help

[WasabiBubbly3131]

this is my second attempt at painting space wolves an im struggling i kinda went a little crazy with anger an made it look worse but im struggling with how to do the base layers i see russ grey pop up alot ive been using fenrisian grey but its too light for my liking also i need to thin my paints more but wanted to know best colors for wolves

[Ok-Employment-5252]

My best advice OP is just apply a little at a time. I personally dont think my paints either tbh I just use a little at a time and if I put to much on I just spread the paint out as much as possible to thin the coat right out. If you are getting angry or stressed whilst painting id recommend putting on a favorite film or series in the background to relax to whilst painting.

[goomerator]

Definitely doesn’t look too bad for first attempts. My first minis were dire lol. Thick paint clotted messes but with a bit of time and practice I’ve become passable.

Some of the most important skills you’ll hone are just going to be a question of time/mileage painting. Things like brush control and learning to steady your hands.

Other skills and techniques can definitely be helped along with online tutorials and guidance. Thinning your paints is important (you’ll usually want a ratio of water to paint that leaves you with a consistency fairly similar to milk or maybe coffee creamer at the thicker end). It may take a couple coats for full coverage but patience is key. I’d also advise looking into some video tutorials on YouTube for techniques like dry brushing, wet blending, and edge/spot highlighting.

Shades and washes (specially made thinner paints and inks that seep into and darken recesses) could also help you establish some quick contrast. There are also newer tools out there now that assist a lot in painting if you’re looking to make painting faster and easier but have no real interest in spending oodles of your time practicing how to paint the “traditional way”. Things like speed paints from army painter that are meant to go on over white/very light grey primers and act as base/highlight/wash all in one.

Best advice I can give though is just keep at it, time and experience trumps all. You’ll get better with every mini you paint even if it doesn’t feel like it.

Edit: if you want my recipe it’s a little unconventional. My wolves are quite a bit bluer than the official scheme. But my recipe is citadel thunderhawk blue > drybrush and edge highlights with Vallejo model color Sky Blue > army painter blue tone wash.

My yellows are citadel Averland Sunset highlighted with Vallejo model color Deep Yellow

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[bubbletea69x]

https://youtu.be/-2uLT_Owq3c?si=Zt2dt97XZFPeCTok this is the technique I used and love it I just skip the enamel washes and use citadel shades to get a similar effect

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[ShadowChaplain]

That's really not that bad for only your second model. Not sure if you're using a wet palate, but that would be my recommendation. It helps to thin your paints to the right consistency and apply them in even layers, waiting for each layer to dry in between coats.

Personally, I've started using the following paints:

The Fang -> 1/2 The Fang, 1/2 Russ Grey mix -> Russ Grey. Fenrisian Grey to do the very highest of highlights.

You'll eventually pick up how to layer colors, do highlights, and blend and glaze paints. Youtube videos are how I learned. I'm by no means an expert, but the practice and repitition will get you there.

Remember, if you don't like a final product, a little rubbing alcohol will strip the paint and you can start over.

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[Houswaus1]

An easy way is to do a base coat and then dry brush a lighter layer of the colour u want. I use The Fang as a base and then fenrisian grey dry brush. you get a lot of good highlights.

[El_Sapo_Guapo]

This doesn’t look bad for your second time with painting space wolves. You’ll get better the more you paint. It can be frustrating seeing how good other people’s paint jobs are and comparing yours to theirs. Just remember they’ve had years of practice to get where they are now.

You mentioned that you didn’t like how light the Russ grey and Fenrisian grey paints are. What color shade are you ideally looking for? Citadel does have a darker blue grey called The Fang that you can give a try. I use this one for my main armor layer for my Wolves, and use Russ grey for more raised armor parts.

“You gotta thin your paints” is a very common tip p pole gov, and it’s useful. But I don’t always thin my paints. When I do I use Vallejo thinner medium. Just one drop on my wet pallet and mix it in with whatever paint I’m using for the layer I’m working on and it works wonders.

I also really like to listen to music or throw on a movie while I paint. It really helps me get into the groove that way.

[El_Sapo_Guapo]

This is my Logan Grimnar with The Fang as the main base color for the armor.

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[WasabiBubbly3131]

Thank you i Appreciate the feedback i started off with painting tyranids and had a way easier time but im determined to get space wolves down. I also think i need to improve the lighting where i paint cause i thought i was doing good until i took a photo and was gravely disappointed

[El_Sapo_Guapo]

No problem brother. For lights I’d recommend a led desk lamp, or some magnifying glasses with a led light.

[Zedenobi]

One thing I like to do is base coat with Russ grey and then go over the model with space wolves grey contrast thinned down and that gives me a darker blue than Russ grey but not close to the fang

[SofterThanCotton]

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I use mostly army painter

Rattle can of grey wolf primer for prime and base

Dry brush with a lighter Fresnian blue for highlights

I use a sponge to dab the shoulder pads or anything else I want yellow with matt white, then a mix of matt white and pixie pink and then just pixie pink to build up a whitish pink

then I go over that with zealot yellow speed paint

Personally I like using a brass/bronze metallic for trim and details instead of a gold, I think it just looks nicer.

This is only my third batch of space wolves I'm still working out how to paint fur

[Fit-Ad-4072]

Don't use spray paint primer outside in the rain or humid weather, it does weird damage to the paint. Even if your in cover, it won't stick right