The Death Guard is a Chaos Space Marine Legion that has turned its allegiance to the Chaos God Nurgle. Their decayed and grotesque appearance is the signature feature of the Death Guard. This legion, once loyal to the Emperor of Mankind, sows now feared across the galaxy for their resilience and tenacity.
Some time ago, Vaeroun completed an impressive commissioned project: painting a Death Guard army. The customer’s request was to make the army bright and eyecatching, despite going only with gaming-quality painting. Although Vaeroun’s less active these days, we would like to cast some light on one of his more recognizable projects. So in this post, we delve into his work on this formidable army.

Painting a Death Guard Army For Gaming

Vaeroun took on the ambitious task of painting a complete Death Guard army for Warhammer 40,000. This army features iconic units such as Mortarion, the Great Unclean One, Plague Marines, Pox Walkers, Fetid Bloat Drones, Plagueburst Crawlers, Blightlords, Typhus, Scribbus Wretch, and Nauseous Rotbone. The bright, sickly colors used here, combined with enough detailing for high gaming quality standard, created a cohesive force that both intimidates and impresses.

Style and Techniques

Vaeroun’s approach to painting the Death Guard emphasizes their diseased nature. He used a combination of weathering techniques, washes, and airbrushing to achieve a sickly, toxic appearance. It was the customer’s request to make the army bright and eyecatching on the tabletop, so Vaeroun followed this suggestion. The use of various shades of green helped create the daunting, corrupted look that makes Death Guard armies easily recognizable.

Vaeroun used true metallics for this project because they look great on gaming miniatures. Especially with the weathering, so typical for Death Guard armies.

Key Units of the Army

• Mortarion: The towering Primarch of the Death Guard, Mortarion is holding with his signature scythe and. You can easily recognize him thank to his formidable presence. Vaeroun made him the natural centerpiece of the army.

• Great Unclean One: Vaeroun painted this grotesque daemon of Nurgle to highlight its bloated and diseased form. Vaeroun’s application of bright, toxic colors brings out the sickening details, making it a true representation of Nurgle’s corruption.
• Plague Marines: These elite Chaos Space Marines have multiple mutations and are immune to disease. The painting emphasises their resilience and accentuates the intricate details and mutations on each model.

• Pox Walkers: As mindless zombies that serve Nurgle, these miniatures are painted with a dirty, rotten appearance. Vaeroun’s went for fast-painting techniques to create a horde or horrifying servants.
• Fetid Bloat Drones and Plagueburst Crawlers: These daemon engines and armored vehicles are painted to emphasize their role in spreading disease and decay. The weathering, chipped paint and rust effects applied by Vaeroun give them a battle-worn, corrupted look.

• Blightlords: Clad in Terminator armor, these elite troops are equipped with deadly weapons. Vaeroun made sure they would look proud among other units, emphasizing their menacing presence even more.
• Typhus and Support Characters: Typhus, along with Scribbus Wretch and Nauseous Rotbone, are painted to highlight their roles within the Death Guard. Vaeroun’s attention to their unique characteristics, from Typhus’ massive scythe to Scribbus Wretch’s meticulous tools, brings each character to life.

• Chaos Spawns: Those Creatures are the results of receiving too many mutations as either blessings or curses from their gods, turning them into mindless but dangerous monsters.

The Painted Army

The final result is nothing short of spectacular. Vaeroun’s painted Death Guard army is not only a formidable force on the battlefield but also a sight to behold. Each miniature, from the imposing Mortarion to the lowliest Pox Walker, is a piece in the big picture that the army became thanks to Vaeroun’s skill and dedication to the craft.

How Do You Like It?

We’re thrilled to showcase Vaeroun’s impressive work on this Death Guard army. His decidation, knowledge of various painting techniques and attention to detail have resulted in a truly breathtaking force. If you’re inspired by this project and would like to have your own miniatures professionally painted, check out our miniature painting service for more information.

Join the Conversation

What do you think of Vaeroun’s take on painting Death Guard? Have you tried painting your own Death Guard miniatures? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

We are excited to introduce our new team member, Kamil, whose unique style makes him a highly recognizable painter. You will easily identify his work when you see pictures of his precisely painted miniatures. Instead of writing an introductory post, we’ve decided to showcase him through one of his most spectacular projects. And the “Breaking of the Fellowship” diorama surely is one of them!

The Concept

Kamil took on the ambitious task of painting the nine members of the Fellowship of the Ring (or eight footmen and a treestump, for post-Moria scenarios). Each miniature was based and mounted on a scenic display tray, designed to resemble a sparse forest with ruins scattered around. This thoughtful arrangement captures the essence of the pivotal scene from the movie.

Picking the Style

Kamil’s approach was to paint the miniatures in a naturalistic, down-to-earth style, adjusting the detail intensity for each character. A distinctive feature of Kamil’s style is his focus on facial features that is also a highlight of this project. He spent considerable time studying multiple images of each character to replicate their expressions accurately.

His detailed work captures the characteristic facial features of each character and actually allows to see the resemblance. Despite all the difficulties caused by the poses or underwhelming sculpt quality, the overall quality remains impressive from most viewing angles.

Kamil also delved into the complexities of painting metallic objects using the non-metallic metal (NMM) technique, obviously in his own way.

Creating the display tray was a significant step outside Kamil’s comfort zone. Crafting a diorama that matched his vision involved more detailed modeling than he’d previously undertaken. However, the end result—a diorama that evokes the scene’s atmosphere from the movie—speaks volumes about his skill and creativity.

The Finished “Breaking of the Fellowship” Diorama

The completed “Breaking of the Fellowship” diorama is nothing short of spectacular. The naturalistic paintwork, striking NMM techniques, and the atmospheric base and tray come together to create a piece that any collector would be proud to own. Each miniature tells a story of its own, yet is part of a cohesive whole.

For fans of The Lord of the Rings and miniature painting enthusiasts alike, Kamil’s “Breaking of the Fellowship” diorama offers a glimpse into the potential of skilled artistry applied to our beloved hobby.

So Are You Inspired?

Kamil’s exceptional work on the “Breaking of the Fellowship” diorama highlights his talent. Yet it also showcases the artistry we pride ourselves on here at Chest of Colors.

If this breathtaking diorama has sparked your imagination and you’d like to see your own miniatures brought to life with such intricate detail, consider our miniature painting service.

Join the Conversation

What do you think of Kamil’s take on the Fellowship of the Ring? Have you ever tried your hand at painting The Lord of the Rings miniatures? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

The Kingdom Death Monster tabletop game is famous for its beautifully disturbing miniatures, each telling a story of their own. Our latest feature is the Dragon King, expertly painted by none other than our artist Ana. While we’ve showcased a different version of this beast before, Ana made her version pretty unconventional, primarily for display but with some occasional gaming in mind.

The Project

When a collector approached Chest of Colors with the request of adding the Dragon King to his ongoing commission of several Kingdom Death Monster miniatures, we knew we had to deliver something special. Ana took on the challenge, aiming to create a piece that not only looked fierce on the battlefield but could also serve as a striking display piece.

Technique Highlight

Ana’s interpretation of this model utilizes a blend of airbrushing and meticulous hand-painting. It allowed her to achieve a unique and vibrant color scheme. She decided to combine the usual dark and gritty approach typically associated with KDM with a vivid palette that transitions seamlessly between hues of blue, purple, and pink. This choice adds a layer of surrealism, making the Dragon King appear even more otherworldly.

One standout technique Ana employed was her use of lighting effects, simulating a mystical glow emanating from within the creature. This effect was achieved through precise layering and glazing, enhancing the model’s depth and bringing it to life.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the main challenges Ana faced was maintaining a balance between the scary and the fantastical. The Dragon King’s multiple textures required different painting approaches, all while ensuring the colors remained cohesive. The decision to give the Dragon King an eerie but frightening face, with an effect similar to some fantastic facepaint, and heavily textured, rough teeth, allowed to add a touch of horror to this otherwise fantasy-like miniature.

The Final Result

The end result is nothing short of breathtaking. Ana’s Dragon King stands as an imposing figure, its colors and unusual interpretation making it a centerpiece in any collection. The removable display base, painted with cosmic scenery to complement the model’s color scheme, adds an extra layer of narrative to the piece. It makes the dragon look like the Dragon King is stepping out of another dimension.

Kingdom Death Monster players and collectors alike will appreciate this model. The level of detail and the artistic liberties taken with this piece definitely can leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re looking to intimidate your opponents on the gaming table or adorn your display shelves with a work of art, such Dragon King would be a perfect addition.

Conclusion

We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to work on such an intricate and fascinating model. If this Dragon King has captured your imagination, why not consider having your own miniatures transformed by our team of skilled artists? Visit our painting service page to learn more or send us a message to arrange free consultation.

Join the Conversation

What do you think of Ana’s vibrant take on the Dragon King? Have you ever painted a Kingdom Death Monster miniature? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

While painting is the core of our work, sometimes we get to work on larger projects, like dioramas. Today, we are thrilled to showcase a unique diorama titled “Marine Life,” masterfully crafted by our talented artist Marta. This vibrant underwater scene features the head of Yundun, a dragon from Karol Rudyk Art. It reimagines the formidable creature as an underwater predator reminiscent of a barracuda or moray eel. This piece was part of Marta’s display at the Kontrast 2024 painting festival, where it earned her an honorable mention.

The Concept

Creating an intricate and lively diorama like “Marine Life” is no small feat. When Marta set out to bring this underwater world to life, her goal was to fuse the fantastical elements of the dragon with the vivid realism of a thriving coral reef. The result is a breathtaking composition that captures the imagination and showcases her artistry.

Marine Life with a Multitude of Colors

Marta employed a variety of advanced painting techniques and materials to achieve the stunning depth and vibrancy of this diorama. The base elements of the coral reefs were meticulously sculpted and painted to mimic the diverse textures and colors found in real marine ecosystems. The palette of colors is bright and saturated, and it reflects the richness of the underwater world.

The colors change from a broad palette to shades of blue as we look deeper into the sea.

Challenges

Building “Marine Life” posed several challenges. The most significant of them was the integration of the fantastical dragon head into a realistic underwater environment. Maintaining the balance between realism and fantasy required careful planning and execution.

Marta overcame this by using a cohesive color palette and ensuring that the textures of the dragon head matched those of the surrounding corals and marine life. This approach not only unified the scene but also highlighted the otherworldly presence of the dragon without making it feel out of place.

Conclusion

We’re excited to share this extraordinary diorama with our community and potential clients. If “Marine Life” has inspired you to commission your own custom diorama or miniature, visit our painting service page to discover how our team of skilled artists can bring your vision to life.

Join the Conversation

What do you think of Marta’s “Marine Life”? Have you ever built or painted a diorama? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

At Chest of Colors, we take immense pride in bringing our clients’ visions to life, and this project is a prime example of our dedication to the craft. Recently, our talented artist Sadziu had the pleasure of painting a large-scale Sword-Class Frigate from the Warhammer 40,000 Battlefield Gothic setting.

This display model, measuring a striking 30 cm in length, was commissioned for a customer who requested a Blood Angels-themed paint scheme.

Named “Lator Doloris”, which translates to “Bringer of Pain” in Latin, this stunning piece showcases the formidable aesthetic of one of Warhammer 40,000’s most iconic Space Marine chapters.

A Testament to Blood Angels’ Might

The Blood Angels are renowned for their elegant yet fierce presence, embodied in rich red armor accented with gold details. Capturing this aura in a frigate was both a challenge and an exciting opportunity for Sadziu. Commencing with a 3d-printed resin model, Sadziu ensured that every detail was perfect even before the painting process began.

Base Coating and Detailing

The primary color, a rich and deep red, forms the foundation of the frigate’s color scheme. Achieving the perfect shade required layers of carefully blended paints, applied with precision to avoid any unevenness. Gold accents highlight the structural elements and weaponry, creating a striking contrast that captures the eye. Sadziu also added some weathering touches, to make the ship look as if it’s seen some actual battle action.

Freehand Nose Art:

One of the standout features of “Lator Doloris” is the freehand nose art on the bow. This intricate artwork, meticulously painted by Sadziu, adds a layer of personality and lore to the model. The attention to detail here is emblematic of the Blood Angels’ rich heritage and the personal touch given to their war machines.

Custom Base

The custom base was a passion project in itself. Designed by our team to complement the frigate, it features unique detailing that roots the model in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Custom elements, like the Blood Angels’ insignia, were added to create a cohesive and immersive display.

Challenges and Solutions

Projects like this always come with their own set of challenges. Matching the specific reds used by the Blood Angels required not only precise color mixing but also maintaining consistency across a large surface area. To tackle this, Sadziu employed a combination of airbrushing for an even base coat and traditional brush techniques for fine detailing.

Additionally, the freehand nose art demanded steady hands and a keen eye for detail. Sadziu was able to create a piece that is both unique and true to the Blood Angels’ aesthetic.

The Final Result

“Lator Doloris” stands as a testament to both the Blood Angels’ fearsome reputation and Sadziu’s commitment to creating impressive display pieces. The combination of rich colors, detailed accents, and custom elements make this Sword-Class Frigate a standout piece in any collection.

As always, we love hearing your thoughts and seeing your own projects. How do you tackle large-scale models? What are your favorite techniques for bringing the Warhammer 40,000 universe to life? Share your experience in the comments below!

Interested in Professional Painting Services?

Feel inspired? Imagine your own miniatures brought to life with the same attention to detail and artistry. Our dedicated team at Chest of Colors, including talented artists like Sadziu, specializes in custom painting services for all types of miniatures. From Warhammer to custom requests, we’re here to turn your vision into reality. Check out our painting service for more information! And if you think you might need a hand in painting your miniatures, why don’t you contact us to receive free consultation and make it all possible!