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Okay, so I'm trying to do a rather unique theme for my lizardmen army. I'm basing each species (Saurus being a "species", skinks being a species, etc.) on an existing type of lizard. Anyways, I've decided that my Saurus warriors will be based on an ornate uromastyx. However, my test model really didn't come out too well. To me, it looks FAR too artificial.

Here's the picture I'm using for reference:


Here are some pictures of the test model (I haven't done the head because I want to make sure the body looks perfect first):





So far the colors I've used for the actual Saurus (not weapons, shield, jewelry, etc.) Teclis blue, Drakenhof Nightshade, Lothern blue, Gulliman Blue, Yriel yellow, Flash Gitz yellow, Abbadon black, Ceramite white (mixed with certain other colors), Mournfang brown, Fire Dragon Bright, and Pallid Wych Flesh.

I think part of the problem is I'm not sure as to how I should go about the paint scheme (what steps to take in what order). Thanks in advance for any advice!

I think that the colours on the real life lizard are more transparent over the main turquoise colour.
An airbrush could do this... although at the scale necessary for the model.. it wont be an easy task :(

The problem with what youve done so far is the bright contrasting edges of the colours, they dont happen that way ont he real one. Unfortunatly this is a difficult thing to paint, even more so for being tiny :(
Thinning the paint right down to almost washes might help?

Thank you - I will try that. I think I'll just scrap this current model and try again on a new one. I'll post pics when I'm done

hehe No need to throw him out, you could always strip the paint off him and try again. Theres a few ways to strip it, it comes ups up a lot in the forums. My fav is Fairy Power Spray (in USA its Dawn Power Cleaner) because its done in 15mins, rather than prolongued soaking.