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Just split up the DV kit with a buddy - we are going to try to get into this thing. I have painted plain-jane before, this is my first attempt to try to make a model look nice - go easy on me

Tips I will use in the future:

thinning out my paint more would have helped behavior quite a bit - some places (especially white on helm) came out a little iffy
painting low-to-high would have helped me save some back and forth with colors
I LOVE highlights - it feels so wrong at first...but then...it somehow works out in the end?

What do you think?

Not bad, not bad at all!
Shading - check. Highlights - check. Based - check.
Good start and interesting colours. To me the white 'feathers' look like they could do with a bit more work, but that may be the camera flash wiping out any colour subtlety. Try taking pics without the flash in good light and it will make the world of difference too. Keep it up.

The highlighting on the backpack especially is really good, man!

I think I agree with D-Bob on the white feathers, though. It's a common thing with newer painters, so don't worry. White and yellow are easily the hardest colors to work with before you gain some confidence in your own brush work.

Start with a light grey. If you're going with GW paints, Administratum Grey or Celestra Grey are perfect as a basecoat for white. Then, use a really thin Nuln Oil or Drakenhoff Nightshade to wash. Highlight back up with Ulthuan Grey and edge with White Scar. You won't even realize Ulthan Grey isn't "white" until you apply a pure white on it like White Scar. Once you get used to building your whites back up from a light grey, you'll realize how easy it is to create realistic shading with that color.

I love seeing other's DA models for inspiration. This one looks great! The purple looks really smooth. One area that you played it safe where I might have a bit of fun is the sword blade. You could do some cool effects with both brush and/or airbrush. My 2 cents.

I look forward to seeing more of your stuff!

Great job. Post more as you can.

Thanks for the kind comments!

I agree - the white and the sword blade are the parts that did not turn out as well as I had hoped. I will definitely try using some greys - I was starting with scar white on the helm and shoulder.

For the sword - I tried drakenhoff nightshade - but it really wasn't turning out like I had hoped (maybe too thick?) - so I went over it again. If you guys paint up your power weapons a way that you like - feel free to share I don't have an airbrush yet - but I don't mind experimenting some. I have a few more power swords to go.

Thanks for the encouragement!

Nice Work

Looking good man! How about washes? So you can easily add some more shades.

I love this one. Having seen it hit the board, I will say the pictures don't do it justice, the purple on green is a fantastic contrast - one of which I favor.

Keep it up mate, if I complete my DV army before yours, I gain bragging rights!