Vlka Fenryka - Test Model

[Tyrannicide]

Gartun, Born of Terra, VI Legion

+++

So, this is my test model for the VI Legion.

I've spent the past couple afternoons painting, and overall, while I'm satisfied with the model, I can't help but feel the grey could use some serious work.

At this stage, the recipe for the grey armor is:

- Vallejo German Panzer Grey

- Adeptus Battlegrey

- Codex Grey zenithal highlight

- Badab black wash

- Codex grey on the most pronounced edges

Various types of sponge weathering has been applied, but nothing is showing well. After chatting with Marshal Rohr, we're thinking the grey is just too dark as is. Almost like a black hole, it's swallowing all weathering attempts and generally making the process look more messy than it really is. I do want to maintain the dark color, but another layer of a lighter grey before moving onto the wash stage could work wonders, while also providing a better base to showcase the weathering.

Feedback would be greatly appreciated! Any ideas on how to improve the tonal variation?

[jeremy1391]

Very cool! I like how it's not Wolfe mcwolf wolf for the sake of wolf.

[Jerichus]

I love it! The subdued grey and the detailing make him look like a no-nonsense executioner, perfect for the Rout! 

 

If anything I would only add a tiny bit more legion detailing(a shoulder pad or something) to help identify him. As long as you don't go into full Wolf mcWolferson mode I think it doesn't hurt to add a legion symbol or little gem here or there.

 

As to the tonal stuff; What worked for me when I was doing my DA was to drybrush some Dawnstone all over the armor plates before I washed(You could airbrush too). It helped to pick out the areas that would be brighter and let the recessed areas be darker before the wash for some nice layering, if that makes any sense.

 

Perhaps if you did something similar it might bring the overall color of the model up a little bit?

[CaptainStabby]

Looks great. The Vallejo Panzer Grey is my goto as well.

[DimDim]

Did your truescale him? He looks quite bulky in my opinion, and that's awesome.

[Marshal Rohr]

He's got spacers in the thighs and shins

[Shard of Magnus]

Adding a lighter grey layer or two before the wash will definitely help. I've used a similar formula to yours in the past and found I needed something lighter for the final layer to make the tonal changes really visible. Don't remember the exact colors I used but think it was a 2:1 or 3:2 mix of codex grey and white. May have had a 1:1 mix for the highest points.

 

The other option would be to start with a lighter grey and rely on the wash (or multiple washes) to keep it dark enough. However, I like the grey you have and a lighter base could easily shift the color too much.