Ready to create your own story?
Working with local experts we offer unique and engaging workshops to advance your hobbies and lead you through creative activities. Learn more about our current workshop here.
We are please to introduce you to one of our instructors: Courtney of Figuratively Speaking Minis!
What workshops do you teach?
I teach Miniature Painting and Basing classes
How did you get into your speciality?
With the encouragement of a friend, he showed me that I could paint board game figures and that developed into other brands such as Warhammer, and snowballed into all figures and display models. Countless hours of practice and tutorials and finding like minded individuals helped me develop my skills and what I can offer other people.
How long have you been working at it?
About four years.
Did you receive any formal or informal education in your specialty?
No formal education, just a thirst for more knowledge and countless hours of practice.
What’s the most difficult thing about your speciality?
There are many difficult aspects to painting such small figures but it all can come down to the style you are trying to create and knowing how to achieve that. Mimicking lighting with paint can be very tricky.
What’s the most rewarding?
I absolutely love seeing the vision I am trying to create take on a life of its own. I love starting a project not knowing where it is going and then coming to the end and seeing how it went. Sometimes painting can be a whole journey; so many emotions.
What advice do you have to anyone just starting out?
Patience and practice are the most important tools to figure paint. Not brushes or paint. If you have the time and patience, you can accomplish some great techniques.
Is there anything you wish you knew before starting?
Comparison is the thief of joy and especially just starting, do not compare.
Do you have any mentors or inspirations?
Vince Ventruella, mostly. He is a kind and generous YouTuber and hobby genius. He does so much for the community.
What other hobbies do you enjoy?
I love to read, walk and eat delicious food!
Anything else you would like to share?
If painting is not your thing but you still love miniature things, well there is a whole world out there of sculpting, building, crafting. There is something for everyone! Don’t give up! Look around and reach out to people.
Where can people find your work online?
www.figurativelyspeakingminis.com
