When we paint our models it's normally for a purpose, weather it be to get another painted unit for one of our armies, or to enter a competition, even just to be part of a blogging challenge. Well todays model doesn't fall into any of those categories, as I literally painted the model for the enjoyment of painting it. It's no secret I love painting, I find it relaxing and a great distraction on low pain days. So what have I chosen as the subject a Tyranid Canifex, this was left over from a client project many years ago, but I thought it would be interesting with it's soft tissue areas and armor plating, I used a coconut crab color's as the basis.
I used it as an experiment with colors and using glazes to darken down areas to see how it would work, which I was pleased with the results, also played with contrast paints as a highlight, which worked but was very subtle, which was great for dark colors. Next week I will be away from the computer while I go monster hunting, so if I don't post on your blog or answer on mine don't worry, I'm off having fun, so until next time stay safe, and have fun !
Cheers Dave
not gonna lie that color scheme looks sick. it looks evil, but I love how you used a coconut crab as a reference.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mr. Martin, nature is full of wonder and normally my first port of call when looking for a color scheme ! LOL
DeleteSuitably gribbly. The crab is a great basis for colour scheme.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about painting. It's great for de stressing.
Thank you misterc, wanted to define the two distinct areas of the creature.
DeleteTotally agree on the painting side of things.
Excellent looking monster! Nice not to paint under pressure!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thank you Iain, indeed a lack of pressure can be very liberating ! LOL
DeletePainting for fun is a great way to spend some time (though it might be hard to persuade some tabletop painters to see it this way!). I had no idea that crabs could be so colorful! That is an excellent photo to use as a reference and I think it suits the sculpt very nicely. Tyranids have a lot of flexibility color-wise and I think you've come up with something original that's never been done before. I hope you have fun monster hunting (whatever that means exactly haha)!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jeff, indeed, but neither way is wrong ! LOL as individuals we make a choice, and as long as everyone else can except it even if they don't agree, then were doing well. There are some truly outlandish color schemes in all forms of nature, found a pure purple crab while looking for inspiration. The under body was the hardest decision as I could follow the crab for the armor plates. I will reveal all when I return on the monster hunt ! LOL
DeleteFantastic colour scheme, fits the model really well! Always fascinating to see which real-world animals you use for reference.
ReplyDeleteThank you snapfit, the undersides very neutral tone allowed all the different colors without clashing. Will have to see what I can find for any future project ! LOL
DeleteThats damn amazing paintwork - just stunning and inspired Dave.
ReplyDeleteOh, I like this Dave! :-) Excellent paint scheme! I think Tyranids are one of the best alien races ever modelled!
ReplyDeleteLove it, I see the coconut crab look on Tyranids a lot, but almost always just the brown and tan, never with this much color!
ReplyDelete