The Grim Dark

I've dipped my toes in Grim Dark waters, trying to learn and explore what lies behind behind the "grim dark" process. What is the Grim Dark? And what does it mean when it comes to painting miniatures? This video focuses on my thought process... but I tests some "slap on some grim dark" effects as well. For those of you that are new to this channel.. welcome! And please, if you are after straight forward A - Z tutorial of how to paint stuff... well.. I'm all over the place. That said, there is one or two painting tips in here, if you have the patients.
Please support the continued creation of these videos on Patreon: / 52miniatures -You would make my day.
Merch: 52miniatures.creator-spring.com/
A special thanks to Alpha Spel - my local friendly game store - for letting me film in their shop. Don't forget to support your local game store folks.
Follow me on Instagram for regular hobby updates - @52miniatures
"Slap on Grim Dark effects" tested in this video:
-Vallejo Streaking Grime
-Vallejo Oiled Earth Wash
-Soilworks Oil Wash - Dark Earth
-Soilworks Oil Wash - Dark Rust
-(No, I did not test out enamel washes. One thing to many...)
Base colours:
Blue - Caspian Blue - Scale75
Green - Rlyeh Grey - Fantasy&Games
Red - Tindalos Red -- Fantasy&Games
Yellow - Sol Yellow (Scale75), Dunkelgelb Yellow (War Front), Dunkelbraun Brown (War Front)
Warrior heads from Kromlech: bitsofwar.com/home/760-legion...
For 10% discount at bitsofwar use 52miniatures as "voucher" during checkout.
Female head from Forgeworld: www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-FR/St...

[@Miniac]

Absolutely excellent writing

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you. You are the first one to comment on that... It's probably what I personally struggle with the most, and feel the most uncomfortable with.

[@samuelkotler2078]

I totally agree. Your words seem as carefully chosen as your approach to painting. Altogether really cool work!

[@ZCerrato]

Totally agree. The writing, the videography choices, the color choices, camera angles, setting and decor...all on par with the level of artistry and detail put into the actual minis and painting! So we’ll done.

[@ruubn1337]

Very very well done 👍 I was totally catched by your telling and very well entertained. Have my subscription 🙌🏻. 🤗

[@VASM160689]

@@52Miniatures embrace it! Your struggle has been making amazing and warming speech for us to listen while appreciating your work. Your videos are wholesome and heartwarming and super interesting to see! :)

[@vaskal8677]

The. Production. Quality.

[@52Miniatures]

💛

[@liamroche1295]

I know right.

[@JesseRiley]

So good. You sound like an audio book narrator! Amazing!

[@johnfroh6774]

@@JesseRiley Can we get audiobooks of the Age of Sigmar stories narrated by 52 Minis?

[@MiniatureMasterClass]

The production value on this channel is phenomenal. Don't worry this channel will explode like Midwinter Minis, Gooberstown, Miniac, etc.

[@52Miniatures]

kaboom? Thanks a lot for that :) I appreciate it.

[@DanaHowl]

You are very welcome!!! This video was a joy to watch, fantastic work as always!

[@52Miniatures]

Lovely! It great to have you around :)

[@werewolfcas7990]

I like how you “chipped” the minis. Actually shows that they are battleworn and not as pristine. I’ll be sure to try that myself.

[@52Miniatures]

It's fun and for me kind of takes the pressure of in a weird way. Like treating my minis with a little bit less respect relaxes me a bit when moving on to painting... There is probably a Freudian analysis on that...

[@mstarot2793]

"We can't park the beer wagon here, this is bat country."

[@52Miniatures]

😂

[@22bodach]

honestly this channel deserves some sort of youtube award. i try to watch as many content creators as possible but you sir are on another level. no doubt you should be leading the charge one day.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you humbly Carl, I very much appreciate it. I don't know about leading the charge but I sure would like to be one of the musicians at least :)

[@matthieukiriyama7219]

That last shot was wonderful. And it caught me completely by surprise.

[@zhhrah]

In the grim dark future there is only snow.

[@52Miniatures]

And polar bear corpses

[@jasonsiegel3869]

Mah Guy... Not only are you an excellent instructor, but your British sense of humor had me on the edge of my seat!! I absolutely LOVED this video... And had to wake my wife (Natasha player) up so she could share in the entertainment and knowledge.. Please keep this up... Passing this on to my clubs.. Thanks again, Jason Vero Beach, Florida United States

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Jason, glad to hear it! I’m keeping in :) although not possible to do at the same rate as many other channels.

[@VH1348]

By weird coincidence I stumbled upon this channel of yours. And I must say it stands out from all the miniature painting videos I have seen so far. The cinematics, the narration, the careful if not delicate choice of words. Astonishing!

[@52Miniatures]

I appreciate your comment Volker, thank you. Your right, I have been taking my time lately with the scripts... I want to inspire by showing my hobby journey but the wrong choice of words can offend or my intent misinterpreted. I'm glad to hear that you noticed :)

[@markfrommontana]

Your commentary is simply amazing. I must admit I listen to the audio while I'm 'multitasking". Very soothing. Cheers.

[@52Miniatures]

I'm glad it works without the visuals Mark. And welcome to the Patreon :) Thank you for the support.

[@usa14j]

Wow. I ended up here from the "shout out" video Miniac did, and I am so thankful he pointed your channel out. What a great video! I'll be checking out the rest of your content for sure!

[@52Miniatures]

Welcome Stephen, I'm very glad for Scott's recommendation. I hope you enjoy the other videos.

[@Tango_41]

13:49 As an aside, I love that axe you’re using. Very rustic and full of character!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Mark

[@darknob]

"get this right an he might even paint my face" 😅...I love your stuff. My favorite "new" channel

[@52Miniatures]

😂 thank you 🙏 yeah.. that face really is staring at me with neglected eyes.

[@Idicus]

I've been waiting for your videos to gather some attention. It's slowly happening, never give up my friend. It'll pay off.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks, I appreciate it. Now I just get this feeling that it would have been nice to be prepared with a couple of more video in the pipeline. But, working on it! :)

[@Idicus]

@@52Miniatures we’re looking forward to it mate.

[@jjoker795]

man i can listen to you all day, i wish you can read me my news paper while i have breakfast. Thanks for the video and the great work you do.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you K!

[@MyName1sBOB123]

your videos are such a breath of fresh air and i cant seem to get enough

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks H, glad to hear it :)

[@willclark5453]

I don't usually comment on videos, but thought I'd take a minute to let you know how much I appreciate your channel. I found you whilst looking for tips on black armour and now I just have your videos on constantly as I paint. Informative, thought provoking, funny and calming. Keep up the amazing work!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you very much Will, and thank you for your comment. I really appreciate hearing these things and it makes me itch to do another video :)

[@willclark5453]

@@52Miniatures and I'm itching to watch!

[@carelessfudge6652]

Just want to say i love your videos, the editing and overall feel is fantastic and i look forward to sitting down to watch them with every release. Keep up the good work. Tack!

[@52Miniatures]

Tack Sam, I really appreciate your comment. I hope to keep up the work. The videos take a while to make, so the wait is usually longer.. but I figure that all evens out in the end.

[@AndurzTalksHobbies]

Absolutely stunnig work, the models and the video work. Its just all so well done and amazing to watch.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you A, I very much appreciate it, thanks for letting me know.

[@AndurzTalksHobbies]

@@52Miniatures of course! Love your stuff

[@_Mildren_]

Feel like I've found a channel just at the cusp of being huge, keep at it bro!

[@52Miniatures]

Well thanks Jack, appreciate it.

[@Gumlass1]

What a beautiful video. You really see the journey these minis took.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you 🙏I appreciate it :)

[@Basil_Ghothickovitch]

Every good video about Age of Sigmar will have my like. Because such people definitely have balls and are not afraid of haters. Respect.

[@52Miniatures]

Well thanks Basil. I’m pleased

[@xenophon676]

I love your painting style, it is so full of character and really tells the story of each mini. Outstanding job sir (alongside some stellar editing).

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you very much M G. I'm glad to hear it and very much appreciate you letting me know.

[@ryandunbar8851]

These are unreal. Love your style. Great to see you back for 2021. Really enjoy your videos!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Ryan! Yes, I’m back. Hopefully with a “every other week” schedule :)

[@celephais40k12]

Good lord what a video - thank you and I will be tuning in for every single one going forward!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks C! Glad to hear it. Here's hoping I keep the standard up :)

[@alexyorkshots]

"Floaty, dead kangaroo!" Haha brilliant. This is fast becoming my favourite mini channel. I truly appreciate how experimental and honest you are throughout - it's clearly a document of your natural process as a painter and hobbyist, rather than the usual "edited to perfection" approach most others take. And at the same time your production values are super high too. Great stuff, keep it up!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks a lot Alex, there could be some things in my life I would like to edit to perfection... but the hobby is not one of them :) I very much appreciate your comment.

[@gabrielwalton4097]

I am so glad I finally watched one of your videos, wonderful to watch!

[@52Miniatures]

I'm glad you did! Thanks G.

[@andreschneider2713]

You just earned another subscriber! The way you structure your videos as well as your fantastic artistry inspire me to no end!

[@52Miniatures]

Great to hear André! Welcome to the channel, and thanks for letting me know. I very much appreciate it.

[@chappy4756]

Great vid, great channel content. I really enjoy you talking us through the experimentation and discovery process you go through.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Andrew, much of me is in this hobby for the experimentation. It's just fun to peep around the corner and see where one can go.

[@JcGWAMPROD]

Alright I have just stumbled upon this channel during a 4am painting session and I am in love! Fantastic video production, the 4K quality is definitely appreciated and allows for so much eye candy it's unreal. Keep it up!

[@52Miniatures]

Appreciate it William, welcome to the channel!

[@MyMiniHobbies]

Iv never felt so relaxed watching a youtube video (in a good way). Your tone and style of video is unique and a pleasure!

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it Brent! Thank you

[@euansmith3699]

Those are some lovely grim looking Stormcast; and the video/audio production was top-notch too, especially that final drone shot!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Euan, I appreciate it!

[@NinetaleHobbies]

Love that each of your videos is a tale unto itself. Always look forward to your next one.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks N, I'm glad to hear that. Feels like I'm starting to find a way of making videos that I find fun. I appreciate that it's not just me enjoying the whole thing :)

[@kraven0675]

Just found the channel and I am loving your sense of humor and the touch of storytelling you add to the video. The paint job is amazing. I can see the world that your miniatures occupy. Awesome work, and now off to watch all your videos.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks K, I appreciate it, and welcome to the channel :)

[@stepan.tichyy]

Your videos are great. I love how you convey a story with it. Really enjoy it. Thank you!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Stepan! I very much appreciate hearing this.

[@jordanwilde9226]

Lovely video as always. I find your approach to the hobby very relaxing to listen to and inspiring to watch. Thank you for the great content.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Jordan, I appreciate you letting me know. I hope I can continue to bring the inspiration.

[@theaterofthemini]

Wonderful video 52M! I am incredibly inspired by not just your paint style, but your ability to keep viewers interested and engaged. Well done and beautiful artwork!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks T, I'm glad to hear it. And thank you for letting me know. I sometimes fell like I'm just rambling on..

[@sschnitzler1577]

Awesome work! Your voice is a joy to listen to and the way you produce your video makes it really enjoyable to watch! All around, great work!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Simon, I appreciate it very much.

[@jmalkvideos]

Beautiful to watch on a cold grey day while I sip a cup of tea, thank you!

[@52Miniatures]

Nice! Some every day Grim Dark to go with the tea :)

[@miguelolvina1252]

lovely video that honestly made me pick up my brush straight after!! Production quality + style of narration makes this both enjoyable and honestly more personal tutorial than most “how to paint/how i paint” videos ive been watching lately. Cant wait to see more!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Miguel! I'm glad to hear it. If my videos inspire to pick up the brush, I believe I have achieved all I ever wanted with my spot on KZbin :) So thank you for letting me know.

[@ChristopheDuran]

This was such a joy to wash. I’ll eagerly anticipate your next videos.

[@davidmartinec5246]

The quality of both the minis and your video is amazing, I can't believe you aren't a 100k+ channel. I just subscribed. :)

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you David, and welcome to the channel. I'm just glad to be a 100+ channel :) I'm sure the snowball will keep rolling.

[@captainfry245]

your voice is amazing, your writing is excellent, and your minis are beautiful. enough said, I'm subscribing

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you C, welcome to the channel!

[@pedrogzc]

You are pure inspiration! Thank you for sharing!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you, I appreciate hearing it :)

[@lomelyo]

Super original painting works. Amazing.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you L! I appreciate it!

[@mattmentonis]

Really enjoyed the little story telling scene. Loved the camera work on this video aswell. Good stuff

[@52Miniatures]

I'm glad you like it Matt, thank you.

[@bjsteg79]

love this video! Oil wash tip: But down a gloss varnish before doing any oil based washes, streaking, filtering, or effects. After the oils dry you can seal up with a satin or matte varnish. Since the underlying paint is sealed & protected, you can use odorless spirits to thin or remove oil paint where needed. Scale modelers use this A LOT to achieve weathered looks or to modulate base paint colors.

[@52Miniatures]

Yeah, I usually do that. This time I wanted to try not to, to tint the underlaying surface. But I kind of regret that.

[@FaatiBomBom]

Man this is such a great video. Awesome to see between all Mini channels :)

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks E! Appreciate it :)

[@nikotillmann9764]

The algorithm suggested this video and I'm very pleasantly surprised! Subscribed right away.

[@52Miniatures]

I'm pleasantly surprized that the algorithm did such a thing! Cool. Welcome to the channel :)

[@sarainy9775]

I randomly came across your channel and it is amazing! I love your approach to video creation and editing, the tone and the way you explain. This is the content I want to find on KZbin - things told with personality and evocative discussion.

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you S! I appreciate it. Just trying to find a format of videos I enjoy making, the style has changed over the last year but I think I'm closing in on something I like :)

[@jklew9486]

Just amazing work man. Keep up the hard work because im quite sure this is some of the best mini content in youtube

[@52Miniatures]

Wow, thanks!

[@j453]

Just BEAUTIFUL man!👍👍👍👍👍

[@52Miniatures]

Well thanks J! I appreciate it!

[@jordank1489]

Well this has just set a new bar. Fantastic production quality! And your dulcet tone is very calming

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Jordan, I appreciate it.

[@13Robzilla]

Simply outstanding! Thank you so much and please stay safe.

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you, and you to!

[@KimHarderFog]

I really love your painting style, great tones.

[@52Miniatures]

Tack Kim! As always I appreciate your support.

[@infinite13390]

Love this. Great work and a great narrator with a good sense of humour. Instant sub!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks, I appreciate it, and welcome to the channel :)

[@Biologifilm]

This video is great. Been on a bit of a binge of your videos since I discovered your channel a few days ago. Keep up the good work :-)

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it Max, welcome to the channel.

[@MrMagicchrisi]

Fantastic video, narration and script. A piece of art!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you very much Christian!

[@thomasbarnaby1277]

Your painting is fantastic, please keep up the great work.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Thomas, appreciate it!

[@thinginthenorth]

Simply amazing!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Mick!

[@diehexenmaus185]

absolutely fantastic work (and they have so much character!)

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks D, appreciate it! They do look real mean :)

[@russellladds4454]

Brilliant. I have just done such an experiment myself with similar results, and further experimentation ahead. Loved the grimlight at the end!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! Yeah, same here I think. I like the grime, but I also like colour.. so there's a bit of an equation to work on there.

[@Dmitry_Solid]

Amazing result!!! It is necessary to adopt this style of painting👍

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! I'm happy to hear it :)

[@AzimuthWing]

I think this is my new favourite channel

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it A!

[@faithanddamnationstudios5845]

Yeahhhh! Glad to watch it!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it.

[@bigjohnfromSA]

Amazing narrative - thanks for posting

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Paul! appreciate it :)

[@beameyzed]

Well sir. You have earned a subscriber you have some of the most fantastic cinematography I've ever seen for a miniatures/wargaming channel.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Alexander! I appreciate it. Welcome to the channel and welcome to the Patreon. I very much appreciate your support!

[@Lambgg]

Hey mate, your channel has completely changed how I approach painting my minis. I am in the same boat as a father with limited time and space and you have inspired me to tackle something recently that I never thought possible for myself. It turned out amazing, I just dove in and tried everything, mixed paint, wet blended, stippled, the whole lot and I even did some really brave air brushing. Thanks for the content and the encouragement to be brave and keep at it. Please don't ever leave KZbin haha.

[@52Miniatures]

Hey, your comment just made my day. Thank you. I enjoy just making the videos, the fun of it. But deep down I guess I want to encourage and inspire. To hear your story really means a lot.

[@brightsudu1991]

I’m mad how long it took me to find your channel but I’m oh so glad I did. 🥰🥰 Thank you so much for everything

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you B 🙏 And welcome to the channel!

[@Schwat11]

Wow, this was a journey and a tutorial at the same time! Loved it.

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it S. Thank you for letting me know.

[@serkanayan]

What a rare gem of a channel. May you keep on creating content this good and may your subscribers reach the stars.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Serkan! I very much appreciate it.

[@Vanye111]

Love the look of the shields. Very well done. Very glad I stumbled upon your channel.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you. I think the shields turned out best. All the streaking looks real nice on larger surfaces.

[@tryops123]

Love your video style and the miniatures look great! Definitely learned some tricks and subscribed!

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it T, welcome to the channel. Hope I can keep on bringing the tips :)

[@JP-dv7rf]

The production (and painting) quality on this is just insane! you have a new subscriber here.

[@52Miniatures]

Welcome to the channel JP :)

[@alejandrogandara3899]

stunning work! love it!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you very much Alejandro, I'm glad to hear it.

[@augustskarklitis593]

I loved your story about getting new minis story.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you A! I appreciate hearing it.

[@maximillianhovar5877]

These look amazing!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Max!

[@Warghoul]

Absolutely loved this video

[@52Miniatures]

Glad to hear it! Thanks 🙏

[@MiguelFuentes11]

Gorgeous Video! So fun to watch!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Miguel, I appreciate hearing it.

[@garyburke6156]

you got yourself a sub. I also like thinking through the color schemes and equipment i'm painting and giving it a lot of thought (maybe too much thought!) I like your thought processes!

[@52Miniatures]

I enjoy getting stuck in details :) Welcome to the channel Gary

[@W4ldgeist]

Everything comes together effortlessly into a magical mixture of sound, image and motion; hiding the actual enormous effort that went into the creation. The mark of a true artist. Making the complex look easy. Hiding the magic in approachable form, entertaining and educating the audience. You are a true master at this. Thank you sir!

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you very much W! I appreciate it, and I think you just made my day :)

[@c-r]

You are so far and beyond the most improved KZbinr in this hobby of the last few years, and you started off strong tbh.

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you C, that is a tremendously pleasant comment to read. I appreciate that you keep checking them out. Stay Safe

[@TheImmersiveWorldCrafter]

Brilliant production and storytelling. I learned about your channel from Dana Howl, and then proceeded to binge watch a number of your back catalogue. Thank you for making all this wonderful content to inspire and entertain us.

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you, and yes - that was a very nice thing of Dana to do. Welcome to the channel!

[@Miniocalypse]

What an absolute wonderfully grimy video.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks my friend!

[@TheDyrill]

WOW! Amazing video! You are making me want to repaint all my stormcasts. I will definitely the products that you have included and do some experimenting of my own. Thank you!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! Go for it :) Experimenting is my cup of tea. Maybe you don’t need to repaint as much, just add new paint on top of the old?

[@GameBroJimmy]

I freaking love the grimdark style

[@52Miniatures]

Agreed!

[@myminiitch3693]

This was not only inspiring, it was a beautiful and magical journey

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@Markell1991]

While personally I don't like Stormcast or AoS, I really liked your style, personal story and production quality. Those really are "your dude(tte)s", and that it's cool.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks R. Yeah, I must admit Stormcast where not my cup of tea at first either. But I've changed my mind, mainly after letting go of the "gold and glory" vibe.

[@pickleonion01]

Thank you, that was a pleasure to watch.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Ian :)

[@s13w13c13]

They look amazing

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks you very much V, I'm glad you like them.

[@DirtyBrushes]

Great work, I love your story telling style. Keep up the good work 👍

[@52Miniatures]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks :)

[@jppyswb9172]

wonderful video, thank You for the effort placed into this channel

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks J, appreciate it :)

[@andreastsr11]

Awesome video as always!!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you Andreas! Appreciate it!

[@mgs4fan]

I have been in a painting funk for a while now and this was so comfy that it made me just feel like painting again. Thanks for making this video.

[@52Miniatures]

That's awesome to hear C, thanks for letting me know. Comments like these really keep me going.

[@peterwinkelmann9114]

Here from Miniac. Every facet of this video is exceptional. Kudos.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Peter, I'm very glad for the recommendation. A very nice thing of Scott to do.

[@Alrighty-Then]

I rarely sit and watch an entire video longer than a few minutes long without interruption.. But this had me enthralled. Good shit

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks AT, this is great to hear. I appreciate it.

[@zargonfuture4046]

This is the best story I've listened to in a long time, can't belive it was a painting tutorial, hah! .. You do have a marvelous voice for audio reading, maybe a new career awaits in grimdark storytelling? .. And your miniatures came out great too.

[@52Miniatures]

Well thank you Z! I very much appreciate it!

[@evanstrong4064]

Your videos always feel like whimsical journeys!

[@52Miniatures]

Whimsical! Now there's a good word. I think you hit the nail with the hammer... or however that saying goes.