This is the first in a series looking at how to paint the Harbinger of Decay model that Games Workshop sent me. This will be my main Golden Demon entry for Adepticon! In this video I look at how to paint his face, beard, horns and felt hood.
Video Tutorial – Harbinger of Decay – Face, Beard, Felt Hood, Horns
The following paints were used: on the Harbinger of Decay:
Games Workshop: Skavenblight Dinge, Bugman’s Glow, Cadian Fleshtone, Mournfang Brown, Deathworld Forest, Death Corps Drab, Morghast Bone, Ushabti Bone, Screaming Skull, Rhinox Hide,
P3: Morrow White
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preparing the Harbinger of Decay Head
- The head is modified using a combination of existing models, with details like the beard sculpted on. The horns are simplified by removing excess details.
Step 2: Base Coating
- Start with Deathworld Forest for the beard, applying it thinly.
- For the face, mix Bugman’s Glow with Skavenblight Dinge.
- Use Death Corps Drab for the base color of the hood.
Step 3: Refining the Face
- Apply highlights to the face using Cadian Fleshtone mixed with white, focusing on raised areas.
- Adjust the nose and eyebrow areas for natural shading.
- Consider adding green irises for a more demonic look.
Step 4: Detailing the Beard
- Lighten Deathworld Forest with white (or Morghast Bone) and apply to the Harbinger of Decay beard in layers.
- Enhance the beard texture with thin lines, gradually lightening the colour towards white.
- Glaze with a mixture of Deathworld Forest and white to add depth and maintain a hint of green.
Step 5: The Hood
- Apply textured highlights to the hood using a mixture of Death Corps Drab and white, building up towards pure white.
- Ensure the front section near the forehead is the lightest to draw focus to the face.
Step 6: Painting the Horns
- Begin with a mix of Death Corps Drab and white.
- Add successive layers of Deathworld Forest mixed with Morghast Bone, then Morghast Bone on its own, and finally Screaming Skull for the highest highlights.
- Glaze the horns with Mournfang Brown, focusing on the tips, and add details with Ushabti Bone.
Step 7: Final Touches
- Refine the horns with Deathworld Forest and Morghast Bone to enhance the green tinge.
- Add more texture to the hood using very light colours, blending towards white.
- Continually review and refine the Harbinger of Decay, ensuring harmony in lighting and colour across different parts.
Note:
- The process involves alternating between highlighting and glazing to build up texture and colour depth.
- Keep the paint thin for stippling and glazing, allowing underlying colours to show through for natural transitions.
Explore more of my latest tutorials
If you don’t have an account, please sign up here! The website currently has over 350 video tutorials with steps and tips, plus a selection of PDFs. If you are not sure about joining, you can explore my free videos with a free membership, or take the plunge and become a full subscriber for full access.
If you’d prefer to support me on Patreon, please visit: https://www.patreon.com/RichardGray