Experienced Ork painters- As a concept would this work…?

[Rowland]

Guys,

 I’m painting armies of Tyranids and Space marines.  I’m enjoying it but, having read the blurb a bit the Lore is a bit “heavy” and takes itself rather too seriously.  Having watched some videos on 1st edition I now get the whole 40k thing.  Where, as a yoof, I was into Tolkein and Napoleonics I couldn’t stand the idea of Space Orks or Elves.  However, now I’m in my fifties and getting into it the full on bonkers attitude of Orks sounds like the kind of fun I want from the game.

So…let’s pretend I could afford another army…

Could I paint them as Clockwork orange Droogs? i.e. mostly white bodies, black boots/helmets, green hands face, and those eye lashes around one eye?  Sleeves would seem okay, many of the models seem to have straps at their wrists.  Some armour can be painted off-white.

My only reservation is that the models are increasingly busy, lots of attachments, whereas Droogs were plainly dressed but they epitomise bovver boys of the future.

Your opinions are welcome, I have no experience of Ork models.

Rowly

[Grotsmasha]

I say yes, its absolutely do-able.

White Bodies - I feel like a cool white, based in blues or greys, would work here.

Eyelashes - with a little care and probably a little back and forth, I think this could be done and be noticable at gaming distance.

Model Busyness - with a little judicious use of the clippers, hobby knife, and sanding sticks, it would be easy enough to de-clutter extra detail of the models.

 

Generally speaking, Orks are straight forward, and work very well when being Slap / Chopped, although for this scheme I'd recommend traditional solid primer / base coating as the white will really require it.

 

Potentially, you could round these Kromlech Heads off into bowler hats?

 

[Rowland]

Oh dear…Grotsmasha, my wife will NOT be pleased!  That’s great news thanks.  Those heads look superb.  Bovver boys/Droogs incoming…

[Rowland]

On 4/21/2026 at 12:55 PM, Grotsmasha said:

I say yes, its absolutely do-able.

White Bodies - I feel like a cool white, based in blues or greys, would work here.

Eyelashes - with a little care and probably a little back and forth, I think this could be done and be noticable at gaming distance.

Model Busyness - with a little judicious use of the clippers, hobby knife, and sanding sticks, it would be easy enough to de-clutter extra detail of the models.

 

Generally speaking, Orks are straight forward, and work very well when being Slap / Chopped, although for this scheme I'd recommend traditional solid primer / base coating as the white will really require it.

 

Potentially, you could round these Kromlech Heads off into bowler hats?

 

Thanks for the encouragement Grotsmasha.

Here is my first nearly completed batch of Droogs.

I went with green arms in the end, the sleeve idea was a bit Lycra.

 

 

[Grotsmasha]

They've turned out great