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As the title states, I am seeing opinions on what color I should use for my Ultramarines. Here are the colors used on each:

Left: Altdorf Guard Blue - washed with nuln oil and then guilliman blue glaze
Middle: enchanted blue with quickshade dark tone dip
Right: ultramarine blue dipped with quickshade dark tone

Note: I did not add all the little details on the left as I was curious on the armor color only.

Middle hands down, all though this could be a bias, as the mini looks more finished than the others.

Middle. Definitely.

Based on this photo, I'd have to say I like the middle the most. However, the flash is centered on that model and shows off all its detail while making the other two look worse because they aren't getting enough light. Based simply on the color of the armor plates, you could also go with the far right. It doesn't look too bad. It is just hard to tell when you are giving us three different models, each with a different level of detail.

Eldercaveman wrote:
Middle hands down, all though this could be a bias, as the mini looks more finished than the others.

I know it is hard not to be biased when you compare a complete v. WIP model. :-)

Both the middle and right are done from a paint perspective. The enchanted blue did come out better than I expected, considering I used a dip for shading.

I agree, the middle figure looks richer in colour

 Icarusthepilot wrote:
Based on this photo, I'd have to say I like the middle the most. However, the flash is centered on that model and shows off all its detail while making the other two look worse because they aren't getting enough light. Based simply on the color of the armor plates, you could also go with the far right. It doesn't look too bad. It is just hard to tell when you are giving us three different models, each with a different level of detail.

Good point. Here is a featured shot on each.

I would say the far right, he doesn't look like the run of the mill ultra marines. The colour is a little more matt and books sightly more menacing in my eyes.

MIddle, no comparison.

One more for the one in the middle.

I'd say the one on the left, if completed, would look the best. Its not that the other colors dont work, I just think is a bit distinguishing from the other UM army's.
But like I said, it need completion to be a 100%

Middle or left. I like a richer, deeper tone for my Ultras.

Middle for sure.

Yeah I agree with just about everyone here, middle definitely. Though I can also see the right one if it had some more highlights.

Yes, the middle is a much better balance of tone and shade. Good work so far matey!

Since a few folks said that the left marine needs a little work, I will add some more detail and post an updated pic tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks to all those who have commented so far. I really appreciate it. :-)

A pic of a little more detail added to the left marine.

well the wash seems a little rushed, so its thick and thin >.<

but yeah, I prefer the middle one because its a nice vibrant blue, the right one looks a little dull

 BewareOfTom wrote:
well the wash seems a little rushed, so its thick and thin >.<

but yeah, I prefer the middle one because its a nice vibrant blue, the right one looks a little dull

Yeah, I am not sure I have the best technique when it comes to washes. Does it really look that bad?

For further comparison, here is one of my other marines that I painted using Mordian Blue. Not sure if that changes any votes. Lol

Try using abit of black and white,with lots of swords and,,,er,,,,,,,

The middle figure looks the best ,the mix of light and darker shades looks better,the other two seem to be more muted/the contrast does not show well even when re photographed.

The middle on seems to be more your style because it is definately the nicest... but i think if you took a little more time the left could work! dark wash adds depth.

 Largeblastmarker wrote:
The middle on seems to be more your style because it is definately the nicest... but i think if you took a little more time the left could work! dark wash adds depth.

It is the color I am leaning the most towards at this point. I like a rich blue color, but also like hiw GW tends to paint them a little darker. I am trying two other color schemes and will post pics soon.

Sneak peak at the latest color scheme I am attempting.

Hi for my Ultramarines I used Caledor blue as base and layer, drakenhof nightshade for shade then Calgar and Lothern blue for high lights

Those are really impressive! The Emperor would be proud! :-)

my vote's for the middle guy. much more vibrant, better contrast, etc. I'm curious to see your latest color scheme, though.

Update with a little more work completed.

So I am mulling over options to deal with the shading of the recesses. Someone suggested using Regal or Mordian Blue to fill them with a small detail brush. I thought about giving the armor plates a wash with guilliman blue glaze to help pull them out. I really don't want to darken the armor color too much that it loses the Ultramarine feel. Thoughts?

you can still use a wash on the recesses without applying it across the entire surface of the armor. just use the brush to apply wash specifically to the recesses instead of all over. personally, I'd go with something darker than a blue wash, but give it a go and see what you think. easy enough to throw another layer of wash over it