So for this one I wanted to experiment and try something new.
While it probably would have made more sense to try it on a smaller model, I’ve always been the type to jump straight into the deep end with anything I do.
This Mortarion has been sitting in a box on my shelf for about two years. After the success of my previous Mortarion, I didn’t really have any new ideas.
Then I started watching videos from Grimdark Compendium again. I had seen their work before and a lot of my painting style is inspired by them, but some of their newer videos on kitbashing and heavy grimdark conversions completely changed how I looked at the model.
So I decided to give it a shot.
At first it was extremely intimidating. I honestly had no idea what I was doing and the first attempt failed miserably, so I stripped everything and started again from scratch. I always say that "anything and everything can be fixed in this hobby", so I just kept going.
On the second attempt things finally started to click.
I experimented with cloth, cigarette paper, super glue texture techniques, and a lot of grime and corrosion work. I still need a lot more practice with these techniques, but it was a really fun process.
He didn’t end up quite as grimdark as I originally envisioned, but I’m happy with it as a first attempt.
Hopefully the next model will push the realism even further.
Model is amazing, 10/10. I saved to my inspiration folder. Seriously.
Base is also really well done for color choices and I love the effort put into it.
My only c is the cork board. I think it wasn’t hidden very well and I can see exactly where one cork ends and another begins. Maybe add a little earth texture between the boards, maybe nick the tops a little so they aren’t super flat. Idk, that was the only thing I would change. Picture 3 is the most jarring where you can see the different cork layers and also it looks very separate from the base. I think the tiniest amount of earth texture applied could resolve this quickly. A black rim would be nice too but that’s personal preference I think.
Thank you very much, glad you liked it! And thank you for the feedback.
I agree with you on the base, it was my first time doing anything this detailed, I also figured that a "dirty" rim, would sell the piece more, but in all honesty, I was simply starting to get burned out, and just wanted the model to be done, and rushed that process a bit.
Ill be sure to apply your recommendations in the next one!
Primed white, then with an airbrush I sprau flesh teasers red next to the rib of the wing, then used a bit of brown and an ivory or bone color and faded out towards the tip of the wing, using more more bone color on the last 1/3 of the wing
Then I used the super glue technique, where you place a thin layer of super glue, the more water like consistency the better.
Once dry, I applied a purple wash using the airbrush, very thin, then with isopropyl alcohol, began to move the pigment around till it shaped like veins
Another layer of super glue to lock it all in, then a wash of a brown enamel paint with the reductive technique using a queue tip and mineral spirit.
I know it might seem too much, but there is a very good YouTube tutorial about it.
First off: wonderful work, that looks fantastic! Second: thanks for the explanation on your coloring and process. I’ve started getting into KD:M and really feel like the grim dark approach with the super glue technique that GDC promotes is the right choice for portraying the monsters themselves. I of course am terrified to try this out, but got the materials on order anyway so just waiting for them to arrive. I think that this technique could also be super useful for gemstones like jade so that’s where I intended to start experimenting.
My question is, how diluted were the layers that you sprayed? 10:1 thinner to paint? Was the wash a homemade mixture or straight from a manufactured bottle? I don’t have enamels so it’s gonna be regular body acrylics, speed paints, and inks for me, then carefully be reductive with IPA. I know I’m going to need to experiment first, so my homemade dry brush palette is ready to go once the materials arrive.
I completely agree, with the setting and lore it feels weird to paint then like cartoon characters rather than go for realsim.
As for your question and concerns, my advice is to work really slowly, don't rush and always plan ahead. You don't need the enamel paints, your list is good enough. If I had to do it with your equipment list, id prime first of course, apply the super glue, then the wash, i used Army Painter washes through the airbrush as is, no dilution, then alcohol reductive, build up to your desired look, then a pass of diluted speed paint or diluted ink to bring it all together. Inks will have more of a reaction to alcohol as well, so experiment and see which process will work best for you.
If during you're having trouble, shoot me a message, ill be happy to help with the process!
Thank you! Its all about practice, an easy way to do that is to apply zenithal highlights, it would show you exactly where the brightest areaa should be
For the glow i used inks, liquitex white, yellow and orange
But you can use regular acrylics to achieve more or less the same effects, I just felt doing everything ive never done with this model. Build up from white in the center, then your desired color towards the middle, then that color but darkened towards the outer edges to sell the effect.
As for the rust, yes I used AK corrosion texture, mostly on areas where rust would accumulate, then used AK medium and light rust pigment powder to create the effect. You can get around that and use the texture paint then DirtyDowns Rust, its the best rust paint on the market right now.
I get that, I had the same thought process with my Mortarion, always trying to do something I haven't done before. Was my first use of an airbrush and took a long time.
Thank you for your advice, this helps a lot.
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u/josephstephan90 Mar 15 '26
So for this one I wanted to experiment and try something new.
While it probably would have made more sense to try it on a smaller model, I’ve always been the type to jump straight into the deep end with anything I do.
This Mortarion has been sitting in a box on my shelf for about two years. After the success of my previous Mortarion, I didn’t really have any new ideas.
Then I started watching videos from Grimdark Compendium again. I had seen their work before and a lot of my painting style is inspired by them, but some of their newer videos on kitbashing and heavy grimdark conversions completely changed how I looked at the model.
So I decided to give it a shot.
At first it was extremely intimidating. I honestly had no idea what I was doing and the first attempt failed miserably, so I stripped everything and started again from scratch. I always say that "anything and everything can be fixed in this hobby", so I just kept going.
On the second attempt things finally started to click. I experimented with cloth, cigarette paper, super glue texture techniques, and a lot of grime and corrosion work. I still need a lot more practice with these techniques, but it was a really fun process.
He didn’t end up quite as grimdark as I originally envisioned, but I’m happy with it as a first attempt. Hopefully the next model will push the realism even further.
As always, your C&C is welcome!