I see... Well after reading your methods I can see the 'metallic' sheen of the actual metal coming through the ink, and you are right, they do have a continuity that you have spoken of, and that is pretty cool. What's most important (IMHO) is that you make them yours and are happy with them. Canon or not, you painted them to your liking (pretty cool methinks too)... It reminds me of a few guys I met and was quick to make fun of because they had 100's of minis but none painted really. A few told me that they just liked the raw metal look, which I can appreciate, but always thought was more of an excuse. In your case though, it is in fact no excuse, but your 'look'...