This video shows how to paint a Legions Imperialis Praetor to a very high tabletop standard and discusses some of the important aspects to consider when painting at this scale.
*note that the Legions Imperialis Praetor was first primed black, very strong airbrush zenithal layer of Screaming Skull and then an Airbrush coat of Contrast Imperial Fist, followed by a wash of 1:1 mix of Contrast Medium and Contrast Darkoath Flesh. You can get a very similar result just by hand painting the model with an off-white colour and hand painting the Imperial Fist Contrast Wash and thinned Darkoath Flesh Contrast wash.
The following paints were used:
Games Workshop: Yriel Yellow, Sotek Green, Mephiston Red, Evil Sunz Scarlet, Wild Rider Red, Agrax Earthshade
Vallejo: Neutral Grey, Model Colour Black
Two Thin Coats: Sir Coates Silver, Dragon’s Gold
Top Tips for painting the Legions Imperialis Praetor:
Use a Headset: When painting small models like Legions Imperialis Praetor, wearing a headset can help you pick out tiny details more easily, especially if you aim for a higher standard.
Start with a Solid Base: Prime the model with black spray, cover it in a bone colour, airbrush with Imperial Fist contrast, and wash with a 50/50 mix of contrast and contrast medium for a good base.
Opt for a Small Brush: Use a size 0000 brush or even smaller for precision when painting details. This is crucial for the tiny model, and you don’t need a lot of paint on your brush.
Focus on Contrast and Highlights: Pay attention to contrast and highlights, especially for areas like red armour, metallics, eyes, and gems. The small size requires well-defined details to make the model stand out.
Careful with Metallics: When painting metallics, consider using a black base first to enhance shine. Be mindful of the thickness of metallic paints on small models, as they can be trickier to work with.
Experiment with Washes: Try different wash colours to enhance contrast and add interest to the model. Experimenting with washes can help bring out specific colours and details.
Highlight with Caution: When highlighting yellow, be cautious not to turn it into non-metallic metal gold. The vibrancy of colours, especially red, can stand out against desaturated areas, creating a visually appealing contrast.
Keep Gems and Eyes in Sync: Paint gems and eyes with the same colours simultaneously since they require a small amount of paint. This ensures consistency in the model’s overall appearance.
Final Touches for Distinction: Add final touches like highlights and details to make the model stand out as a command model compared to generic troops. This distinction is crucial for leadership models in the army.
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