Painting Your First Votann Model: A Beginner's Guide

Hey guys, I just finished painting my first Leagues of Votann model, and I'm stoked to share the experience! For those of you who aren't deep into the Warhammer 40,000 universe, the Leagues of Votann are a relatively new faction – space-faring, heavily armored, and tech-savvy descendants of humans. They're all about resource management, efficient combat, and, well, looking seriously cool on the tabletop. This article is all about my journey, what I learned, and hopefully, inspire some of you to pick up a Votann model or two! It's a beginner-friendly guide, so even if you've never painted a miniature before, you should be able to follow along. I'll walk you through the whole process – from prepping the model to the final highlights. Let's dive in!

Choosing Your First Votann Model: What to Consider

So, you're thinking about starting a Leagues of Votann army? Awesome! But where do you begin? Selecting your first model can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many cool units to choose from, each with their own unique weapons and abilities. The key is to start small and pick a model that you genuinely enjoy the look of. This is a hobby, after all, and you want to have fun! I personally went for a Hearthkyn Warrior, which is the basic troop choice for the Votann. It's a great choice for beginners, as it's a relatively simple model with lots of details to practice on. Other good options for your first Votann model include the Einhyr Champion (a tough melee character) or the Grimnyr (a psyker unit that brings some awesome support abilities to the table). Don't feel pressured to pick the 'best' unit right away. Choose something that resonates with you! You'll be spending a lot of time looking at it while you paint, so make sure it's a model you find visually appealing. Also, consider the level of detail. Some models, like the Sagitaur (a transport vehicle), have a lot of intricate parts, which can be more challenging for a beginner. The Hearthkyn Warriors, on the other hand, are more straightforward. They're perfect for getting a feel for the painting process without being bogged down by excessive complexity. Remember, the goal is to learn and enjoy the process. As you get more comfortable, you can tackle more complex models. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. That's part of the fun!

Key Considerations

• Complexity: Start with a model that has fewer details to make it easier. Hearthkyn Warriors are a great choice for beginners. If you like to challenge yourself, you can choose a model that has more details, such as the Einhyr Champion or Grimnyr.
• Role: Think about the role the model will play in your army. If you like close combat, the Einhyr Champion is a good pick. If you prefer support, the Grimnyr is an excellent choice.
• Aesthetics: Pick a model that you find visually appealing. Since you'll spend a lot of time painting it, you should be excited to look at it and have fun!

The Painting Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Votann Models

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of painting your Leagues of Votann model. I'll break down the process into easy-to-follow steps. Remember, the most important thing is to take your time and enjoy the process. There's no need to rush! Painting miniatures is a skill that improves with practice, so don't be discouraged if your first model isn't a masterpiece. Every model you paint is a learning experience. With each miniature, you will learn new techniques and improve your skills. The goal isn't to create perfection but to have fun and improve. So grab your paints, brushes, and let's get started!

Step 1: Preparation is Key

Before you even think about touching a brush to your model, preparation is crucial. First, you'll need to assemble the model. Carefully remove the parts from the sprue (the plastic frame) and clean up any mold lines with a hobby knife or mold line remover. These are small lines of excess plastic that can detract from the finished look. Next, wash the model with warm, soapy water to remove any residue from the manufacturing process. This will help the paint adhere better. Once the model is dry, prime it with a spray-on primer. Primer provides a base coat that the paint will stick to. For the Votann, I used a grey primer, but you can also use black or white, depending on the final look you want to achieve. Make sure to prime the model in a well-ventilated area and hold the can about 8-12 inches away. Apply thin, even coats and avoid spraying too much primer in one place, which can obscure the details. This step is critical, as it lays the foundation for the entire paint job. A good primer will ensure that your paint adheres properly and doesn't chip or rub off easily. This process helps to make the painting process much easier, so the paint job looks smoother. Proper preparation is key to achieving a great-looking miniature.

Step 2: Base Coating

Once your model is primed, it's time to apply the base coats. This is where you lay down the main colors for your model. For the Hearthkyn Warrior, I used a combination of colors. I painted the armor plates with a metallic color, the undersuit with a darker gray, and the details with various other colors, such as yellow for the lenses and red for the weapons. Apply thin, even coats of paint, and try to avoid pooling. It's better to apply multiple thin coats than one thick coat. This helps to preserve the details of the model. Let each coat dry completely before applying the next. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors to achieve the look you want. The base coat is the foundation of your paint job, so take your time and make sure it's smooth and even. The base coat is the foundation of your paint job. This step is all about applying the main colors to your model, so take your time and make sure the paint is applied smoothly and evenly. This is your opportunity to establish the general color scheme of your model, so get creative!

Step 3: Layering and Highlighting

Layering is the process of adding lighter shades of your base colors to the raised areas of the model. This creates depth and dimension. For example, if you painted the armor with a dark metallic color, you would use a lighter metallic paint to highlight the edges and raised details. Highlighting involves applying even lighter shades to the most prominent areas to make them stand out even more. Drybrushing is another useful technique here. Drybrushing involves dipping your brush into a small amount of paint and then wiping most of it off on a paper towel before applying it to the model. This allows you to pick out the details without flooding the model with paint. For the Hearthkyn Warrior, I used drybrushing on the armor plates and weapon details. Layering and highlighting is what truly brings your model to life. This step is where you add depth, dimension, and visual interest. Be patient, take your time, and enjoy the process. Practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first highlights aren't perfect.

Step 4: Details and Finishing Touches

Now it's time to focus on the details. This includes painting the lenses, the weapons, the bases, and any other details that you want to add. For the lenses, I used a bright yellow and then added a small dot of white in the center to simulate a lens reflection. For the weapons, I used a combination of colors to give them a worn, metallic look. Don't forget to paint the base! This is an important step that can really enhance the overall look of your model. I used a textured paint to simulate rocks and then added some static grass to create a more realistic look. Once you're happy with all the details, you can apply a wash to add some shading. A wash is a thinned-down paint that you apply to the recesses of the model. This helps to create shadows and make the details pop. After the wash has dried, you can apply a matte varnish to protect your model and give it a uniform finish. The details are where you can really make your model unique. This is the time to add all the little details that will make your model stand out. Take your time, be creative, and have fun!

Step 5: Basing and Varnishing

Basing is the process of adding texture and detail to your model's base. This helps to create a sense of realism and ties the model to its environment. There are many different basing techniques you can use, such as adding texture paints, sand, rocks, or even small tufts of grass. The key is to choose a basing material that complements the model and the overall look you're going for. Once the base is dry, you can add any additional details, such as tufts of grass or small rocks. Varnish is a protective coating that will protect your model from scratches and wear. There are two main types of varnish: matte and gloss. Matte varnish will give your model a flat finish, while gloss varnish will give it a shiny finish. I recommend using matte varnish for most models, as it gives them a more realistic look. After your model is varnished, it's finished and ready to join the ranks! Basing and varnishing are the final steps in the painting process. They are the key to creating a finished model that looks great and is protected from damage. Don't skip these steps, and you'll be very happy with the results.

Tips and Tricks for Painting Votann Models

Here are some tips and tricks I picked up while painting my first Leagues of Votann model:

• Thin Your Paints: This is the most important tip for any miniature painter. Thinning your paints with water or a paint thinner helps to prevent the paint from obscuring the details of the model. Thin paints flow more smoothly and are easier to apply in thin, even coats.
• Use a Wet Palette: A wet palette is a simple device that keeps your paints from drying out. It's a lifesaver when you're painting miniatures, as it allows you to keep your paints wet for longer, giving you more time to work on them. You can easily make one yourself using a sponge, some parchment paper, and a container.
• Take Breaks: Painting miniatures can be tedious, so it's important to take breaks. Step away from your model for a while and come back to it with fresh eyes. This can help you avoid mistakes and make the painting process more enjoyable.
• Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Painting miniatures is all about experimentation. Don't be afraid to try new techniques and colors. The more you experiment, the better you'll get. Every model is an opportunity to learn something new, so embrace the experimentation.
• Watch Tutorials: There are tons of great painting tutorials on YouTube. Watch these tutorials to learn new techniques and get inspired. Many talented painters share their knowledge and experience online, so take advantage of these resources.

Final Thoughts and What's Next

So, that's my journey of painting my first Leagues of Votann model! It was a challenging but rewarding experience. I learned a lot, and I'm already looking forward to painting more Votann models. Painting miniatures is a great hobby that combines creativity, skill, and patience. It's a relaxing and rewarding way to spend your time. If you're thinking about getting into the hobby, I highly recommend it. The Leagues of Votann are a fantastic faction to start with, thanks to their unique lore, cool models, and enjoyable playstyle. Now that I have a finished model, I'm eager to expand my army. I'm planning to add some more Hearthkyn Warriors, a Sagitaur, and maybe even a Hekaton Land Fortress. I'm also looking forward to experimenting with different painting techniques and trying out new color schemes. The possibilities are endless!

Painting your first miniature can be a daunting task, but hopefully, this guide has given you the confidence to start. Remember to take your time, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Every miniature you paint is a learning experience, and with each model, you'll improve your skills and knowledge. So go forth, gather your paints, brushes, and Votann models, and get painting! Let's get those Kin ready for battle! Who knows, maybe I'll see you on the battlefield someday! Now, go forth and paint some Votann!