Painting Skeletons

[kiltedyaksman]

Hi there,

I've been searching for a really good tutorial on painting skeletons but without success.

Can anyone recommend one?

Thanks.

 

[freakinacage]

what level are you aiming for? there are a couple in the articles section:
http://www.coolminiornot.com/article/aid/691
http://www.coolminiornot.com/article/aid/78

 

[kiltedyaksman]

What am I aiming for? That's a good question. I like the look of skeletons that appear a bit earthy. That is to say the spaces between bones appear more drak brown than black.

 

[funnymouth]

like this http://coolminiornot.com/121492?
very simple to paint, mostly bleached bone, wash black, hilight bleached bone (heavy hilight - cover most major bones again), washed snakebite leather (very thin, all over), wash bestial brown (very thin, only in recesses), hilight bleached bone. hilight select spots (teeth) with white. fine washes of other colors for variety.

 

[freakinacage]

actually what i meant was what sort of painting level, as in army tabletop, a few hours a unit or golden demon, about 10 hours a model?

 

[airhead]

like this http://coolminiornot.com/121492?
very simple to paint, mostly bleached bone, wash black, hilight bleached bone (heavy hilight - cover most major bones again), washed snakebite leather (very thin, all over), wash bestial brown (very thin, only in recesses), hilight bleached bone. hilight select spots (teeth) with white. fine washes of other colors for variety.

I throw a very dark red wash in there as well, gives them the beef jerky look between the ribs. Use a brighter red to give them the 'fresher' look.

 

[SkelettetS]

i usually paint them basecoat "stone grey" VMC, then just 2-3 washes of devlan mud, and perhaps some thakka green.
then just blend highligh plain white. i think thats enough to make them rather greatlooking

 

[3dken]

Skeletons

If you want them for tabletop or quick-but-nice looking, here's what I've done in the past (as I don't like white skeletons):

1. Prime white
2. make a wash (ink or paint) of a dark brownish yellow
3. wash minis, let dry (obvious! XP)
4. Dry brush with with a bleached bone color
5. Highlight with a light dry brush of white or a 50/50 mix of bleach bone/white
6. If too bright, a light wash of medium brown or devlin mud (thinned out)
7. Extra: add light spot washes here and there of purples, greens, and reds for certain effects

 

[kiltedyaksman]

@funnymouth,

Awesome, that's exactly what I'm looking for! Those are some great looking skeletons!

 

[funnymouth]

no prob, always glad to help.

I throw a very dark red wash in there as well, gives them the beef jerky look between the ribs. Use a brighter red to give them the 'fresher' look.

good point. 3dkn and i also briefly mentioned it but adding a final color (reds and foul greens work best) can really help the undead come to life.

 

[kiltedyaksman]

Hey funnymouth,

Do you do anything specific for the eyes or mouth?

like this http://coolminiornot.com/121492?
very simple to paint, mostly bleached bone, wash black, hilight bleached bone (heavy hilight - cover most major bones again), washed snakebite leather (very thin, all over), wash bestial brown (very thin, only in recesses), hilight bleached bone. hilight select spots (teeth) with white. fine washes of other colors for variety.

 

[funnymouth]

typically ill give faces an additional wash of black, just in the cavity of the eye and around the teeth before i perform the final hilight with white. a VERY LIMITED hilight of skull white on facial features can help finish it off. having problems? why dont you post a pic of what you have, im sure we'd all be happy to help.

 

[kiltedyaksman]

I'm not quite there yet, I'm trying to get as informed as possible prior to putting brush to mini. I'm pretty excited to kick the can though. I will definitely post when the time comes.