Is Miniature Painting Considered an Art?
Opinion Piece by Daclaud Lee
Miniature painting has long been a staple of the tabletop gaming and hobbyist community. It involves skill, patience, and an eye for detail, but the question remains: is miniature painting an art form? The answer depends on the intent, creativity, and originality behind the process. In this blog, we’ll explore the various aspects of miniature painting to determine when it crosses the line from craft to art. Note that this is just my opinion and what I say here may not even be the right answer, but it is an answer I will give from my on my decades of experience being in the hobby.
The Craft Side of Miniature Painting
Painting By Numbers: Copying Existing Schemes
One of the most common approaches to miniature painting is following pre-existing color schemes and instructions provided by manufacturers like Games Workshop. For instance, painting Ultramarines in their signature blue and gold or using the red and white heraldry of Talabheim might seem impressive, but this process lacks creative interpretation. It’s akin to painting by numbers, where the outcome is predetermined, and your role is to follow the guide.
While this approach requires skill, it’s better classified as a craft rather than art. The creativity lies in the original design created by the intellectual property owner, not in the act of reproducing it. This doesn’t diminish the enjoyment or satisfaction of the painter but places the activity within the realm of craftsmanship.
Assembly and Painting: A Functional Trade
Assembling and painting miniatures according to a specific scheme—whether for a tournament or display—can feel more like a trade. Much like painting walls in a house based on a project manager’s instructions, this approach prioritizes functionality over creativity.
However, just as wall painting can become artistic with techniques like faux finishes or murals, there is room for creativity even within the confines of standardized schemes. Adding unique details, weathering effects, or subtle variations can elevate the craft, but without stepping outside the boundaries of existing designs, it’s difficult to classify it as art.
Ultramarines: The Iconic Face of Warhammer 40K
Painting your miniatures in the exact same “Ultramarines Blue” like everyone else exemplifies how miniature painting often leans toward being a “craft” or “trade” rather than pure artistry. While the painter’s skill and the intricate detail of the models are undeniably impressive, the color schemes adhere strictly to Games Workshop’s intellectual property. The original creator of the Ultramarines (or any existing Space Marine faction) can be regarded as the “artist” behind their design, while the studio painter, employed by Games Workshop, brings the concept to life with technical expertise. Though some creativity may be required, painting from an established concept is akin to painting a house—a craft where skill levels can vary greatly but remain within predefined boundaries.
When Miniature Painting Becomes Art
Creating Original Designs
The true artistry of miniature painting emerges when the painter moves beyond copying and begins creating something entirely unique. For example, designing a new Space Marine Chapter (40K) or Mercenary Regiment (Fantasy) with original lore, colors, and heraldry transforms the process into an act of creative expression. Using techniques like green stuff sculpting, kit-bashing, or converting models allows hobbyists to craft something that is entirely their own.
Take inspiration from Dave Taylor’s legendary Cathayan army. In the early 2000s, Taylor created a custom Warhammer Fantasy army for Cathay by using existing rules and miniatures for Bretonnia and his own imagination. This was long before Cathay had an official identity through Total War: Warhammer 3. Taylor’s work exemplifies how originality and innovation can turn miniature painting into a genuine art form with custom conversions through kit-bashing and sculpting with green stuff.
The Role of Dioramas
Dioramas are another area where miniature painting transcends craft and enters the realm of art. A well-crafted diorama tells a story, evokes emotion, and showcases the artist’s ability to recreate or imagine a scene. Whether depicting a historical battle, a scene from a novel, or an iconic moment from a movie, dioramas require extensive creativity and artistic vision.
Every element of the diorama—from the placement of miniatures to the design of the environment—must work together to convey a cohesive narrative. The combination of technical skill and storytelling elevates diorama creation into an undeniable art form.
The Rescue of Sister Joan by Victoria Lamb
This diorama captures a dramatic and tense moment as a Witch Hunter prepares to burn a Sister of Sigmar at the stake, accusing her of heresy. Created in the early 2000s by Golden Demon winner Victoria Lamb, this piece is not just a showcase of technical skill but also a masterful example of storytelling through miniatures. You can truly consider this diorama a work of art, blending vivid narrative with exceptional craftsmanship to create an unforgettable scene.
Army Conversion: Dave Taylor’s Grand Army of Cathay Concept from the early 2000’s
All of the models used for this army have been modified from their original design. This is the “artistic” and “creative” side of miniature painting.
The Debate: Art vs. Craft
The Importance of Creativity
The distinction between art and craft often comes down to creativity. If you’re following someone else’s design, the creative element is limited to execution. On the other hand, developing an entirely new concept—whether through a custom army, original paint scheme, or a unique diorama—requires imagination and originality.
Painting Ultramarines, for example, relies heavily on the established identity of the chapter. However, designing a new chapter with its own lore, insignia, and philosophy demands a level of artistic engagement that transforms the hobby into art.
Skill vs. Vision
Skill is essential for both art and craft, but vision sets art apart. Many miniature painters are highly skilled at blending, shading, and detailing, yet these technical abilities alone do not make their work art. Vision—the ability to imagine and execute something unique—is what elevates miniature painting to an art form.
Evolving Painting Styles: The Art and Craft of Miniature Painting
Miniature painting has evolved dramatically over the years, blending the precision of a craft with the creativity of art. In the 1990s, painting techniques were relatively straightforward—typically involving a base coat, an ink wash for shading, and a few highlights to add depth. While effective, these methods often left limited room for exploration and experimentation.
Fast forward to today, and the painting scene has been revolutionized with advanced techniques and specialized products. Modern approaches involve multiple layers of paint, glazing, wet blending, and the use of varied paint consistencies to achieve dynamic effects. Companies like Games Workshop and The Army Painter have developed innovative paint lines to support these evolving styles.
Games Workshop’s Contrast paints, for example, are designed to provide base color, shading, and highlighting in a single application, making it easier for painters to achieve striking results quickly. Similarly, The Army Painter’s Speed Paints offer an efficient alternative for those seeking vibrant finishes with minimal effort, ideal for batch painting armies or achieving smooth transitions. These paints are designed to flow into recesses while leaving raised areas highlighted, creating a dynamic and natural effect without the need for extensive layering.
These advancements have opened the door for a wide range of painting styles, from hyper-realistic finishes to artistic, stylized approaches, allowing hobbyists and professionals alike to push the boundaries of what’s possible in miniature painting. As techniques and materials continue to evolve, the line between art and craft becomes increasingly blurred, enriching the miniature painting community and elevating the hobby to new heights.
Games Workshop Staff Painting Standards in 1990’s
Below is an example of what would have been considered a “high level” paint job. Compare this with today and you will see a noticeable difference in both style and technique. You will also notice a difference between the quality in sculpting the miniatures. Nowadays miniatures are expected to be very detailed and hyper realistic due to advances in 3D sculpting software.
2024’s Golden Daemon Award Winner Lukas Zaba
You will see the start difference between the high-level standards of painting between the 1990’s and 2024. Now we have hyper realistic paint color schemes and attention to detail as well as custom conversions using a combination of sculpting and kit bashing.
My Conclusion
In conclusion, miniature painting occupies a unique space between craft and art, especially when working with established intellectual properties like the Ultramarines. While the creativity of the original designer is the foundation, the studio painter’s role highlights the technical mastery required to bring these iconic designs to life. This collaboration between concept and execution ensures that the Ultramarines and similar miniatures remain visually stunning representations of the Warhammer 40K universe, balancing artistic vision with skilled craftsmanship.
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