Thanks Kretcher: that means a lot coming from you – your orks are excellent.
Okay, so a few updates. I've whittled down the spearhead and I think it looks okay now with a 'cuff' around the base (it'll have to be okay, seeing as the GW piece has pinged off into the rug somewhere, never to return...).
I've had a crack at some freehand: a red handprint and star on the front (something like the Red Hand Orks, or something?). It looks... so-so. And I put a 'down' arrow on the back: I thought it would be funny that some of the more stupid orks following behind would need the red arrow pointer to tell them who to follow into battle.
I'm weird.
Onto mistake number 267 (or so): the stitching. Not only did Maenas call it right that they're too heavy... the thread is also very furry! Hard to paint neatly. I guess I could have waxed the thread before I used it (more planning, less haste, as usual). But I think next time I'll use rolled-out green stuff to simulate the thread. Ah well. That's what has been so great about this: I feel like I've learned so much from my first ever miniature – and I'm still smiling!
Anyway, here are some pics of where I've got him.
Front view: the Red Hand
On this one you can see where I've added the OSL from the gun to the trousers. Also amended the red eye (it's supposed to be white with a bit of red/orange glow on it) and the horrid stripy pipe.
Back view: the red arrow. I also added some stripes and a number 8 to the yellow (why 8? Um... because it's the easiest number to paint other than zero, I discovered!)
Another back view:
Barring sticking the arm on and some touching up of the paint here and there (and everywhere), I'm going to call him 'finished' pretty soon. And then... I've got some gravel, some wood, some green stuff... time to start the base!