How to Paint a Grimdark Grimy Death Guard for the Horus Heresy

This video shows how to paint a Grimdark Grimy Death Guard for the Horus Heresy. The model is a new MKIII plastic marine and is painted in the Grimdark style to try and capture the weight and brutal nature of the armour.

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The following paints were used:
Games Workshop: Balor Brown, Morghast Bone, Screaming Skull, Mephiston Red, Wildrider Red, Yriel Yellow, Contrast Darkoath Flesh, Contrast Medium, Rhinox Hide, Agrax Earthshade
Vallejo: Heavy Blackgreen, Ice Yellow
P3: Morrow White (Any white will do)
Kimera Colours: Black (Any black will do)
Pro Acryl: Light Bronze Metallic, Rich Gold Metallic

Top Grimdark Grimy Death Guard Tips!:

Prepare Your Palette:
Utilize a wet palette to maintain paint hydration.
For the initial dry brushing, use Balor Brown from Games Workshop on a wet palette.

Choose the Right Brush:
Select a small dry brush, like the Artis Opus dry brush, for the stippling technique.

Stippling Technique:
Diverge from traditional dry brushing; instead, stipple the paint onto the model.
Aim for a disheveled, grimy, and weathered appearance.
Start with Balor Brown, advancing to lighter hues like Morghast Bone, Screaming Skull, and Yriel Yellow for a textured effect.

Application Method:
Stipple the paint directly onto the model, concentrating on armour panels.
Rotate the model as you paint to ensure each section dries before revisiting.
Focus on hitting the model face-on with the brush to create a textured, dotty buildup.

Chipping Effect:
For chipping effects, use Rhinox Hide with a sponge chipping technique.
Contemplate hand-painting some scratches for added detail.

Accentuating Details:
Employ a fine brush for details like scratches and chips.
Highlight specific armour panels for added depth.

Contrast and Weathering:
Apply Darkoath Flesh contrast paint mixed with contrast medium to unify the your Grimdark Grimy Death Guard.
Experiment with adding more brightness by layering appropriately watered-down contrast paints.
Highlighting and Shadows:

Highlight edges using Morrow White from P3.
Contemplate applying washes like Agrax Earthshade to blend highlights and shadows.
Use Ice Yellow from Vallejo for specific details, building up the colour gradually.

Fine-Tune Highlights:
Use a finer brush to refine highlights and correct any over-spill.
Introduce Agrax Earthshade for added depth in recessed areas.

Final Touches:
Experiment with Wildrider Red and Mephiston Red from Games Workshop for added details.
Apply a matte varnish to seal the paint job.
Consider adding additional details to your Grimdark Grimy Death Guard like basing with textures and powders.

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Grimy Death Guard
Grimy Death Guard

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