Greetings all!

Hello all.

I'm painting this amazing model for the upcoming Tomb King line. GW has really outdone itself with this kit. I may have to get a few of these for myself.

Anyway here are the pre-primed pics so you can see the scale of this glorious kit.

Paint concept can colors to follow.

~Note~ I started this project a few days ago but forgot to post it on this community. Sorry 'bout that...



Automatically Appended Next Post:
My original concept was to follow the style GW’s heavy metal team provided except to paint the body as if it was carved from onyx instead. The blue while completely beautiful seems a little out of place to me. So I opted to change direction for this kit and challenge myself at the same time.

Here’s my concept:

Base

* 60x100mm resin base from Dragon Forge’s Temple line.
* Onyx paint scheme with directional highlighting.
* Gloss varnish


Body

* Sandstone scheme for contrast against the gloss/black of the base.
* Claws in gold


Armor/Wings

* Antiqued gold with multiple highlights.
* Blue/Red gem detailing
* Wing ‘feathers’ and body surrounding the abdomen cartouche will be in onyx to tie the model to the base.


Hood/Face

* Death mask will be gold matching the body. Someone knocked of the false beard at the store so that’s out.
* Hood will be in onyx with gold detailing


I’ll be trying to knock this out in phases:

1. Sandstone body and base
2. Body armor, tail, & wings
3. Torso, hood, & face


This concept will focus on contrast, color control, and balance. I have not challenged myself in a long time so this will be fun.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Phase I down.

I can't decide whether i like the model or not.
Regardless i look forward to seeing how you paint it.

One huge beast! I'm a TK player (amongst many things), so I'll be following this one with interest

Phase II underway and I’m having a blast painting this thing. My initial goal was to get this beauty painted by Sunday but that’s not going to happen. lol

I grossly underestimated the scope of this phase. I’ve burned quite a few hours and I’m barely scratching 50% completion and that’s not even including the wings & tail. There is a tremendous amount of metal detail to cover so to keep the updates for this project rolling I’ll be moving the wings/tail to their own section.

New Phase Schedule:
1. Sandstone body and base
2. Body armor
3. Tail, & wings
4. Torso, hood, & face

I’ll be away from the house for a long while today so I’m unsure if I can get this phase done today so here’s where I am at the moment.

I stuck him to the base with some blue tack so you guys can see the contrast I was referring to in the concept.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Excellent stuff, the off-white stone effect really works for the model. the turquoise and blue gems of the TK line should look excellent on the model.

Also, that thing is huge!

That is gonna be a work of art once you're done with it...
I like that Fantasy is starting to get bigger and bigger models, they have so much promise...

Wow. That's a really great paintjob you've done so far. I REALLY like the colour/effect on the uhhh... 'skin'(?), I think that looks excellent. The gold looks really impressive also, very realistic and goes well with the body.

Honestly, however I'm not too sure about the gold claws (but then again, I'm also unsure as to how they'd be done otherwise) and I'm not sure about a black/onyx base either; I think it would contrast really well to the model itself, but when you put it among an army I wouldn't be so sure...

Nonetheless, I think you've done an outstanding job so far, keep it up!

Thanks for the interest people!

@ Just Dave - I designed this scheme to be stand alone. I agree that the onyx base design would break down quickly if you had to do this in large scale unless you had a diorama/display to set them in.

Shawn G. (SoI)

That makes a lot more sense then, especially as it's a display piece.

As I said though, it looks absolutely wonderful; keep up the good work!

~Quick update~

I finished the turquoise sections on the back claws yesterday morning but I've been unable to put more work on it as I've a paper due tomorrow and I need to get it polished.

I'll be free to continue/finish this phase after class tomorrow.

Shawn G (SoI)

Looking good so far! That's a beast of a model, can't wait to see it finished.

You're off to an amazing start - and I'm looking forward to more...

Subscribed!

Phase II continues!

I’ve been busy as hell for the last 4 days. I had a paper due Tuesday and had little time for painting. Things are coming back down to earth so I can continue with this awesome piece.

My wife recommended that I take more pictures as I go so here are some more from Phase II.

I have not done complex gems in a long time. I like the way the turquoise sections are coming out but I’m not quite satisfied.

Let me know what you think so far.

Shawn G. (SoI)

This is coming out really, really nicely - dare I say, it will be awesome?

Yes - I think it will!

How long have you been painting miniatures?

Wow that beast is big. Looking pretty cool!

Thanks dude! I'm not sold on the gems. I think I'll need to see how the whole thing will look on the base when all is said and done.

I started back in '97 when I was in the Army. Didn't know I'd develop a talent for painting but I did. I went to school in '04 for web design and took some art classes and they drove me to paint more. I've just started school again to get a degree in Fine Arts.

I may try to compete soon. Don't know if I have the 'chops' yet.

Shawn G. (SoI)

subbed looks great

Really really nice, I prefer the colour scheme to the eavy metal scheme tbh, ties in better with the rest of the TK stuff IMO

Wow! Great colour scheme I love it!

That is a thing of beauty. Great job!

Pretty amazing model, and your painting is lovely. How did you get the colour of the body?

Wow! That blue on the lion-part's chest looks really good. It brings out a lot of the detail that was missing because of the sandstone colours. But with the blue, the sandstone looks fantastic.

beautiful work : )
liking the bone colour scheme much more than the obsidion GW version... obsidion sounds like a cool idea, but bone works so much better!
keep it up!

Soul of Iron wrote:

I may try to compete soon. Don't know if I have the 'chops' yet.

Oh, you certainly do!

And your selection of colors, the palette you're using?

Brilliant!

Subbed, like the sandstone look

Metallics and stone are pure awesome, can't wait to see it finished mate

@Foxtale – I ‘primed’ the model in a Krylon spray paint ‘Satin – Almond’. I sprayed it right over the grey plastic. With practice this stuff goes on fine like a power coat. I’ve grown quite fond of that stuff. After it dried, I drybrushed the body in skull white then washed it in GW Sepia. The drybrushing phase allows me to see the high points after the sepia dries. The white comes from using Vallejo MC Ivory (918) watered down to a milk-like consistency applied with a GW Large Brush. In fact I don’t paint with anything smaller then that size anymore.

@Alpharius – Thanks bro!
Here’s my color palette:

Body – Almond spray, white DB, VMC Ivory (918)

Armor – VGC Bright Bronze, Tamiya Clear Orange (X-26), GW Sepia, Vallejo Air Gold (71066)

Turquoise – GW Hawk Turquoise, GW Asurmen Blue, GW Skull White

Base – Black Prime, VMC German Grey (70995), VMC Sea Grey (70870), GW Skull White

The armor takes time because I have to wait till the 1st wash (Tamiya) is dried before I can move onto the 2nd. I highlight the edges with VA Gold mixed with Bronze then pure VA Gold.
I don’t know if you’ve ever used the Air series from Vallejo line but they are simply amazing. Best metallics on the market. The orange metals are a too ‘sliver’ for my liking, but that can be worked around.

Dude, that paint job on the Sphinx is just great. I also use Krylon spray paints for a lot of my base coating. I used Ivory for my Deathwing vehicles, Burgundy for my Spears of Ares Space Marines, Red Pepper for my Khorne Berserkers and Khaki for my Imperial Guard; some of that stuff is visible in my Gallery here on Dakka. It's a great way to speed up the painting process and save some money at the same time as it is not only fast, but very cost effective.

I want one-but I don't do Tomb Kings and don't want to start a new army. :(

I think its funny that they label that a Sphinx, because it is far more a Manticore than a Sphinx.

Nonetheless very inspiring paint job, has a real 'moving statue' type feel.

Brilliant work amigo!
I was a bit skeptical on this model but you are turning this kit into some thing incredible.
Now I just need to think of some way to loot it.....
Keep up the awesome work!

Phase II Complete!

Holy crap did this phase take forever! I really underestimated how long it would take me to get through all that metal. It’s done now and I’m happy with the turquoise.

Here it is blue tacked to the base again. I think I may glue it down here soon. I don’t want to handle the body while I’m working on the wings and torso.

Shawn G. (SoI)

No Swearing!

Great job with the painting see of it, keep up the good work!

This is awesome, great work

This really makes me miss my TK

Matt.Kingsley wrote: No Swearing!

Great job with the painting see of it, keep up the good work!

LOL!
Looking great!

Great job soul of iron! Can't wait to see it done, really loving the rich marble/ivory finish on the body; stunning.

This is awesome, the stone looks so much better than the GW version.
You sir, are now on my list of inspirations.

God damn it...

i collect Skaven... have 4000 points and its still growing. Slowly.

And now... i want one of those to use as another HPA ¬¬....


DAMN YOU GW AND YOUR SEXY MODELS!!!
*Shakes fist in anger in what i think is the direction of GW*

Gorgeous stuff! Amazing color scheme.

Great model.

Btw is it possible to assemble it with all four feet flat on the ground like the Warsphinx model.

The GW one has it's front leg (paw maybe :-P) raised too and to be fair I don't like the look of it.

Very nice work so far! I am really loving this model for some reason and your paint work is adding to it!

Thanks for the feedback people! The first wash on the wings/tail is drying right now. Takes like an hour for both washes to dry. /bored

@Melkhiordarkblade - The model comes with 5 sets of legs 4 down & one up.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Looks pure class so far.
Nice to see someone not rushing a new model and making it look like a solid centerpiece for an army.


Just curious, but would its legs all fit onto a 60mm round base?
Need a tzeentch soulgrinder and hoping that thing isnt too big.

@Jackal - The base I have it on is 100mm x 60mm. I highly doubt this would fit on a 60. It should go fine on one of the monster oval 40K bases but not much smaller.

Shawn G. (SoI)

A bit bigger than i thought then, thanks again
Oval base it shall be.

~Quick Update~

I've decided to do a slight color rotation on the wings. I found that the onyx feather idea I had was not suitably impressive for this paint scheme.

I'm going to make the triangular areas on the wings (normally blue lapis) into onyx to tie it back to the base. The feathers will be in lapis. It looks MUCH better.

Stay Tuned.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Here's what I mean. 1/4 of the wings done-ish.

I'm thinking about washing the it one more time and applying some more highlights as well as 'gem' reflections. I don't know how well that will translate to the feathers.

Not sold on it yet.

Shawn G. (SoI)

I see this, and I weep. For I shall never be as good as this.

You are tempting me down the path of WHFB, not down the path towards the Lizardmen as I'd like, but towards the TK.

Also, really loving your lapis.

WOW!!!! I really adore that sphinx. You sir are a god at painting!
Could you please give us your paint scheme, some pics of your tomb kings, and if its not too much trouble, a tutorial? I must know how to paint like that! *Sits and drools while looking at Soul of Iron's necrosphinx*

Oh yeah, if I start a tk army, may I use your paint scheme?

Tehbarry

@tehbarry - Sorry but I sold all of my TK units back in '03 or so. I'm thinking on starting another army as I've grown really bored of Chaos/Daemons. If I do start another force it wont be this detailed.

I have some of my painting methods and the colors I used on the previous page. Painting just takes patience and practice. You'd be surprised what you can do when you slow things down.

Feel free to use the scheme if you like though I don't recommend trying to build an army around it. It would take forever.

Shawn G. (SoI)

It is such a stunning model. Probably one of GW's best large models to date in my opinion.

Your paint job is more than doing it justice, the blue on the wings and the bronze metallic is awesome.

Look forward to seeing the finished product!

Thanks Soul of Iron, and if you start a new army please post it on dakka! Time isn't much of a problem really, since I've got loads of it...

I’m coming down to the last phase of this awesome model. Where I’ve loved painting it, I need to get it done so I can move onto other projects.

I’m saving the tail tip for the very end as I have something special in mind and I need to practice to pull it off.

Phase 4 Finally Begins!!!!

Shawn G. (SoI)

Looking pretty delicious there

Wonderful! hmmm... I'm envisioning... a vial full of poison for the tail?

this model is getting the paintjob it deserves.great work in particular the wings

This is so much better than the one online

Superb work so far! I look forward to its completion. Very good choice of coloour I may add!


Cain

Gorgeous model, gorgeous paintjob. There are a lot of things in our hobby that look really cool, but not too many that qualify as beautiful in the classical sense. This does.

Cheers!

*Jaw hits floor*
That model gets more amazing for every time I look at it!

In the words my girlfriend used when she saw it...

"It's pwetty... I like it! Can I have it ^^?"

That was followed by a quick No.

This paint job is incredible. I see Tzeentch Daemon Prince all over this bad boy

I'm finding it really hard to not buy one now. Oh, god! Painting that- wowzers!

I loved this model the first time I clapped eyes on it at my FLGS. And now, you have made me love it even more with this EPIC paintjob! Are you planning on selling it? Because it is worth at least $200!

Cannot wait to see it finished!

_Tim?

This is great - inspiring, and love the colouring.

Look forward to the finished product!

~Small Update~

Sorry people for the lack of progression but I'm in the middle of finals for this class I'm taking and it's eating into my hobby time. The torso will be the fastest phase to complete. I'll start on it after class tonight.

Shawn G. (SoI)

I wasn't sure when I first saw pics of this model on the GW site. But I must say you are making it grow on me a great deal. Very nice choice of colours and techniques. Looking forward to seeing his face come together.

awesome, doing an amazing job, i really love how crisp the colors are

Very nice! The only Thing I could mention that would have improved it is if you had taken a little more time cleaning up the mould lines.

Other than that the model is purely spectacular! very nice blending and shading!

Yeah that's a sticking point for me as well.

Unfortunately the only stipulation the GW manager has was I had to build it in the store. Since I don't tend to carry my files/glue with me I had to build it with what they had.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Well that's odd (the stipulation)
Can't wait to see the torso started!!

Soul of Iron wrote:

@Alpharius – Thanks bro!
Here’s my color palette:

Body – Almond spray, white DB, VMC Ivory (918)

Armor – VGC Bright Bronze, Tamiya Clear Orange (X-26), GW Sepia, Vallejo Air Gold (71066)

Turquoise – GW Hawk Turquoise, GW Asurmen Blue, GW Skull White

Base – Black Prime, VMC German Grey (70995), VMC Sea Grey (70870), GW Skull White

The armor takes time because I have to wait till the 1st wash (Tamiya) is dried before I can move onto the 2nd. I highlight the edges with VA Gold mixed with Bronze then pure VA Gold.
I don’t know if you’ve ever used the Air series from Vallejo line but they are simply amazing. Best metallics on the market. The orange metals are a too ‘sliver’ for my liking, but that can be worked around.

Hi, I have only been painting miniatures for about 6 months now but have found it very addictive. When I first started I had a very limited collection of GW paints but had a heap of Tamiya model paints, but a friend of mine who has been into the hobby for ages told me not to use my old model paints as they were oil based. However, obviously, you use them with no problems.....
Oh and the Necrosphinx looks absolutely fantastic. I really like the GW 'eavy metal version but I also like it when people try something original, otherwise we all just end up with armies that all look alike. Keep up the outstanding work.

~Small Update~

The torso is coming along nicely. I should have this whole model complete today.

Shawn G. (SoI)

right....

is it just me... or does that last picture... the Tablet on its Stomach, seem to have a smiley face in it?

What has been seen, cannot be unseen.

Thanks.

Bloodhorror wrote:right....

is it just me... or does that last picture... the Tablet on its Stomach, seem to have a smiley face in it?

It didn't until you pointed it out. LOL

Now...

What has been seen, cannot be unseen.

: )

He shall forever be known as Smileysphinx, and it is your fault!


Eric

Almost looks like a happier version of the "Andre the Giant" OBEY signs...I think!

Anyway, what it also looks like is something awesome!

This does not disappoint, that's for certain!

On the home stretch!

Just the Arms + Tail left.

Shawn G. (SoI)

looks amazing, the blue on the front made a huge difference

I am seriously impressed with both the 'stone/bone' colour of the main body (very neat, great shading), and the lovely gold effect (obviously nice thin coating, with lots of depth).

Great work on a great miniature.

Wowza, this model is looking ever better each time I look at it!

I can honestly give no suggestions for improvement! Keep up the good work!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Heey, you have the same painting lamp as me!

You said just the arms and tail, but are you doing anything else with the white hood piece?

I was going to make the hood black, but opted to make it the sandstone color of the body.

School finals have been eating into my paint time like crazy and it appears that I've run out of time with this model. I need to deliver it to the store tomorrow so I cant do the cool Star Sapphire effect I was planning.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Awwww, does that mean we won't get to see any more of this awesome model? :(

Well he’s done.

I have to turn this beauty in today so I could not give the arms and tail the attention they deserved. And to tell the truth I’m more disappointed about that then I thought I would be. But alas this model does not belong to me. (Why am I rhyming?)

This was a real pleasure and I’m sad to see it go incomplete. Perhaps if I get him back I’ll put some more work on those parts.

I hope you all enjoyed this journey as much as I did.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Beautiful work, hopefully you can revisit the model in the future to finish off the bits you wanted to

Dan

Soul of Iron wrote:Yeah that's a sticking point for me as well.

Unfortunately the only stipulation the GW manager has was I had to build it in the store. Since I don't tend to carry my files/glue with me I had to build it with what they had.

Shawn G. (SoI)

That's unfortunate but I guess you can't complain too much!

I'm happy to see the finished/near finished product has turned out as well as the rest of the model!


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Is it just me or does the heiroglyphic on his abdomen look a lot like a cartoon face laughing??

I still say it looks absolutely amazing!

I'll be looking out for more of your P&M stuff - it is fun to watch you work!

It's awesome,but it really needs the little Pharoh bread on the chin. Just for that last "oomp".

I had it on there when I built him but someone from the store knocked it off.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Amazing! Thats all I have to say!
It is quite a shame that you couldn't finish up the details on the model as you planed though...

Smileysphinx looks good.
If the next incarnation of CSM makes cult troops worth taking en masse, I may have to procure one for a Daemon Prince!

...or Daemon, at least.

Eric

So SoI, what's next?

I know I'm looking forward to seeing it, no matter what it is!

Not much into Fantasy Warhammer but that is outstanding. That would be a wonderful center piece in any Tomb Kings army.

That looks absolutly amazing

I'm glad you all like.

@Tehbarry - Yeah. The GW manager's boss is coming in for a visit on Friday. He wanted to make sure the Sphinx was there in case he asked for it. I hope to get a little more time with it in the future.

@Alpharius - Well that model kind of gave me a real painting bug. I've been brewing over painting another TK army since I sold my old one and these new models are so damn cool.

I think I'll start a new PM Blog featuring the TKs.

Give me a few days and I'll have a new concept/pictures.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Lovely finished product, it does make me want to go get a kit

I agree! Still looks incredible

This has to be one of the most beautiful models I've seen here. I love it. Congratulations on a job well done.

Awesome job with the model. I'll look forward to seeing more work by you in the future.

Wow - that's excellent!

Truly a beautiful piece. Especially like the tail jewel.

You are a great addition to the forum's bud, that was one of the most striking pieces I've seen in a long time. Very much looking forward to seeing you around, and often!

Thank you.

I've been a background lurker in Dakka for years and finally made an account recently. I really love the modeling community here. (Your Blood Angels are a true inspiration).

Expect to see me often.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Soul of Iron wrote:Expect to see me often.

Shawn G. (SoI)

Hopefully that means we get to see more of your epic modelling/painting skills?

Fantastic painting! Hopefully we get to see much more of your work in the future

Awesome stuff, like Alpharius, I will be following your threads.

Need an excuse to get me a necrosphinx.

Love the work, and the paintjob!

Soul of Iron wrote:@Foxtale – I ‘primed’ the model in a Krylon spray paint ‘Satin – Almond’. I sprayed it right over the grey plastic. With practice this stuff goes on fine like a power coat. I’ve grown quite fond of that stuff. After it dried, I drybrushed the body in skull white then washed it in GW Sepia. The drybrushing phase allows me to see the high points after the sepia dries. The white comes from using Vallejo MC Ivory (918) watered down to a milk-like consistency applied with a GW Large Brush. In fact I don’t paint with anything smaller then that size anymore.

@Alpharius – Thanks bro!
Here’s my color palette:

Body – Almond spray, white DB, VMC Ivory (918)

Armor – VGC Bright Bronze, Tamiya Clear Orange (X-26), GW Sepia, Vallejo Air Gold (71066)

Turquoise – GW Hawk Turquoise, GW Asurmen Blue, GW Skull White

Base – Black Prime, VMC German Grey (70995), VMC Sea Grey (70870), GW Skull White

The armor takes time because I have to wait till the 1st wash (Tamiya) is dried before I can move onto the 2nd. I highlight the edges with VA Gold mixed with Bronze then pure VA Gold.
I don’t know if you’ve ever used the Air series from Vallejo line but they are simply amazing. Best metallics on the market. The orange metals are a too ‘sliver’ for my liking, but that can be worked around.

Before I found this, I was going to just do white and greys, but I love the warm colors so much more.

Backdraft005 - I sent you a PM. Blue and white would look a little bleached to me.

~Small Update~

I'll be taking this mini and another to Blob's Park for the painting comp (if there still is one).

I've gotten quite a few pings on how I did the sandstone skin and I plan on creating a tutorial showing my process. I even have damn cool mini to do it on.

Keep an eye out.

Shawn G. (SoI)