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I'm making some custom Tyranids to use against my brother. The idea I was going to go with was to make them somewhat Xenomorph-like. Problem with the Xenomorphs though is that they're pretty much monochromatic. A matte black figure is not interesting to look at no matter how cool you modeled it.. So, I decided I was going to approach it slightly differently by priming black, dry brushing gray, then using Nuln Oil to really darken it up and create somewhat of an impression of the monster being black. So, I've done that. Problem is, I've hit a road block. I'm not entirely sure what colors to use next. My original plan was to do the typical feathered look on the carapace using reds. I problem still will, but where I'm really lost is what colors to use for it's weapon (devourer) and its claws, teeth, and those little exposed bits beneath its skin that look kind of like exposed muscle. Can you guys help me out?

Here's a pic of what I've got so far.

If you want to keep it dark.....well..for the muscle, I'd go with a couple of different options:

Dark blue (Kantor) or Xerxes Purple

They're unusual color choices, but I feel that for an alien bug race...why not! Their muscles don't *need* to be red or flesh colored

For the weapon...hmm....go with a bone color theme...make it stand out.

Just my 2 cents

http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m2320032a_Citadel_Conversion_Chart

If I am starting something "completely" new I pull out my "Pocket Color Wheel"

1)Figure out how many "main" colors I would use: 2, 3, 4.
I would suggest 2 to 3 at most due to painting a horde army.

2) If two, pick "complimentary" colors so they stand out. (Example: Blue-Violet with Yellow-Orange)
If 3 pick "Split complementary" (on either side of complementary color) or "Triad" (evenly spaced on the wheel). (Example: split= Orange, Blue-Green, Blue-Violet, triad = Yellow-Orange, Red-Violet, Blue-Green).
Note: you could combine the other half of the "split" by making stripes or some kind of application to the same block area, a patina combination maybe?

3) Settle on "detail" colors for specific weapons (make it easier to figure out who has what) Poison=green, claws/talons/blades=bone, Adrenaline=blue, etc.

4) Try different "experimental" techniques: Prime gray, wash black, dry brush white, wash on colors you want: the color grade is already done. Prime white, use a dip, apply washes, apply dip again.

Some thoughts, do something crazy, I would like that.

Okay, I took those suggestions into account. How's this look?




I went with purple for the soft bits, bone white for the blades/claws/teeth, and yellows for the shell detailing. I know that part doesn't look that great, but it's good enough for my purposes. I'm somewhat thinking I should change my plans for their ranged weapons though. The Devourers seem too big. Maybe Spinefists would be better?

 Barzam wrote:
Okay, I took those suggestions into account. How's this look?I went with purple for the soft bits, bone white for the blades/claws/teeth, and yellows for the shell detailing. I know that part doesn't look that great, but it's good enough for my purposes. I'm somewhat thinking I should change my plans for their ranged weapons though. The Devourers seem too big. Maybe Spinefists would be better?

The main body is more a neutral gray so it leaves the yellow to make the statement.
Do not dare touch that yellow, you did fantastic work there (not huge work I hope, you got a lot of models to do).
Try the "split complementary" Bluish-Purple as the main body color and Red-Purple for the soft bits. That would look more "traditional" of them but your yellow looks great as a contrast.
I would then go full red on the shooting weapons.
The bone on the blades looks better than I thought it would... very striking. <<edit>> You put a wash on those (Devlan Mud?) and they will look really good.
See how it goes, only you will know when it will look right.
My opinion does not matter for much that is why I like using color wheels: centuries of painting theory cant steer you too wrong.
I am excited to see a "squad" of similarly painted models, it will be awesome.