Portfolio - Featuring Daf Bray

After nearly a year on ice, this series is back, featuring the admin team’s very own Daf Bray.

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How did you get started with miniature painting?

So way back in the day, I was scouting the internet for D&D minis as I was developing an interest in that game. I then made the bad decision to click on the Games Workshop site and opened the biggest can of worms possible. One thing led to another and I was soon delving into the hobby, picking up the 6th edition Dark Vengeance box about 2 weeks later.

Do you remember the first mini you ever painted?

Yes I do. The first miniatures I picked up were a Space Marine Tactical Squad, Scout Sniper Squad and some Ork Boyz. The first one I painted was a tactical smurf. I have included a picture of him standing stern next to one of my latest Ultramarines.

What’s your go-to setup—brushes, paints, lighting?

I don't tend to stray away from GW synthetic brushes, simply because I just ruin them from time to time. Paints I usually stick to a small selection of Citadel and Two Thin Coats. I use a simple LED bar setup on an arm that hangs over my desk to light up my projects.

What do you enjoy most about miniature painting?

For sure the story telling of each little dude, although I'm guilty of many unfinished armies. Standing one next to another all painted and slowly growing a force is the best.

Do you have a favourite technique or one you particularly love to use?

I particularly enjoy weathering. It certainly ties together the base, the environment and the mini to further tell the story. Whether it's through pigment powder, washes or dry brushing.

What’s the most challenging aspect of painting miniatures for you?

Painting in the same style for so long can really wear you down. I often find myself halfway through an army project, going over the same colours again and again, and it slowly starts to feel like a slog trying to get each unit finished to the same standard as the rest.

How has your style evolved over time?

I used to be the avid fan of painting all the different parts of a miniature their appropriate colours then give them a dunk of Nuln Oil and then all sorted. Now though, Ill go back over the washed areas and spend more time on finishing touches.

Is there a piece in your collection that you’re especially proud of?

I'm quite proud of the Kroot Tau Nar, as that was a mammoth project. At the minute I'm quite enjoying how my Krieg Vehicles are turning out.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the hobby?

Try your best to avoid the burnout, rather than playing with all grey models. Now I will build one kit, paint it and move on to the next. It seriously reduces your bad habits, as you don't get overwhelmed looking at the sea of grey.

Any dream project or army you’d love to paint?

At the minute I'm tackling a large Death Korps of Krieg army, hoping to get over 140 Infantry done, and so far I'm slowly plodding along. I own a ridiculous amount of Kroot, one day, they will all be painted.