Part 1 in a series looking at how to paint Mephiston of the Blood Angels to Display standard. This tutorial focuses on achieving a high-quality finish with a specific emphasis on non-metallic gold effects and advanced highlighting techniques.
Video: How to Paint Mephiston of the Blood Angels
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Paints and Materials Needed
- Paints: Mephiston Red, Abaddon Black, Rhinox Hide, XV-88, Balor Brown, Yriel Yellow, Evil Sunz Scarlet, Wild Rider Red (Games Workshop); Ice Yellow (Vallejo); Morrow White (P3)
Step by Step Guide on How to Paint Mephiston of the Blood Angels
- Preparation:
- Ensure your model is primed black and free of mould lines or gaps. Refer to the accompanying video (Build and Convert Mephiston Without Mould Lines or Gaps!) on how to convert and build Mephiston for detailed preparation instructions.
- Base Layering:
- Start with a base layer of Mephiston Red, applying the paint in the top right area of each section of the model. This establishes the direction of your primary light source, which is from the top right.
- Shoulder Pad Painting (Non-Metallic Gold):
- Begin with XV-88, applying it in a sketchy manner. This approach allows for the creation of texture which can be refined later into smoother transitions or left as-is for a more battle-worn look.
- Remember to consider the direction of light and how it interacts with different surfaces. For flat surfaces, create random reflections, whereas curved surfaces should have highlights that follow their shape.
- Highlighting and Detailing:
- Progress through the colours from XV-88 to Balor Brown and then to Ice Yellow for highlights. Use stippling techniques to apply these highlights, focusing on the brightest points where light would naturally hit.
- Mix Yriel Yellow with Ice Yellow for warmer gold tones, especially near the edges of the armour. This contrast will be accentuated by a cooler light source on the opposite side.
- Painting the Red Armour:
- Apply Mephiston Red as a base, followed by Evil Sunz Scarlet and Wild Rider Red for highlights. Focus on the top right areas to align with the primary light source.
- Mix Ice Yellow with Wild Rider Red for the highest highlights, ensuring these are applied sparingly to maintain the red tone of the armour.
- Use Rhinox Hide and Abaddon Black to deepen shadows and refine transitions.
- Applying Fine Details:
- For finer details such as ribbing on the armour and small features, use a worn-out size 1 brush for better control. Incorporate small imperfections like scratches and dents for added realism.
- Utilise stippling with finer brushes (size 00) for more delicate work, especially on small, detailed areas like the golden skull.
- Adjusting Highlights and Shadows:
- Revisit areas to adjust the opacity and brightness of highlights. Use P3 Morrow White for the brightest points, ensuring these are opaque for a metallic effect.
- Enhance the contrast between highlights and mid-tones to achieve a more dynamic look.
- Final Touches:
- Add subtle glazes with Yriel Yellow and other colours to enrich the hues while maintaining the integrity of the primary and secondary light sources.
- Continuously refine and adjust the balance between light and dark, ensuring a coherent and harmonious appearance across the model.
Painting Mephiston to a display standard requires patience and an eye for detail. Focus on light direction, contrast, and colour richness to bring out the best in your model. Remember, each step builds upon the last, so take your time and enjoy the process of creating a stunning representation of Mephiston, Lord of Death. Scroll down for further parts in this series for additional guidance.
Watch all the How to Paint Mephiston of the Blood Angels Tutorials
Mephiston, Lord of Death
Here are all of my tutorials so far on How to Paint Mephiston of the Blood Angels, from basic assembly and removing mould lines and filling gaps, to detailed instruction on his painting itself with freehand, NMM and more.
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