First things first, this new skins system for dA seems pretty awesome. I have all the coding know how of a ... well ... very little of that. So the easy to install skins system that's being opened up for beta testers is definitely a Good Thing.

This skin (assuming it works ) was made by and can be found at:

Judging by the fact I'm using it, I think it looks pretty awesome. I may have a dig around at some point and see if I can get an image sorted that I might be able to use in place of the violin. Maybe some paint pots and brushes or something generally faux artsy on my part. The violin, while a great pic, maybe isn't very me-specific



In other news when I'm on dA I tend to hunt around the various categories in search of similar miniature modellers. It's such a pity there's no devoted category, or at least a clear cut way to know where to post pics, but such is life. A few of the more spectacular submissions I've come across in the last couple of days I'll try to update into my journal. Hopefully, if you only browse a more specific section of dAs submissions I'll be introducing you to some new stuff you might not have seen before. In the very least I'll be showing some appreciation for the artwork I've seen floating about out there Anyway:





This guys models gave me a pleasant kick up the jacksie when I saw them. Really nice use of depth and contrast on them, coupled with smooth blends to keep the look genuine. Check out the free hand on the trim of cloak on the first model (hell this model is generally jaw dropping), the glow coming from the ground on the middle diorama and special props for the third model which is mostly a home-sculpted piece.





Some stunning use of colour on these. Some are toy kits, some model kits, some are models that the guy sculpts and produces himself. Impressive stuff, and a lot that you'll recognise from movies and such. Worth checking out



This guy only has one model up but it's definitely worth a mention. Now, I'll tend to wax lyrical about non metallic metal but this just works incredibly well.



There's also some digital art in the gallery along with quite a nice sunset pic. So check it out



It is my journal after all, so I might as well waffle about myself for a bit. The current model I'm working on is the Freebooter Assassin (you can see pictures [link] there). Originally I was going to paint it monochrome, but that didn't happen after I'd thought about it and decided I didn't really want to . Once it's finished I should also have a tutorial as to how I've painted it prepared because I've made a point of forcing myself to take pictures along the way. We'll see how it turns out!