Demystifying Freehand With 144artist

As I mentioned in the intro, I have a background in illustration but anyone who can write their name with a felt tipped pen can learn to do what I do. Along similar lines, I heartily suggest watching the excellent Gerry Can episode on using pens for fine detail. A big part of dealing with anything new or intimidating is to break into its elemental parts and change one’s view.  Freehand detail on miniatures comes down to lines and dots, just like writing. A lower case “t” written on a shield is a cross, extend the lines and the shield is now quartered.  I’ll go into more depth about breaking visuals down into simpler bits in later posts.  For now I wanted to start with some exercises which will go a long way in helping anyone build up control and confidence quickly

Start by printing a name or phrase in neat, small letters first in pencil on a piece of paper (easier and cheaper than minis). Using a familiar tool that erases eliminates any subconscious worries of “not getting it right”.  Once the line of ink is started you don’t even think about that, just the movements. Unlike the example, repeat the word again and again to form a line of letters/words all the way across the page. Beneath this, repeat the process with a felt tip or Micron pen as either require a gentle touch. Don’t try to be perfect, just as close as you can so don’t sweat the lines wavering in thickness too much.  A solid dot can still read as an “O” and this about building muscle memory.  Finally, the process is repeated with a fine tipped brush.  A size 0 as is plenty small enough if you keep the tip clean and sharp.  Use a very gentle pressure, like with the felt tip pen, to maximize control of the brush and paint as well as protect that delicate point.  I prefer long bristles as they hold more moisture which helps the paint move down them smoothly.  A wet pallet for fine detail can be helpful as it keeps the paint moist though even without one I still recommend adding a little water to most paints to achieve a consistency like cream. The smoother the paint flows down and off the bristles the smoother the learning process.

It may sound obvious but if you can’t see the detail you can’t really paint the detail.  I’ve always been near sighted but as I have aged my eyes have become less flexible and seeing fine detail up close has become difficult.  There are any number of solutions to this that I actually resisted for sometime despite wearing glasses for most of my life.  The loss of my ability to really see fine detail was gradual and caused me to be frustrated painting anything which is the opposite reaction one wants when pursuing creativity.  I had to get over whatever pride or fear of aging I had and just find tools to help.  Once I did, WOW! It was like being born again, all that frustration replaced with inspired energy.  So I thought I would start with some of the things I’ve tried in case it helps someone else.

The steam punk clip-ons looked cool but were limited in how much they helped over all. Each of the others had strengths and weaknesses but in the end it is the cheap reading glasses worn right over my prescription glasses that I default to now days.  No matter what you decide works best for you, or even if you don’t need any ocular aid, remember to take breaks from time to time and let your eyes rest.  This level of focus is hard work and you’re allowed to feel tired afterward.