Mini77's Howling Griffons

[Mini77]

I already have a massive Space Marine army - a DIY chapter called the Dead Suns which currently sits at something like 8000 points - but recently I've been inspired to start another. Specifically iPaint's Howling Griffons project and a fellow club member currently undertaking Eagle Warriors have got my motivational juices flowing.

I've always been an admirer of the quartered and halved paint schemes but like many have generally been fearful of attempting to do an army with them. Well, now is the time I guess....

This is (some of) my existing Dead Suns army, which is still being worked on an added to regularly;



And this is the first 'test' mini for the Howling Griffons. It closely follows iPaint's method except for I darkened the yellow by using a 1:1 mix of Iyanden Darksun and Sunburst Yellow (he uses 1:2). I'm quite happy with how he's turned out to be honest.



I've assembled a tactical squad and a dreadnought this afternoon and will get them primed tomorrow when it finally stops raining. I've also got to get hold of some decal paper to make the transfers as well.

[Yorrik]

That is a *sharp* paint job. I'm very impressed with how thinly outlined all the surfaces are! There's a bit of shine coming off the yellow - did you seal it with something glossy or what?

[Mini77]

Thanks dude. The shine on the yellow and on the red though it's not so noticable) will be from the ink glaze. When I've done the decals the whole model will get a top coat (probably satin) which will even the finish out.

[Siph]

Crisp, clean and neat lines, well done Sir. Looking forward to your next updates.

[The_Dark_Raven]

Very lovely looking test model.

I especially like the way you have brought the colours together, normally HG schemes tend to contrast a little too much for me but you've done a nice job.

[Mini77]

Thanks guys.

I'm painting them unassembled. I normally do this anyway with most of my stuff but it makes even more sense with this colour scheme. It probably adds a couple of hours work onto every squad but the results seem worth it.



All this red and yellow has got me feeling hungry for cake though....

[PariahZero]

Nice looking test model there. loving the fact that I'm not the only one that paints before assembly!

[MaxSigmund]

Battenburg marines! Seriously good paint job on that marine, looking forward to seeing more...

[iPaint]

A man after my own heart! Cheers for the plug. Your test model looks ace, and yes, I've moved closer to a 2:3 Iyanden to Sunburst ratio for my yellow, which tones down the brightness a tad, much like you mentioned. I think it's almost a 1:1 if I'd be using Golden Yellow in place of my current Sunburst. I like that you've taken my process a step further and highlighted the armor with (I'm guessing here) pure Golden Yellow, it really ties it together.

If you are looking for decals, I can help you out there if you need any ideas or suggestions as to what to use.

I too prep and paint my models as unassembled as I can, and this allows for easier access to details and painting those damned straight lines on the quartered pattern. If anyone reading this is painting a similar army (quartered or halved), or like having easier access to chestplate details, leave your arms, shoulder pads, and backpacks off, as well as your heads, as this will allow easier access to painting all the details. It also allows for quick assembly line painting, as you will be working on just heads, or just left arms, or what have you.

Will definitely subscribe to this. Look forward to seeing your progress.

~iPaint

[Student]

That's a great shade of yellow that you've achieved.

[Mini77]

OK.... weather hasn't really abated. It's still raining and I've not been able to get my infantry primed so I've made a start on one of the Dreadnoughts instead.

I've mixed up plenty of paint - three pots of yellow and two of red which should be enough for a serviceable army. The yellow is a 2:1 mix of Iyanden Darksun and Sunburst Yellow as I said earlier, but this time I also added some VMC Golden Yellow to the mix as well. The red is the same as before. I've also magnetised the arm (waiting on some Multi Meltas for the other).

I primed and basecoated the feet and shin guards separately before assembling the bottom half of the dread, and then doing the washes and highlighting. Neither colour has had any ink glaze applied yet and I'll probably do those when the whole thing is assembled and highlighted.

[Gearhart]

Beautifully done mate, your models are amazing. Can't wait to see more progress.

[svinkelz]

You didn't choose the easiest chapter to paint and you deserve congratulations just for that

looking forward for more!

Can you post the recipee of this cake you ate a few posts above ?

[Mr. Ultra]

Those are extremely beautiful Howling Griffons! Congrats and go on with your red and yellow little boys!

[razormasticator]

The Dread is off to a great start.

[Mini77]

Some more work done to the dread.....

[Tzarinchilla]

Battenburg marines and cake. A match made in heaven!

Very nice work on these, they are looking superb.

[Robotlord]

Love the Battenburg Marines. Very crisp, and that dreadnought is looking sweet. (See what I did there?)

[Mega Nutz]

Pure perfection!!

[Jonahmaul]

Gorgeous marines, really neat and works together extremely well. Personally I've not had a problem quartering my marines (except my land raider which is a whole other story!) but I think red and blueare easier to work with than yellow and red (plus I'm spraying them red now with army painter spray). Really looking forward to seeing more of this army though, that dread is looking fantastic.