All five models are just about done now. I decided to keep the weapons looking more realistic like the rest of the models and not give them lightning effects and such. Also, after showing 3 of them to Damned Fist last night at work and some of the ensuing discussion regarding them, I am going to try something a little different than what I started with on the shields last night. All that is left to do now are the shields and whatever freehand I decide to do on the banner, most likely some form of generic chaos star as I plan to be able to use these models with any mark I wish from game to game. One thing I was really pleased with was how the weapons turned out as I was unsure how they would look without the extreme highlights that people are used to seeing on miniatures.
Which brings me to another topic, realism. For the longest time I have been painting my minis like everyone else and using ultra bright highlights on them to show reflections and such. One thing I have done with these knights is to deliberately NOT use the extreme highlights in order to provide a more realistic look to them and I have to say that while some people may dismiss my painting for it, I will be continuing to do so from now on. I think that these 5 models are the best I have ever done and I truly believe that it is entirely because of the realism and lack of extreme highlights. As happy as I am with my Tsons, I think these knights are far better looking and far less cartoony. Time will tell but I intend to explore this a bit further.
I will try to get some pics up later on today when I get a chance.