I only
just finished converting my jetpack-wearing mercenary for Mare Solum, a less than a week before the event is taking place. This only left me with a few days paint the model, a schedule much faster than I normally like when painting a model. Despite this, I took challenge and even found time to test out a few new techniques!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB9V6DTh0J88l20N2ulSkbsvBXE7Ml3tFpdoQ8CiDVoHvFj7K8iD0GjxZrox1FaQRU1uuOLGZBihipK9fWq1WmA4FPc90cLBlztjJDNI0WDbiJPtshMq75kGC7CVxSFcKfZhn7tdIH8k/s640/mare+solum+merc+1.png) |
To keep with the setting, I decided to paint the mercenary in drab, realistic tones. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGsJynjw1jsnW7iVVIi-fwyoyEASDFPzCKubLn7lTGYGSjCCnardDELF6d3YpGrd2psNnFgovGSRlymF-Dp8FnCeX87km29szI7b8YNJwoC75IvkVgzvBgM9uq-6yVl8-4rKApTh-L0MQ/s640/mare+solum+merc+2.png) |
I used various Scale75 silver and gold paints to paint the metallics on the model. These were then enhanced with a series of GW shades and Ammo of Mig oils. |
When planning out a color scheme, I knew that I wanted the focal point of the model to be the mercenary’s helmet visor and chest lamps. I envisioned the mercenary stalking their prey through rusting shipyards, an eerie glow emanating from their helmet. To achieve this, I painted the helmet visor and lamps with a paint that I created with a glowing pigment called
Lit from Stuart Semple. I had never worked with the pigment before, but it was not difficult to mix some with the base they sell and paint it on. I feel that I could experiment with the amount of pigment that I use to get an even more dramatic effect, but as it is, the visor (and lights on her chest) glow quite brightly in dim lighting.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NThdDowQNDNe3Kmp73pNHQHomxlvYIoqI_zdle1sjEbq-seQRfrbWHycvWfJJV0uCIluFVsnpGtxl2Q-23VbibnbMIm9L7qQ8p-FYSnbHH5f7lm1oSRvUR5-Gr3i5PjasdPWGU5Jqak/s640/mare+solum+merc+3.png) |
To add some additional visual interest to the model, I painted certain details, like the grenades a deep red. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh347800LEH-LaB4ofz464DmQUjjv_LJQU24i67rePR7PZ9E4VOrjzBcWp71ZmuQX7dHAqL-ffEr3Ag8YSAAviij7eiSTwKzegoktn0re7myosxjGr4fMjEvdFa5QNULScgZPKwy2jQTSg/s640/mare+solum+merc+4.png) |
I used light grey to paint details such as the tread on her boots and the textured grip on her pistol. |
For the rest of the color scheme I chose a combination of drab military greens and beaten silvers, something grounded in reality and not so overbearing to take your attention away from the model’s face/helmet. To speed up the painting process, I applied all of the base colors (green and silver) with an airbrush. Once dried, I used a brush to apply highlights to the greens and silvers. To add more visual depth and shadows to the model, I used a series of oil paints which I blended with an odorless thinner. To add a little contrast and interest to the model, I painted a few elements red, mainly the grenades she has at her belt and an arm band.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhIOYmua8WqqWcMJarRg7a_Uj9cBgL9QjmOIHO5dDMIyB52Y1EPBaTfRSU8OYXj5e4lODoKEPbmPgVwbgjiHWBoMtJPA8v3gy0AszDIHYxncx9kbNOjNfj8X9cjRx1pgYa-zeun5Ux2E/s640/merc+light+vs+dark.png) |
The visor and lights on the model glow! |
From start to finish, including the build and painting, this Mare Solum mercenary took a little less than 2 weeks, a record considering my slow and exacting pace! I am really happy that I was able to take part in the Mare Solum project, even in such a minor way. It was a great opportunity to explore a cool setting and try some new painting techniques. Now I am just excited to watch
Dark_Tech_’s Instagram account for updates on the game!
- Adam Wier
I remember using glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint to the bones on the original Legion of the Damned miniatures from the 90's. Nifty stuff! :3
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an awesome idea. Perfect for the Legion of the Damned! I will try and use the glowing paint every opportunity I get!
DeleteI need Lit! No idea why but I need it. Great job, she looks great.
ReplyDeleteYou do need to get some! It was fun to experiment around with. I want to soon see just how much pigment I can get into the paint mix. The more the better!
DeleteSo good! Also that is amazing turnaround time for how amazing of a model you have made. It speaks very highly of how versatile those guard are!
ReplyDeleteThe turnaround time for the model was really fast! The model was a good learning experience and helped me start developing faster painting techniques.
DeleteBrilliant work! I cannot get over how much the paintjob has made the infiltration specialist look like MGS4's Old Snake (he definitely needs a grimdark Metal Gear Mk. II as a personal famimilar now!). And the jump pack trooper is a really inspired conversion that is delightfully Big Daddy-ish, but not so much as to be distracting. Maybe his callsign could be Delta? ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words! The infiltration specialist does look like Old Snake. :)
DeleteMy brothers and I have discussed converting a Metal Gear Mk. II equivalent for the operative. He he
She looks great! I particularly love the glowing paint.
ReplyDeleteExcellent female representation, as usual.
The glowing paint is a nice addition to the miniature. :)
DeleteThe more realistic looking female models in Warhammer 40k the better!
Excellent--nice find on the glowing pigment--one always picks up something new on your blog!
ReplyDeleteI am excited to try out the pigment on other models in the future. I am glad you found the post informative!
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