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John Margiotta, also known as BloodASmedium, is a renowned miniature painter with over 70 international awards, including multiple wins at the Golden Demon, Crystal Brush, and MFCA. Since beginning his competitive career in 2015, he has become a regular contributor to White Dwarf and Figure Mentors. Passionate about mentoring, John is dedicated to helping aspiring painters enhance their skills in this intricate art form. John is using a Wet Palette, Painting Handles and Miniature painting brushes from Redgrass.
I started painting miniatures when I was 8 years old. I went to a store called the Game Store in the Staten Island Mall and I saw that they had painted models that were painted by the staff to use as markers for Dungeons and Dragons, called Dungeon Dwellers. I purchased lead models and enamels at this store and from Toys R Us and I started teaching myself to paint! When I was 10 years old I discovered Games Workshop miniatures and acrylic paint and there started my love for all things GW.
My two mentors and very good friends, David Powell and Eric Swinson, both whom I have known for quite a long time. David has been my friend and helped me with my painting for 12 years and Eric I have known for 6 or 7 years. Not only are they, in my eyes, the best painters in the world whose opinions I value very much but they are also amazing friends and two of the most influential people in my life at the moment!
I have a home studio, my happy place where I spend 99% of my time. My wheelhouse, so to speak. I feel happiest when at my painting desk.
Not really, painting is what I cherish most, only second to my family! Painting is all I want to do.
It’s a combination of both really. I rely on muscle memory but don’t think about too hard. I don’t always start in the same places. No matter where I choose to start or finish, I always try and be as technically proficient as I can. For example, paint must be applied in thin coats, it must be neat, and it must make sense to the eye, readability.
Most artists use dozens of colors on their models and with a wet palette the colors are easily laid out to use at any moment when needed. For instance, if I used a certain red/brown 3 hours ago and needed to re apply it, it is right there for me to do so! There is a huge advantage in using a wet palette over a dry well palette, mixed colors last longer and do not dry out.
It was amazing! As long as that show runs, I will be there. It is probably my all time favorite show and I have been attending (the American & Canadian versions) since I was 18 years old. So I have been attending Golden Demon longer than some of my friends have been alive!
Hands down my two Nurgle Dreadnaughts, I have a Grimdark style and both of these won a medal and a commendation at Golden Demon over the last two years.
My goals are ongoing through the year. I don’t really set goals at the beginning of each year, it’s more of an ongoing thing.
Leadbelcher by Citadel, Ruddy Leather by Reaper, Rosy Skin also by Reaper, Rhinox Hide by Games Workshop, and Agrax Earthshade by Games Workshop.
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