that thing a dream. I wouldn't use it as my standard go to brush though. My $3 Army Painter brushes are just fantastic, perfect workhorse brushes.

[@PartisanGerm]

14:36 Jessica Rich: "Man, that red and that blue look awful together..." Cut to Cathy Wappel with red and blue hair. "I don't know, everybody always told me that all my clothes clash all the time, so I never really had a good sense of color..." Nice.

[@xnax1993]

This video blew my mind. I was aware that there was some truth to the whole ''There's no real answer'' thing with regard to painting, but that there was no real answer to almost anything painting is just... Wow... It's really given me a confidence boost, I think. Just knowing that there're countless ways to achieve a good looking result

[@tabletopminions]

Absolutely. There's so many different ways and techniques to create the look you want, you just have to work a bit to find the way for you. Thanks for watching!

[@lukedorrington7455]

If I learned one thing from this video is that there is no one right answer to any question, it appears whatever works for oneself is the right answer

[@zakhoskins6404]

I like how Sam always grins like he's plotting something mischievous.

[@carbon1255]

He IS always plotting something mischievous.

[@GirlPainting]

i totaly agree...especialy with the contradicting answers ^^

[@MrBizteck]

GirlPainting hey!! I've used some of your videos for my painting when I started 2 years ago !!

[@Lord_Wedge]

Just wanted to say thanks for the video you did showing blending on a sword (was a green blade). It really helped me visualize blending. Thanks again.

[@GirlPainting]

glad my videos help :D

[@GirlPainting]

your welcome :D

[@Comesailaway17]

Agreed, on all your videos. You're great and your tubies love ya!

[@ItchaBoi]

Wow, as a brand new painter, this was one of the most inspiring videos I've seen. Thank you!

[@tabletopminions]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@custodianguard749]

I just started this week. If i am honest i am 1 having a really good time and by this time you are not new but my curiosity is peaked as to what your models look like now.

[@darrinscott6612]

I love Sam. 'Can't accidentally drink your paint water if you drink it on purpose.' [Roll safe]

[@Crud143]

Value of all the advice aside, this is just a brilliant video. Excellent idea, perfect execution. You should be really proud of this, it's like a mini-documentary. Seriously the best thing I've watched all week.

[@tabletopminions]

Wow, I really appreciate it. It turned out really well. Thanks for watching!

[@Haven_games]

re-watching this after having been back to the hobby for a year... I love seeing the pros I've come to know and respect and on this being so consistent in their messaging; Vince Venturella, Sam Lenz, etc.

[@MasonLopez]

The way you edited contradictory answers is a beautiful lesson in Contrast. :D

[@tabletopminions]

I'm glad you appreciated it. Thanks for watching!

[@Metabreakers]

Really great information here and shows all the opinions painters have even at the top! -Sam

[@ManuYoCom]

I love how much they contradict each other. Really shows the art side of painting and how in the end, humility, practice and effort are the things that teach you.

[@essexkiwi7397]

Pure gold. Love it that they disagree on topics but each providing a reasons answer that's right for them. Just totally proves the advice in the there that painters should look to find their own way instead of treating one person's opinion as gospel. Great insight into the painters as people too, that you don't get so much in their tutorials.

[@tabletopminions]

Very good way to look at it. Thanks for watching!

[@warcraftdude13]

i love vince how he can see both ways but has his own

[@Metalyga]

Best youtube wargaming channel ever. It is so good to listen or watch this videos while painting. Thank you from Russia.

[@tabletopminions]

I'm glad you enjoy it and can get some painting done. Thanks for watching!

[@MisterBMathLessons]

"Perfect is the enemy of good."I know you've said that in at least one of your videos, but hearing it again in this one just happened to coincide with me putting on what I've decided are the finishing touches for a Liberator Prime. It's turned out better than I expected, and futzing with one thing just causes something else to need fixing, so I'm calling it done.Another interesting part of the video was the part about painting individual models or groups all at once. My current strategy is to paint one at a time, and compare it to the last one I painted. In what ways is this model better? What did I do differently on this model that I didn't do on the last one? Etc, etc.Great video. Thank you for posting it.

[@tabletopminions]

It's interesting, because I love to paint several figures all at once, even if they're completely different. Thanks for watching!

[@littlelizzzz]

I love this!! It's always so nice to see different opinions on topics. It just reinforces the fact that there isn't a "right" or "wrong" way to paint. Just get in there and do your own thing! Thanks for the awesome video!

[@tabletopminions]

Very true. Thanks for watching!

[@JacentRabbit]

The best part about this was that everyone mentions getting glue on their brush, so now I dont feel like an idiot.

[@PhazeKnight74]

It's art, so much of it is subjective that all of these answers are right, it just depends on the artist. Great vid, Love hearing about painters journeys.

[@tabletopminions]

I enjoyed hearing them, too. Thanks for watching!

[@sitpaintandplay3881]

Sam is awesome dude, so positive and intuitive. This was a great video, I knew a lot of this info already thankfully but it was fun to see perspective from so many different artists. You don't get this in depth stuff too often from them.

[@CharlieO_]

Best part was finding myself siding with some artists over others at first, then wanting to follow some and crap on others - this vid made me want to take a stance, which is pure gold! Kudos to you, friend!!

[@lorgarmor5886]

It is super illustrative how in almost every question, there are contradictory opinions of the painters, showcasing how there is not a single right answer to any art related question but it is all about experience and gut-feeling.

[@djinnandjews1430]

As a new painter I have watched dozens of KZbin tutorials and videos related to minipainting, trying to learn new techniques and set myself up for success. I can honestly say that this was one of the most interesting and thoughtful out of them all, and I would gladly have watched at least another hour of it, or several "sequels." Thank you for the outstanding upload, Uncle Atom!

[@offroadexcursions6666]

Really really helped me. Only been painting for about a year or so but this video allowed me to be happy with just ‘getting in there’ and actually painting. No more paralysis by analysis. Thanks for taking the time Atom.

[@chrisfossum1499]

Thanks Adam! Best thing I've watched on the internet in months. And many thanks to all of you fantastic artists for participating.

[@tabletopminions]

Wow, I appreciate it. Thanks for watching!

[@Phsstpok]

This is one of my favorite videos. I revisit regularly on my journey into the mini painting hobby, at different stages of my journey. And it always proves to be motivating, reminding and entertaining. Of I hear or understand some things better at later date than initially. This video is based on such a great concept it should not be a one-timer. You should make it a regular series. Maybe sets of questions for different broad themes... like air-brush... zenithal highlights... basing.... you know, themes a beginner will sooner or later turn their attention to and ponder...

[@HeathAldrich]

I have watched this video like 3 or 4 times, and I keep on picking up new things that I am using in my everyday painting. So much good information that you will never absorb in one viewing

[@davethehead007averagegamer6]

Easily the best advice video on getting back into the Hobby. Absolute gold. Well done sir.

[@VJMorph]

Fantastic video. As a person getting back into the hobby after a 20year break so much has changed in technique. Really interesting to hear their thoughts & contrast with my own experience relearning old techniques & integrating new ones to my work flow.

[@aaronbono4688]

Excellent video. It's great to see the varied responses. Shows art is not science and this is an art.

[@ThePeacemaker848]

14:46 love that response. I quickly found out that the clashing of colours is really in the eye of the beholder. And that is it. Same goes for food - people have different taste buds so anything goes. The rest of colour theory about mixing and complimentary colours is important. That would be what I would say to look up as a beginner.

[@mcusson2]

Awesome vid. Loved the clash of big painters ideas; masterfully edited to say 'learn everything, even if it clash', to 'There is no ONE right way'. Everything in between was candy. A great painting vid for sure. Thank you.

[@ianthrockmorton9167]

I love Vince's advice the most.

[@IanJTaylor]

Ian Throckmorton - Yeah was thinking the same, Ian T

[@opesam]

Late to the party, but this video has been amazing as someone who is just starting out in the hobby again (after 20 years off!). Thank you for all the brilliant content, it's going to take me a while to get through it all...

[@exaltedchampion201]

Great video - love picking their brains and learning from their experiences

[@rustedbeetle]

Thanks for putting this together. It was extremely interesting to see the differing opinions back to back.

[@manriquemata1650]

@Tabletop Minions this video was awesome! Thank you thank you thank you. I haven't painted in like 4 months thanks to life and stuff and a bit of 'I want to do something else tonight' syndrome but you just reignited the flame.

[@tabletopminions]

Always happy to reignite the flame. Thanks for watching!

[@timroot-shoshin4287]

Thank you for this. I love their different and sometimes opposite opinions, but what makes it worthwhile is that each person is explaining WHY they have that opinion. That way you can see that they are all correct, but you have to connect their reasons to yourself.

[@TheRunesmythe]

This was an interesting video to watch; the sheer variety of opinions really covered a broad area and gave a lot of insight into the different mindsets of miniature painters.

[@tabletopminions]

Yes, it really was interesting to hear the answers I got. It turned out well. Thanks for watching!

[@damondrescher9590]

Really great stuff here. Such a great collection of artists and their feel on the questions.

[@warbossworm]

Great stuff! I love getting lots of feedback from different people. It truly shows that there is no definitive guide on how to paint.

[@cloverncross]

Really great video Atom, super crowd of people with vast range and knowledge scope. Sam is a crack up at every turn.

[@tabletopminions]

It was fun to make. Thanks for watching!

[@JMitsuruDavis]

This was super helpful. I've been out of 40k for a long long while, and getting back in is overwhelming. this video and your channel have been very helpful. Thanks!

[@Nam_Huynh192]

This is actually an incredibly amazing video and idea, it's great to see all the differing opinions, it actually makes the video!

[@tabletopminions]

It worked out well. Thanks for watching!

[@shammiboi]

Love this channel! Been painting seriously around 3 months... going to search colour theory!

[@tabletopminions]

It's pretty useful, I think. Thanks for watching!

[@stevesandford1437]

LOVE how so many of these BRILLIANT PAINTERS have such contrasting opinions on the questions posed... I guess it just proves that there is no 'ABSOLUTELY CORRECT' way to create fine art/craft... All of them basically said, "Do what you think works for YOU in what you're going for..." (And THAT is Good Advice!!!) xx SF

[@robwallace6787]

this is brilliant work Uncle Atom! A brilliant insight into the world of painting, collected from a decent spread of top painters. Thank you!

[@tabletopminions]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@DreadKnot710]

As a painter this is one of your best videos.

[@PaulComis]

Wow...I just lover the differences and the complimentary opinions here. Just goes to show how subjective this all is, and how there isn't a "right" answer for everyone. Such great questions too.

[@rafaelguasco]

Awesome vídeo! This is so enlightening. As a beginner, this is the best video/tutorial i have seem in months! Thanks! ✌🏻

[@Anthony-qz7yg]

Love this so very much thank you. The biggest take away for me on this is... everyone is different. Everyone progresses differently and learns differently. The real journey is trying it all and figuring out what works best for you. And best for you is what's most satisfying to you. 17:07 with Jessica Rich is my absolute favorite comment and follow that up at 2:28 with Kris Belleau's comment on record keeping combos it to be my absolute favorite advice that I'll echo to any new painter who asks me for advice in my community.

[@demosphobos5150]

Mr Atom. Smasher, that was the singular best video you have ever made, and I love all your output. Bravo maestro.

[@tabletopminions]

I appreciate it, and glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@J24-k8f]

I really agree with what the fellow said about the thin your paints thing, and the priming white or grey. When I started priming white/grey, learned from your videos about thinning and wet palletes, my quality shot up dramatically. Still learning and practicing forms of highlighting.

[@tabletopminions]

It's all step by step, and we keep getting better. Thanks for watching!

[@Cybrdra6on]

I think this is one of the best and most helpful video ideas you have done. Very nice. Something there for beginners and vets alike!

[@tabletopminions]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@richardmarriott-smith9517]

Love this video. Tons of interesting advice. Vince and Sam seem to give the advice which appeal to me the most or which resonate the most to me. Great video.

[@GamerAse]

Amazing video. Thanks so much for putting this together. And man, Sam just brightens my day anytime he's on camera!!!!

[@tabletopminions]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@elemental3-o7k]

Such lovely, humble, helpful people.

[@bdsperling]

This is the single best contribution to the hobby I've viewed.

[@BrianPivik]

Wonderful video, thanks for showing us the comparison between these pros!

[@lunahula]

Great and informative video for the ages! My tip for the day: If you are working with plastic (or others) miniatures in sub assembly, whether space marines with arms seperate or something larger. Apply on liquid mask to the areas that will receive adhesive and be joined when the model is put together. A lot tidier and more precise than blu-tac/poster putty and easier to remove after painting without it leaving some trace behing you have to keep dabbing at. [Remember painters, elbows on your desk or work surface while painting the liquid mask, for extra control and steadyness!]

[@vathrris9198]

18:27 such good advice i went from black primer on my first ever model to swapping over to a grey being able to work out the brightness of the model to my liking is really helping in compairson to when i would use black primer and have to try to work up from that. great video!

[@christheviolaplayer8250]

really made me think about all the advice I've received from other painters at my local GW, definitely going to try more experiments with colours. And maybe try some other brands of brushes too.

[@tabletopminions]

Experimenting is always a good idea. Thanks for watching!

[@mc1csmo]

Excellent video. I love the different perspectives. I found that having a deadline may not improve my skills, but it sure gets the fire lit to finish painting a project. Was great meeting you Adam, and I hope we get to spend more time if we do again at future events.

[@tabletopminions]

Absolutely. Sorry we didn't get to play some Age of Sigmar but hopefully we can at another event in the future, if not just next year at AdeptiCon. Thanks for watching!

[@emmaspinsround]

Really enjoyed this video! Only critique for your next Q&A would be to read the question as well as display it and have each person say their name on the first question as well as display it; for viewers who listen only. As a beginner myself, I thought the best advices came from Sam Lenz, Chris Belleau, and Vince Venturella.

[@abzhasan8322]

Watching this was very refreshing. Loved the variety of opinions amongst them.

[@TickBallsOut]

The fact that there are many contradictions are great, and show different things work for different people.

[@tabletopminions]

Absolutely. That became more and more evident as I was shooting it. It was really interesting. Thanks for watching!

[@Not_So_Super_Mario]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video, Adam. Good work as usual

[@jangorh]

Great video, very interesting to see how different the opinions are on most of the questions yet both sides both seem very valid. After all we're all different!

[@houstonbush5639]

It's interesting because in my own painting journey I've somewhat followed some of the advice. I started with Blood Bowl miniatures, and my first one was really bad, but I kept following Duncan's painting tutorials. The first 4 or 5 linemen were drybrushed but toward the end of the 12 I had I had stepped up from single paint edge highlights to double edge highlights, and on every single part of the model, so you can literally see me trying new stuff and transforming from the first model to the 12th. I also paint 1 model at a time trying to make it the best I can possible get instead of several models all at once.

[@Malthus]

What an awesome vid, loved hearing what all these guys had to say about their work.

[@High_Lord_Of_Terra]

I'm so glad that that lady mentioned using grey as a primer. I've only been painting miniatures for a few months (painted a little as a young lad) and I'm struggling with black as a base. I seem to spend a lot of time trying to brighten them up afterwards so I'm going mid grey.

[@BlackfyreProductions]

Uncle Atom, that was a great video! Some good tips from the painters even though some might have been contradicting to each other. Thank you!

[@TwoCowzBrowze]

Quality material Atom! as usual , pleasure meeting you over the weekend. Cheers !

[@tabletopminions]

Always happy to meet people and talk at conventions. Thanks for watching!

[@Fughley]

Very cool way to share the assembled wisdom of the adpeticon for those who cannot attend. Keep up the clever delivery of choice media.

[@tabletopminions]

I'll keep doing it. Thanks for watching!

[@trondbirkeland8094]

Very interesting to see how art, colour theory and composition really matter when it comes to miniatures. I have taken a longer break from my minis and dabbled in watercolour, oils and acrylics for a few years. Am considering finishing some of my WH projects, but was a bit set off by the AOS turn. It derailed med... Regarding sable brushes: I really like the ones by Vallejo, but acrylics quicly wears them down, even though I take very good care of them. From a watercolour perspective using sable brushes for acrylics would be ill advised. One thing I have always wonderd about is: Why does none of the paint for minis have labels listing pigments and opacity/transparency on them. Colur theory is almost worthless if one does not know how the pigments behave. What ingredients go into them? Starch? Synthetics? Are they pigment mixtures?

[@dsanchez23fight]

Good vid. Much more interesting than the other con wrap ups. I like this format.

[@johnwelsh7524]

One of the greatest videos on painting minatures ever made. Thanks for serious enlightenment. :D

[@ninjabuddy1]

Turning the handle of your paint water so you don't actually drink it is the most helpful professional level advice

[@ΛουκάςΜαρμάρας]

Excellent video!!! I loved the way everyone gave answers in their unique way. It didn't matter that they were contradictory some times. This is useful in a way. Everybody has his or her own style.

[@keithmunro4944]

This was awesome. Very cool to hear the different points of view! Thanks!

[@jameslowe4300]

Perhaps one of your best videos yet!

[@mrbushi1062]

what a fantastic idea! I would of loved to of talked with those painters! I hope this video takes alot of the stress of painting off. I'm going to send this to some friends of mine who are starting to paint there DnD figures and I'm helping them get started. I hope this will make them less overwhelmed

[@tabletopminions]

I have a lot of videos aimed at beginning painters. They might find use in some of those, as well. Thanks for watching!

[@benvoliothefirst]

This was a joy to watch and I learned so much. Thanks. Sam Lenz seems like a fun guy to hang out with.

[@markbrandon5408]

One of the best painting videos I’ve seen 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@neatobourito8846]

I'm brand new to the hobby and first time painter. Thank you so much for this :D

[@tabletopminions]

I hope it helps. Also, welcome to the hobby. Thanks for watching!

[@banditb86]

That was enjoyable and informative I have been painting for about 45 years and learn something new with each figure

[@dooooooo123]

Can't thin your paints enough? A lot of my GW layer paints will be a wash if I add just a bit more water!

[@joshmccarthy9605]

I was fortunate to be able to watch and talk with James Wappel while he was doing the paint-off of Victoria Miniatures "Matilda" in the Trenchworx booth at Adepticon, and he blew my mind. Everything he did was pretty much in direct contradiction of almost all conventional miniature painting wisdom. It was a fantastic time and I'm still trying to process everything I saw/learned.

[@tabletopminions]

It's true: he has a very unique method of painting, but the results obviously speak for themselves. Thanks for watching!

[@Veroni23]

Great questions, interesting answers. A question I would love to ask is: When you paint badges, in which order do you do them? Apply each step on each of them, then go to the next step for each of them and so on, or do you finish one mini, then do everything for the next one and so on...? I find myself starting out with the first one, but then while I am at it I see how to continue when I am on one of them, and do more steps, and then I forgot where I was at with the rest...

[@CMB76]

I do agree that good quality helps. I painted miniatures for years with cheap craft paints and Wal Mart brushes, then switched to Scharff & Kolinsky sables and Vallejo colors. Also started using GW shades and SW washes instead of thinned paint. This made a huge difference for me. Stronger pigment, more brush control. But that is just my opinion. This is a great video with tons of useful info. Thanks.

[@michaelhalbert9264]

Good vid, I used to live in Schaumburg. This vid, though proves a point---there's more than one way to achieve your goals and dreams.

[@tabletopminions]

Very good takeaway for the video. Thanks for watching!

[@FrostandFists]

Great video, Uncle Atom! I love the wide variety in perspectives! ~ Wolfbrother Methos

[@tabletopminions]

It turned out very interestingly. Thanks for watching!

[@Anbesolify]

I know this is a year old video, but i love the blood bowl references, love that game!

[@grimlyfuttocks794]

What a brilliant idea for a video and superbly executed! Conclusion: Relax, try everything, find your own style.