I hold it more with my fingertips. By doing this I allow myself to use more of the muscles of the fingers which give me a lot more range of motion. The way you hold it bunches those muscles up and you can't use them as much so you have to start using more of the wrist and the arm. To do this you would probably have to develop those muscles and at first it would probably be hard to do but I bet in the long run it would improve your manual dexterity when painting.
I still watch "beginner" videos in the interest of refreshing my memory and maybe picking up something I may have missed along the way, and this was am excellent video, Miss Lyla. I always like how clearly you explain things in your videos, and it's most helpful. Good show as usual!
THAT INTRO 👏 👏 👏 lol this video ALSO would have been perfect for me to have followed along to! Guess I’ll just have to keep upping my game and absorbing all this amazing mini advice from you 💙😊 Thanks for doing what you do and helping us all become better painters!
this is so helpful! your point about lining with a smaller thinner brush is very validating (the belly of my larger brushes seems to always get paint where i don't want it). I never realized how the direction of strokes when wet blending was effecting my results and I'm excited to try the technique again with this new knowledge.
One other thing I would add Lyla is to keep your brush strokes going the same direction with each stroke. One thing that the professional artist Samson taught me. This way the you don't disturb previous strokes and it keeps the finish more even as well as building texture.
@@LylaMev a good video to check out is the latest video by Squidmar. Watch the brush strokes. I've been trying my best to work on it recently but I genuinely have to concentrate on not messing up and lapse in concentration
Glad to see Westfalia getting some love, they do amazing work and have world class customer service. They also have the best Patreon value out there - $1.00 sub for their “One Gold Piece” Patreon can’t be beat. Would like to see your finished work for Pride Knights & the Fomarion(?) giant. Thanks again
Great recommendations. Wish I had these when I started painting many (many) years ago. Love the approach with the eyes - will try that on my next mini!
So you say you love the holder that you use for the miniature. I'm puzzled why it has this sticky uppy thing that would get in the way of painting the miniature. That seems like it would be a detriment as opposed to a benefit but I'm guessing there's some kind of purpose to it?
Even if you’re covering the prime fully and not using it to directly alter the final result I think it’s useful to help visualize the highlights and textures when planning the paint job.
Especially regarding mistakes, the master has failed more than the beginner has tried. Or as Jake the Dog said: "Dude, sucking at something is the first step towards being sorta good at something."
I think it is so easy to praise your art talent that your great gift for teaching/instructing is glossed over. I am logical and formulaic with, well, everything, but especially my art. The if/then, then/next presentation you use makes the information exactly how I can understand your meaning even if I can't replicate the info right away. I hold my brush the same way, but I feel like if I ever get a handle on wet-blending I would try to hold two brushes like chopsticks... lol. Thanks for another awesome video!
I had a gf that held her pen or pencil the same way as you and I was always surprised how often people commented on it like she was doing it wrong. Her handwriting was so much prettier than mine ever will be.
2:52 is gold, I do this with drybrushing but I never thought to just do it with my normal painting. Seeing the difference between too thick and too thin is awesome.
You hold your brush the same way The Master Vince Venturella does. It is indeed strange but it obviously doesn't impact the quality of your work (which is excellent). Just discovered your channel and I love your videos!
I just came across this video - thank you for putting this out! Very helpful advice, especially for us beginners - I can still count the number of finished minis I've painted on one hand :D
Watched your video about getting female minis that are good but not chainmail bikini squad. Finally got out my heresy minis the other day and thought of you. They're 28mm but super detail and not exploitive. Rock on mini witch!
I’m new and only painted 3 minis till now, I discovered that the oil in your hands can strip paint away the hard way, now I now why the handles exist, I just went and bought one right away 😂
that brush cup is brill to use ,you can just hang the brushes on the silicone when not in use. but i use mine on the GW cup as the GW cup ripple sides are more gentle when wiping the paint of the wet brush.
I get a shudder every time I hear someone recommend resting your elbows on a hard table to steady your hands. Hasn't anyone else run into trouble doing this? I ended up with such severe and painful nerve injury from that habit (at work, not while hobbying) that I couldn't draw, paint, write, or even drive for months. Interestingly, rapier practice was way more effective than all the other physical therapy I had in getting back to normal.
I just don't feel it to be stable. I put my elbows on armrests of my chair and stabilize forearms at the edge of my desk. I can sit lower this way and have 2 points of contact with something firm. But I also don't use mini holders that much, because I'm either batch painting troops or a single big model that can't fit there anyway
I recommend practicing yoga. It sounds odd but you learn how to breathe while you're controlling the muscles of your body, holding perfectly still. This practice has actually allowed me to paint better without holding my breath. I still hold my breath from time to time but not near as much as I would otherwise and not nearly for as long.
That's a good advice tbh. Also, at least for me, relaxing the working hand works very good and reduces shaking nearly to zero (no shaking at all is impossible for my body)
@@unnamellie yes, if you look at anybody who is an expert in some kind of physical activity versus somebody who is an amateur you will notice that the expert is relaxed and the amateur is tense. So this goes for anything physical, dancing, martial arts, holding a paintbrush.
This is supposed to be « basic » tips, yet I find it extremely important and especially not so much discussed about in the community appart from (don’t load you brush more than halfway kind of grandma mantra recipe). Raising awareness on what is considered « common » knowledge is certainly a formidable move in onboarding new hobbyists in our world ! I can only recommend people to try other sable brushes beside the hobby staples (W&N Series 7) it really changes a lot of things … Special kudos for the cosplay intro :-)
Very good video, probably one of the best I've seen for 'how to start painting'. Granted, I'm like 2 years in, but it's still really full of great info and advice.
Great cosplay! I bought a bunch of minis (Reaper and WizKids) for an upcoming climactic D&D setpiece battle, and I have been too intimidated/terrified to "slay the gray." This is perfect, and right on time.
Thank you so much!!!! After ages of struggling trying to get the right consistency for paint, I've finally found an actual way to judge. This is invaluable!! You are the best!!!!!
Rest pinkie (sometimes the next one above as well) on top of forefinger gripping the holder. I try where possible to press more from the side of the tip of the brush to have it squeegee the paint a bit to avoid the raised sides of paint. I now lean back with arms on my sides and the holder and forearms resting on my chest (need an apron!). I have lights on long arms to position out more. I have cut the added length of brushes so they do not touch the lamp I have next to my head. Do you use the support much on that handle? I have tried using them for eyes, getting mixed results. Good to see your techniques. Thanks!
Great video! Really covered a whole bunch of things that I didn’t even think about like using the front half of the brush to base coat, etc. very useful! Thank you :^)
I recently picked up two great Westfalia miniatures. Love the detail, the poses, and can't wait to paint them. My only complaint would be they seem to be a bit smaller than the 32mm scale listed.
A lot if useful things in the video for all beginners! Hot take - if you can't wet blend well - just don't and try stippling instead, your results will be much better especially when starting out.
Always! I find it interesting that there is whole "new" world of miniature painting that are actually just techniques that people do so subconsciously that they don't even think to teach it.
Thank you for reminding me to get a line brush! My current one has basically died and is fraying all over the place....defeating its purpose lol😁 My problem is I always forget to blink, which causes my eyes to strain and get tired.
I didn't know I held it strangely until people asked if I perhaps held it that way for a specific reason for painting, like it somehow made me a better painter.
How do you hold your brush?
Same as you. We're just hip and with it.
Like I hold my pencil. But like a normal person.
As I hold a pen also. ButI dont really know how I hold a pen !
@@thomasjones3221 same ;)
I hold it more with my fingertips. By doing this I allow myself to use more of the muscles of the fingers which give me a lot more range of motion. The way you hold it bunches those muscles up and you can't use them as much so you have to start using more of the wrist and the arm. To do this you would probably have to develop those muscles and at first it would probably be hard to do but I bet in the long run it would improve your manual dexterity when painting.
I still watch "beginner" videos in the interest of refreshing my memory and maybe picking up something I may have missed along the way, and this was am excellent video, Miss Lyla. I always like how clearly you explain things in your videos, and it's most helpful. Good show as usual!
I've never been so in love
THAT INTRO 👏 👏 👏 lol this video ALSO would have been perfect for me to have followed along to! Guess I’ll just have to keep upping my game and absorbing all this amazing mini advice from you 💙😊 Thanks for doing what you do and helping us all become better painters!
Thank you!
Glad you plugged this channel, great content I hadn't seen before. Subscribed.
Oh man the thumbnail picture and the cut to how to hold your brush. Just great stuff
Awesome video Lyla! Also, proper BADASS in the combat gear! 👍🤘
Thank you, Devs & Dice!
this is so helpful! your point about lining with a smaller thinner brush is very validating (the belly of my larger brushes seems to always get paint where i don't want it). I never realized how the direction of strokes when wet blending was effecting my results and I'm excited to try the technique again with this new knowledge.
One other thing I would add Lyla is to keep your brush strokes going the same direction with each stroke. One thing that the professional artist Samson taught me. This way the you don't disturb previous strokes and it keeps the finish more even as well as building texture.
Interesting! I've been told to paint in the opposite directions (once dry, of course), to hide brush strokes.
@@LylaMev a good video to check out is the latest video by Squidmar. Watch the brush strokes. I've been trying my best to work on it recently but I genuinely have to concentrate on not messing up and lapse in concentration
@@LylaMev Secrets to Layering and Blending by Tabletop Minions. Check it out, it's Samson teaching what I was talking about. I hope it helps.
Very informative and a fun little video
2:20 someone thinks their tail would make a good dry brush lol great video, always look forward to you vids.
It's hard to tell him he's wrong😝
I just love your tutorials! Can’t wait to try some of these techniques today! 🤗
Glad to see Westfalia getting some love, they do amazing work and have world class customer service. They also have the best Patreon value out there - $1.00 sub for their “One Gold Piece” Patreon can’t be beat. Would like to see your finished work for Pride Knights & the Fomarion(?) giant. Thanks again
Great recommendations. Wish I had these when I started painting many (many) years ago. Love the approach with the eyes - will try that on my next mini!
Loving the info here, but I have one question... what is the shaker/mixer you're using (7:54 mark)?
Four e's mini vortex!
So you say you love the holder that you use for the miniature. I'm puzzled why it has this sticky uppy thing that would get in the way of painting the miniature. That seems like it would be a detriment as opposed to a benefit but I'm guessing there's some kind of purpose to it?
It’s used to brace your fingers. The more points of contact you use for your arms, hands, and fingers, the more stability and control you’ll have.
I don't have four arms...is that what I'm doing wrong?
Jk great video!
Hi Lyla
I noticed when you're using the 00 brush that you fill the bristles right up to the ferule. Is it unavoidable on the really small brushes?
No! I'm just lazy 😓
Is the zenith all prime just habit or does it help here? Only ask cus when yo apply the red it seems to cover really well maybe undoing the prime???
Great question! If you are doing a brighter color it always helps to do it over white, so the Zenithal n prime is still important
always zenithal prime.
Even if you’re covering the prime fully and not using it to directly alter the final result I think it’s useful to help visualize the highlights and textures when planning the paint job.
Why have I never thought to flip my model upside down?
Lol, cat, I know that one too well.
Especially regarding mistakes, the master has failed more than the beginner has tried.
Or as Jake the Dog said: "Dude, sucking at something is the first step towards being sorta good at something."
Love this!
Adventure time, c’mon grab your friends!
was wondering where you got that giant ginger paintbrush?
It chose us at a cat show, actually!
@@LylaMev looked like an automatic dry brush lol
I think it is so easy to praise your art talent that your great gift for teaching/instructing is glossed over. I am logical and formulaic with, well, everything, but especially my art. The if/then, then/next presentation you use makes the information exactly how I can understand your meaning even if I can't replicate the info right away. I hold my brush the same way, but I feel like if I ever get a handle on wet-blending I would try to hold two brushes like chopsticks... lol. Thanks for another awesome video!
I had a gf that held her pen or pencil the same way as you and I was always surprised how often people commented on it like she was doing it wrong. Her handwriting was so much prettier than mine ever will be.
I've heard cat tails make great paint brushes.
Sorry, you've heard wrong. It gets the cat dirty and it leaves hairs all over your miniature.
That's why I keep four on hand at all times.
I am guessing you have one of the same problems I have, how did that hair get on my miniature?
Wait. People hold their brushes not like a pencil?
2:52 is gold, I do this with drybrushing but I never thought to just do it with my normal painting. Seeing the difference between too thick and too thin is awesome.
the audio sounds better this time.
You hold your brush the same way The Master Vince Venturella does. It is indeed strange but it obviously doesn't impact the quality of your work (which is excellent). Just discovered your channel and I love your videos!
Great info. I have some gaps in my foundational painting knowledge, some of that has been rectified. Cheers!
I object to the accusations of "strange hold" on pencil and brush....as I hold mine EXACTLY the same way!! 🙂 (PS....is there another way??) LOL
Yep, you have an amazing death grip on your brush... but it obviously works great for you!
Do i!?
I just came across this video - thank you for putting this out! Very helpful advice, especially for us beginners - I can still count the number of finished minis I've painted on one hand :D
Watched your video about getting female minis that are good but not chainmail bikini squad. Finally got out my heresy minis the other day and thought of you.
They're 28mm but super detail and not exploitive.
Rock on mini witch!
Awesome content as always Lyla. #NotificationSquad
Winning!
I’m new and only painted 3 minis till now, I discovered that the oil in your hands can strip paint away the hard way, now I now why the handles exist, I just went and bought one right away 😂
As someone who has recently moved from AFV scale models to busts, I have found this video most useful.
How you are holding the brush isn't strange to me but it does look like you have longer fingers that my short stubby digits.
that brush cup is brill to use ,you can just hang the brushes on the silicone when not in use. but i use mine on the GW cup as the GW cup ripple sides are more gentle when wiping the paint of the wet brush.
lyla!!! i just finish painting that dragon in the thumb nail a week or two ago! i painted him yellow!
Thanks for the cool video! :--)
I thought I'm the only one who holds their pen "wrong"..
I needed this video so badly, thank you!!!
My problem is really more on my sit position , back pain are no joke
Hack: use a fine tip sharpie for dots.
Love this video, thank-you!
Give a coin to your witcher!
Oh youtube of plenty!
@@LylaMev haha
Wish I could paint like this lady
I get a shudder every time I hear someone recommend resting your elbows on a hard table to steady your hands. Hasn't anyone else run into trouble doing this? I ended up with such severe and painful nerve injury from that habit (at work, not while hobbying) that I couldn't draw, paint, write, or even drive for months. Interestingly, rapier practice was way more effective than all the other physical therapy I had in getting back to normal.
I just don't feel it to be stable. I put my elbows on armrests of my chair and stabilize forearms at the edge of my desk. I can sit lower this way and have 2 points of contact with something firm. But I also don't use mini holders that much, because I'm either batch painting troops or a single big model that can't fit there anyway
I recommend practicing yoga. It sounds odd but you learn how to breathe while you're controlling the muscles of your body, holding perfectly still. This practice has actually allowed me to paint better without holding my breath. I still hold my breath from time to time but not near as much as I would otherwise and not nearly for as long.
That's a good advice tbh. Also, at least for me, relaxing the working hand works very good and reduces shaking nearly to zero (no shaking at all is impossible for my body)
@@unnamellie yes, if you look at anybody who is an expert in some kind of physical activity versus somebody who is an amateur you will notice that the expert is relaxed and the amateur is tense. So this goes for anything physical, dancing, martial arts, holding a paintbrush.
@@aaronbono4688 oh I've never noticed that, that's cool!
You are such an amazing teacher!
Great tips, thank you!
Please don’t forget to like and comment to appease the almighty algorithm 😁❤️👍🏼
Thank you!!!
so beautiful in this video
Hold on, besides for being left handed, we hold brushes/pencils the same. It is not weird. Tell me who said those things and I will set them right.
I had someone make a video breaking down my technique and he spent a decent amount of time hypothesizing about how my grip improved my painting…
Bikini armours are better
aaaand subscribed!
awesome, thanks
First comment
Hey Lyla, a question please. I prefer to feather instead of we blend, should i be going with the gradient with feathering as well?
Yes!
@@LylaMev I thought so, thanks for confirming:)
Could I ask what shaker are you using?
Mini vortex by four es
This is supposed to be « basic » tips, yet I find it extremely important and especially not so much discussed about in the community appart from (don’t load you brush more than halfway kind of grandma mantra recipe).
Raising awareness on what is considered « common » knowledge is certainly a formidable move in onboarding new hobbyists in our world !
I can only recommend people to try other sable brushes beside the hobby staples (W&N Series 7) it really changes a lot of things …
Special kudos for the cosplay intro :-)
The cat tail, I felt that one. 100% of my painting problems? My cats obsession with what I'm doing.
Learn how to hold a brush correctly.
No
Very good video, probably one of the best I've seen for 'how to start painting'. Granted, I'm like 2 years in, but it's still really full of great info and advice.
Great cosplay! I bought a bunch of minis (Reaper and WizKids) for an upcoming climactic D&D setpiece battle, and I have been too intimidated/terrified to "slay the gray." This is perfect, and right on time.
Another great valuable video 👍🏻 thank you. You could probably write a book with all your advises gathered from all your videos 😊
Thank you so much!!!! After ages of struggling trying to get the right consistency for paint, I've finally found an actual way to judge. This is invaluable!! You are the best!!!!!
Rest pinkie (sometimes the next one above as well) on top of forefinger gripping the holder. I try where possible to press more from the side of the tip of the brush to have it squeegee the paint a bit to avoid the raised sides of paint. I now lean back with arms on my sides and the holder and forearms resting on my chest (need an apron!). I have lights on long arms to position out more. I have cut the added length of brushes so they do not touch the lamp I have next to my head. Do you use the support much on that handle? I have tried using them for eyes, getting mixed results. Good to see your techniques. Thanks!
Great video! Really covered a whole bunch of things that I didn’t even think about like using the front half of the brush to base coat, etc. very useful! Thank you :^)
Amazing source of knowledge. Thank you!
I recently picked up two great Westfalia miniatures. Love the detail, the poses, and can't wait to paint them. My only complaint would be they seem to be a bit smaller than the 32mm scale listed.
I loved this analogy! Super helpful.
I love your tutorials! Have been a godsend for me :)
A lot if useful things in the video for all beginners!
Hot take - if you can't wet blend well - just don't and try stippling instead, your results will be much better especially when starting out.
I love wet blending stippling
Great video as always!
Great vid. Thanks for being so open about your techniques!
Always! I find it interesting that there is whole "new" world of miniature painting that are actually just techniques that people do so subconsciously that they don't even think to teach it.
FYI Westfalia link in your description doesn't work, but I googled it. Great video!
Thank you! Hopefully it works now!
@@LylaMev yep works now!
Thank you for reminding me to get a line brush! My current one has basically died and is fraying all over the place....defeating its purpose lol😁
My problem is I always forget to blink, which causes my eyes to strain and get tired.
.......that is something i definitely have never thought of.
Line brush or micron pen?
Your b roll was amazing too! Very cool.
Thanks! I worked hard on it
I realized I have no idea how i hold my brush. I've never paid attention ...
I didn't know I held it strangely until people asked if I perhaps held it that way for a specific reason for painting, like it somehow made me a better painter.