Sorastro's Zombicide: Black Plague Painting Guide Ep. 5: Silas The Elf

[@W4ldgeist]

Your videos are so incredible. Every detail is as meticulous as the details on the minis are. From the slight smooth "into shot" transition, to the cuts on the music, to your great speaking voice that is fun to listen to. Painting skill aside - and you are superb - you are THE best KZbin miniature painting tutorial creator out there. Kudos for your hard work and your dedication, it is very, very much appreciated!

[@Sorastro]

Thank you so much Waldgeist! Such a lovely comment, and very much appreciated :)

[@SPBurt1]

Dido

[@wonderboy2402]

Sorastro's Painting These are better then the ones from the people that make the paints you use. You should market them towards these companies.

[@jakeplatt1454]

You have improved my skills as a painter so much with your detailed tutorials. From glazing, wet blending and colour mixing, I have reached a new level of painting. Thankyou sir!

[@Sorastro]

Thank you so much for the kind comment! I'm very happy to hear that 🤗

[@CMLew]

Watching this with the GF to give us ideas while we paint the box togeher. We are really enjoying the videos as you have a great presentation style, talk well and offer everything as options and possiblities not the one true way to do things. Thanks for making these.

[@Sorastro]

Hi! Thanks for the kind comment and feedback. Much appreciated :)

[@dm4life579]

Perfect videos. Very high quality and very professional. You strike the perfect balance of commentary, stages, transitions painting and everything else.

[@Sorastro]

Thank you for the kind feedback! Much appreciated :)

[@benjaminshepherd3288]

Your videos are fantastic and incredibly helpful! I recently acquired zombicide Black Plague and fully intend on painting them thanks to you and your well made tutorials.

[@johnevans2710]

One of your best. I absolutely love the Black Plague videos.

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot John! I also really enjoy working on the Black Plague minis :)

[@jsaleh]

As always, a very well made video! You're the reason I got into painting minis. I always wanted to, but never knew where to start. Thank you so much for your videos! Keep on rocking...

[@Sorastro]

+whatnot Thanks a lot whatnot! :)

[@leonn54]

love the colours used for this. super job and very useful for a beginner like me! cheers

[@Sorastro]

Thanks Leonn54! I'm glad you found it useful :)

[@TheRunesmythe]

This miniature had a very interesting color palette; the cloak in particular really stands out because in certain angles it looks green but in others it has a more yellow tint to it. Amazing work, as always.

[@Sorastro]

Thank you so much! I agree the cloak has an interesting hue - I just tried to match the character art as closely as I could without mixing a crazy number of different colours :)

[@clintongann5347]

Just found your series of video's on painting Zombicide Black Plague. So amazing but what I like is even though it's Zombicide your explanations of every technique you use can basically be used in any painting regardless of the game system. Very good and excellent explanations and totally awesome sound track to boot.

[@Sorastro]

Thank you so much Clinton! I'm really glad you're enjoying the videos! If you weren't aware, the soundtrack is also now available across a wide range of platforms: sorastro.com/2018/08/02/new-album-oracle-out-now/ :D

[@porlking]

Thanks for another Zombicide: Black Plague guide! And it's superb as always. Keep up the good work Sorastro!

[@Sorastro]

+Tim Mercy Thanks a lot Tim! I appreciate the encouragement :)

[@jeremydailey]

I've never thought about doing highlight/shaded base coats before but that is so genius. Thanks for another great video Sorastro!

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot Jeremy! I certainly can't take credit for the idea of a zenithal-type prime/base as lots of people do it, but it sure is helpful - especially for things like cloaks :)

[@blue-headedguyinlightblues9514]

Really enjoying your painting series. You have inspired me to begin painting my Descent figures. Well done on yet another fantastic result.

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot! :)

[@1964wingman]

Excellent !! Just bought a box of these. Will wait till you do yours. Your a pleasure to watch. Love your tutorials and you have made me pick up the paint brush again.

[@Sorastro]

Thanks Darren :)

[@novasakigake]

The mini looked more than excellent for regular tabletop play at 11:00. You kept on and on going and the piece just became more beautiful with each brushstroke! I hope you'll be working on other Zombicide: Black Plague minis soon! I picked up the game because it looked like a lot of fun, and the minis work well for my Warhammer FRPG games as well! I'd especially like to see what you do with the Abomination Bosses, and some of the Guest boxes! I have of course, seen the end results of many of the paint jobs on those minis. But for me, I need to see the process to get there.

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot Nova! I also can't wait to complete the last two heroes from the core box and try some of the expansion minis :)

[@m-jay6137]

Who would dislike this video? It is so helpful, and amazing!

[@Sorastro]

+Mike Johnson Ha ha - Thanks Mike! I think I have a "thumb-down stalker" :)

[@trennefelt]

That looks great. Really impressed by your videos. Looking forward to the next one, I always learn something new when I watch them.

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot Daniel! I'm happy to hear that :)

[@jacobhope6164]

Wow! He really looks amazing!

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot Jacob! I'm glad you like my Silas :)

[@thanasisgeronimos9124]

Nice music man!!!! and as always excellent result

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot Thanasis! Much appreciated :)

[@michaeljdauben]

Another great tutorial! I particularly enjoyed the work on the cloak. I've got some ranger figures on my painting table and I'm going to try and duplicate what you did on their cloaks.

[@Sorastro]

Thanks Michael! I'm glad you've found some "transferable" ideas in the video :)

[@Tk5869]

Outstanding, like always.

[@Sorastro]

Thanks Tk! :)

[@nicolasalexandre7108]

just perfect! always a pleasure to watch your painting guide :)

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot ludi! I appreciate that :)

[@craigdickie3130]

Another great video, my BP set is coming along nicely! Thanks Sorastro!

[@Sorastro]

Fantastic! Thanks Craig :)

[@clarticustv1908]

Great Job as usual mate! was hoping for some more Descent but ill keep my eyes open for next one. I must add this game to my collection I still watch them even if i dont own it!

[@Sorastro]

+ClarticusTV “MH Gaming” Thank you very much! I'll be painting Widow Tarha next (I publish my monthly schedule at sorastro.com by the way so everyone knows what's coming up: sorastro.com/2016/11/01/coming-soon-for-november/)

[@Fishtank33]

Amazing blood spatter!

[@Fishtank33]

I liked this video even before it started playing because I just KNOW it's going to be epic and brilliant.

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot! 😁

[@realnck]

Beautiful!

[@Sorastro]

+Jorge A. (Realnck) Thank you Jorge! :)

[@gustavemilpilgaard2398]

Just discovered this channel :) love the video ^^!

[@Sorastro]

Thanks Gustav! I really appreciate that 😀

[@markusschmitz2872]

Excellent job. I'm looking forward to the next descent video. I can't wait.... :-)

[@Sorastro]

Thanks Markus! I'm starting work on Widow Tarha tomorrow :)

[@chimj8021]

Perfect as always. Keep up.

[@Sorastro]

+chi mj Thanks chi mj :)

[@adriancoombs-hoar9739]

Utterly wonderful painting, I just wish I had the time, skill and knowhow how to paint my mini's to this standard. I will give my Monolith Conan mini's a damn good try using your excellent guide.

[@Sorastro]

Thank you Adrian! You just need to get stuck in and enjoy the process and you might be surprised at how quickly you improve :)

[@ZMBFREKweekly]

Great job man

[@Sorastro]

Thanks Zomb!

[@GREECEMJEE]

Magical!

[@Sorastro]

Thank you :)

[@MonsterSoluce]

Really nice result ! I'm looking forward to see a new video of Descent ; )

[@Sorastro]

+DarkSeeds Gaming Thank you! Widow Tarha is up next.. :)

[@MonsterSoluce]

Sorastro's Painting Oh yeah ! I just bought my first army painter kit in order to discover figurines painting. Next step is to join you on patreon ;)

[@edovigno92]

Really nice work! I'm waiting for the Abominotaur, the Abominatroll and the Ablobination from the Zombie Bosses Abomination pack :)

[@Sorastro]

Thank you Edoardo! All in good time.. :)

[@Yill_Genry]

Так подробно! Спасибо! Это очень полезно! Лучший канал!!!

[@Sorastro]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it :)

[@julienviseux6080]

Wow amazing job ! How do you keep your brushes sharp like this ?! Mine are all flat after 2 figures., while I clean them all the time ... And they are citadel brushes..

[@Sorastro]

Thank you very much! You might have just answered your own question there... I haven't used a Citadel brush in years; These days I use a Series 8 Size 2 brush from Rosemary and Co which keep their point very well indeed (even after the battering I give them!) :) www.rosemaryandco.com/watercolour-brushes/pure-kolinsky-sable/series-8-pointed-round

[@Finitetoast]

Beautiful work! Have you ever tried out the P3 paint line, from Privateer Press? The metallics aren't super great (except for the Blighted Gold color) but they make excellent paints and the pots never, ever dry out. I have some four-year-old ones that have seen frequent use and they're still like new.

[@Sorastro]

Thank you! I confess I haven't tried P3 yet although I believe they're very good. I must buy a set one day :)

[@NODHLAN]

love the colours, you're the best will you make a tuto with zombicide survivors (season 1-3)?

[@Sorastro]

Thank you! I'd like to do the original Zombicide survivors but I just don't think I can find time in my schedule - sorry!

[@raymondbabbitt4583]

How do you maintain your brush point? Is this a matter of the type of brush, how you maintain it, or just amazing control? I can’t get my brushes (even the smallest) to maintain a point sharp and stiff enough to pick out the details like you do with a #2. Just amazing!

[@Sorastro]

Hi Raymond! I'm honestly not especially kind to my brushes; I just think that the Rosemary & Co brushes just seem to hold their point pretty well. I find they tend to slim down a little over time (due to hair loss?) but still keep their point. There are brush cleaners out there that might also help extend the life of your brushes (like The Masters Brush Cleaner) although I don't usually bother myself. I do like to give the brush a little twist as I unload some of the excess paint however as this also helps to form a nice point :)

[@raymondbabbitt4583]

Thank you for the response. I’ve ordered some of those brushes as I’m keen to see if that’ll help. Your videos are very helpful and I’ve learned quite a bit from them. Thank you for making these available! I’m finishing Blood Rage right now and intend to do Black Plague next, but I’ve already used some of what I’ve learned from watching these and look forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@Sorastro]

No problem! I hope you enjoy the new brushes :D

[@timtassent9727]

Another echo here... Great work, superb editing and music... Subbed as soon as i found your video's. One request though, since i have a limited time to paint, would it be possible i your description to mention how much time you have spend on the mini featured? (would make the task of choosing the one to paint a lot easier :-) ) Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot Tim! Hmm it might be tricky to give any kind of accurate painting time as the filming process makes things take longer than usual. Maybe I'll try timing myself next time I paint without filming :)

[@timtassent9727]

Sorastro's Painting an aproximation would be fine. I understand the hassle While filming doesnt make it easier 😀 Thanks anyway! Regards , T.

[@vojtasjedyny]

Thank you, that was great tutorial. What do you think about Army Painter's layer paints and Vallejo Game Color?

[@Sorastro]

Thank you Vojtasjedyny! I love Vallejo paints and honestly haven't tried that many Army Painter paints :)

[@vojtasjedyny]

Sorastro's Painting Have you chosen Citadel paints, because they're the BEST or maybe there's other reason?

[@Sorastro]

My wife bought me the ultimate Citadel paint set a couple of years ago so it makes sense for me to use them! But I would honestly be just as happy using Vallejo (except I might still prefer the Citadel Shades) :)

[@vojtasjedyny]

Sorastro's Painting I was just curious. I'm going to start painting, but to be honest I'm REALLY confused. There are so many paints on the market...

[@Sorastro]

Don't forget there's nothing wrong with mixing paints from different ranges; you could just pick out a small selection of Vallejo colours (either Vallejo Model Color or Vallejo Game Color) to start work on your first few minis, then simply add to your collection as you go :)

[@rockydatan8942]

can you please make a video on how to paint the other survivors of the black plague (core game) thanks.i'm an amateur to painting minis .your tutorials were great :)

[@Sorastro]

Thank you Rocky! Yes I will be covering all of the base-game survivors :)

[@1964wingman]

just wondering whether you can paint zombicide dead eyed walkers next

[@Sorastro]

Hi Darren! You sir are in luck: sorastro.com/2016/12/01/coming-soon-for-december/ :)

[@nickenomics]

you should twitch stream playing these games after the minis are all painted. it would be great to see all your hard work on the table top.

[@Sorastro]

Hi Nick! That's a great idea, although might be tricky from a logistical stand point (my gaming table is no-where near my PC) :)

[@crueltime235]

A person from the actual KS of KD:M send the link to your painting tutorials. At the first moment I wasn´t impressed with your painting skills cause I saw some vids like Deadeye Walkers but than I realize that this is a fantastic vid for beginners like me. Not to mention the lower difficulty. I also watched this vid and other and this mind blowing ... So this was a instant subscribe. Now I need some really good practice for the upcoming KD:M 1.5 so I have enough practice for the cool minis like grom, dragon king and the whole bunch of new and old expansions. Will also start with Zombicide. I have also read in the comments below that your wife bought you some couple of years the citadel ultimate paint set. Can you recommend this ? It is really expansive but hopefully it lasts long. Cause you are painting alot, how long I will be happy with the ultimate set ? Also thinking to invest in an airbrush and buying the primer set from vallejo which you use. I am not so a fan of sprays. Really looking forward to see some airbrush mini painting from you with a good tutorial how to do some highlighting and painting minis with a airbrush. Are you intending to make some KD:M painting tutorials ?

[@Sorastro]

Hi Cruel Time! Thanks for this comment! Regarding your question concerning the Citadel Ultimate Paint Set - for me it was a fantastic gift because it has allowed me to try out the whole range of paints, but there are a lot of paints in it I have chosen not to use (some of the metallics, the "edge" paints etc..). So for the average user I suspect there will be quite a lot of "redundant" colours. Having said that, the storage it comes with is extremely handy - especially if you're tight on space (as I am!). It might be more cost effective to select the individual colours you want, and with the money you've saved you can add colours from other paint ranges too (such as Vallejo, and I may well be using some Scale75 paints/inks for KDM also). I think I've also answered your last question there too - yes I am going to start a KDM series later in the year. I hope this helps! :)

[@crueltime235]

Thank you for the reply. I think i will make a list of the most used paints from your tutorials and buy these one buy one. It is for sure a little bit cheaper. Which color range from Vallejo (Game Color, Game Air, Model Color ?)and Scale75 you can recommend for KD:M ?

[@guillaumel.4241]

Merci

[@Corvus2222]

The sword looks like Orcrist(Goblin-cleaver) from Lotr

[@derekstiles5801]

What is that unpainted area where his hands are resting. I didn’t see you paint that. Looks like part of his undercoat but there’s no color on it???

[@Sorastro]

Hi Derek! It was so long ago when I painted this - I'm not sure :)

[@adrienauger4761]

How do you keep your brushes so stiff, straight, and pointed? Mine often fray or curl a bit at the end. And do you use a specific brush for mixing?

[@Sorastro]

Hi Adrien! I think a lot has to do simply with the brush you’re using; I just find the Rosemary & Co brushes tend to keep their tip really well. I use an older “dead” brush for mixing the paint :)

[@NSerluco]

I'm a total newbie to painting minis so please forgive the silly question, but why do you use they gray paint when zenithal highlighting in addition to the white? Why couldn't you just apply the white highlights over the black primer and start from there?

[@Sorastro]

Hi Nick! No such thing as a silly question.. You could actually just use black and white if you wish; using grey as an intermediary just gives a slightly smoother and less stark transition from the black to the white is all :)

[@NSerluco]

That makes sense, thank you! Your videos are a huge inspiration - I wasn't really interested in painting my zombies until I came across the first episode of this series! I just picked up the Army Painter Mega Kit so I have a lot of colors to work with, now I just have to get used to thinning my paints!

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot Nick! Enjoy those zombies :)

[@ShadowxOmega5]

saw you used both vallejo glaze medium and citadel's lahmian medium. i was wondering what the difference is between them, as i own the vallejo medium and was wondering if lahmian medium is useful or not? i know that the glaze medium helps to slow drying times, but i am not sure about lahmian medium

[@Sorastro]

Hi ShadowxOmega5! No Lahmian Medium doesn't slow the drying time; I generally just use it for thinning the Citadel Shades with :)

[@ShadowxOmega5]

thank you for your reply! so i take it this would also be good for thinning paints where i would still want them to dry at their regular time then thank you :D

[@Sorastro]

Absolutely! Although I generally use water to thin my paints, using Lahmian Medium would be a nice way thin them whilst helping to achieve nice even coverage :)

[@ShadowxOmega5]

i see i see, thank you for the new knowledge!

[@Sorastro]

No problem :)

[@derekstiles5801]

Man, no matter how thick or thin I quickshade my base with strong tone, I can’t get any meaningful difference in “Stone shades.” A few are a hint lighter than others, but in general, it feels like I’m jacking something up. Any suggestions?

[@parkerbutynski500]

What is the decision process between deciding to zenithal highlight prime or not?

[@Sorastro]

Hi Parker! Basically I think most miniatures benefit from receiving a zenithal pre-shade except perhaps for figures that are mostly very dark (Darth Vader for example). In most of my series I tend to start off with simple techniques to make them as easy to follow for new painters as possible so I often start by priming in black or white, but that shouldn't stop you from going ahead with a zenthal pre-shade if you like. I'm planning to cover the topic in a separate video actually :)

[@parkerbutynski500]

Thanks for the reply! I have been watching a lot of your videos of late and not in really any particular order. I noticed you had done a lot of the pre-shading in the videos I had watched before then some early in this series where you hadn't so I wasn't sure if there was a decision being made that I wasn't aware of. Thanks again for the reply and keep it up! I haven't ever really been a miniature/model builder or painter but this is really inspiring me to try it out.

[@Sorastro]

No problem Parker! :)

[@murban3]

Another great video. BTW, have you played the game? Will you be doing the expansions/add-ons also?

[@Sorastro]

Thanks Mike! Oh yes I've played the game (although I'm now waiting until I've finished painting the set before playing it again). I will be doing some of the expansions etc (in fact I've just finished a colour test for the Deadeye Walkers so you can expect that soon...) :)

[@omega.revolution3894]

dude amazing work as always! 2 questions: when will the app be available for android? and what citadel color can is use instead of vallejos german grey? you seem very keen to it, but they dont sell vallejos where i live PS: please paint Baldric next!

[@Sorastro]

Thank you! Regarding the app all I've been told is that it was supposed to be out during November; I'll check with the developer and see if I can get an update for you. For German grey you can simply mix black with Mechanicus Standard Grey :)

[@fornalli]

I miss the highlight pics. I'm having a hard time understanding some of the highlights on the cloak. For the highlights. should I consider light coming from above or where from?

[@Sorastro]

+Bruno .FRod Hi Bruno! Sure; generally imagining most of the light coming from above is usually a good approach. If you applied zenithal highlights like I did however then that should also give you a nice clear guide as to where to place your highlights :)

[@fornalli]

I live in Oregon and it's winter right now. That means humidity is at it's highest so I have to rely on paint on primers. I'm too messy for an airbrush. My spouse says no no no! Lol

[@Sorastro]

Doh! :)

[@robertgrant721]

Great video series, but I, at least, would appreciate some more discussion of why you’re making some of the color and shade choices.

[@Sorastro]

Thanks a lot Robert! I'm simply picking colours that I think best capture the look of the wonderful character art 😀

[@robertgrant721]

Ok :) perhaps a bit more on the shading choices then? why nuln oil sometimes and others other times? I guess for those of us starting out in this a bit more of the theory behind the decisions would be very interesting. I know you sometimes dive a bit deeper, so I’m just asking for a bit more frequency of that. But really your stuff is excellent so I don’t know why I’m asking for more?! :)

[@Sorastro]

Ha - thanks again! I'll see if I can cover the topic of colour choice a bit more fully in a future series I'm planning... :)

[@robertgrant721]

Cool, I just rewatched the first video in this series and your discussion of options there was excellent. (I’ve just prepped my minis ready for the first colors.) A question on what you do with the minis mid process: Do you store them back in the box or what?

[@Sorastro]

Hi Robert! I just leave the minis out but if you need the space for other things then you could of course store them in the box :)

[@murban3]

What airbrush and equipment do you use/recommend?

[@Sorastro]

Hi Mike! I bought the "premium" airbrush bundle you can see listed here, along with the maintenance bundle: elementgames.co.uk/paints-hobby-and-scenery/airbrushes-and-accessories/airbrush-and-compressor-bundles You don't have to spend that much though - especially for basic priming duties. I just wanted something quite high end so that if I want to get into more detailed work I have something that can handle it. (I also like the compressor it comes with.) :)

[@jaysonolson33]

On top of echoing all the positive comments you get, I'm dying to know how you keep all your open pallete paints wet in such quantities without ever seeing them skim over. You mix a lot and I never notice them drying out without the use of a wet pallete. It seems like when I use my palette I have to work fast, or my paints starts to gunk up. How do you do it?

[@Sorastro]

Thanks Jayson! It might just be simply because of how much I thin the paints. If it's a problem you could try adding a little retarder medium, of Vallejo's glaze medium (which has some retardant in it) to prevent the paint from drying so quickly..?

[@NeoByteNL]

As usual absolutely amazing work! You make it look so friggin' easy. Quick question, can you use the Army Painter Quick shade with these kind of "non zombie" models as well ? as in not only for the base, but the whole figure ?

[@Sorastro]

+Marko Senli Thanks Marko! Yes sure you can if you're after a quick table-ready paint job; they'll just be a bit more dirty looking :)

[@TheCpopp]

I found your series when you were doing Imperial Assault. Your series appears to becoming more technical from those videos. Was this a conscious decision or just a natural progression as you have done more models and videos?

[@Sorastro]

Hi Chris! I generally try to build in some progression into each series, so the first episode or two will deal with the basics, with slightly more advanced techniques (like feathering) being introduced a bit later on. I'm always keen to try new ideas out myself too so it's natural that some of that will come through in my videos :)

[@shinwonmoon6803]

Did you use a single brush throughout the painting of this mini?

[@Sorastro]

Hi Shinwon Moon! I honestly can't remember but I do usually switch brushes a few times whilst painting :)

[@alcovitch]

Most important lesson: Mix Karakstone in everything!

[@Sorastro]

Ha ha 😀

[@Neige_Virevoltante]

Hey Sorastro, I'd like to know, how would you paint the 3D door from BP? I mean, wich color would you choose?

[@Sorastro]

Hi Lockie! I've have a go and include it in a tutorial :)

[@JEGranberg]

Are there any new miniature games you are interested in getting?

[@Sorastro]

Always! I buy them far quicker than I can paint them :)

[@iggyflop3777]

I prefer dybrush

[@Sorastro]

I'm not sure what "dybrush" is, but.. yey for you! 😀

[@iggyflop3777]

@@Sorastro DRY BRUSH