Here we will be painting an Aeldari Soulstone, a key decorative feature that brings your Eldar models to life with vibrant colours and intricate light effects. Follow this guide closely to achieve a stunning gemstone effect on your miniature.
Video – Aeldari Soulstone
Materials Needed
- Fine detail brushes
- Palette for mixing paints
- Water for thinning paints
Paints Used:
- Games Workshop: Khorne Red, Pink Horror
- Vallejo: Pink, Black
- P3: Morrow White (or any high-quality white paint)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Base Coating: Begin by painting the entire soulstone with Khorne Red. Aim for a smooth, even coat. If the paint is too thick, thin it with a bit of water (about 50/50 ratio). Let dry and apply a second coat if necessary for full coverage.
Creating the Horizon Line: Mix Khorne Red with a tiny amount of black to darken it slightly. Paint a wobbly horizon line towards the bottom of the soulstone, simulating a shadowed effect. This line doesn’t need to be perfectly straight; a bit of curvature adds to the natural look.
Blending the Horizon: Below this line, blend back to the original Khorne Red, creating a smooth transition. You can achieve this by using a damp brush to soften the edge between the two colours.
Adding Highlights: On the upper part of the soulstone, start highlighting with Pink Horror. Near the horizon line, make this highlight bright and prominent, fading it as you move upwards. Mix Pink Horror with Vallejo Pink to lighten it for further highlights, applying these closer to the top of the gem.
Enhancing the Gem Effect: Introduce a brighter layer by using a mix of Vallejo Pink and white. This should be applied sparingly, focusing on the top edges and areas you want to emphasise the most.
Defining the Edges: Carefully outline the left and right edges of the soulstone with the light pink mix. This step requires a steady hand to achieve a thin, precise line that enhances the gem’s shape.
Final Touches: Add a small dot of P3 Morrow White at the top left of the soulstone to simulate a reflection point, making the gem appear more lustrous. Optionally, add a tiny white dot on the opposite bottom right to suggest light passing through the gem.
Adjusting and Correcting: If any areas need adjustment, gently glaze over them with the base colours to correct the intensity or blend. Always allow paint to dry between layers to avoid muddying the colours.
Tips for Success:
- Patience is Key: Work slowly, especially when applying highlights and blending colours.
- Thin Layers: Thin your paints to ensure smooth transitions and avoid obscuring details on the miniature.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to painting gems, practice on a spare bit or an inconspicuous area first.
This approach to painting an Aeldari Soulstone can be adapted for any gem colours by substituting the base and highlight paints. Experiment with different shades to customise your army’s look. Enjoy the process and take pride in adding these vibrant details to your miniatures!
Watch all the tutorials for my Aeldari Autarch
Aeldari Autarch (Eldritch Omens)
A series of videos on how I painted my Aeldari Autarch (Eldritch Omens). This includes the pearlescent NMM armour, the soulstones, sword and Death Spinner(s).
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