Hive Fleet Namazu

[flaccidmelon]

Howdy all,

I've just recently started the hobby and decided to post some WIP pics of the units I've started painting so far,
Looking for advice on ways to improve the color scheme and any other feedback

[hivefleetkerrigan]

I'm not sure if it's just the way they're coming through on the pictures, but the colors look a little flat. I'd recommend doing a wash to make the details on the models pop. You can then go back and do some highlights for an even better effect. I'd also recommend choosing a single color for the weapons and sticking with it. Right now they're either purple or black. I think black might look a bit better. Try out these and any other changes on a gaunt or two and see what you think.

Great progress for just starting out! It's always good to see more painted bugs in the table.

[yoritomo]

Let's start out with the good bit. The blend on the haruspex tongue is pretty good. I see the same blend on the t-fex; but the gun side of the blend is nice, and the body side is more abrupt. I'm guessing you painted the t-fex first?

Your colors are a bit flat. Shading and highlighting would make the model look much better. The easiest way to to this is to use a wash like Kerrigan said. A brown wash on the blue and purple parts of the model would do wonders. The gold parts are going to require more work.

Metallic paints work better as accents because they are so hard to work with over large areas. The metallic paint is so reflective that it's hard to create a good looking shade. You can try using a wash, but it won't be as effective as the blue or purple parts. In order to make it look good you'd have to do a blend of different gold shades. I'd recommend switching to another color. If your heart is set on using gold then you could try painting dark lines (not black) at the junctions of the armor. This will create some separation in the plates that should make the armor look better.

I'm also noticing a green tint on some of the models, like the t-fex horn, the hormagaunt leg, and the hive guard fist. I'm guessing that is an undesired camera effect.

I've also noticed that you aren't getting a smooth base coat, particularly on the warriors. Are you using one thick coat or multiple thin coats?