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Hello all, so I was painting this squad for a competition some months back and had to leave before entering. At the time I was rushed so only used the base "the fang" color since I thought it looked good. I hate the look of that powder blue crap and would consider gun metal grey or some other options if I changed it but do you think this color choice works? I just worry it doesnt come off space wolf like at all. Also, general feedback on my work and what I can do to improve it would be appreciated.

Darker than I personally prefer and my wolves are darker than the GW studio army. If you like them that's all that matters. Mine are Shadow Gray with Space Wolf Grey final (small) highlights.

I'm a big fan of darker Space Wolves, so you've got my vote on the colour scheme.

As for tips to help you improve your skills, I say give the metallics a good wash with Nuln Oil, then add some light drybrushing on the elevated areas. It helps add some depth to them. Your paints do also look a tad too thick, you can see some of the paintbrush strokes and it takes away from the model's details. I'd recommend watering down the paints a bit (until they're the same consistency as milk), and use more than one thin layer to achieve a solid colour. This will help your models look clean and let the details on them stand out.

I paint really sporadically so I would need to find some empty bottles to mix stuff up in, I usually go straight from the citadel bottles because the consistency isnt too awful. I like the scheme but wonder if a lot of people would get butt hurt about them being fluffy

The colour scheme is great, subtle and grimdark.

In terms of finding something to mix/thin paint on, even something like the plastic lids you get on tubs of yoghurt or ice-cream (washed out, obviously) will provide a surface to which paint will not immediately adhere, giving you time to thin/mix it before applying it.

I like the colors! I'd stick with it.

Exalbaru wrote:
I paint really sporadically so I would need to find some empty bottles to mix stuff up in, I usually go straight from the citadel bottles because the consistency isnt too awful. I like the scheme but wonder if a lot of people would get butt hurt about them being fluffy

If people are going to get butt hurt over other people's personal armies, then the problem is their own, not yours. But most of the guys and gals I've met in this hobby are really nice and relaxed, and will most likely compliment you on doing something different rather than not sticking to the traditional super light blue. And I used to go straight from the citadel bottles as well, and you're right, the consistency isn't too too bad. But thinning your paints is definitely an improvement. I know that many people don't recommend thinning the paints directly into the bottle, since it can ruin the whole bottle if you put in too much water/thinning agent, but that's what I do, if ever you don't have any other containers you can use.

I try to keep my bottles the correct consistency as well. If you go that route, I suggest picking up some matte acrylic medium and using a touch of that in addition to water when thinning it in the bottle. The medium will keep the water from breaking the paint down. I also add a drop of extender to help a bit with open time. Might not be as critical in some areas but here in the desert paints dry out in a hurry.

And like I said, who cares what others think about the scheme. Most people are more impressed with something unique and well executed than something exactly out of the fluff. I'm like you, I think the "official" Space Wolves color isn't that appealing.

Similar to my SW (I used Shadow Grey as my main color). Looks great!

This is all very good to hear, thank you for the input. I really did not want to scrap the squad because of all the time put into them. I'll go with this scheme but did purchase one of those spray bases for the fang and can hopefully speed up the process to have at least 2000 points painted up before I go home on leave.