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Hey guys.
I did a test model for my new Deathwing/Dark Angels army that I'll be doing using the Badger Minitaire paint line. You can read my personal thoughts at my blog http://pensacolawarhammer.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/deathwing-paint-scheme-badger-minitaire-test-model/
However, here are the results The pictures are huge, which makes things look worse than what they really are in my opinion, so if anyone knows how to shrink them to more appropriate size let me know.





First, I want to say that this is my first attempt at doing any kind of zenith painting or gradient painting with an airbrush. Before this I just used my airbrush to put down a base color. I also didn't complete the model as I just wanted to see what the colors were going to look like on the model, and to see how I would go about doing a gradient.
I'm very happy with the colors I've chosen specially since I plan on doing a sand color for the interior of my vehicles. I personally think these colors are more in line with what the Deathwing look like as opposed to the strange looking yellow bone color that's in the new codex. If you have any thoughts, criticism, or tips, let me know.

I'm not really seeing any highlighting or gradient on the model, it all seems to be one color. To pull off a zenithal highlight, you should really use at least three colors with deeper shadow to contrast the lighter highlight. Right now, and highlights are too close to the base color and the effect is too subtle.
Also, what is the texture on the model from? Is it from the Minitare paint of the primer?

It's probably the primer. This is an old model that I had stripped, and primed this morning.

As for the gradient, I can say holding the model in my hand there is some gradient. I'm wondering if I need to do a heavier coat of the shadow color and do lighter coats on the following colors. This is why I'm planning on doing at least one more test model. If that one doesn't work out, I'll try doing a shade darker on the shadow color.

The trick with Zenithial highlighting is high contrast.

Make your shadow colour really dark, and your highlight colour nice and bright. Pick a mid tone to stick in between to help your blend look more natural.

Thanks for all the tips.

I have a lighter "bone" color on order, so I'll see what happens when that arrives.