Dry brushing has become my main technique now for highlights as earlier this year, I was diagnosed with cancer. A side effect of my treatment is neuropathy; a deadening of the nerves in my fingers and toes. I’ve only really been able to pick up a brush the last few weeks and even then, for maybe 5 minutes at a time. Being able to dry brush to get the levels of detail I want has been amazing. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
@@Dat4bien thank you. I’m slowly getting the movement and feeling back. I’m quite proud that I’ll have almost 1.5k points of Sisters of Battle done. That’s black armour and red fabrics on them. All highlighted with drybrushing.
For the longest time, it seemed that Byron was the "voice in the wilderness" about drybrushing and how effective it can be as opposed to a 'n00b shortcut'. Glad to see people like yourself, Vince (and recently Angel Giraldez) to point out the benefits.
I've always known drybrush ING to be both a basic technique aswell as having applications in high level painting for things like fur and hair where painting individually would normally be ridiculous and a golden daemon level paint job 😂
Yeah I really get annoyed with people who think just because something is an easy technique you learn early on, it has no use for skilled people. And sometimes you want shortcuts. I remember painting my 200+ figures for the War of the Ring game. The models aren't very detailed, so I wasn't going to sit there and meticulously paint the fur of my warg riders when a 10 second brush will do it.
8:25 😅 Great video, Jon, wonderful Drybrusherist skills! Just a reminder to anyone considering this set, each sale will help support Ninjon in his now full-time job of entertaining and educating in equal measure. Big love dude, keep it up! You asked such good questions in our demo... I now have some stuff to put into practise in future videos
If I didn't already own a set, I'd pick one up. "Sadly" your brushes are too good and doesn't break soon enough to warrant another buy (yet), just because I WANT iT. (-;
As soon as I see anyone video with drubrushing in the title I always bring up your style of drybrushing. Once you discover the wonders of dampening pad and round brushes there's no going back to flat ones.
I would have gotten the set if I didn't have a full set of brushes already. I did order the texture pad though. Didn't have one of those, and having a Ninjon one will just be cool!
I think dry brushing gets a bad rap and can be done well to achieve certain effects. If you don’t have an airbrush, it’s a great way to value sketch a model for under painting. I still wouldn’t use it for finishing a model though, except for texturing and weathering a model to achieve a dusty, dirty, rusty effect. Your dusty, dirty, rusty Space Marine looks amazing!
I love dry brushing! As a painter, we should never look at techniques as "low level". We should instead look at our skill levels with these techniques, because every technique has master level applications and we need to understand in depth each technique. I find that people who are opinionated are ones who limit themselves to the many opportunities available.
Drybrushing can easily look chalky and bad, but edge highlighting can look very cartoony. If you practice with drybrushing you can make some really realistic looking surfaces. Not to mention that it's so much faster.
@@landotucker its a useful skill to use and grow. I agree with you, my early attempts had been rough but i am better now and its like many techniques we learn. They got there place of where and when to use.
@@custodianguard749 I'd recommend trying some makeup brushes because they leave a much smoother finish than regular brushes as they've got much finer bristles
@@landotucker you can even edge highlight with a dry brush as well (especially on space marines) and I think it looks less cartoony as well. using the artis opus kit it will give newcomers a leg up, as less can go wrong. you have the right kind of brush, the perfect dampening tool and matt to wipe off excess without loosing moisture. Honestly I've been meaning to buy this set for ages, but I always get lost in the custom options, and it ends up coming to a lot of cash. I need to just buy the basic set without the custom options and get it done. The XL Graffiti pad is really good as well for testing out your technique. I think I will pick up the Custom Ninjon bits though, especially if it gets the channel a kick back, too.
I took a UA-cam hiatus and like watching things in order so I'm a bit behind, but I still watch your videos on release because I know that helps the algorithm or whatever, but I have a unique opportunity to be viewing your earlier work simultaneously with your current work and I must say you have come a long way in defining your video style, your confidence, and even your click baity titles, love all of it - great work, it is evident you are putting more into this.
I love dry brushing. Even the "wrong" way of doing it and getting a nice powdery effect can be used well as long as you expect it and use it properly. Great video Jon!
Yeah, exactly. It's not about the method, it's about the result you want. Select the techniques that are more likely to deliver the effects you want for your artistic vision. Drybrushing is great for matte/powdery textures, diffuse application of color, and low-effort blends. Each project might vary in how much it benefits from those effects
In my opinion "control" is always key to any technique, I like to use washes (a technique that isn't all that populair anymore), but if you apply them in a controlled way and be patient you will get good results. Its also about finding the right techniques that fit your style. Painting has to be fun, there is no good, bad (and ugly) that's the most important thing about this hobby.
@@p_serdiuk I only use them on millitary vehicles and large flat surfaces or panel lines, I don't like to use them on minis. Altough oils and enamels have a much higher contrast value and longer working time. Oils/enamels and acrylics have both their pros and cons.
What you like is the thing that matters most. I used washes on my whole Necron army, it gave them an oily messy finish that worked really well for their aesthetic. Soft tone wash has been really nice on my Space marines, and they look good enough for me to be proud :)
So after watching the video to the end I can just repeat what I'm constantly saying on FB groups. This is an incredibly easy way to paint wonderfully looking blends without much effort and time investment. The moment I discovered stippling thanks to a Polish painter called Bohun I instantly unlocked so much for myself in the hobby. Apart from a fantastic effects/time ratio those techniques also eliminate something what many people struggle with - paint dilution. Basically just slap the paint on the palette and go. Screw medium, water or anything, just wipe off the excess and roll. It enabled me to start focusing more on contrast and colors rather than technical crap like brush condition or paint dilution. I personally prefer to use a really dry brush and the dampening method does not work for me but hey - everybody likes different things. This is an awesome tool to have in the slay the grey arsenal that I highly recommend to all painters.
Thank you for mentioning Bohun, the guy absolutely changed my mind on drybrushing! Then Artis Opus came out with their videos and it really cemented it for me!
There are very few youtubers who instantly put a smile on my face when I see a new video was posted. You could honestly make a video of you watching paint dry and I bet you would find some way to make it entertaining lol. Great video as always! If you are ever looking for ideas, you and Scott should have a series where you watch each others old vidoes and have a bit of friendly roasting.
Age finally caught up to me (eyes are “peace out” with close up detail while painting), so while I abandoned drybrushing years ago I’m utilizing it more now. It helped me to enjoy painting models again. Great video!
I have been painting longer than a lot of You Tubers have been alive and my eyesight has always been poor. Astigmatism is the worst! I brought a mini to my eye doctor. The mini was zenithal basecoated and drybrushed with offwhite to pick out details. We used the mini plus the optometrist tools to find a solution. I have a lot of minis yet to be painted. My painting buddy and I can't die until we've painted them all.
Having just painted my first mini this past week, dry brushing really helped me build up layers of highlights on my mini. Also really helped add texture to the cloth on the model as well. After applying my darkest base coat it was just dry brushing slightly brighter and brighter until I reached the brightest I wanted to go. Really useful technique as a beginner, and way easier to grasp than wet blending or more complicated techniques, well for me anyways.
Man, I love how you spice up your videos... content is great, no questions asked. But these small little things like intro and presentation just push it to the next level!
Ah, the days when I used to slap on base coat, wash, then dry brush the HECK out of my minis! I still use dry brushing as a regular part of my painting routine, but this gives me ideas as to what I can do with with more than just the obvious textured areas and such. Fun and informative video as always, Jon!
I just started an army with an heavy emphasis on drybrushing to complete and your video was very helpful...Great coincidence...I did use papertowel and it was terrible...Live and learn.
Drybrushing can be amazing, say for example on a leather gun holster.. I usually go back over the dry brush with highlights and at that point you can barely tell it’s dry brushed.
Came here from Vince's channel. You both win and each for different reasons. I've been painting for a ridiculously long time and didn't have anywhere near the resources now available when I started. I may have been painting for a long time, but there's always something new to learn.
Jon, I gotta hand it to you. Your sense of humor... it's superb. I never laugh when watching hobby videos, and you've had a constant roll of chuckles going throughout your videos
Artis Opus really changed my opinion on drybrushing! Now I use it as any other tool in my arsenal, without feeling ashamed. But I'm selective as to where and how I use it.
Drybrushing seems to a dirty word amongst some of the mini painting community. But if done right can be a useful technique to have in your learnt skills. So loving that you did this video exists. I buy cheap brushes (or recycle old ones) to create my own drybrushes for different techniques. Some I leave as they are, others I cut to different shapes. Basically whatever you need.
From the world of traditional non-model painting, the kind of "dry brushing" technique popularized by Artis Opus is referred to as "overbrushing". Which is conceptualized as a way of modulating existing brush strokes on a canvas by brushing over (ah-ha) them with a slightly damp bristle brush with just enough paint to create a tint - as if glazing, except it only affects the raised parts of the dried paint, not the recesses.
Thanks Jon for making me buy these sweet brushes including this beautiful case. And also I bought this texture palette saying "Ninjon". I'm happy to support you this way. Thanks also Arti Opus for making this collaboration!
I've been using dry brushes and dry brushing for my Necron Army base metal colors ... saved my project by giving amazing results extremely fast. Saved my motivation and thus slayed the gey. As always, it's a tool, and a tool by itself is nothing, the hands is where the magic happens. Rest is gatekeeping and prejudices ! Really cool video !
One tip for getting blends with a drybrush super easy: go across the color gradient via "wet blending" paint on your drybrush. Start with black on your drybrush then add a tiny bit of white and now you have grey when you mix that on the board. Then add in a little more white onto that same brush and mix again and now you have a brighter grey. Etc. Works with most colors that mix well together.
Man, I wish I had waited to pick up my Series D brushes until this Collab came out. I still might pick this Collab set up though. I cannot state enough how much I love these brushes. I've only gotten to use them a little bit, but for a novice painter who rarely gets time to paint, I saw a drastic difference when using quality brushes vs. the crappy GW dry brush. As always, Ninjon knocks this video out of the park. These videos help me get through my 60+ hour work weeks and studying, and I am so glad I found this channel, Scott's channel, and Vince's channel. Keep up the good work man. I'm looking forward to the next video.
Praying to all known gods, chaos, big E, Gork & Mork, ALL OF THEM that this brush set isn't sold out by Tuesday! Out of all the Miniature hobby UA-camrs out there that i sub to you're by far my favourite and the one I learn the most from! Would love this set both as a replacement to my existing D series and to support the awesome stuff you put out on the channel!!
The child in me sees that Slay the Grey brush case and say "We wants it, we neeeeeds it". But the adult in me refuses to pay the huge mark-up Artis Opus charges for their rebranded Rosemary & Co brushes. I'd totally be down for a proper Ninjon brush set or even better just a singular one brush to rule them all kind of deal.
Oh snap, is that what they are? I had a strong feeling they were rebranded, just could never figure out what. I will say that Rosemary and Co is absolutely fantastic brush quality.
@@MichaelAlthauser Rosemary & Co brushes are great, top notch quality at a fair price. I've been using their size 3 kolinsky brushes for the vast majority of my painting for a while now.
Great Video! I have used drybrushing a lot with varying results, but like it more and more. Two way I have found to yield great results very fast, but I have not seen often are: 1.) combine drybrushing and oil washes - the layer of oil is perfect to smooth out chalkiness. 2,) use oil paints to dry brush. Yes the second is not really drybrushing, but it works so well and results in really smooth blends. You can even do this over acrylic layers. Most oil colors stick really well to dried paint.
Thank you for the great video. This technique is important to me, because my hands shake a bit and I find myself doing more and more drybrushing to keep this hobby in my life :)
I've been painting models since I got into Warhammer 40K Epic in the 1990's. These days I use dry brushing a lot, mostly after a base painting and inking, then using dry brushing to bring out highlights, then more details and inking, and more dry brushing.
Year late to the video, but i love drybrushing. Love the grainy builds and suits my visions. Much like your mini here ;-) and i just found myself nice b-dasy present for coming month! Thanks Ninjon
In fact, I was looking down on drybrushing like many, but I have a friend which isn't really a good painter but is a real pro about drybrushing that makes armies looks wonderful using this technique !
I use dry brushing a lot actually, its my main method after I put my color on my DG units to really make the black bodies pop and the details on them pop out way more. Dry Brushing is super simple, but honestly its noone of my favorite methods of weathering and texturing, as it can give things the worn down look, like dry brush some leadbelcher onto a sharp black point and youve got yourself some worn down metal, same with Agrellan Badlands, you give it an agrax wash and then go in with a lighter brown drybrush and boom it looks way more interesting
I loved this video. Dry brushing is such a weird polarizing technique and it's nice to see prominent voices in the community showing it certainly has its place in our hobby. Also Darryl/Cobra Kai merch when? I'm gonna keep asking every video until I have it lmao
Thank you for demonstrating that drybrushing actually doesn't suck. BTW, advanced technique w/ oils (or even a wet brush and acrylics, if they have some inhibitor mixed in) can allow for very fast smooth blending; the kind of stuff people often waste hours on w/ multiple coats of thinned oil or even airbrush. Drybrushing followed by water-soluble inks and a final round of stippling can be a giant time-saver. You can even stipple over an area that's inked but not 100% dry to do neat blending. I don't understand the white metal highlights at the end of initial detailing. I'm not saying, "I hate that", more like, "I'm not sure about it". Why not just drybrush a bright silver or brass and have a natural metallic sheen right where it'd happen naturally (i.e., outer points and edges)? I love the rust build up, and with a wash to unify it, it would've started to look amazing, but I'm not sure why going all the way up into white was the aesthetic choice there.
Most of my painting is done with drybrushing, as I have really bad depth perception. This deceptively simple technique helps me to single out the details which need more attention. Again, great one Jon.
You really have a talent for communication Jon. This video is an excellent example of this. I recently won a series D set, but haven't used them yet, this has given me the tuition to get going with it. Dry-brushing has always been something I've struggled with as it's results were never how I wanted, hopefully now I can nail this skill down.
I dry brush my Seraphon quite frequently. They have all sorta of lovely scales and raised surfaces so my brush can easily highlight those. When you're painting a squad or skinks or saurus, a bit of dry brushing can go a long way to make those highlooks like good enough to present on the table.
I absolutely love dry brushing my minis. It's not always applicable depending on the model and look I'm going for but it's wonderful for quickly getting the main base color done on, say, a space marine. Spray the base color on, neaten it up, all over shade, then use a fairly wet drybrush to build the main color back up. It's very smooth if you do it right.
That drybrushing needs moisture is a revelation to me. I've only tried drybrushing a few times before, and using a paper towel, I almost always got poor results. Thank you for these vital tips.
Dry brush technique is not bad at all. Depends on the application and heaviness, on how much paint you are using. A good way to use this technique is making camouflage for WW2 Axis tanks in flames of war. And also on 28mm infantry and vehicles for representation of dust and dirt on boots,hooves ect. Great informative video Ninjon thanks.
love the feeling of this plague marine, stuffy, musty, moldy, rusty as opposed to the usual oozy slimy that we are used to. Just another aspect of decay of the great unclean one. Bravo Maestro!
I get my models almost 70% of the way done with drybrushing. People always look bewildered when I tell them that. Strategic drydrushing and planning ahead can do wonders.
I LOVED Vince's video, found it extremely helpful! Vince encouraged his subscribers to come over here & take a look...and just 4 1/2 minutes in, I'm SO GLAD I DID!! I almost didn't even watch VV's video. I swear, I thought dry brush was ONLY for picking out tiny details, edges, fur texture...Going back to finish YOUR take on it. Awesome Sauce so far!🤣🤩😁 PS: Would LOVE to more of these types of "challenges". Really helps my knowledge base and different approaches to similar things. Y'all got your own "tricks"....and I want ALL the tricks! 🤣💖🤣💖🤣💖🤣
Just remember folks, back in 2000s someone won a golden daemon statue with a drybrushed squad, and it was the squad that got me into wargaming in general.
Fine, you've convinced me, just ordered the 30k army I wanted to make but couldn't bring myself to paint, along with the drybrush set. Let's hope in a few months time I'm thanking you for inspiring me!
I use 75% Liquitex Airbrush Medium mixed with 25% Liquitex Slow-Dry Fluid Retarder on the brush first, then add the paint. It's in-between Dry Brushing and Glazing as far as liquid added to the paint and brush.
When you start out painting, drybrushing is a bit of a cheat technique, but as your skills progress and you get to a point where you're a competent and confident hobbyist, going back to such techniques, re-evaluating them and finding ways to use them in a way so that they're competitive with the more "advanced" techniques we pickup is essential in going from a good hobbyist to an excellent one and is crucial in our understanding of how to get the results we desire out of our models
I learned to dry brush back in the 80's when Games workshop had pamphlets that taught the technique. There are ways to do it without it looking chalky and even ways to smooth it out if it is chalky. It doesn't need to look like someone hit it with a brillo pad with a little dust on it. Also I am glad you mentioned about the moisture. I had always used regular paint to dry brush because bac kin the day that's all we had. we didn't have special dry brush paint, or glazes etc. we had paints and inks for painting and washing and dry brushing etc. I also use "damp" brushing not just dry brushing. You get completely different results and can achieve different effects by using the space between damp and dry brushing. Try damp and dry brushing metallic necrons then washing over that with a dark color and then going back for edge highlights. it makes them feel fresh from the grave but still stand out because of the final highlights and smoothing of the brushing with the wash. Also i just want to say good job pointing out the moisture control and its importance. I have literally had dry brushed models win contests over others that did not use dry brushing. If people practice it and experiment with dry, damp and moisture control combined with other techniques like washing/glazing and high light build up they will find a plethora of effects. Things that speed up their painting without losing quality. As you pointed out it can give you a much faster time to paint. I do think you are brave doing the entire (or vast majority) of the model with dry brushing. I only do it after my base coat and other shading. I have never done a dry brush only model.
Thanks Jon, I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy these Artis Opus dry brushes. Now I can get them and chip some support to one of my favorite UA-cam stars. Thanks for being awesome.
I was curious what your take would be. I was taught to paint miniatures in the early 80's by a woman that was a professional artist. She and her husband owned a game store that sold RPG games and figures. Her D&D dragons in 1982 sold for $120 to $200, and she couldn't keep finished ones in stock. She considered dry brushing an essential technique. Looking at her larger figures 6"+, dragons and other miniatures you half expected them to start breathing. I never hit her level, but a hobby store started selling my painted D&D miniatures back before that was a thing. Like her, dry brushing was an essential element.
I remember getting a few compliments, and I'm a very base lvl mini painter, at a bloodbowl tournament I went to. Seeing what some of these guys did I felt embarrassed by most of mine, but quite a few really liked some of my stuff, my 2 minataur's and my chaos centaur bulls got a lot of them, I used mostly dry brushing tech on those. It's all about what you are trying to do and your skill lvl's.
Dry brushing is fine. I remember the same discussion taking place when washes was first introduced waaaaaay back in the day. "Are washes "cheating"?" "Are washes for amateurs?" Dry brushing is a perfectly fine painting technique, with a distinct result - just like washes or edge high lighting or zenithal base coating or pre shading or.....
It's strange how much gatekeeping we do as a hobby for people using "easy" techniques. Paint your minis and get them on a table, everything else is just preference and ego. It looks great Jon.
2 painter's I've been heavily invested in since my journey began (2 years ago) doing the most intimidating stare off since ( Wanderlei Silva & Mirco Cro Cop ) Than To top it off We get a legit "DRY/WET BRUSH CHALLENGE" LET'S GO! LET'S FREAKING GO!
I have been eyeing those brushes, and this was a great opportunity to support two creators I watch. So I grabbed a set. Great video as usual, and great idea on the brushes.
My Ninjon edition set of drybrushes from Artist Opus finally arrived today, I can't wait to try them out on some big wings! I got the Texture Palette too, it looks great; I almost don't want to put paint on it lol
Great Video! I am currently using a small, non porous tile (an old sample from my office) as drybrush palette, and it greatly improved the control over the amount of paint!
Honestly, I think it looks more natural. People often use far too many straight lines when using a wet palette or other traditional painting methods. When things weather or rust, in most environments they will look spotty and irregular.
I quickly appreciate dry brushing from an canvas standpoint. Doing an piece in dry brush style only and odd techniques like wet canvas with dry paint it add something. I am looking at taking dry brushing to some minatures soon and this helps
Bit of a late comment. Haha. But I just use make-up brushes for dry brushing. Less than AUS$10 and they work pretty well. Just not good for the really small areas. Duly noted with the paper - never again. I'm still a noob though as I only started painting again last year. But all you guys are really helping my progress. Thanks.
I have 70% less mobility in my dominate hand. I base color everything. add washes and shades. then dry brush and then high light. its not the level of most people but it works for me and alot of my friends think my stuff is really good.
Great video. It's funny how often excellent painters knock drybrushing and yet have so little skill with it. All techniques excel given proper knowledge and experience.
Turned out great Jon, I'll definitely be picking up a set of drybrushes now. Is there any special method of properly cleaning them other than water rinse and occasionally using brush soap? Thanks for another solid video buddy!
Just working the paint off on a hard surface like the palette with a bit of moisture is all you need to do, other than a cleaning with the soap every month or two 👍
I've sticked to dry brushing since it always gave me great results and was fun to do. It's fun for once to see a channel I look up to for learning, suddenly make so many rookie mistakes. It's oddly validating for my skillset and experience.
Dry brushing has become my main technique now for highlights as earlier this year, I was diagnosed with cancer. A side effect of my treatment is neuropathy; a deadening of the nerves in my fingers and toes.
I’ve only really been able to pick up a brush the last few weeks and even then, for maybe 5 minutes at a time.
Being able to dry brush to get the levels of detail I want has been amazing.
Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
I mostly just dry brush as well
Stay strong man and keep 🖌️ ing!
God speed!
Man i hope everything will be ok🥺
Best wishes for a speedy recovery
@@Dat4bien thank you. I’m slowly getting the movement and feeling back. I’m quite proud that I’ll have almost 1.5k points of Sisters of Battle done. That’s black armour and red fabrics on them. All highlighted with drybrushing.
Hang in there buddy, prayers out to you!
For the longest time, it seemed that Byron was the "voice in the wilderness" about drybrushing and how effective it can be as opposed to a 'n00b shortcut'. Glad to see people like yourself, Vince (and recently Angel Giraldez) to point out the benefits.
I've always known drybrush ING to be both a basic technique aswell as having applications in high level painting for things like fur and hair where painting individually would normally be ridiculous and a golden daemon level paint job 😂
Check out Bohun’s work, he does amazing things with dry brushing and stippling, has done for years.
in
Yeah I really get annoyed with people who think just because something is an easy technique you learn early on, it has no use for skilled people.
And sometimes you want shortcuts.
I remember painting my 200+ figures for the War of the Ring game.
The models aren't very detailed, so I wasn't going to sit there and meticulously paint the fur of my warg riders when a 10 second brush will do it.
8:25 😅 Great video, Jon, wonderful Drybrusherist skills! Just a reminder to anyone considering this set, each sale will help support Ninjon in his now full-time job of entertaining and educating in equal measure.
Big love dude, keep it up! You asked such good questions in our demo... I now have some stuff to put into practise in future videos
Will also go on record saying the Artis Opus Series D are awesome. I love my set.
If I didn't already own a set, I'd pick one up.
"Sadly" your brushes are too good and doesn't break soon enough to warrant another buy (yet), just because I WANT iT. (-;
As soon as I see anyone video with drubrushing in the title I always bring up your style of drybrushing. Once you discover the wonders of dampening pad and round brushes there's no going back to flat ones.
I bought the texture pallet, I love your channel as well Artis Opus
I would have gotten the set if I didn't have a full set of brushes already. I did order the texture pad though.
Didn't have one of those, and having a Ninjon one will just be cool!
Dry brush is a noble technique from a more civilized time and painters of all backgrounds.
I think dry brushing gets a bad rap and can be done well to achieve certain effects. If you don’t have an airbrush, it’s a great way to value sketch a model for under painting. I still wouldn’t use it for finishing a model though, except for texturing and weathering a model to achieve a dusty, dirty, rusty effect. Your dusty, dirty, rusty Space Marine looks amazing!
You wouldn't be the Jeffrey Labrecque of AMS Drama Club fame would you?
@@zacharykent8331 Sorry, no; just a much less famous amateur miniature painter and physical therapist.
I like how you asked Miniac 'when to best release videos' and just release 20 minutes after him 😂
He has to be close enough to say "I value your opinion" but different enough to say "I'm not completely ripping off of you" 😅
I love dry brushing!
As a painter, we should never look at techniques as "low level". We should instead look at our skill levels with these techniques, because every technique has master level applications and we need to understand in depth each technique.
I find that people who are opinionated are ones who limit themselves to the many opportunities available.
Not to mention drybrushing is just another tool in the belt to use and tools are meant to be used.
Drybrushing can easily look chalky and bad, but edge highlighting can look very cartoony. If you practice with drybrushing you can make some really realistic looking surfaces. Not to mention that it's so much faster.
@@landotucker its a useful skill to use and grow. I agree with you, my early attempts had been rough but i am better now and its like many techniques we learn. They got there place of where and when to use.
@@custodianguard749 I'd recommend trying some makeup brushes because they leave a much smoother finish than regular brushes as they've got much finer bristles
@@landotucker you can even edge highlight with a dry brush as well (especially on space marines) and I think it looks less cartoony as well. using the artis opus kit it will give newcomers a leg up, as less can go wrong. you have the right kind of brush, the perfect dampening tool and matt to wipe off excess without loosing moisture.
Honestly I've been meaning to buy this set for ages, but I always get lost in the custom options, and it ends up coming to a lot of cash. I need to just buy the basic set without the custom options and get it done. The XL Graffiti pad is really good as well for testing out your technique.
I think I will pick up the Custom Ninjon bits though, especially if it gets the channel a kick back, too.
I took a UA-cam hiatus and like watching things in order so I'm a bit behind, but I still watch your videos on release because I know that helps the algorithm or whatever, but I have a unique opportunity to be viewing your earlier work simultaneously with your current work and I must say you have come a long way in defining your video style, your confidence, and even your click baity titles, love all of it - great work, it is evident you are putting more into this.
I love dry brushing. Even the "wrong" way of doing it and getting a nice powdery effect can be used well as long as you expect it and use it properly. Great video Jon!
Yeah, exactly. It's not about the method, it's about the result you want. Select the techniques that are more likely to deliver the effects you want for your artistic vision. Drybrushing is great for matte/powdery textures, diffuse application of color, and low-effort blends. Each project might vary in how much it benefits from those effects
Yes and yes
Facts. I've found that powdery, dusty effect often looks particularly good on rocks, for example, or for getting a good rust effect.
In my opinion "control" is always key to any technique, I like to use washes (a technique that isn't all that populair anymore), but if you apply them in a controlled way and be patient you will get good results. Its also about finding the right techniques that fit your style. Painting has to be fun, there is no good, bad (and ugly) that's the most important thing about this hobby.
Enamel and oil washes are the new rage since it's easy to remove them.
@@p_serdiuk I only use them on millitary vehicles and large flat surfaces or panel lines, I don't like to use them on minis. Altough oils and enamels have a much higher contrast value and longer working time. Oils/enamels and acrylics have both their pros and cons.
What you like is the thing that matters most. I used washes on my whole Necron army, it gave them an oily messy finish that worked really well for their aesthetic. Soft tone wash has been really nice on my Space marines, and they look good enough for me to be proud :)
Agree completely. Glazing and wet-blending look like shit if you don't do them right too!
So after watching the video to the end I can just repeat what I'm constantly saying on FB groups. This is an incredibly easy way to paint wonderfully looking blends without much effort and time investment. The moment I discovered stippling thanks to a Polish painter called Bohun I instantly unlocked so much for myself in the hobby. Apart from a fantastic effects/time ratio those techniques also eliminate something what many people struggle with - paint dilution. Basically just slap the paint on the palette and go. Screw medium, water or anything, just wipe off the excess and roll. It enabled me to start focusing more on contrast and colors rather than technical crap like brush condition or paint dilution. I personally prefer to use a really dry brush and the dampening method does not work for me but hey - everybody likes different things. This is an awesome tool to have in the slay the grey arsenal that I highly recommend to all painters.
Thank you for mentioning Bohun, the guy absolutely changed my mind on drybrushing! Then Artis Opus came out with their videos and it really cemented it for me!
There are very few youtubers who instantly put a smile on my face when I see a new video was posted. You could honestly make a video of you watching paint dry and I bet you would find some way to make it entertaining lol. Great video as always! If you are ever looking for ideas, you and Scott should have a series where you watch each others old vidoes and have a bit of friendly roasting.
Age finally caught up to me (eyes are “peace out” with close up detail while painting), so while I abandoned drybrushing years ago I’m utilizing it more now. It helped me to enjoy painting models again.
Great video!
I have been painting longer than a lot of You Tubers have been alive and my eyesight has always been poor. Astigmatism is the worst! I brought a mini to my eye doctor. The mini was zenithal basecoated and drybrushed with offwhite to pick out details. We used the mini plus the optometrist tools to find a solution.
I have a lot of minis yet to be painted. My painting buddy and I can't die until we've painted them all.
"somewhere in the world, Nic is wiping is brush on a paper towel."
10/10
I'm Nic. It's me ...and now I know better.
*Vince
Yea his guide has paper towels. Never worked for me that way.
Having just painted my first mini this past week, dry brushing really helped me build up layers of highlights on my mini. Also really helped add texture to the cloth on the model as well. After applying my darkest base coat it was just dry brushing slightly brighter and brighter until I reached the brightest I wanted to go. Really useful technique as a beginner, and way easier to grasp than wet blending or more complicated techniques, well for me anyways.
Man, I love how you spice up your videos... content is great, no questions asked. But these small little things like intro and presentation just push it to the next level!
Ah, the days when I used to slap on base coat, wash, then dry brush the HECK out of my minis! I still use dry brushing as a regular part of my painting routine, but this gives me ideas as to what I can do with with more than just the obvious textured areas and such. Fun and informative video as always, Jon!
I just started an army with an heavy emphasis on drybrushing to complete and your video was very helpful...Great coincidence...I did use papertowel and it was terrible...Live and learn.
Drybrushing can be amazing, say for example on a leather gun holster.. I usually go back over the dry brush with highlights and at that point you can barely tell it’s dry brushed.
I love how Vince has to strain so hard to keep a straight face during the staredown.
Came here from Vince's channel. You both win and each for different reasons. I've been painting for a ridiculously long time and didn't have anywhere near the resources now available when I started. I may have been painting for a long time, but there's always something new to learn.
Jon, I gotta hand it to you. Your sense of humor... it's superb. I never laugh when watching hobby videos, and you've had a constant roll of chuckles going throughout your videos
Artis Opus really changed my opinion on drybrushing! Now I use it as any other tool in my arsenal, without feeling ashamed. But I'm selective as to where and how I use it.
It helps that they're just some mini painters who wanted a consistently good product. I love the AO stuff.
I confess to having been a paper/kitchen towel drybrusher for a while. Thankyou for showing me the error of my ways!
Drybrushing seems to a dirty word amongst some of the mini painting community. But if done right can be a useful technique to have in your learnt skills. So loving that you did this video exists.
I buy cheap brushes (or recycle old ones) to create my own drybrushes for different techniques. Some I leave as they are, others I cut to different shapes. Basically whatever you need.
I came here for drybrush tip, but i do want to mention Ninjon did get there this day.
From the world of traditional non-model painting, the kind of "dry brushing" technique popularized by Artis Opus is referred to as "overbrushing". Which is conceptualized as a way of modulating existing brush strokes on a canvas by brushing over (ah-ha) them with a slightly damp bristle brush with just enough paint to create a tint - as if glazing, except it only affects the raised parts of the dried paint, not the recesses.
Congratulations on getting there Jon. It only took 2 years.
Well done on the well deserved Golden Demon win
Thanks Jon for making me buy these sweet brushes including this beautiful case. And also I bought this texture palette saying "Ninjon". I'm happy to support you this way.
Thanks also Arti Opus for making this collaboration!
I've been using dry brushes and dry brushing for my Necron Army base metal colors ... saved my project by giving amazing results extremely fast. Saved my motivation and thus slayed the gey.
As always, it's a tool, and a tool by itself is nothing, the hands is where the magic happens. Rest is gatekeeping and prejudices !
Really cool video !
One tip for getting blends with a drybrush super easy: go across the color gradient via "wet blending" paint on your drybrush. Start with black on your drybrush then add a tiny bit of white and now you have grey when you mix that on the board. Then add in a little more white onto that same brush and mix again and now you have a brighter grey. Etc. Works with most colors that mix well together.
Dry brushing, when done properly, is a great tool, especially for beginners. 20 years into the hobby, I still use dry brushing. Great video dude
Man, I wish I had waited to pick up my Series D brushes until this Collab came out. I still might pick this Collab set up though. I cannot state enough how much I love these brushes. I've only gotten to use them a little bit, but for a novice painter who rarely gets time to paint, I saw a drastic difference when using quality brushes vs. the crappy GW dry brush. As always, Ninjon knocks this video out of the park. These videos help me get through my 60+ hour work weeks and studying, and I am so glad I found this channel, Scott's channel, and Vince's channel. Keep up the good work man. I'm looking forward to the next video.
I use drybrushing like every other painting technique. To be honest I love to use it for skin/faces because I can get a smoother look for them.
Artis Opus and Ninjon….SYNERGY! Glad you guys are collaborating some. Been a fan of his a while and his dry brushing is wonderful work.
Praying to all known gods, chaos, big E, Gork & Mork, ALL OF THEM that this brush set isn't sold out by Tuesday!
Out of all the Miniature hobby UA-camrs out there that i sub to you're by far my favourite and the one I learn the most from! Would love this set both as a replacement to my existing D series and to support the awesome stuff you put out on the channel!!
The child in me sees that Slay the Grey brush case and say "We wants it, we neeeeeds it".
But the adult in me refuses to pay the huge mark-up Artis Opus charges for their rebranded Rosemary & Co brushes.
I'd totally be down for a proper Ninjon brush set or even better just a singular one brush to rule them all kind of deal.
Oh snap, is that what they are? I had a strong feeling they were rebranded, just could never figure out what. I will say that Rosemary and Co is absolutely fantastic brush quality.
@@MichaelAlthauser Rosemary & Co brushes are great, top notch quality at a fair price. I've been using their size 3 kolinsky brushes for the vast majority of my painting for a while now.
@@pyranna2003 Fully agree, I really like the Rosemary and Co brushes I've got.
Your intro, where you spin around on your chair makes me chuckle everytime I watch it.
Great Video! I have used drybrushing a lot with varying results, but like it more and more. Two way I have found to yield great results very fast, but I have not seen often are: 1.) combine drybrushing and oil washes - the layer of oil is perfect to smooth out chalkiness. 2,) use oil paints to dry brush. Yes the second is not really drybrushing, but it works so well and results in really smooth blends. You can even do this over acrylic layers. Most oil colors stick really well to dried paint.
You're both winners! I love the playful challenges. Super fun.
Thank you for the great video. This technique is important to me, because my hands shake a bit and I find myself doing more and more drybrushing to keep this hobby in my life :)
I've been painting models since I got into Warhammer 40K Epic in the 1990's. These days I use dry brushing a lot, mostly after a base painting and inking, then using dry brushing to bring out highlights, then more details and inking, and more dry brushing.
I wasn't going to buy anything on Black Friday, but then this video came along... Very inspiring stuff!
Finally some one explaining this technique. I ve been painting minis for so long now but always getting chalky results when dry brushing. Thx so much
Year late to the video, but i love drybrushing. Love the grainy builds and suits my visions. Much like your mini here ;-) and i just found myself nice b-dasy present for coming month! Thanks Ninjon
In fact, I was looking down on drybrushing like many, but I have a friend which isn't really a good painter but is a real pro about drybrushing that makes armies looks wonderful using this technique !
I use dry brushing a lot actually, its my main method after I put my color on my DG units to really make the black bodies pop and the details on them pop out way more. Dry Brushing is super simple, but honestly its noone of my favorite methods of weathering and texturing, as it can give things the worn down look, like dry brush some leadbelcher onto a sharp black point and youve got yourself some worn down metal, same with Agrellan Badlands, you give it an agrax wash and then go in with a lighter brown drybrush and boom it looks way more interesting
I paused on David soper's artwork for 15 minutes and just admired it. Phenomenal!
I loved this video. Dry brushing is such a weird polarizing technique and it's nice to see prominent voices in the community showing it certainly has its place in our hobby.
Also Darryl/Cobra Kai merch when? I'm gonna keep asking every video until I have it lmao
Thank you for demonstrating that drybrushing actually doesn't suck. BTW, advanced technique w/ oils (or even a wet brush and acrylics, if they have some inhibitor mixed in) can allow for very fast smooth blending; the kind of stuff people often waste hours on w/ multiple coats of thinned oil or even airbrush.
Drybrushing followed by water-soluble inks and a final round of stippling can be a giant time-saver. You can even stipple over an area that's inked but not 100% dry to do neat blending.
I don't understand the white metal highlights at the end of initial detailing. I'm not saying, "I hate that", more like, "I'm not sure about it". Why not just drybrush a bright silver or brass and have a natural metallic sheen right where it'd happen naturally (i.e., outer points and edges)? I love the rust build up, and with a wash to unify it, it would've started to look amazing, but I'm not sure why going all the way up into white was the aesthetic choice there.
Most of my painting is done with drybrushing, as I have really bad depth perception. This deceptively simple technique helps me to single out the details which need more attention.
Again, great one Jon.
Holy hell, that Deathguard turned out awesome! I may need to pick up some of those brushes...
You really have a talent for communication Jon. This video is an excellent example of this.
I recently won a series D set, but haven't used them yet, this has given me the tuition to get going with it. Dry-brushing has always been something I've struggled with as it's results were never how I wanted, hopefully now I can nail this skill down.
Byrons video are brilliant, the dungeon walls he drybrushed are brilliant.
I just bought the Ninjon boxed set and the Ninjon texture palette, so happy they're back in stock!
One day I'll break down and buy a set of those dry brushes. I've drooled over them enough, and they look amazing and are easy to use.
I dry brush my Seraphon quite frequently. They have all sorta of lovely scales and raised surfaces so my brush can easily highlight those. When you're painting a squad or skinks or saurus, a bit of dry brushing can go a long way to make those highlooks like good enough to present on the table.
I absolutely love dry brushing my minis. It's not always applicable depending on the model and look I'm going for but it's wonderful for quickly getting the main base color done on, say, a space marine. Spray the base color on, neaten it up, all over shade, then use a fairly wet drybrush to build the main color back up. It's very smooth if you do it right.
the texture pallet, your explanation hit home, I think I have missed that part from artist opus . thanks dude :)
That drybrushing needs moisture is a revelation to me. I've only tried drybrushing a few times before, and using a paper towel, I almost always got poor results. Thank you for these vital tips.
Dry brush technique is not bad at all.
Depends on the application and heaviness, on how much paint you are using. A good way to use this technique is making camouflage for WW2 Axis tanks in flames of war.
And also on 28mm infantry and vehicles for representation of dust and dirt on boots,hooves ect.
Great informative video Ninjon thanks.
That model would POP! Incredibly well on the table.
love the feeling of this plague marine, stuffy, musty, moldy, rusty as opposed to the usual oozy slimy that we are used to. Just another aspect of decay of the great unclean one. Bravo Maestro!
That dry pigment tip was amazing! Can't wait to try it!
I get my models almost 70% of the way done with drybrushing. People always look bewildered when I tell them that. Strategic drydrushing and planning ahead can do wonders.
I LOVED Vince's video, found it extremely helpful! Vince encouraged his subscribers to come over here & take a look...and just 4 1/2 minutes in, I'm SO GLAD I DID!!
I almost didn't even watch VV's video. I swear, I thought dry brush was ONLY for picking out tiny details, edges, fur texture...Going back to finish YOUR take on it. Awesome Sauce so far!🤣🤩😁
PS: Would LOVE to more of these types of "challenges". Really helps my knowledge base and different approaches to similar things. Y'all got your own "tricks"....and I want ALL the tricks! 🤣💖🤣💖🤣💖🤣
Been thinking about getting these brushes for a while now, so now I get the brushes and it helps you out too, that’s a win win in my book
Just remember folks, back in 2000s someone won a golden daemon statue with a drybrushed squad, and it was the squad that got me into wargaming in general.
Fine, you've convinced me, just ordered the 30k army I wanted to make but couldn't bring myself to paint, along with the drybrush set. Let's hope in a few months time I'm thanking you for inspiring me!
I use 75% Liquitex Airbrush Medium mixed with 25% Liquitex Slow-Dry Fluid Retarder on the brush first, then add the paint.
It's in-between Dry Brushing and Glazing as far as liquid added to the paint and brush.
When you start out painting, drybrushing is a bit of a cheat technique, but as your skills progress and you get to a point where you're a competent and confident hobbyist, going back to such techniques, re-evaluating them and finding ways to use them in a way so that they're competitive with the more "advanced" techniques we pickup is essential in going from a good hobbyist to an excellent one and is crucial in our understanding of how to get the results we desire out of our models
I learned to dry brush back in the 80's when Games workshop had pamphlets that taught the technique. There are ways to do it without it looking chalky and even ways to smooth it out if it is chalky. It doesn't need to look like someone hit it with a brillo pad with a little dust on it. Also I am glad you mentioned about the moisture. I had always used regular paint to dry brush because bac kin the day that's all we had. we didn't have special dry brush paint, or glazes etc. we had paints and inks for painting and washing and dry brushing etc. I also use "damp" brushing not just dry brushing. You get completely different results and can achieve different effects by using the space between damp and dry brushing. Try damp and dry brushing metallic necrons then washing over that with a dark color and then going back for edge highlights. it makes them feel fresh from the grave but still stand out because of the final highlights and smoothing of the brushing with the wash. Also i just want to say good job pointing out the moisture control and its importance. I have literally had dry brushed models win contests over others that did not use dry brushing. If people practice it and experiment with dry, damp and moisture control combined with other techniques like washing/glazing and high light build up they will find a plethora of effects. Things that speed up their painting without losing quality. As you pointed out it can give you a much faster time to paint. I do think you are brave doing the entire (or vast majority) of the model with dry brushing. I only do it after my base coat and other shading. I have never done a dry brush only model.
Thanks Jon, I’ve been looking for an excuse to buy these Artis Opus dry brushes. Now I can get them and chip some support to one of my favorite UA-cam stars.
Thanks for being awesome.
No, thank YOU Doug!
I was curious what your take would be. I was taught to paint miniatures in the early 80's by a woman that was a professional artist. She and her husband owned a game store that sold RPG games and figures. Her D&D dragons in 1982 sold for $120 to $200, and she couldn't keep finished ones in stock. She considered dry brushing an essential technique. Looking at her larger figures 6"+, dragons and other miniatures you half expected them to start breathing.
I never hit her level, but a hobby store started selling my painted D&D miniatures back before that was a thing. Like her, dry brushing was an essential element.
I remember getting a few compliments, and I'm a very base lvl mini painter, at a bloodbowl tournament I went to. Seeing what some of these guys did I felt embarrassed by most of mine, but quite a few really liked some of my stuff, my 2 minataur's and my chaos centaur bulls got a lot of them, I used mostly dry brushing tech on those. It's all about what you are trying to do and your skill lvl's.
Dry brushing is fine.
I remember the same discussion taking place when washes was first introduced waaaaaay back in the day.
"Are washes "cheating"?"
"Are washes for amateurs?"
Dry brushing is a perfectly fine painting technique, with a distinct result - just like washes or edge high lighting or zenithal base coating or pre shading or.....
Just inject the Ninjon X Vincey V content straight into my veins
And I instantly bought that texture pallet. I’ve been waiting for a good reason and now I have it.
Nice video, just goes to show, no such thing as a “bad” technique just the right one in the right place.
It's strange how much gatekeeping we do as a hobby for people using "easy" techniques. Paint your minis and get them on a table, everything else is just preference and ego. It looks great Jon.
Dude, I don’t even paint war hammer models (I mainly paint WW2 tanks) and your videos are so helpful. Thank you.
2 painter's I've been heavily invested in since my journey began (2 years ago) doing the most intimidating stare off since
( Wanderlei Silva & Mirco Cro Cop )
Than To top it off We get a legit
"DRY/WET BRUSH CHALLENGE"
LET'S GO!
LET'S FREAKING GO!
I have been eyeing those brushes, and this was a great opportunity to support two creators I watch. So I grabbed a set. Great video as usual, and great idea on the brushes.
My Ninjon edition set of drybrushes from Artist Opus finally arrived today, I can't wait to try them out on some big wings!
I got the Texture Palette too, it looks great; I almost don't want to put paint on it lol
Great Video! I am currently using a small, non porous tile (an old sample from my office) as drybrush palette, and it greatly improved the control over the amount of paint!
I never realized how much depth there is in drybrushing. If you know the way broadly you will see it in everything!
Honestly, I think it looks more natural. People often use far too many straight lines when using a wet palette or other traditional painting methods. When things weather or rust, in most environments they will look spotty and irregular.
By far my favourite technique. I love painting my Death Guard with this specilly!
I run my dry brush through some acrylic medium before dry brushing to help eliminate the chalky effect; I use dry brushing to paint faces
This looks like a great way to get a project done on a deadline.
I quickly appreciate dry brushing from an canvas standpoint. Doing an piece in dry brush style only and odd techniques like wet canvas with dry paint it add something. I am looking at taking dry brushing to some minatures soon and this helps
Bit of a late comment. Haha. But I just use make-up brushes for dry brushing. Less than AUS$10 and they work pretty well. Just not good for the really small areas. Duly noted with the paper - never again. I'm still a noob though as I only started painting again last year. But all you guys are really helping my progress. Thanks.
Hands down the best intros of any mini painter.
I am newb and dry brushing has gotten me a lot of decent looking miniatures table top ready while I figure out all this painting stuff
This technique seems just about perfect for a grimdark Wolfspear force I have been thinking about for a few months.
I have 70% less mobility in my dominate hand. I base color everything. add washes and shades. then dry brush and then high light. its not the level of most people but it works for me and alot of my friends think my stuff is really good.
Great video. It's funny how often excellent painters knock drybrushing and yet have so little skill with it. All techniques excel given proper knowledge and experience.
Turned out great Jon, I'll definitely be picking up a set of drybrushes now. Is there any special method of properly cleaning them other than water rinse and occasionally using brush soap?
Thanks for another solid video buddy!
Just working the paint off on a hard surface like the palette with a bit of moisture is all you need to do, other than a cleaning with the soap every month or two 👍
I use cheap makeup brushes and they work great
I find that Makeup Brushes also work well for dry brushing...
I've sticked to dry brushing since it always gave me great results and was fun to do. It's fun for once to see a channel I look up to for learning, suddenly make so many rookie mistakes. It's oddly validating for my skillset and experience.
Jon gotta say this is a bomb vid about dry brushing. It's helped a lot!