I have a lot of unpainted Orks sitting around. So many that the thought alone of attempting multi-step layering techniques is a real momentum-killer. So, I've been fooling around with the washes to get good looking results in easy 2 or 3-step processes. Hopefully this way I'll be able to paint large numbers of Orks fast enough that it won't hurt me just to think about how many I still have to paint.
I conducted a quick test on my three remaining unpainted Burna Boyz to find a skin-tone that I like. I thought you all would enjoy seeing the results. All three were basecoated in a different color, then washed with Thraka Green. That's it. The only difference here is the basecoat:
Gretchin Green - Goblin Green - Knarloc Green
Personally I prefer the Gretchin Green. I like the yellow undertone that shows through, it looks more organic than the other two. Goblin Green is a great high-contrast "cartoony" look, if that's what you're going for. There's certainly nothing wrong with any combination; it's all about finding what colors look best for you.
Excellent! I have some Orks to paint up myself and I was going to do the Goblin Green with Thraka Green wash, but after seeing this comparison I have to agree... The Gretchin Green with the wash is much nicer. Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice, I am also looking colour scheme for my orks. I really like fresh juicy green, gooblin green + wash look cool. Kinda yellowish green also look great on orks. I guess i will try a few different schemes.
ReplyDeleteNice side by side comparison. I have to agree that the Gretchin green looks best. Though only marginally better than the goblin green.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking about picking up my second army and Orks are high on the list. I was trying to figure out a possible paint scheme and I really like the Knarloc Green with the wash, so I may end up using that for my own if I choose Orks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post! I was about to start painting orks, and would have had to do similar tests myself, thanks for saving me the hassle :)
ReplyDeleteI think I like the Knarloc base. I like the darker color. I was thinking of going out and getting another Black Reach Box maybe this idea will move me along on a small ork Horde. It takes me forever to paint anything to even a poor level.
ReplyDeleteI'm finding it increasingly cool how varied everyone's tastes are. I think it's really awesome. I originally did this as a test to try out the colors to see if adding some variation to the horde would look cool. Fluff-wise, a young orc is pale green, and gets increasingly dark as he ages (I think I found that in the old Gorka-morka book), so I was going to add that variety. I think I might add a few Knarloc greens to get the older boyz in the mix, but the Goblin is just too bright for me personally. It's awesome that you all have found something useful, though. :) Makes me want to keep doing color tests for you.
ReplyDeleteThis is an excellent reference for new Ork players! Have you tried highlighting the Gretchin Green with any other color? Based on your image, I'm thinking the Gretchin undercoat with a some lighter Goblin Green highlights would look good - especially for my jungle-based table. :-)
ReplyDelete@kingworks: If your style is high-contrast, then yes I would suggest highlighting with Goblin Green (or even Gretchin) after the wash.
ReplyDeleteI personally like a more organic look, and try for an effect somewhere between your typical high contrast and realistic. Neither method is better than the other, mind; it's simply a matter of your taste.
When doing skin-tones, I tend to only basecoat and wash. Armour bits, cloth and equipment I will highlight in different ways. It gives a very interesting look that I like. The equipment stands out nicely but not too much, and the fleshy bits look organic and realistic. Not everyone likes it, but I do ... and that's what counts, really. :)
I just found this post and it is great! Thanks for doing the side by side!
ReplyDeleteI recently used your method to enhance my own Orks and they look great!
ReplyDeleteHere is a post about on my blog if you are interested
http://zombieburger40000.blogspot.com/2010/03/waaaghh.html
@Zombieburger: If you're feeling a bit ambitious, I have adjusted the Ork Skin process somewhat. You can see it in the Tankbustas Step-By-Step: http://masterdarksol.blogspot.com/2009/03/ork-skin.html
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