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I am re-doing my Blood Angels Army for the third time since I got back into the hobby over two years ago. My painting skills have come a long way, leaving me dissatisfied with my initial efforts. I have picked up new techniques, painting additives and finnally have my hands on an airbrush. Owning a range of Blood Angels from the 2nd edition boxed set to the newer plastic death company models and and flyers makes it harder to get a more coherant look. I was also constantly daringy models with their basing mode, i had circa 1994 green bases, to bases with a little rock. A few months ago I started experimenting with my Ultrasonic cleaner using simple green as a paint stripping agent. I can strip a tank or dozen minis in a couple hours with virtually no scrubbing or clean up. It has made it fantastically easier to start fresh.

I want this time around to be the last time. I am taking my time on the models and I want the bases to not be bland run of the mill bases. I am thinking about colors that complement the BA red tones and I am thinking of going with sandy dessert color scheme as I might make the red pop more, but I am totally open to suggestions.

Please provide me with suggestions or post your own pics or links to based BA that you guys think best complement the minis.

Thanks!

Well, for inspiration look up a a homie's gallery here on Dakka by the name of Eggroll. Thos Blood Angels are so boss....

Me personally, I like doing the cork bases with bits of rock and detritus. A sandy look wouldn't be bad, as their homeworld is deserty.

My basic doods go through some primering, a quick base coat of blood red from a spray can, followed by successive washes of Gryphone Sepia or Vallejo's Brown wash. This gives a very rich and darker red finish. Followed by some dry brushing of a slightly pure red tone for highlights and to push back any "hot spots" of sheen created by the washes or spray. It gives me a quick foundation and is easy to replicate across a lot of models.

And welcome back!

I actually think sandy/desert would dilute red, rather than make it pop (but fluffy, them coming from a desert world and all)

How about cityscape/asphalt? That dark grey-black colour really would contrast well against red.

The previous time around I was using a dark grey gravel look. I originally was matching it to my IG, who are redominantly Black grey and red. I could go that rount again but i would still need to make it more dynamic.

Eggroll's gallery is impressive. My marines are a bit brighter but I think I will do some similar basing, I see he uses a prodigious amount of cork, I might go for plaster of Paris rock molds instead. Thanks for the great link. I especially like his Sternguard.