Create grimdark Blanchitsu-style masterpieces with the John Blanche Masterclass Paint Sets by Army Painter coming in January!
Updated November 17th, 2024, by Rob Baer: It appears the product page for this release was taken down, as it was an inadvertent leak. as confirmed by Army Painter. However, we have the images of the product below from the webpage where they were listed.
If you’ve ever wished you could paint miniatures with the haunting, gritty style of the Warhammer universe, John Blanche has you covered. The legendary artist behind Warhammer’s iconic dark and twisted aesthetic is teaming up with Army Painter to release a special Masterclass paint series that is reportedly coming in January 2025 (hopefully, we get an advanced copy to share).
Known for bringing a sense of gothic grit and punk energy to his work, Blanche is essentially the patron saint of “grimdark.” Now, thanks to this unique collaboration, longtime fans of Blanchitsu can try their hand at recreating his moody, atmospheric style with paints designed for precisely that.
This series of Warpaints Fanatic and Speedpaints, are fully endorsed by the legendary John Blanche himself. These paints are your secret weapon for nailing that signature grim and gothic vibe—think beautifully bizarre without the brooding!
Bringing Blanchitsu Colour To Hobbyists
John Blanche is known for both his dark, gothic, and occasionally surreal style and for shaping the visual tone of Games Workshop worlds like Warhammer. Blanche has crafted an intense aesthetic that speaks to fans of fantasy and sci-fi alike. His contributions helped shape the “grimdark” aesthetic—a term that captures the gritty, battle-worn quality of his work.
With this paint series, Blanche’s approach becomes more accessible to fans and artists. Army Painter’s collaboration with Blanche means that hobbyists can expect tools that support his distinctive high-contrast, shadow-heavy style, which captures the essence of the worlds he has helped bring to life.
The Blanchitsu Method
These new masterclass paints will help hobbyists explore the Blanchitsu method for themselves. Named in Blanche’s honor, Blanchitsu has become popular among fans for its emphasis on mood and storytelling. Unlike conventional painting techniques, the Blanchitsu color palette doesn’t rely on clean lines or perfection but instead on depth, texture, and atmosphere.
This approach creates a worn, battle-scarred look that tells a story, making each piece feel like it belongs to a world shaped by struggle and decay. The Masterclass series includes custom tones and textures crafted to achieve these effects, allowing hobbyists to experiment with a style that is dramatic, layered, and uniquely captivating.
Army Painter: Masterclass Series
Army Painter has built a reputation for offering high-quality paints that are both affordable and effective. From their popular Speedpaint series to the new Fanatic line, Army Painter products are crafted to simplify the painting process, making it enjoyable for hobbyists of all backgrounds.
This commitment to quality and user-friendly design aligns perfectly with Blanche’s vision for the Masterclass series, making it a perfect match for this collaboration.
Known for their willingness to innovate and respond to hobbyist feedback, Army Painter is dedicated to refining their products to meet the needs of artists at every level. The partnership with Blanche reflects this dedication, combining his creative genius with their expertise to create a set that will satisfy both seasoned painters and newcomers alike.
Creating a Unique Painting Experience
The Masterclass series marks an exciting opportunity for painters to capture the distinct ambiance of Blanche’s work. Each formulation is crafted to help recreate his iconic style, with rich colors that emphasize shadows, high contrast, and atmospheric effects. Whether you’re new to miniature painting or an experienced artist looking to add a gothic touch to your work, the Masterclass series offers tools to help you achieve breathtaking results.
This newest addition to The Army Painter family features a collection of brand new Warpaints Fanatic and Speedpaints officially endorsed by Blanche himself, and designed to inspire hobbyists to master his iconic grim, gothic, beautifully bizarre, yet beloved style. Join John’s saga with paints that offer unparalleled coverage and performance.
The Grimdark World Awaits in January 2025
The release of the John Blanche Masterclass series is set to be a groundbreaking moment in the world of tabletop painting. For those eager to bring the grimdark aesthetic to their miniatures or explore new techniques, this collaboration offers an engaging entry point.
With Blanche’s vision and Army Painter’s commitment to accessible, high-quality products, the Masterclass series will be a unique and valuable addition to any painter’s collection.
So, when January 2025 rolls around, grab your brushes, prepare your miniatures, and get ready to add a dash of Blanchitsu to your collection. Who knows? You might just end up creating something that looks straight out of the Warhammer universe itself!
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
