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Hey! I know its been ages since I've updated, but I've made a lot of progress! I'm going with the purple wings, and all but 3 of the gargoyles have the tops of their wings painted now. (2 are my experimental models that still need to be re-primed and the other is getting re-glued to it's base.) I've been looking at other tyranid armies and I'v been having second thoughts about having such a bright color scheme, but I'm gonna stick with it.

I'm still completely lost on what color to do the guns. I've seen many people do the guns the same color as the chitin and claws, because its all the same biomatter and its a part of their bodies (right?), so I think I'll try messing around with a couple different ideas. I'll post more update pics once I get off my butt and put new batteries in my camera.

My plan for today is to get the bottoms of the gargoyles' wings painted purple too. Think I can get 60 done in one day? We'll find out! I also have two tests coming up this week that I should be studying for, so it'll be a tight squeeze, but I think I can do it. I want to get a jump start on these guys!

And after that, I'll do the skin yellow and the chitin blue, and then take a couple models and try different color schemes for the guns. If anyone has suggestions for the color choices there, let me know! I'm thinking keeping the chitin part the same color, and the barrel of the gun the color of the claws which is a bone white. I'm also debating what color to do the rib cages of the tyranids. I don't want to make them super neon ALL OVER! bright, so I might do the bone white there, too.

Either way, I'll try to completely finish at least 2 gargoyles today with different paint jobs on the gun and rib cage, and I'll put it to the vote again.

Pics to come soon, I promise!!

Have you tried painting with just washes over a white primer. They look great for quick and dirty tyranids!

No, but I have been experimenting with paint viscosity and layering! And I don't particularly want them to look *dirty*. Since when are bugs dirty? I've never seen a dirty-looking bug in my life-- even though they live IN the dirt, they're always shiny and spotless! So I figure tyranids would be similarly clean.
The straight black wash even looks too dirty for me, so I want to try doing colored washes on separate sections... I know its going to take a lot of time if I do it that way, but I want to at least try. But thanks for the suggestion! I wish I had a few random models to experiment with... I suppose I could pop over to GW and grab a couple of the marines they give out to learn to paint and have some fun.

And now I'm thinking about how I want to base them, and I have absolutely no clue... I might just go with sand, I'm not sure.

I haven't gotten as much painting done as I'd like, but I did get 1 test gargoyle mostly finished. I want to try doing the gun in a different color combination than this one and see how I like it before I do all of them, but I like how this turned out. I don't want to add in any more colors, and if I do all the guns purple then it ties the purple into the models without wings.

Anyway, here are update pics! My bucket o' gargoyles, and two views of the almost-finished model:

I got the base colors done on one of each model I currently have! The gargoyle is already done, so I didn't put it in the picture. I know there are still some white spots, but those will be filled in from the wash. They look messy so close up, but from a foot or two away they look decent.

Wash is almost all dry! The zoanthrope looks so cool

zoanthrope is drybrushed! I think the tip of it's tail was supposed to be blue. oh well. now I know for the next one!

Looking good. But ultimately your ripper sig was what brought me here. Kudos to a clever scheme to attract viewers and good looking nids.

Haha thanks!

The colour scheme is awesome. Works really well, especially on the Gargoyles. I'll get hold of a codex and see if they are for me.

 Jasper wrote:
The colour scheme is awesome. Works really well, especially on the Gargoyles. I'll get hold of a codex and see if they are for me.

Thanks! At first I wanted to do blue and yellow, and then maybe turquoise yellow and orange,and it mostly just evolved into what I have now. It looks absolutely ridiculous when the models are just base coated, but I like the way the colors go together once the wash and drybrushing is done. I'm happy with the colors!

Now I'm gonna go fix the tail on the zoanthrope and drybrush the other models and post more pics. Huzzah!

Here they are drybrushed! What do you guys think? I think the genestealer and warrior still look a bit too dark, and while I did paint all the eyes purple you can't really tell.

Anyone have any suggestions for basing?!?!?

Looking good. They look very bright and quite cartoonish, and the black wash gives them quite a cel-shaded look.

I really really like these. They're so different then a lot of Nids I see and for being a beginner like you said they're well done. It took me FOREVER to learn to drybrush when I first started trying the technique and yet it looks like you've got it down in no time. Nice work.

Idols wrote:Looking good. They look very bright and quite cartoonish, and the black wash gives them quite a cel-shaded look.

Thanks! I've seen a lot of 'nids done in neutral tones, or in mostly neutrals with one bright color (they are bugs, after all!) but I wanted COLOR! I was worried it might look too mismatched or overpowering, but I like how they turned out!

bunnygurl wrote:I really really like these. They're so different then a lot of Nids I see and for being a beginner like you said they're well done. It took me FOREVER to learn to drybrush when I first started trying the technique and yet it looks like you've got it down in no time. Nice work.

Thank you! I watched a bunch of tutorial videos on youtube to pick up some painting techniques which really helped, and my boyfriend has been painting and modeling for 8+ years, probably more, and he's been a huge help. Now I just have to learn the patience required to paint dozens of these guys!


Seeing as I've only got 4 total zoanthrope models, I'm going to try to get them all base coated today so I can finish them up tomorrow or friday and have one completely painted model type. Huzzah!

I also want to drybrush more yellow on the gargoyle and warrior, they're too dark still. I also got a spray can of matte finish, as I wasn't sure if I'd like them glossy or not. I might borrow some of the BF's glossy spray and try it out on one, but I have a couple questions before I do.
If I do spray it glossy and decide I don't like it, can I spray over the gloss with matte to "fix" it? (or will the gloss still be noticeable underneath?)
I also read that a good way to keep models in good shape is to spray with 1 layer of matte, a second layer of gloss, and a third layer of matte on top. When you can see the gloss, its time to re-spray them with matte. That in itself isn't really a question, but I thought I'd share it with anyone reading this as well as ask if anyone else has any handy tips like that?

My last question is suggestions for basing. My main concern is how to do the flying supports on the gargoyles, because as you can see they're not clear. I got them pre-primed black, so there wasn't much I could do. I primed them white along with the models, and now I'm unsure of how to decorate them. I could just paint them a solid color (i.e. black) and leave it at that, or I could use some material and make it look like scenery, or even try to make it look like a tree branch (which sounds cool in my head but I'm thinking it wouldn't turn out as nice as I'd like it to), or paint it to look like sky... I have no idea. So any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated!!!

Could do small cotton clouds below just where the model sits to emulate fog, painting them black is also normal. I would suggest a black rod, maybe a pinch of white cotton balls. And base the bottom dish normally.

I agree that you seem to have the tecniques down right, kudos for a beginer like you.
I would agree with Idols with them looking cartoonish, if you like that then thats great but I find that alot of people go that way with nids and I find it makes them look less good.
An easy fix for this is mixing dark colors with the bright ones, its always nice to have some bright colors that stand out but if all the colors are bright then its wrecks that feel and makes them seem less "real".
I would reccoment as an easy fix to add more dark wash on the yellow OR the blue till its pretty dark.
also the Zoanthropes claws I feel should be white to keep with the rest of the armies motif.

This is just my opinion, I dont want you to take this the wrong way, im trying to go for constructive advice and if you like cartoonish then you did good.

if you want some inspiration then you can check my nids I am painting, I still have alot to paint but I have a few pictures on my profile.


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I guess you did want bright colors, I suppose you were writing your last post as I was writing mine.
you can discount my last post

cormadepanda wrote:Could do small cotton clouds below just where the model sits to emulate fog, painting them black is also normal. I would suggest a black rod, maybe a pinch of white cotton balls. And base the bottom dish normally.

I did think of clouds as a possibility. My only problem with that would be getting wingtips/claws/tails stuck in other models' cotton and ripping it and making a huge mess every time I took them out of their box. But its a good idea, and I'm not discounting it yet!

fartherthanfar wrote:I agree that you seem to have the tecniques down right, kudos for a beginer like you.
I would agree with Idols with them looking cartoonish, if you like that then thats great but I find that alot of people go that way with nids and I find it makes them look less good.
An easy fix for this is mixing dark colors with the bright ones, its always nice to have some bright colors that stand out but if all the colors are bright then its wrecks that feel and makes them seem less "real".
I would reccoment as an easy fix to add more dark wash on the yellow OR the blue till its pretty dark.
also the Zoanthropes claws I feel should be white to keep with the rest of the armies motif.

This is just my opinion, I dont want you to take this the wrong way, im trying to go for constructive advice and if you like cartoonish then you did good.

if you want some inspiration then you can check my nids I am painting, I still have alot to paint but I have a few pictures on my profile.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
I guess you did want bright colors, I suppose you were writing your last post as I was writing mine.
you can discount my last post

I do like the really bright colors . I feel like a lot of times people paint their armies very realistically (which is awesome and tends to look fantastic!) but I wanted to make mine stand out. Thank you for the tips and feedback, though!
Also, about the zoanthrope claws-- on the model, they don't look anything like the talons/swords/claws the other models have. In fact, on the zoanthrope "arms" there are the little holes that the tyranids have on parts of their main bodies. They technically have "claws and teeth" as their melee weapon, but I don't really think they look like the claws the other models have. Its a good point though, because I honestly hadn't even thought about it. I can see how they do look like claws at a glance, but since the zoanthropes' strength lies in their psyker abilities much more than any combat ability (weapon skill of 3 ), it made sense to me that they don't have sharp scything talons or claws or anything like that.
Thank you very much for the feedback, and I'll go check out your 'nids!

Wow, it is very nice to see the progress from the first pictures to the recent ones, I like the radical color combos, the washes bring it together and unify the models nicely.

The bases are tough, you definitely don't want to upstage the models with anything too loud, but the right balance of color and additional modeled elements on the bases (be it terrain, grasses, sand, etc) will make the models themselves even stronger.

Great stuff here, I've enjoyed looking through so far.

Good Progress...

The key will be to keep pushing your techniques.
Some suggestions..

1. Invest in some quality paints, Water based is a bit easier to use and there is a wide variety of colors and quality.
2. Visit other blogs and gallery's for inspiration. Finding someone’s work you like and asking them about their techniques, thoughts and process has help me a lot. There is a lot of help out there if you just seek it out. ( fartherthanfar is a good start, his nids are amazing) Seek out other till you find inspiration!
3. Try something new. Sometimes a technique can be slightly altered or tried in a different way and get amazing results.

As for your Zoey… IMO… think about some little details that will make it better.. for example.. the claws match the teeth , drybrushing the inside the blue carapace holes ( the internal ribbing) a different color ( or the same yellow you used for the body ). The tail spike the blue color.. simple detail that can make a difference between a good and a great looking model and not require much more work or supplies. ( yes you addressed the claws.. but often animals have unique parts no longer considered valid that remain to this day. in short it not that they are not useful or valid.. it that they are on the model, thus warrent some potential consideration)

Lastly … Definitely a good base. It can make or break a good paintjob. Pick something you’ll like as you will ( or should ) be using the same with your whole army in order to make it look together. I go with something that’s neutral thou Rocky greys with small amounts of Green foliage is my suggestion, red brown desert, or urban steel and concrete I think would be good. However.. whatever you decide should meet your vision. ‘

Good luck, Hope this helps.

SL

Yotsuba-san! These are good!

Crypto & Tyranidcrusher-- Thank you very much!

 Solar_lion wrote:
Good Progress...

The key will be to keep pushing your techniques.
Some suggestions..

1. Invest in some quality paints, Water based is a bit easier to use and there is a wide variety of colors and quality.
2. Visit other blogs and gallery's for inspiration. Finding someone’s work you like and asking them about their techniques, thoughts and process has help me a lot. There is a lot of help out there if you just seek it out. ( fartherthanfar is a good start, his nids are amazing) Seek out other till you find inspiration!
3. Try something new. Sometimes a technique can be slightly altered or tried in a different way and get amazing results.

As for your Zoey… IMO… think about some little details that will make it better.. for example.. the claws match the teeth , drybrushing the inside the blue carapace holes ( the internal ribbing) a different color ( or the same yellow you used for the body ). The tail spike the blue color.. simple detail that can make a difference between a good and a great looking model and not require much more work or supplies. ( yes you addressed the claws.. but often animals have unique parts no longer considered valid that remain to this day. in short it not that they are not useful or valid.. it that they are on the model, thus warrent some potential consideration)

Lastly … Definitely a good base. It can make or break a good paintjob. Pick something you’ll like as you will ( or should ) be using the same with your whole army in order to make it look together. I go with something that’s neutral thou Rocky greys with small amounts of Green foliage is my suggestion, red brown desert, or urban steel and concrete I think would be good. However.. whatever you decide should meet your vision. ‘

Good luck, Hope this helps.

SL

Thank you for the great advice Checking out other peoples' work has really helped me, too. Its a great way to find inspiration or techniques to learn! I like experimenting and trying new methods, its fun.

On the zoanthrope, I went back over and checked him and I did notice there were a couple spots that I did the wrong color (the tail and side of the ribs are the main ones), and I redid them. Now I know for next time!! I'm still not sold on the claws for him, but I want to mess around in photoshop (very basic photoshop) to try and see what different bases might look like, so I can see what it would be like with the white on the claws, too. Right now I'm thinking of doing either small grey gravel for the bases, or sand (not sure what color). My biggest concern is the gargoyles' flying supports. I'll probably end up painting them solid black or white and maybe putting a small amount of decoration on them.

But I'm still open to basing suggestions!

Made some changes to the color scheme, I'll post new pics once they're washed and drybrushed.


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I'm having trouble drybrushing flat things (aka the gargoyles' wings). I'm not sure I like how it turned out on the one I managed it on, and I don't think I'm going to do it, but I'll post pics tomorrow when I get a chance.

But does anyone have tips for drybrushing flat areas?

I kind of liked the multicolored wings on the gargoyles, very unique- even if it was for deciding on a design.

Purple wings look cool though. Keep it up! I'm working on painting nids myself Subscribed

I think you're doing a wonderful job. Especially for a first time painter. I would recommend doing your bases up as it adds a lot to the models.

Also, I'm stealing your signature idea.

Thanks guys!!! I haven't done much painting lately, I've been busy with summer stuff, but after next week I know I'll have more free time.

I've added a couple more details to a few of the models, and while I don't mind doing it on the units I don't have many models of (i.e. zoanthropes or monstrous creatures when I get some, or even warriors), I don't want to have to do a bunch of details on 60+ gargoyles, 60+ termagants, 40+ genestealers etc. I did change the colors a little bit though, I'll get pics up eventually.

I still am not sure what to do for bases, probably sand or gravel. Definitely something neutral since the models are so colorful. I might paint the flying bases different colors to tell the gargoyle units apart though, I still haven't decided.

They're looking good. I'm especially a fan of the yellow and blue combination (unbiased )

Well its been a really long time, I had a pretty major surgery near the end of July and I'm only just starting to be up and moving again. I painted a bit during my recovery but not too much. I also need to get some termagants and tervigons! So there might be an update in the next week or two but right now I want to focus on school (the semester just started) and getting the models I need. Sorry if anyone has been waiting for updates!! I promise I haven't abandoned my nids or this thread!

welcome back and no worries ... glad your healing.

I would suggest keeping the bases simple, atleast for your smaller models since you'll be doing so much of it. I'm not to sure if you should have grass on them, since your tyranids already have pleny of colour and green would clash abit with the yellow and purple. Maybe a dried yellow type of grass on desert like terrain would work? Otherwise a darker base could work to make the colour of your nids stand out more. I'm thinking asphalt, gravel, rocks, old buildings etc. The city theme opens up some fun basing options for your MC:s too.

A tip from a fellow tyranid player when painting: give the most attention to the carpace, since it's the thing you'll often be staring at from above.

I'm liking what you have so far, keep up the great work!


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Also, if you wanna try some bases or schems, try using this tool: http://www.dakkadakka.com/core/painter.jsp?i=3