I’ve never been much of a visual artist.
Sure I did some drawing back in school, both stick figure wars and more elaborate drawings, but I would never say it was my passion. Reading and consequently writing was and remains my focus as I continue to work my way through the backlog.
However, this winter, I’m taking on a new project that allows me to explore my artistic and nerdy side all at once. Miniature painting.
Now I actually wanted to start doing this almost two years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many, I was looking for something to do during lockdown and I got into reading books set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
To make a very long story short 40K, as it’s called, is set in a grimdark sci-fi universe where various factions fight epic wars involving crazy weapons and magic. With some heavy fantasy inspirations, you can play as space elves, space orks and other unique races.
At the time a good friend got me some minis from Game Workshop, some paints and a brush. I was all ready to start, but then I got nervous. What if my paint jobs looked terrible? What if I couldn’t figure out how to glue the minis together?
Weighed down by self-doubt I quietly left my minis to gather dust but kept reading the lore and keeping tabs on the hobby. As I did I became fascinated by a discontinued faction known as the Squats. They were basically space dwarfs with crazy machines and I fell in love with them. I declared that, if Games Workshop brought them back, I’d buy them.
READ MORE: PAPER QUIPS: Fistful of dice creates fantasyland
Last year in what initially seemed like an April Fool’s prank they did just that. Now known as the Leagues of Votaan these mighty space dwarfs, called the Kin, were everything I had asked for. So this fall I’ve put my money where my mouth is and bought myself a small army.
Building them has proven to be a delight. I find it really satisfying to turn a collection of disconnected legs, torsos and heads into a short but mighty warrior. Once done I had to finally dip my brush in my paints and get to work.
And you know something? It’s pretty fun. Now I’m not a master painter yet but so far the results have looked really cool. I’m clumsy at times and I know I’m sometimes using too much paint, but that doesn’t matter. With each mini, I get better and at this rate pretty soon I’ll be painting the miniatures my friend got me so many months ago now. I promise they’re coming, Janel!
This winter I encourage everyone to try their hand at a new hobby, especially one they’ve been doing for a while.
Take it from me, the worst that will happen is you’re a bit clumsy at it.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to figure out how to paint my dwarfs’ beards. Rock and stone!
