Interview with k03rnl - Painting Miniatures

Fascinating Interview with K03rnl!

Christof Keil aka K03rnl is rightly respected the world over for his amazing ‘grimdark’ kitbashes and paintjobs. For many fans of Warhammer 40,000 especially, his work seems to bring 3rd edition back to life, with his Blanchitsu inspired Black Templars projects. Redgrass was lucky enough to have an interview with Christof Keil, so hopefully you will find the answers illuminating!

How did you discover miniature painting?

I think it all started with a scale model of the Gorch Fock I bought secretly in a small store, which I hid in my closet from my dad and that never got built. I then one day started to collect 1:72 figures, going from the US Civil War to modern German infantry. Later I added tanks, too. Once I discovered Warhammer 40000 in a White Dwarf a friend brought into school, we started playing with those scale models until we could afford citadel miniatures.

How do you see yourself progressing as a painter?

I usually like what I do at the moment, thinking it is my peak ability and then a few years later think “oh my god what the hell is this”. So it is a rather continuous progress.

How would you describe your painting in 5 words?

Fast, sketchy, dry brushed, impressionistic, intuitive.

Do you have a favourite colour or paint?

Among my favourite colours is Charadon Granite. Painters should not use that, instead send it over to me please!

Which miniature are you most proud of?

Hard to say. I painted a lot for my upcoming artbook and am very proud of all of them. If I had to pick one it probably is the Kitbashed Deathwing Terminator.

Do you think sometimes it is important to just ‘walk away’ from a WIP?

Always. I stop as soon as it is not fun anymore or when I hit a wall or plateau. I also always come back to a paint job. Sometimes you have to push through a little struggle but it is usually better to regroup and start fresh another time. At least that works for me.

Do you use any real life sources of inspiration?

Are movies real life sources? I guess I am looking a lot at corrosion and weathering in real life. Given that I am a blacksmith I am confronted with that a lot.

What makes a good ‘grimdark’ piece?

When it looks glorious at first glance but reveals its dark side upon looking closer. This is done with the paint job or with conversion, usually both.

Do you have any hobby bad habits like licking your brushes?

I do not lick brushes. However I continuously forget to clean my fingernails before recording tutorial videos.

Do you have upcoming painting goals?

I am looking forward to get my Black Templar army painted, but that is a long term project for the next three years. I also have some busts to paint and a few non GW 28mm miniatures too.