Darren Matthews

**Darren Matthews** is a British miniature painter and artist who gained recognition for his exceptional work as a member of the 'Eavy Metal team at Games Workshop. His career in the miniature painting world was influenced by his admiration for fellow artist Mike McVey, whose work he admired and sought to emulate during the 1980s and beyond.

## Early Life and Education

Darren Matthews was born in the United Kingdom, although specific details about his birth date and place are not available (N/A). From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in art and painting, which eventually led him to pursue formal art education at the university level.

## Career

Matthews embarked on his career as a freelance miniature painter in the late 1980s, where he quickly gained recognition within the hobbyist community. It was during this time that he closely studied the work of prominent artists like Mike McVey, whose painted models in 'Eavy Metal captivated him.

In 1986, Matthews saw an opportunity to make his mark in the industry. He responded to an advertisement in White Dwarf, a popular gaming magazine, which led to an interview with Games Workshop (GW). To his amazement, he was invited to visit the GW studio in Nottingham for an interview, a dream come true for a young enthusiast. The interview took place in the office of John Blanche, surrounded by iconic artwork and miniatures. Although the interview didn't go perfectly, it was a significant step in Matthews' career journey.

After the interview, Matthews received a letter stating that he hadn't secured a full-time position at GW. However, Bryan Ansell, a key figure at GW, expressed interest in the possibility of freelance work. Matthews kept his hopes alive and moved to Loughborough, where he eagerly awaited any opportunity.

About two months later, he received an unexpected call from John Blanche, offering him two weeks of work in the studio. This temporary assignment turned into a remarkable 13-year career at Games Workshop.

Matthews' contributions to the GW studio were notable. His early tasks included painting large quantities of miniatures in a single day, honing his skills and speed. He was known for painting units for the first plastic regiments box set, which contained 20 miniatures of various Warhammer races.

As the years passed, the studio evolved, and Matthews eventually played a significant role in the miniature painting department. He worked alongside notable artists and painters such as Tim Prow, Dale Hurst, Ivan Bartlet, and Andy Craig. His ability to create detailed and smooth blends in miniature painting became his hallmark.

The process of miniature painting in those early days was characterized by freedom, creativity, and open briefs from John Blanche. Deadlines were often "as soon as you can," emphasizing the importance of efficiency and quality.

## Inspirations and Style

Darren Matthews' early inspirations in miniature painting were primarily drawn from the work of John Blanche and Colin Dixon. Their extraordinary talents and distinctive styles deeply influenced him. At the time, access to miniature painting knowledge was limited, and he relied on White Dwarf and gaming journals for guidance. He absorbed information by observing the work of fellow artists in the studio, learning through immersion rather than formal training.

One significant technique that Matthews adopted was blending, which he initially learned from John Blanche. Blending involved using a second brush to thin the edge of a color to create smooth transitions, an approach that Matthews later adapted to acrylic paints. This technique allowed him to achieve the multi-layered, smooth blends that became his signature style.

## Contributions to Citadel Colour Range

Although not involved in the creation of the original Citadel Colour paints, Matthews played a vital role in expanding the range. He worked on the expansion of the range to include inks, washes, and metallics, ensuring a comprehensive spectrum of colors. His efforts contributed to a more versatile palette for miniature painters.

## Notable Dioramas

During the 1990s, Darren Matthews gained acclaim for creating a series of dioramas, many of which are still on display. He described this period as the most enjoyable of his career. Matthews produced these dioramas based on upcoming projects such as army books for various factions, giving him creative freedom to explore different themes and settings. His dioramas were known for their intricate details and forced perspective techniques that created a sense of depth in the miniature scenes.

One of the most renowned dioramas he created during this time featured "The Emperor and Horus," a piece that remains a cherished part of Games Workshop's history.

## Transition to Sculpting

After achieving success as a miniature painter, Darren Matthews transitioned to sculpting miniatures. This shift was partly due to the limitations of painting fine details as he got older. He learned sculpting at Games Workshop and worked alongside sculptors like Gary Morley and Jes Goodwin to develop his skills. Ultimately, he contributed to the creation of miniatures he was proud of, such as the Eldar miniatures.

## Post-Games Workshop Career

After leaving Games Workshop, Darren Matthews moved to the United States and worked for Wizards of the Coast. Later, he became involved with Privateer Press and contributed to the development of miniatures for games like Warmachine.

Upon returning to the UK in 2007, Matthews, along with his wife Ali, founded Studio McVey. The studio focused on designing miniatures and working with Guillotine Games on board game projects. They launched successful games like Blood Rage and The Others through Kickstarter campaigns. Darren Matthews continued to enjoy the creative process, turning fantastic artwork into detailed miniatures.

As of his interview, Matthews no longer painted or sculpted miniatures due to changes in his eyesight. However, he remained passionate about the design and creation process and continued to contribute to the world of miniature gaming through Studio McVey.

Darren Matthews' career in the miniature painting and gaming industry is a testament to his dedication, artistic talent, and contributions to the hobby. His journey from an aspiring young artist to a renowned miniature painter and sculptor reflects the evolution of the industry itself, making him a respected figure among enthusiasts and professionals alike.