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The title says it all - any suggestions for an effective method to painting dragon scales? (For a scaled cloak I must add)

I'm looking for a deep green effect, possibly with hints or red on certain scales, but A) I don't know what colours to use (Preferably Citadel) and B) What colour to use as the skin underneath the scales? (I'm thinking Rhinox Hide/Scorched Brown).

All suggestions or links to tutorials appreciated.

Usually in nature a creatcher that is scaled doesn't have visible skin. Any spots where there are not large scales are actually much smaller scales. I would just use a base coat of the basic color, like a dark green, and then just dry brush up a couple lighter colors. Maybe a pic of the model you intend to paint could help. I can recall some models where they only sculpted scales on the backs of some things.

If you want more of a shimmer, use a light base coat and ink a darker color. I use GW inks or "shades" as they call them now and I notice that they need a little water added on the brush. The ink will dry with a semi-gloss apperance.

As for red or hints of color on different scales, I would highlight them after getting the main color for the scales done. Either a dry brush technique or just use the same technique you used for the main color of the scales for those few indiviual scales that will be other colors.

Cheers Jimmy, I can't post a picture right now as I don't have a decent camera to hand (I have to borrow a relative's professional one to get a decent picture).

As for the skin, the reason I ask is because my cloak (Salamanders scale mantle) has been made out of GS, and I've left a portion of the cloak unscaled around the edges to give the appearance of it having been skinned from a drake Also, there is small gaps between scales where it's intended to look as though smaller scales have been prised off in combat.

Thanks for the advice - i'll look into using shades and I think i'll use dry-brushing all over for general highlights.

I see what you're getting at. I would say a light fleshy color for the skin as it would have been protected by the scales and wouldn't have had to suffer the elements very much. I would make it yellow/green for green scales, orange/yellow for red or orange scales, etc.

Hmm, would the lighter fleshy colour not indicate that the cloak is still raw? I'm looking more for a dried/cured look. I'll take your advice on the scales though

Mesh window screen, air brush, masking tape, and whatever color. Also time...lots of time

Thanks Jihadin, although I should have mentioned, that i'm painting GS'ed scales, not just wanting to paint scales onto the armour. Thanks anyway.